Not Quite Genocide Recognition

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference at the Prime minister's office in Jerusalem. ( Abir Sultan/AAP via AP) Sections of the Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek communities across the globe have greeted Benjamin Netanyahu's recent acknowledgment of the genocides of their peoples with jubilation. His words, spoken during an interview with Patrick Bet-David, were invested by sections of the Greek media especially, with the aura of long-sought vindication. After decades of silence, here was an Israeli prime minister affirming aloud what entire diasporas have struggled to bring into the realm of international recognition. Yet the rejoicing, while understandable, is perhaps premature. For all their symbolic force, Netanyahu's impromptu comments remain a personal gesture. They do not constitute a change in Israel's official policy, which remains cautious and unresolved.

The context of the remarks matter. They were delivered in response to an unexpected question, without the solemnity of a formal declaration, and without the authority of a parliamentary resolution. There was no cabinet deliberation, no act of legislation, and no motion before the Knesset. The distinction between individual speech and institutional recognition is profound, for genocide recognition is not a private matter. It is a public act of state that affirms history, acknowledges victims, and defines collective memory. Until the institutions of government have spoken, the recognition of which Netanyahu spoke retains the force of nothing more than personal opinion.

This distinction between person and office, or person and state is a pertinent one, with the Australian experience offers useful parallels. Bob Carr, as premier of New South Wales, Bob Carr as premier of New South Wales, led his government to a unanimous recognition of the Armenian Genocide in 1997. As foreign minister of the Commonwealth, however, he refrained from doing so, stating: "As a Government we don't take a stand on this historic dispute." Scott Morrison, as Opposition Leader, was equally forthright in acknowledgment. In 2011, he called for Federal recognition of the Genocide and acknowledged the outpouring of Australian support for victims of the Armenian Genocide as the country's first international humanitarian relief effort, going as far as referring to it as "one of the greatest crimes in modern history." Yet as prime minister, he fell silent, preferring to maintain ambiguity. Similarly, in May 2022, just prior to becoming Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese called upon the Ottoman Empire's successor state to "come to terms with its history." Three years later no recognition has been forthcoming. In each case, the convictions of the individual were no doubt sincere. Ultimately though, they were tempered by the perceived responsibilities of the office. Netanyahu's statement belongs in the same category. It reflects the voice of a man, not the policy of a state.

To date, Israel's reticence to recognise the Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek genocides has been consistent. The reasoning has been strategic rather than moral. Successive governments have concluded that recognition would compromise delicate relationships with Turkey and Azerbaijan, both of which are vital to Israel's regional calculations. During the Cold War, Turkey was Israel's sole Muslim-majority partner, providing both diplomatic recognition and military cooperation. Acknowledging the Armenian genocide would have placed this partnership in jeopardy, given that Ankara has long made denial of the genocide integral to its national identity. The pattern continued even after relations soured, for the prospect of alienating Azerbaijan became an additional constraint.

The Turkish dimension has long been the most sensitive. Turkey's recognition of Israel in 1949 made it the first Muslim-majority state to do so. Over decades, the partnership deepened, culminating in extensive military and intelligence cooperation in the 1990s. The rise of the Justice and Development Party under Recep Tayyip Erdogan transformed the relationship. Erdogan cast himself as a defender of Palestinian causes and a sharp critic of Israeli policy. Relations grew increasingly bitter, reaching their nadir after the Mavi Marmara incident in 2010, when Turkish activists were killed in clashes with Israeli forces. Since then, the relationship has oscillated between hostility and tentative rapprochement, but the warmth of earlier decades has not returned. Netanyahu's sudden reference to the genocides of Armenians, Assyrians, and Greeks must be seen against this background. It carries the flavour less of moral awakening than of deliberate rebuke. Such instrumentalisation is troubling, for when recognition is deployed as a diplomatic weapon it risks being stripped of its moral gravity.

The Azerbaijani relationship adds another layer of complexity. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Israel has cultivated a close partnership with Baku. Azerbaijan provides nearly forty percent of Israel's oil, delivered through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. In exchange, Israel has become one of Azerbaijan's most significant arms suppliers, delivering drones, missile systems, and other advanced weaponry. The proximity of Azerbaijan to Iran and its willingness to cooperate with Israel in intelligence matters have made this partnership invaluable. Yet recognition of the Armenian genocide would place Israel in direct conflict with Baku's national narrative. For Azerbaijan, locked in a bitter conflict with Armenia over Nagorno-Karabakh, any acknowledgment of Armenian historical claims undermines its own sense of legitimacy. Netanyahu is acutely aware of this. To transform his words into binding policy would imperil a strategic relationship that Israel regards as vital for energy security and as a counterweight to Iran.

Theories of international relations help to illuminate the complexity of Israel's position. Realist analysis suggests that states act above all to preserve their security, and from this perspective recognition of the Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek genocides could imperil valuable partnerships. Constructivist approaches, however, remind us that national identity and historical memory influence policy no less than strategic interests. Turkey's sense of self remains tied to denial, Armenia's to remembrance, Azerbaijan's to a counter-narrative of survival, while Israel's identity is profoundly bound to the Shoah. For a state whose very being is shaped by the memory of atrocity, hesitation to extend recognition to other genocides creates a tension that is felt acutely. Netanyahu's words may be read as a spontaneous expression of this tension. As the leader of a people marked by the Holocaust, he is drawn towards acknowledgment of what history and scholarship affirm. As the head of government, he must weigh this moral instinct against the imperatives of alliances and regional stability. His statement thus reflects less a contradiction than the inevitable strain of governing a state whose ethical commitments and strategic necessities are often in delicate balance.

For Jewish communities abroad, the matter resonates deeply. Denial of genocide strikes at the heart of their own historical experience. In Australia, Jewish leaders have consistently supported Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek campaigns for recognition, and scholars such as the late Colin Tatz, whose pioneering work on genocide studies placed Australia at the forefront of comparative research, have ensured that these histories are neither ignored nor diminished. Internationally, figures like Yehuda Bauer, one of the most authoritative historians of the Shoah, and Marc David Baer, whose work has revealed the intricate legacies of Ottoman and Turkish history, have contributed substantially to advancing awareness and understanding. The Holocaust Museum in Melbourne includes a display on the Armenian genocide, affirming that the memory of the Shoah compels solidarity with other victims of extermination. For Jewish communities, recognition is not an option but a moral and ethical imperative, and the support they have extended to the descendants of Armenians, Assyrians, and Greeks in their campaigns for justice remains a source of profound gratitude.

The communities celebrating Netanyahu's words must therefore take care not to mistake gesture for policy. Genocide recognition, if it is to be worthy of the name, must be enacted formally through the institutions of state. It requires deliberation by parliament, a vote, and an act that cannot be dismissed as rhetorical flourish. Until such a step is taken, words, however powerful, remain transient. They can be retracted by successors, ignored by ministries, and dismissed by foreign policy officials. Recognition delivered in parliament, by contrast, endures.

Thus while the rejoicing of Armenians, Assyrians, and Greeks at Netanyahu's remarks is understandable, such acknowledgments remain fragile when spoken without institutional backing. Recognition of genocide cannot rest on improvisation. It requires the authority of Israel's institutions and the solemnity of deliberate decision.

To legislate such recognition would affirm that truth is stronger than denial and that the defence of memory transcends the suffering of any one people. It would be a moment when political calculation yields to moral clarity, and Israel, in full possession of its history, affirms the indivisibility of justice. Until then, words remain provisional. When that act arrives, recognition will endure as a testament that remembrance unites peoples across time and redeems history through truth.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed fining Boeing 3.1 million U.S. dollars over safety violations from September 2023 to February 2024.

Hundreds of quality system breaches were identified at Boeing's 737 factory in Renton, Washington, and Boeing subcontractor Spirit AeroSystems' 737 factory in Wichita, Kansas, said the FAA on Friday.

The transportation agency said the violations were linked to an accident on an Alaska Airlines jetliner in which it lost a door plug panel on its fuselage in midflight.

In a statement Saturday, Boeing said that it is reviewing the agency's proposed civil penalty and that the company had put in place a safety and quality plan last year aimed at enhancing safety management and quality assurance. 
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County opened its 10th annual Dino Fest on Sunday, drawing dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages with rare fossil exhibits, interactive activities and talks with leading paleontologists.

The event, which has become a signature celebration for the museum, highlights the world-renowned Dinosaur Hall, its famed Tyrannosaurus rex growth series, as well as rare fossils from the Cretaceous era.

Visitors can also explore the link between ancient dinosaurs and their modern descendants -- birds -- through hands-on demonstrations and educational programs.

Founded more than a century ago, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County holds more than 12 million specimens, the largest paleontology collection on the U.S. West Coast. 
IonQ (IONQ) shares soared some 20% on Friday after the quantum-tech firm said the United Kingdoms Investment Security Unit (ISU) has cleared its over $1 billion acquisition of Oxford Ionics.

Now that IONQ has received the regulatory greenlight, it looks forward to closing the deal in the near term, the companys chief executive, Peter Chapman, said in the press release today.

More News from Barchart

Including todays rally, IonQ stock is up a whopping 200% versus its year-to-date low in March.

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Why Oxford Ionics Acquisition Is Bullish for IonQ Stock

IONQs chief executive Peter Chapman expects the Oxford Ionics acquisition to supercharge the companys roadmap toward massively scalable quantum systems.

Within the next two years, IonQ, powered by Oxfords silicon-based ion control, will deliver chips with 10,000 qubits, making todays supercomputers look aged and dated.

Speaking with Bloomberg, Chapman said even Nvidias (NVDA) latest Blackwell chips will be outclassed.

The acquisition is bullish for IONQ shares as it enables the quantum computing specialist to leap-frog classical architectures, unlocking exponential gains in compute power and energy efficiency.

Together, Oxford Ionics and IonQ will essentially position quantum processing units as the final frontier in computings evolution.

CEO Peter Chapman Sees Big Future for IONQ Shares

With a market cap of more than $13 billion, IonQ is currently the worlds largest quantum firm in the world, with leadership in both quantum computing and quantum networking, according to CEO Peter Chapman.

In the Bloomberg interview, the companys top executive also dubbed quantum processing units (QPUs) as the final leg of computings evolution and declared the era of quantum computing has absolutely started now.

According to him, IONQs next-gen chip, developed in collaboration with Oxford Ionics, will wipe the floor with any other supercomputer that exists on Earth.

Chapmans remarks suggests IonQ stock could prove a lucrative long-term investment even though its trading at a rather stretched price-sales (P/S) multiple of more than 300x at the time of writing.
For investors looking for a company prepared for a multi-year artificial intelligence (AI) megatrend while still returning capital to shareholders, Oracle (ORCL) might just be the right choice. The company has positioned itself as a full-stack, enterprise-data and AI cloud provider, with a huge backlog of contracted future revenue, rapidly growing cloud consumption, and an active return-of-capital program.

Oracle's first-quarter fiscal 2026 results delighted investors and analysts, pushing the stock up nearly 80% year-to-date (YTD).

More News from Barchart

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AI Demand Is Soaring

Founded in 1977, Oracle is a global technology company best known for its enterprise software, cloud services, and database technologies. Oracle integrates AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics into its products to help businesses automate processes and make more informed decisions.

Oracle's management claims that the company has become "the go-to place for AI workloads." The most noteworthy aspect of the first quarter was the eye-catching 359% year-over-year (YoY) growth in remaining performance obligations (RPO) of $455 billion, which was driven by four multibillion-dollar contracts signed with three distinct clients during the quarter. This reflects a significant contract backlog for future revenue.

The company also saw strong momentum in cloud, where demand continues to far outpace supply. Total cloud revenue (apps + infrastructure) rose 27% YoY to $7.2 billion. Within that, cloud infrastructure (IaaS) revenue surged by 55% to $3.3 billion, while cloud database services grew by 32%. Meanwhile, cloud application (SaaS) revenue of $3.8 billion increased 11%.

Importantly, multicloud database revenue from Amazon (AMZN), Alphabet (GOOG) (GOOGL), and Microsoft (MSFT) increased by a stunning 1,529%. Notably, total revenue in the quarter jumped 11% YoY to $14.9 billion, while adjusted earnings per share increased 6% to $1.47.

Oracle's Balanced Capital Return Program

Oracle is building massive data centers, which led to $8.5 billion in capital expenditures. This is why free cash flow for the quarter was a negative $362 million. However, management stressed the fact that the capital expenditure is for revenue-generating equipment going into data centers, which is why the company views capex as an investment to convert the RPO backlog into future revenue. Oracle forecasts fiscal 2026 capex to be around $35 billion. Despite these continued investments, Oracle returned $5 billion in dividends over the last 12 months and repurchased shares worth $95 million in Q1.
Key Points

Pfizer has long been a solid dividend-paying stock.

At the current stock price, Pfizer's dividend yields 7%.

The company's pipeline of drugs in development is promising, but lots of blockbusters are not guaranteed.

10 stocks we like better than Pfizer 

If you're a long-term investor, why should you be paying closer attention to pharmaceutical giant Pfizer (NYSE: PFE)? Because of its dividend, of course! Pfizer's dividend yield is hovering around a mouth-watering 7%!

Let's put that yield in perspective. The S&P 500 index, which represents America's biggest companies, has an average dividend yield of around 1.2%. A $1,000 investment in the S&P 500 would yield $12 annually. With a 7% yield, a $1,000 investment would generate about $70 in income annually, while a $10,000 stake would generate $700. That's a nearly 6x difference.

Image source: Getty Images.

Better still, healthy and growing dividend-paying companies tend to increase their payouts over time -- often annually. Pfizer (or one of the companies it has merged with over the years) has paid a dividend for 347 consecutive quarters (that's almost 87 years!) and has increased its payout for 15 consecutive years.

A fat dividend shouldn't be the only factor driving your investment decision, though. So -- is Pfizer a worthy investment? Well, its recent valuation suggests so. Its recent forward-looking price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 8 is well below its five-year average of 10. It also has a robust pipeline of drugs in development, some of which will likely gain FDA approval and sell well. (Not all will, though.) Says the company: "With over 50+ programs, 80+ clinical trials worldwide and 40% of our R&D budget dedicated to oncology, we're committed to advancements in cancer care."

Pfizer's second quarter featured revenue increasing 10% year over year, and earnings per share jumping 30%. Management noted that "We raised our full-year 2025 adjusted diluted EPS guidance, demonstrating confidence in our ability to execute against our strategic priorities and deliver strong results for shareholders."

If you're looking for income, give this blue chip stock a closer look. Pfizer's future is not guaranteed to be golden in the years ahead, but it certainly has potential.

Should you buy stock in Pfizer right now?

Before you buy stock in Pfizer, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Pfizer wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Then, I organized the list from highest to lowest dividend yield by clicking the Div Yield (a) column section, and ended up with Permian Resources Corp. (PR), Archrock Inc. (AROC), and Targa Resources (TRG) as my top three dividend stocks with potential for growth.

After setting the filters, I ran the screener and got exactly seven companies on the list:

Net Income Growth: 50% or more. A notable increase in profitability indicates effective cost management and execution, which are essential for long-term portfolio success.

Number of Analysts: 10 or above. More analysts mean more reliable ratings. Multiple data points reduce bias than those with limited coverage.

Annual Dividend Yield: I left this blank so I can rearrange the list from highest to lowest yielding dividend stock. I only want the best-yielding ones.

5-YR Percent Change: 200% and above. I only want to see companies with substantial long-term growth. This metric also translates to solid business fundamentals and execution that tripled shareholder value.

With Barcharts Stock Screener tool, I used the following filters to get my list:

All this leads to a confirmation of whether or not a dividend stock has legs.

They need to be growing their top and bottom lines. As an income investor, revenue growth without net income growth is a problem. Furthermore, I would like to see how the company manages its dividend. Are they paying out too much? Too little? It needs to be just right. Lets call it the goldilocks zone. And then, we need confirmation. What do analysts think about the company - and how big is the consensus?

For starters, if I were to start a new position, I would need to see companies with three specific characteristics.

For income investors, dividend stocks are often the primary investment choice. That said, if youre picking from more mature companies like the Dividend Aristocrats or Dividend Kings, many of the potential names come with sluggish growth rates, or worse, declining shareholder value. Is it possible, though, to have the best of both worlds? Dividend stocks that have the potential to skyrocket? I say yes - but with a twist.

Story Continues

Permian Resources Corp. (PR)

First on my list is Permian Resources Corporation, an independent oil and gas company based in Texas that operates in the Permian Basin region, spanning West Texas and New Mexico. The company was formed in September 2022 through the merger of Centennial Resource Development and Colgate Energy, and is now trading on the New York Stock Exchange with the ticker symbol PR.

In its most recent annual financials, the companys FY '24 revenue rose 60% to $5 billion, while its net income for the same period increased 106% to $984 million, or a basic EPS of $1.54. In terms of dividends, Permian Resources forward annual payout is $0.60 a share ($0.15 per quarter), which reflects a dividend yield of 4.3%. Meanwhile, the companys payout ratio is 45.58% of its earnings, indicating that its not paying out excessive cash solely to appease shareholders.

According to a consensus among 22 analysts, Permian Resources is rated a Strong Buy with a score of 4.73 out of 5. The highest price target is $22 per share, suggesting as much as ~58% upside potential from its current levels. Over the past five years, the stock has gained a life-changing 1,784% in value - an impressive return for a dividend stock.

Archrock Inc. (AROC)

Next on my list is Archrock Inc., which is a natural gas compression services provider. Specifically, they assist major oil companies in moving gas efficiently through pipelines and processing facilities. The company operates through two main business lines: providing contract compression services, where it owns the equipment at customer sites, and manufacturing the same compression equipment.

Archrocks annual financials are also impressive. FY 24 revenue increased ~17% to $1.16 billion, while its net income rose 64% to $172.2 million, or $1.05 per share. Meanwhile, the companys forward annual dividend is $0.84 a share, which is distributed as $0.210 every quarter, reflecting a competitive yield of 3.34%. The company pays out 49.76% of its earnings as a dividend, which is also quite acceptable.

Over the past 5 years, the companys dividend has grown 21.82%, while the return on its stock reached 316.97% over the same period, which means if you owned the shares over the last five years, youd have had both dividend growth and capital appreciation. A consensus among 10 analysts rate the company as a Moderate Buy with a score of 4.40 out of 5. The analysts highest price target is $33 per share, which suggests almost 31% upside potential from the stocks current levels.

Targa Resources (TRGP)

The last dividend stock on my list is Targa Resources, another large energy company that helps content natural gas and oil producers with its extensive network of pipelines and facilities. Specifically, they gather natural gases from wellheads and transport these materials to refineries after processing them into sellable products, such as propane and ethylene.

The companys FY 24 revenue rose 2% to $16.38 billion, while net income rose 53% to $1.28 billion or $2.94 per share - significantly higher than the previous years $1.28. The annual forward payout is $4.00, which is paid as $1 per quarter, resulting in a yield of 2.46%. Quite respectable in todays market. Meanwhile, the payout ratio is 46.13%, which is still within an acceptable range.

A consensus among 21 analysts covered Targa Resources and rate the company a Strong Buy with a score of 4.67 out of 5 - the highest on this list. The highest price target is $240 per share, representing approximately ~45% upside potential from its current levels. Over the past 5 years, the stock has gained over 975%, which is also quite impressive for a dividend company.

Final Thoughts

The companies mentioned above are among the most viable options for inventors seeking long-term potential in both dividend yield and capital appreciation. That said, the market can become unpredictable, even for the most established companies.

Before starting a long-term position, investors should always analyze the business's future by examining its history, recent financials, and sectoral tailwinds/headwinds that may arise in the future.

All things being equal, the companies mentioned above are a sound investment choice considering the current environment.

On the date of publication, Rick Orford 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
Most workplace plan sponsors still believe active management can outperform the market, according to new research by money manager BlackRock. Advisors are skeptical.

In a survey of 459 plan sponsors conducted in February and March, 80% said they believe active managers can consistently beat the market. An even larger share  86%  agreed that actively managed target date funds can help soften the impact of volatility on participants.

READ MORE:

Trump order opens 401(k)s to private assets: What advisors need to know

Active ETFs now outnumber passive funds in industry watershed moment

The highs and lows of target date funds  and what investors should know

The stock allocation retirees don't want (but need)

BlackRock's report suggests that "active approaches can help uncover value, manage risk and adapt to changing conditions," but researchers and advisors alike caution that such benefits rarely materialize consistently for retirement investors.

An appealing idea that rarely delivers

Advisors like Jared Gagne, assistant vice president at Boston-based Claro Advisors, say that while active management can feel intuitive in volatile markets, it rarely delivers over the long term.

"The challenge is that while you might see short-term outperformance, I don't believe there's any sustainable alpha to be found in public markets over the 20-plus year horizons that retirement savers face," Gagne said. "Paying for active management in that context simply doesn't add up."

Years of research back up that skepticism. In 2024, 65% of actively managed large-cap U.S. equity funds underperformed the S&P 500, according to S&P Indices versus Active (SPIVA) U.S. Scorecard . Over a 10-year period, that figure jumps to 84%.

The story isn't much different outside of large-cap funds. After fees, at least 80% of equity funds and over half of fixed-income funds lagged their benchmarks across all fund types over the 10-year period ending Dec. 31, 2024, according to the SPIVA U.S. Scorecard.

Still, that doesn't stop many investors from signaling interest in active products. Across 1,300 plan participants surveyed for BlackRock's research, 80% expressed interest in using an actively managed fund for their retirement savings.

Gagne said that investors lack an understanding of active products.

"Investors need to understand that these options often come with higher costs, and higher costs eat into long-term returns," Gagne said. "The irony is that in trying to protect participants from volatility, sponsors may be introducing strategies that leave them with less money in retirement."
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Clark Art Presents Mariel Capanna Film Series

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  This September and October, the Clark Art Institute hosts a series of films celebrating Mariel Capanna's yearlong public spaces installation, Giornata.

Inspired by Capanna's practice of imposing time constraints upon herself while painting, this five-part series showcases films by directors who worked within time constraints.

All films are free and screened in the Manton Research Center auditorium on select Thursdays at 6 pm.

September 18

Rififi (1955)

After making such American noir classics as Brute Force and The Naked City, the blacklisted director Jules Dassin went to Paris and embarked on his masterpiece: a twisting, turning tale of four ex-cons who hatch one last glorious robbery in the City of Light. Rififi is the ultimate heist movie, a melange of suspense, brutality, and dark humor that was an international hit, earned Dassin the best director prize at the Cannes Film Festival, and has proven wildly influential on the decades of heist thrillers that have come in its wake. Its most famous scene imposes a time constraint on the bank heist, one that must be carried out in absolute silence. (Run time: 1 hour, 55 minutes)

September 25

Rope (1948)

Director Alfred Hitchcock often imposed stylistic constraints upon himself and his film projects. It was a strange practice that transformed his thrillers into explorations of cinematic style. Lifeboat (1944) was set entirely in, you guessed it, a lifeboat. The Birds (1963) used more special effects shots than any film before it, up until Star Wars (1977). Picture Rear Window (1954), and you will start to see the pattern. Rope is, as the title hints, one continuous shot. It stars Jimmy Stewart as a detective trying to solve a murder in front of his nose. Stewart asserted that no film project made him more anxious. (Run time: 1 hour, 20 minutes)

October 2

Run Lola Run (1998)

Run Lola Run feels like a video game playing you. The same story is told three times, each with a slight twist. Lola (Franka Potente) must somehow raise 100,000 German marks in twenty minutes to save her forgetful, criminal boyfriend from his gangster boss. A techno-punk melange of styles, including animation, it was uncommonly prescient, both in gesturing toward the uncertain future of cinema and in capturing the bizarre mixture of optimism and cynicism that marked the maturation of Gen-X, fittingly set in a recently unified Berlin. Tom Tykwer's direction catches your eye, and Potente's performance holds it, stitching together the frenetic puzzle.

October 9

The Five Obstructions (2003)

Lars von Trier has never been shy to burnish his reputation as the malevolent puppet master of his protagonists' misfortune, but never quite so literally as in this playful documentary. One of the great films about filmmaking, The Five Obstructions is a reflexive marvel of cinematic problem solving. In 1967, Jrgen Leth made The Perfect Human, a short anthropological comedy, which became a favorite of the young Lars von Trier. Decades later, von Trier came to Leth with an offer he couldn't refuse: he would produce five remakes of Perfect Human, each to be directed by Leth according to von Trier's diktat. The heart and soul of the film comes in their interactions: they meet, review the previous effort, and lay down the rules for the next. Von Trier's ruthless instinct for his collaborator's soft spots may be sadistic, but it's vastly entertaining. When he really wants to punish Leth, he gives him complete freedom. (Run time: 1 hour, 30 minutes)

October 16

Boyhood (2014)

There has never been another movie like Boyhood, from director Richard Linklater. An event film of the utmost modesty, it was shot over the course of twelve years in the director's native Texas and charts the physical and emotional changes experienced by a child named Mason (Ellar Coltrane), his divorced parents (Patricia Arquette, who won an Oscar for her performance, and Ethan Hawke), and his older sister (Lorelei Linklater). Alighting not on milestones but on the small, in-between moments that make up lives, Linklater fashions a flawlessly acted, often funny portrait that flows effortlessly from one year to the next. Allowing us to watch people age on film with documentary realism while gripping us in a fictional narrative of exquisite everydayness, Boyhood has a power that only the art of cinema could harness. (Run time: 2 hours, 45 minutes)

Free. Accessible seats available; for information, call 413 458 0524.
MassWildlife: Fall outdoor safety tips

BOSTON  The return of cooler weather means many Massachusetts sportsmen and women will head into the woods for the fall 2025 hunting season.

Massachusetts residents may be wondering where and when hunting will be taking place this fall. Early Canada goose hunting began on September 1, black bear hunting season opened statewide on Sept. 2, while pheasant hunting season opens Oct. 18. Archery deer and turkey hunting seasons begin statewide on Oct. 6. Click here to review a summary of all hunting seasons and migratory game bird hunting seasons. Hunting on Sunday is not permitted in Massachusetts. Many public lands are open to hunting including Wildlife Management Areas, most state parks, and many town-owned lands. Research the property you plan to visit to learn if hunting is allowed.

Hunting is a safe activity and non-hunters should feel comfortable using the woods at any time of year. Although hunting accidents are extremely rare, wearing blaze orange will help minimize your chances of being mistaken for game animals during the hunting season. While hunters are required to wear blaze orange during certain seasons, all outdoor users who are in the woods during hunting seasons should wear a blaze orange hat or vest as a precaution.

Safety tips for non-hunters
By Scott Murdoch and Christine Chen

SYDNEY (Reuters) - ANZ Group agreed to pay A$240 million ($159.5 million), the Australian corporate regulator's largest-ever penalties against a single entity, over systemic failures ranging from acting "unconscionably" in a government bond deal to charging dead customers.

The penalties announced on Monday are a troubling milestone for Australia's fourth-largest bank, which last week announced 3,500 job cuts as new CEO Nuno Matos looks to improve profitability at a lender that already is required to hold more capital in reserve than its peers due in part to fallout from the bond deal.

"Time and time again ANZ betrayed the trust of Australians," Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) Chair Joe Longo said. "As far as the unconscionable conduct is concerned, it was clearly grubby."

Including Monday's announcement, ASIC has brought 11 civil penalty proceedings against ANZ since 2016, with total penalties exceeding A$310 million. ANZ has admitted allegations in each case, according to ASIC.

ANZ Chair Paul O'Sullivan said the bank must make a significant change in the way it operates.

"In reaching this settlement we are acknowledging that we let our customers down and I apologise unreservedly," he told analysts and reporters.

ANZ shares closed 0.6% lower on Monday, while the benchmark S&P/ASX200 was down 0.13%.

The latest settlement, requiring Federal Court approval, resolves five separate investigations across ANZ's Australian Markets and Retail divisions. Central to the violations was ANZ's conduct during a A$14 billion government bond issuance on April 19, 2023.

Instead of trading gradually to limit market impact, ANZ sold significant volumes of 10-year Australian bond futures around pricing time, placing "undue downward pressure" on bond prices while assisting the Australian Office of Financial Management's debt issuance, ASIC said.

ANZ's trading behaviour in the 45 minutes before the bond was due to formally price pushed bond futures pricing down 2 basis points, which cost the government about A$26 million, the regulator said.

"ANZ was in a trusted position and its conduct had the potential to reduce the amount of funding available to the government," Longo said, noting the funds were used for services such as the nation's health and education systems.

ANZ said it did not agree on the cost to the government but offered to repay the A$10 million it would have earned for its role on the deal.
MCLA Leadership Academy Announces Info Sessions, Opens Applications

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Leadership Academy concluded its summer residency on July 20 with 22 educators completing this phase of their journey toward becoming school administrators.

The program, which has seen remarkable success with alumni now serving in leadership roles across Massachusetts and New York, will open applications for its 2026 cohort on Oct. 1.

"This program is rooted in the arts and social justice. It's not just about getting your credentials for school leadership. It's about finding your voice and being an education advocate," said Marianne Young, Leadership Academy coordinator.

The MCLA Leadership Academy combines the convenience of remote learning with essential on-campus experiences. Unlike traditional two-year programs, participants complete this certificate program in just one year, attending only four on-campus residencies while maintaining their teaching positions.

Program Highlights:

One-year completion versus two years at other institutions

Hybrid format with only four on-campus visits required

Unique focus on arts and social justice in educational leadership

Cultural experiences including Mount Greylock, Clark Art Institute, MASS MoCA, Bridge of Flowers, and Bennington Museum

Highly regarded by New York and Massachusetts State Departments of Education

Participants enter the program with a Master's degree and three years of school experience, though registered teaching certification is not required. The current cohort includes primarily educators from New York, reflecting the program's strong reputation throughout the Northeast.

"Our alumni consistently describe this as a life-changing experience," Young noted. "They come to us as teachers and leave us as confident education advocates ready to lead positive change in their schools and communities."

The program serves educators throughout Western Massachusetts, extending to Boston and Cape Cod, as well as New York from Manhattan and Brooklyn to Albany, Rochester, and Buffalo areas. Southern Vermont educators are also encouraged to apply.

Multiple information sessions are scheduled to help prospective students learn more about the program. Info sessions provide potential students with the opportunity to meet with faculty, staff and alumni to learn more about the program. Sessions will be held at MCLA.

September 24, 2025 - 4:30 pm

October 14, 2025 - 7:00 pm

October 15, 2025 - 4:30 pm

November 20, 2025 - 7:00 pm

December 9, 2025 - 4:30 pm

December 10, 2025 - 7:00 pm

January 12, 2026 - 7:00 pm

February 12, 2026 - 4:30 pm

March 14, 2026 - 10:00 am - Hybrid: in-person on campus and Zoom

March 18, 2026 - 4:30 pm

March 24, 2026 - 7:00 pm

About the MCLA Leadership Academy: The Leadership Academy is part of MCLA's Division of Graduate and Continuing Education, preparing current educators for school administration roles through an innovative curriculum that emphasizes both practical leadership skills and advocacy for educational equity and justice.
sabato 13 settembre 2025, 22:07 - Last updated: 14 settembre, 17:52

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This article is automatically translated

A bad fall during training for Matteo Franzoso, a 25-year-old Italian skier, occurred in La Parva, Chile. The Genoese athlete, representing the Fiamme Gialle and raised in Sestriere, fell in La Parva, Chile, sustaining a significant head injury and is currently hospitalized in a clinic in Santiago. Franzoso is kept in intensive care and in a medically induced coma to better assess the clinical situation of the Italian downhill skier. This was announced by FISI on their website. After the fall on the slope, the rescue was immediate, and Franzoso was airlifted to the Chilean capital, where he can rely on the best local medical assistance. The FISI Medical Commission is in constant contact with the Chilean medical staff, who are monitoring the situation of the Italian athlete. Updates on the condition of the young Italian athlete will follow.
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Indian prime minister Narendra Modi called for the people of Manipur to maintain peace during his first visit to the northeastern state in two years since ethnic violence plunged it into crisis.

The state has been strife-torn since May 2023 when ethnic violence broke out between the majority Meitei community and the mostly Christian Kuki people.

Violent clashes sparked from controversy over a Manipur court order that seemed to recommend a special status for the Hindu-Meitei, which seemingly let them buy land in the hills populated by Kukis and other tribal groups and get a share of government jobs.

The clashes persisted despite the presence of the army in the state of 3.7 million ruled by Mr Modis Bharatiya Janata Party.

More than 250 people have been killed, and over 60,000 displaced since the ethnic violence began, with nearly 200 cases of heinous crimes, including rape, arson, loot, and murder filed with special investigation teams constituted by Indias apex court.

Amid the violence last year, N Biren Singh, chief minister of the northeastern state and a member of BJP, resigned. Mr Singh, a Meitei leader, had been under increasing pressure from his own allies to step down. BJP lawmakers have periodically sought his resignation over his handling of the crisis.

An investigation found the states own police led two tribal women to a violent mob of 1,000 people that molested them.

Over the last two years, opposition parties, including the Congress, have repeatedly demanded that the Indian prime minister visit the state, even raising the issue of Mr Modis silence on the issue during parliamentary sessions.

open image in gallery The wreckage of a burned-out bus is pictured along a street after a recent violence in Imphal in the Indian state of Manipur ( AFP via Getty Images )

The first time the prime minister spoke publicly on the issue was only two months after the deadly ethnic clashes escalated.

This was after a video showing a mob molesting women in the state became viral and triggered massive outrage.

The guilty will not be spared. What has happened to the daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven, Mr Modi told reporters in July 2023.

After months of criticism, the Indian prime minister visited Manipur on Saturday, where he appealed for peace and unveiled a host of development projects in the strife-torn state.

The projects unveiled included plans to build women's hostels, indoor stadiums, and road infrastructure, with a total worth of about $1bn.

He also met some displaced members of both communities during his nearly three-hour-long visit to the state capital of Imphal and the town of Churachandpur, according to the New Indian Express.

"The land of Manipur is a land of hope and aspiration. Unfortunately, violence has cast its shadow on this beautiful region," he said in a speech, addressing residents of the Kuki-dominated Churachandpur hills.

"I appeal to all organisations to take the path of peace to fulfil their dreams and secure the future of their children," the Indian prime minister said.

Speaking at the Meitei-dominated state capital of Imphal, Mr Modi said the government has approved the construction of 7,000 new homes for those displaced by the conflict, and urged both communities to engage in dialogue.

Our government is continuously working to ensure peace and stability in Manipur, the PM exclaimed.

Critiques and members of opposition parties to Mr Modis Bharatiya Janata Party were quick to call out the prime minister over his short trip to the state, calling it a token visit two years too late.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said Mr Modis three-hour pit stop in Manipur is not compassion, but 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, Mr Kharge said.

open image in gallery Protesters burn an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a demonstration in Imphal ( AFP via Getty Images )

Gaurav Gogoi, a parliament leader of Congress, said the first step on the journey to peace and healing in Manipur should have been Prime Minister Modis visit to the state two years ago.

Now two years late his visit should primarily be about respecting the sentiments of the Northeast. Instead the optics are tone-deaf and concentrated on the image of the Prime Minister rather than the ground reality, Mr Gogoi said.

It is the most embarrassing politics of photo ops. For more than two years, Manipur has been in crisis. Now, the PM has gone there for three hours. It is just for tokenism. It is way too little and too late, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sagarika Ghose said.
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A man has been charged after a series of revolting antisemitic attacks on synagogues in London.

Ionut-Cristian Bold, 37, allegedly smeared a substance on a number of premises in the Golders Green area in Barnet between 4 and 11 September.

Seven Jewish premises have been targeted in separate incidents in recent weeks, the Metropolitan Police said on Thursday. Four synagogues and a private residence were smeared with a substance, while a liquid was thrown towards a school and over a car.

CST (Community Security Trust), the Jewish body that advises communities on security, reported that faeces and urine were used in some of the attacks.

The police force described the incidents as appalling. Detective Superintendent Katie Harber from the North West Command, who is leading the investigation, said: These are revolting and appalling acts.

Bold, of no fixed address, has been charged with six counts of racially or religiously aggravated criminal damage, and one count of racially or religiously aggravated harassment without violence, the Metropolitan Police said on Saturday.

He has also been charged with three counts of destruction or damage to property, and one count of having an article with the intent to destroy or damage property.

He is due to appear at Willesden Magistrates Court on Monday.

Officers were first called to a report of religiously-motivated criminal damage relating to a synagogue on the morning of Wednesday 3 September, with further reports that similar offences had taken place in the early hours of Thursday 4 September at a private property, and Sunday 7 September at another synagogue.

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

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

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.

Levels of antisemitism across Britain soared in the wake of the 7 October 2023 attacks by Hamas on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. The country suffered its second-worst year for antisemitism in 2024, with more than 3,500 incidents recorded, CST said in February.

Following the incidents, a spokesperson for CST 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.
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A Sikh woman who reported she was raped in a racially motivated attack has spoken out to thank people for their support.

The victim, reported to be aged in her 20s, told officers a racist remark was made to her during the sexual assault in the Tame Road area of Oldbury, West Midlands, on Tuesday.

The Sikh Federation UK said the perpetrators allegedly told the woman You dont belong in this country, get out.

West Midlands Police said the man was detained on Sunday evening and remains in custody. The force previously said they were looking for two white men in connection with the attack.

The incident has raised concerns by the Sikh community about the current racist political environment in the UK.

open image in gallery The incident took place in the Tame Road area of Oldbury ( Google Maps )

On Saturday, the woman, who remains anonymous, issued a statement through Sikh Youth UK, thanking everyone for their love and support.

"We are going through a lot, but the strength and kindness shown by the right people in the community has been incredible and I can't thank them enough for being my voice, the statement read.

"I would never wish this on anyone. All I was doing was going about my day on my way to work, and what has happened has deeply affected us."

She said the police are doing their best to find those responsible and added: There has been so much love and support, and I am truly humbled. I want to personally thank my family, Sikh Youth UK who have been so supportive, the local Gurdwara committees and Sikh orgs, and everyone in my community who has stood by me.

"I cannot thank you enough for helping me get through this difficult time."

open image in gallery West Midlands Police was called to Station Road in Marston Green (PA) ( PA Archive )

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 and that Sikh Youth UK is supporting the victim and her family.

An emergency meeting took place at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara temple nearby after the attack, according to Sky News, with members of the community expressing concern over safety.

Politicians from all political parties should have zero tolerance for all violent racist attacks, Mr Singh said.

The current racist political environment is driven by popularism and created by politicians playing the anti-immigration card who are unashamedly exploiting those with right-wing and racist views.

Gurinder Singh Josan, the Labour MP for Smethwick, said the truly horrific attack was being treated as a hate crime.

He said: 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.

Anyone with useful information about what happened should contact West Midlands Police via 101, quoting log 798 or 9 September.
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Gen-Z are being locked out of home ownership, campaigners have warned, as first-time buyers now face paying up to six times more for a home than their parents.

An analysis of rental, property and salary data by The Independent reveals that the average homebuyer in 1995 had to save just a third of their salary  5,000  to put down a deposit, while todays first-time buyers are forking out average deposits nearly twice as high as the average salary.

Land registry data in England shows that the average house price now costs 286,594  nearly six times higher (50,679) than three decades ago.

But the average salary has barely more than doubled in that time, from 15,034 to 37,430, while the upfront cash needed for a deposit is more than 10 times greater on average.

Rents are also soaring, with average monthly rates going from 1,025 to 1,343 in the past five years alone  a 31 per cent jump, according to the UK-wide private renters index.

If the government does not slam the brakes on soaring rents, many may never be able to buy their own home, Ben Twomey, chief executive of the campaign group Generation Rent warned.

Generation Z is Generation Rent. They are locked out of home ownership because they face higher rent costs than any other generation before them. Trying to save for a deposit to buy a home while rents soar is like pushing a boulder up a hill that keeps getting steeper and steeper.

Young people who have managed to save for deposits say they feel they have had to sacrifice a lot to do it.

Its giving up your entire social life, said Paris, a 26-year-old living in London, who started saving to buy her own place after a break-in and safety concerns while renting.

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My mum asks me, What do you do, you just stay in all the time? And I say, Well yeah, because we cant afford it.

Even mortgage advisers admit that the challenges facing younger buyers are worse than in previous decades.

Ben Thompson, deputy CEO of the Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB), bought his first home at age 22 with a near-100 per cent loan. But he knows that his situation would be more difficult now.

He told The Independent: I hate the arguments where people just say, Oh, in our day, we had to save, and theyve got it much easier these days. I dont buy into that. I think its tougher to buy today than it was before.

And being frugal alone will not be enough. Real estate and housing economist Chris Foye, who lectures at University College London (UCL), said that advice for Gen-Z to simply save or invest more wisely misses the full picture.

I mean, theres only so much you can do with a little, right? Theres only so much we can tell young people about investing wisely when they dont have very much to invest in the first place, he said.

People are paying so much for rent, and their incomes arent as high as previous generations enjoyed. I dont think [saving more] is going to shift the dial.

The average annual income in 2025 is 37,430, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows. After tax and national insurance, the average earner is left with 30,469 a year.

Over half of this (16,116) can easily be spent on rent, with average monthly rates at 1,343, according to the price index of private rents (PIPR).

But the average house deposit is now 61,000, according to Halifax, with starter homes being sold for around 311,000.

This means that homes are now being sold for around eight times the average salary, with deposits nearly double a years wage  and 12 times higher than they were in 1995.

A person on an average salary, paying average rent, is left with around 1,150 a month for all other costs, including bills, lifestyle, food, travel and savings.

If saving 500 of that a month, it would take over a decade to build up the average deposit, before even beginning to pay a hefty mortgage.

All this means there is now a growing divide between people with access to generational wealth  otherwise known as the bank of mum and dad  and those without.

Data from estate agents Savills shows that over half of first-time buyers had some form of support from their family last year, to the tune of 9.6bn in gifts and loans.

But the economic disparity among homeowners and renters risks creating greater financial divides.

Over a 30-year period, The Independents calculations, from ONS data, show that renters could spend 483,000 on average, if private rental prices remain the same, without the financial security of owning their own home to show for it.

Its not just younger generations, its middle-aged, older generations as well, who also havent accumulated housing wealth or other forms of wealth, Mr Foye told The Independent.

They have to, therefore, make sacrifices, right? They have to live in smaller spaces, change their life decisions. They might have to live further away from work. And these are all very unfair and uncomfortable ways in which people deal with these affordability constraints.

Many young Britons are therefore likely to be trapped renting for decades, Mr Twomey warned.

Gen-Z have spent their entire adult lives facing housing costs that are rising much quicker than their earnings, he said.

And home ownership rates remain low among young people (aged 34 and under), at just 39 per cent, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies. This is substantially lower than the peak of 59 per cent in 2000, but has been steadily increasing in the past decade.

Nonetheless, some in Gen Z are determined to get on the housing ladder regardless, and are willing to make those sacrifices for the long-term gain.

Earlier this year, Paris put down a 14,000 deposit on a small flat in southeast London.

She had saved for several years, after a series of negative experiences while renting, which pushed her towards home ownership.

Before buying her home, Paris was paying 950 a month on renting a room  and when trying to find a new rental, she was shocked at the soaring prices.

At that moment, I tapped out. If a room share is 1,400, Id rather put that money in my own home, she said.

Others are turning to high-risk investments to raise the cash. Luke, 24, has put the majority of his savings into cryptocurrency.

Truthfully, I think the only solution to [large deposits] is some high-risk, high-return way like crypto. The British population almost dont have a choice.

Of course, its affected my social life a lot. Its been frustrating. But I try not to focus on the short term. The UK is a very land-ownership-based economy. And as soon as you own property, life just gets dramatically easier, he told The Independent.

Owning a home is still an unrealistic dream for many young people ( AFP via Getty Images )

With a growing population and stagnant real estate market, the Labour government is focusing on boosting housebuilding and protecting renters by banning no-fault evictions and making all tenancies periodic.

Mortgage adviser Thompson believes that boosting home ownership would also be beneficial for chancellor Rachel Reeves economic growth ambitions.

More home ownership and home buying tends to drive a lot more economic activity and growth, which is definitely where the governments coming from, quite rightly at the moment, he explained.

Youve got a supportive regulatory environment as well. So if you combine all those factors, there is a cause for optimism.

The government has also allocated 39bn for affordable housing over a decade  something Paris believes is key to tackling the problem.

The only solution to getting out of the housing crisis is to build more council housing, she said.

Home ownership in this country is a commodity; its an investment and a vehicle to your pension, and it should not be like that.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: The acute and entrenched housing crisis this government inherited has seen a generation locked out of homeownership and paying a record rent bill."

That is why our Plan for Change set out steps to get Britain building and deliver 1.5 million homes, while tackling excessive rent demands.

We have already announced the biggest boost to social and affordable housing in a generation, and our Renters Rights Bill will transform the private rental sector for tenants.
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Sir Keir Starmer says the country should never surrender its flag to become a symbol of violence, fear and division following a huge protest organised by Tommy Robinson, as the backlash grows over Elon Musks remarks at the rally.

In his first comments since more than 110,000 people joined the march in central London on Saturday, the prime minister also stated the government will not stand for assaults on police officers, after 26 were injured, four seriously.

The demonstration, organised under the banner Unite the Kingdom, saw Whitehall filled with union flags and St Georges flags as the tens of thousands of protesters listened to speakers, including Mr Musk, who appeared on screens through a video link.

But there was condemnation after clashes broke out between some protesters and police, as well as outcry over the Tesla and X owner, who 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 a statement shared on social media on Sunday, Sir Keir wrote: People have a right to peaceful protest. It is core to our countrys values.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer has rejected the countrys flag being used as a symbol of violence, fear and division ( Joshua Bratt/The Times )

But we will not stand for assaults on police officers doing their job or for people feeling intimidated on our streets because of their background or the colour of their skin.

Britain is a nation proudly built on tolerance, diversity and respect. Our flag represents our diverse country and we will never surrender it to those that use it as a symbol of violence, fear and division.

Assistant Met commissioner Matt Twist said on Saturday that police faced a wholly unacceptable level of violence, while home secretary Shabana Mahmood vowed that anyone taking part in criminal activity will face the full force of the law.

Twenty-four people have so far been arrested for a range of offences, including affray, violent disorder, assault and criminal damage.

Asked on the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme whether Mr Musk was trying to incite violence, business secretary Peter Kyle said: I thought that they were slightly incomprehensible comments that were totally inappropriate.

But what we saw yesterday was over 100,000 people who were expressing freedom of association, freedom of speech, and proving that both of those things are alive and well in this country.

A small minority of people who are protesting committed acts of violence against our police for which they should and they will be held accountable.

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 Mr Musk doesnt care about the British people or our rights. He only cares about himself and his ego.

Mr Kyle went on to call the protest a klaxon call for MPs to address immigration and other public concerns.

open image in gallery People fly union flags and the St George Cross during the Tommy Robinson-led march ( PA )

He stressed the government is determined to start to bring communities back together again in light of the fractious scenes, but he conceded so far it is something that we have not solved.

He said: There are communities that are being driven further apart, and there are figures such as Tommy Robinson that is able to touch into a sense of disquiet and grievance in the community in our society.

A lot of it goes back to its roots in the financial crisis and the impact that had on communities around the country, and we havent been able to bring our communities back together again since.

I think these are moments that are klaxon calls to us in public life to redouble our efforts to address the big concerns that people right across our country have, and immigration is a big concern.

Three of the 24 people arrested were women with the rest being men, while the youngest and oldest people detained at the protest were aged 19 and 58 respectively, the Met said on Sunday. A number of people were arrested for more than one offence. The force added officers were working to identify other people involved in the disorder with a view to making further arrests in the coming days and weeks.

open image in gallery Elon Musk appeared via video link to Robinsons protest, sparking an outcry ( X/Tommy Robinson )

Police said the Robinson crowd was too big to fit into Whitehall and confrontation happened when officers tried to stop them from encircling counterprotesters and accessing the area from different routes.

Projectiles were thrown by Robinson protesters towards the counterdemonstrators as thousands from both sides stared each other down on Whitehall.

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 counterprotesters to leave safely.

Later, more than 100 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.

As well as Mr Musk, the Unite protest featured a series of speeches from far-right personalities and politicians, including former actor Laurence Fox, former Apprentice candidate Katie Hopkins, along with musical performers.
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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

open image in gallery 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.

open image in gallery 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.

open image in gallery 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.

open image in gallery 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.

open image in gallery 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.
Bank of America on Friday elevated BofA veterans Jim DeMare and Dean Athanasia to co-presidents.

They will work with CEO Brian Moynihan to oversee the company's various business lines.

CFO Alastair Borthwick was also given a bigger role as executive vice president.

Bank of America on Friday announced a management shake-up that sheds new light on some of the executives positioned to one day replace longtime CEO Brian Moynihan.

The bank elevated three veteran executives to roles that give them expanded oversight over the bank. Jim DeMare, head of the bank's trading business, and Dean Athanasia, president of the regional bank business, were named co-presidents. Alastair Borthwick, the company's CFO, was named executive vice president.

"In their new roles as co-presidents, Dean and Jim will work with me to drive broad-ranging, strategic efforts that are central to our long-term performance," Moynihan said in a memo announcing the change. "They will assume overall responsibility for the company's business lines, and the individual business heads will report to them," Moynihan said.

Moynihan, who has led the bank since 2010, has given no indication of stepping down anytime soon. Succession is ever a hot topic on Wall Street, however, and while speaking at a conference in 2023, he said a plan is in place without naming the people on the list.

"We have a succession-planning exercise that goes on," Moynihan said at the Reuters Next conference, adding that "nothing is left to chance" on his potential replacement.

Since joining BofA in 2008, DeMare has become a regular feature on the company's earnings calls, with Moynihan often giving him a shoutout for a job well done.

On last year's third-quarter earnings call, for example, Moynihan touted a 35% improvement in sales and trading revenue in the past three years. "Good work by Jimmy DeMare and the team," he said.

Read the original article on Business Insider
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A senior cabinet minister has admitted that political considerations about Peter Mandelsons outstanding singular talents meant security concerns about the Labour peer being made ambassador to the US were ignored.

Business secretary Peter Kyle repeated the claim on Sky News and BBC on Sunday morning that new information coming to light over Lord Mandelsons relationship with the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein led to his sacking on Friday.

Last week The Independent revealed that Sir Keir pushed through his appointment earlier this year despite failing security vetting by MI6. Mr Kyle refused to say if the prime minister spoke to Lord Mandelson directly to let him know he was sacked, nor whether the appointment had been a mistake in the first place.

On Sunday night, the Conservative Party said it had written to the prime minister, asking what Downing Street knew about Lord Mandelsons links to Epstein, and when.

open image in gallery Mandelson was sacked as the UKs representative in Washington on Thursday ( PA )

Mr Kyle told Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips on Sky News it was not correct that Lord Mandelson was appointed ambassador to the US before security checks were completed.

He said: The Cabinet Office did an independent inquiry into the appointment, as they do in every public appointment of this nature, and the information... was presented to the prime minister.

But he admitted that political considerations trumped security concerns about Lord Mandelson, which included not only his relationship with Epstein but also his links to China. In January, The Independent revealed that the same concerns almost led to Donald Trump refusing Lord Mandelsons credentials.

Mr Kyle said: The second process was obviously a political process where there are political conversations done in No 10 about all the other aspects of an appointment of this nature. Now, both of these things turned up information that was already public, and a decision was made that, based on Peters singular talents in this area, that the risk of appointing knowing what was already public was worth the risk.

open image in gallery Business secretary Peter Kyle defended the governments handling of the issue ( Sky News )

But he added on Laura Kuenssbergs Sunday morning BBC show that Lord Mandelsons appointment had achieved a lot for the UK.

He said: [At the time of the appointment] global norms were turned upside down. The relationship between Britain and America was in a perilous state because of the threat of tariffs. What was happening economically, trying to repurpose and rethink the special relationship. Britain needed somebody with outstanding, singular talents, experience which was very hard to come by.

Explaining the new information, Mr Kyle claimed the vetting did not pick up emails that came to light this week showing Lord Mandelson advising Epstein on tackling his conviction, and calling the financier his best pal.

He added: Of course we have seen the emails which were not published at the time, were not public and not even known about, and that has changed the situation.

They had what was public, which was extracts of the emails and... immediately, upon having been alerted to extracts of emails, the Foreign Office contacted Peter Mandelson and asked for his account of the emails and asked for them to be put into context and for his response. That response did not come before PMQs, and then, after PMQs, the full emails were released by Bloomberg in the evening.

By the first thing next morning, when the Prime Minister had time to read the emails in full... almost immediately... Peter was withdrawn as ambassador.

Mr Kyle stressed that the media had the same information that we had at the time of the appointment.

Opponents said it was astonishing that Lord Mandelsons talents would take precedence over both security concerns and Epsteins victims.

Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake said: It is astonishing that the new business and trade secretary has openly admitted that Downing Street chose to prioritise Mandelsons singular and outstanding talents over the rights of Epsteins victims. Even more damning, this cover-up appears to have continued for a further 48 hours this week as more and more revelations came to light.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said she would demand that the prime minister make a statement on the fiasco to the Commons on Monday.

She said: Our weak prime minister is hiding, sending out ministers to answer for his terrible judgement. The last time we saw Starmer was Wednesday, when he told me he had confidence in Mandelson. The PM needs to come to Parliament tomorrow and tell the truth about what he knew and when.
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One student who stayed in his house for two days after witnessing Charlie Kirks death feels nervous about going back to the Utah college campus where the conservative activist was shot.

Another student has been left unable to sleep or shake what she saw and heard and called her dad to come take her home.

While officials continue to investigate Charlie Kirks death ahead of suspect Tyler James Robinsons first court appearance, students who witnessed Wednesday's shooting at Utah Valley University are reckoning with trauma and grief

Robinsons arrest late Thursday calmed some fears. Yet some 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 17 September.

In Robinsons hometown, about 240 miles (390 kilometers) 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.

open image in gallery Utah Valley University students Zach Zimmerman, second from left, and Lauren Simons embrace during a vigil for Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA who was shot and killed ( Associated Press/Lindsey Wasson )

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 University's 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

open image in gallery Utah Valley University student Alec Vera stands near a memorial for Charlie Kirk as he reflects on the weeks events ( Associated Press/Lindsey Wasson )

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

open image in gallery Wendy Lucas, a Utah Valley University student, looks at a memorial set up for Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah ( Associated Press/Lindsey Wasson )

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

open image in gallery Some Utah Valley University students have been struggling to come to terms with Charlie Kirks death on campus ( AP )

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

open image in gallery The university has said there will be increased security when classes resume on 17 September ( Associated Press )

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 Kirk's 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 Robinson's looks for answers

open image in gallery A memorial for Turning Point USA chief executive and co-founder Charlie Kirk is seen at Utah Valley University ( Associated Press )

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.
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A Las Vegas stripper reportedly hoodwinked and knowingly bilked her wealthy ex out of millions of dollars during their decade-long relationship, her ex claimed in a lawsuit.

Melanie Beth Sterling filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit last week, with her attorney stating her ex, Fred Brunner, has a history of claiming without merit that she stole millions from him after they met at a club in 2014, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

The parties were in a long-term relationship, which should have concluded with each party going their separate ways, said Sterlings attorney, Jim Jimmerson. The truth will win the day.

Brunner sued Sterling and four others last year for $3.5 million in compensatory damages and $35 million in punitive damages, according to the report. The case was set to be adjudicated in Arkansas, where Brunner lives, but a judge ruled it should be heard in Nevada. A hearing over the motion to dismiss is set for October 21.

When the couple met, Brunner was going through a divorce, and Sterling was working in the club as a dancer. After meeting, Sterling gave Brunner a private dance and learned that he was far wealthier than her normal patrons  wealthy enough to change her life, according to the lawsuit.

open image in gallery A Las Vegas stripper is accused of bilking millions of dollars out of her wealthy ex-boyfriend, he claimed in a lawsuit. ( Getty/iStock )

The pair exchanged phone numbers, and Sterling pursued a relationship with Brunner with the intent of defrauding him. According to the lawsuit, Sterling hoodwinked Brunner into thinking she was dating him, when she was actually using money he gave her with other men.

During their 10-year relationship, Sterling asked Brunner for financial support over 100 times, the lawsuit claims.

However, Brunner admitted in the suit that he sent checks to Sterling totalling more than $2.1 million during their relationship. Sterling reportedly used that money to buy a $720,000 home in Las Vegas, according to the suit.

In Sterlings motion to dismiss the suit, she describes Brunner as being generous with his wealth. It also noted that she was not naive and believed from the start of their relationship that Brunner was not the monogamous type.

Meanwhile, Brunners complaint claimed that Sterling was not truthful about her intentions in their relationship. The lawsuit cites one specific incident in 2020 when Sterling texted Brunner saying she didnt feel well, after posting a photo on social media with another man, identified as Shanta Cotright.

Sterlings response said she understood that a man with plaintiffs extreme wealth was used to getting what he wanted, according to the report. She claimed that Brunner begged and pleaded for her to come back to him in 2024, and when she refused, he sued her.

Mr. Brunner has filed four versions of his complaint against Ms. Sterling  three in Arkansas and now one in Nevada, Jimmerson said. Ms. Sterling and Mr. Cotright are confident that the court will appropriately adjudicate this dispute.

open image in gallery The lawsuit accuses Sterling of covertly dating another man and using money from Brunner for their lavish experiences. ( AFP/Getty )

The lawsuit accuses Sterling and Cotright of being covertly engaged in a romantic relationship while Sterling dated Brunner for his money.

The suit also claims that Sterling and Cotright were using much of the money plaintiff provided to Sterling for lavish dinners, parties, trips and purchases.

However, in Sterlings motion to dismiss, she notes that she and Brunner were never married, engaged, or even living together, and that she did not owe him anything, according to the report.

Plaintiff alleges that he fell victim to a 10-year relationship scam, Stirlings motion reads. Havent we all. The difference is that everyone else does not sue their ex claiming that they were duped into spending money on them when the relationship does not work out in the end.

An attorney for Brunner declined to comment on the case to the Review-Journal, telling the publication they are going to address it in court.
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Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Sunday that investigators are not ready to discuss the motive behind the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. But he said the 22-year-old suspect had left-leaning political beliefs and disliked the conservative influencer.

Clearly a leftist ideology," Cox told NBC's Meet the Press. On CNN's State of the Union, he said, That information comes from the people around him, his family members and friends."

Cox said Robinson is not cooperating and that friends paint a picture of someone radicalized in the dark corners of the internet. Clearly there was a lot of gaming going on, Cox said on NBC. Friends have confirmed that there was kind of that deep, dark internet, the Reddit culture, and these other dark places of the internet where this person was going deep.

A Republican who's called on all partisans to tone down their rhetoric following the attack, the governor added: I really dont have a dog in this fight. If this was a radicalized MAGA person, Id be saying that as well.

Cox stressed on several Sunday morning news shows, however, that investigators are still trying to pin down a motive for the attack on the father of two and Trump confidant, who was killed Wednesday while on one of his signature college speaking tours at Utah Valley University. The governor said more information may come out once the suspect, Tyler Robinson, appears in court Tuesday.

The governor said the suspect's partner was transgender, which some politicians have pointed to as a sign Robinson was targeting Kirk for his anti-trans views. But authorities have not said whether it is relevant as they investigate Robinsons motive.

The roommate was a romantic partner, a male transitioning to female, Cox said. I can say that he has been incredibly cooperative, this partner has been very cooperative, had no idea that this was happening.

Investigators have spoken to Robinsons relatives and carried out a search warrant at his familys home in Washington, about 240 miles (390 kilometers) southwest of Utah Valley University, where the shooting took place.

State records show Robinson is registered to vote but not affiliated with a political party and is listed as inactive, meaning he did not vote in the two most recent general elections. His parents are registered Republicans.

Ammunition found with the weapon used to kill Kirk was engraved with taunting, anti-fascist and meme-culture messages. Court records show that one bullet casing had the message, Hey, fascist! Catch!

Robinson grew up around St. George, in the southwestern corner of Utah between Las Vegas and natural landmarks including Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.

Robinson became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known widely as the Mormon church, at a young age, church spokesperson Doug Andersen said.

Robinson has two younger brothers, and his parents have been married for about 25 years, according to social media posts. Online activity by Robinsons mother reflects an active family that took vacations to Disneyland, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Alaska.

Like many in that part of Utah, 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 seen smiling as he grips the handles of a .50-caliber heavy machine gun.

A high school honor roll student 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 that was posted to a family members social media account.

But he attended for only one semester, according to the university. He is currently enrolled as a third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College in St. George.

___

Riccardi reported from Denver.
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Lawmakers in the most populous state in the country have passed a bill that would require public health warning labels on popular social media apps when kids are using them following growing concerns about the impacts of social media on youth mental health.

Californias bill, AB 56, requires platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram to show minor users a text from a 2023 surgeon general report that found social media can have a profound risk of harm to the mental health and well-being of children and adolescents.

The tobacco label-style warning would kick in for 10 seconds upon logging in, then repeat for 30 seconds after using the apps for more than three hours.

Governor Gavin Newsom has until October 13 to decide on the law.

Newsoms office told The Independent it doesnt typically comment on pending legislation.

open image in gallery California legislation would require repeating health warnings for minors using social media, based on surgeon general findings that platforms can harm mental health ( PA Wire )

The bill was introduced by Democratic San Francisco Bay Area Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and California Attorney General Rob Bonta.

We are in the midst of a global mental health crisis, Bauer-Kahan told Politico of the pending legislation. The crisis is real, urgent, and getting worse.

Minnesota became the first state in the country to pass such legislation in July, with a warning law that applies to all users. New York Governor Kathy Hochul is considering a similar bill.

Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy advocated for such policies in an influential op-ed for The New York Times last year. He compared regulating social media to other emergency health and safety measures like food recalls or grounding defective aircraft.

open image in gallery Former Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for social media health warnings last year ( AFP via Getty Images )

Why is it that we have failed to respond to the harms of social media when they are no less urgent or widespread than those posed by unsafe cars, planes or food? Murthy wrote. These harms are not a failure of willpower and parenting; they are the consequence of unleashing powerful technology without adequate safety measures, transparency or accountability.

Forty-two state attorney generals endorsed the idea soon after Murthys op-ed was published.

Advocates for such labeling argue its necessary to warn social media users of potential harms linked to social media like anxiety, depression, and negative body image.

Social media companies have demonstrated an unwillingness to tackle the mental health crisis, instead digging in deeper into harnessing addictive features and harmful content for the sake of profits, Bonta said in a press release supporting the legislation last year.

Warning labels alone are not a panacea, they are another tool in the toolbox to address the growing mental health crisis and protect future generations of children, he added.

Social media companies, long an influential force in state politics, could challenge the California legislation.
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Turning Point USA, the organization founded by Charlie Kirk, will host a public memorial service on September 21 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, following the right-wing activists fatal shooting in Utah on Wednesday.

Join us in celebrating the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Charlie Kirk, an American legend, the organization said in statement.

State Farm Stadium, home of the NFLs Arizona Cardinals, will be available for the memorial as the team has an away game against the San Francisco 49ers that day.

Doors for the memorial service will open at 8 a.m., with the event scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.

Kirk founded the nonprofit conservative advocacy group in 2012 when he was 18 years old. The group specifically targets younger Americans, particularly high school and college students.

open image in gallery The late Charlie Kirks public memorial service will be held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on September 21 ( AP )

It has chapters on hundreds of campuses across the country and sees itself as pushing back against what it considers liberal dominance in schools and universities.

Tyler Robinson, 22, is accused of fatally shooting Kirk while he was speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. He faces capital murder, weapons and obstruction charges.

Why is Kirk's memorial service in Arizona?

Kirk lived in the Phoenix area, and Arizona is also home to TPUSAs headquarters. He leaves behind his wife, Erika, and their two children.

Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance accompanied Erika Kirk as they escorted her late husbands casket back to Arizona. His body was flown from Salt Lake City to Phoenix aboard Air Force Two.

Upon arrival, a motorcade was prepared to transport the casket to Hansen Mortuary Chapel near Seventh Street and Northern Avenue.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump said he will attend Kirks Arizona memorial ( Getty Images )

Trump to attend Kirk memorial service

President Donald Trump told reporters that he plans to attend Kirks yet-to-be-announced service, which he expected to take place next weekend in Arizona.

Whenever it is, I'll be going, Trump said Thursday. Theyve asked me to go, and I think I have an obligation to do it.

On Wednesday, he ordered all American flags to fly at half-staff until Sunday at 6 p.m.

Vance is also expected to attend the memorial service.

open image in gallery Ericka Kirk, Charlies widow, vowed Friday in a Turning Point USA livestream to continue the slain activists work ( Turning Point USA/YouTube )

Charlie Kirks widow vows to continue slain activists work

Erika Kirk fought back tears Friday as she spoke publicly for the first time after her husbands assassination.

From Phoenix, she vowed to carry on the right-wing movement he founded, addressing supporters alongside an empty chair symbolizing her late husband.

If you thought that my husbands mission was powerful before, you have no idea, she said. You have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country.
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The gunman accused of assassinating right-wing activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University had a leftist ideology, but his overall motive for the shooting remains undetermined, according to Utah Governor Spencer Cox.

We can confirm that, again, according to family and people that weve interviewed, he does come from a conservative family, but his ideology was very different than his family, Cox told NBCs Meet the Press Sunday.

Cox said it appeared Robinson abandoned a promising college career and became radicalized on the deep, dark corners of the internet gaming and message board world.

Officials have previously said bullet casings tied to the shooting were reportedly inscribed with references to video games and obscure memes, as well as phrases including Hey, fascist! Catch!" and "Bella Ciao, an apparent reference to a song with roots in Italian antifascism during World War II that has become popular with gamers.

The Republican governor added that Robinson is not cooperating with officials, but his roommate is. Cox described how the individual, whom he said was in a romantic relationship with Robinson, was shocked by the shooting and did not have any advanced knowledge of the attack.

open image in gallery Suspect in Charlie Kirk assassination had leftist ideology and was radicalized online, but motive still unconfirmed, Utah governor said ( FBI )

There is not a solid understanding whether there was a connection between the gender identity of the roommate, whom Cox described as transitioning from male to female, and Robinsons alleged shooting of Kirk, a conservative Christian who denied the legitimacy of transgender people, according to Cox.

In the wake of the shooting, allegations that Robinsons roommate or partner is transgender prompted some in the MAGA movement to repeat the false, debunked claim that trans people are more likely to carry out gun violence.

Investigators are probing whether Robinson considered Kirks views on trans people to be hateful, Axios reports, as well as whether any local leftist groups knew of or assisted in the shooting plot. Investigators are also reportedly in possession of electronic messages from Robinson that the roommate shared with police

Cox has previously described law enforcement uncovering messages, with a sender listed as Tyler, allegedly detailing wrapping the rifle used in the shooting in a towel and hiding it near Utah Valley University.

The Utah governor, speaking to CNN, said investigators were looking into conversations Robinson had with people close to him about Kirk. Cox declined to characterize the content of these conversations, besides describing Robinson as being not a fan of the conservative activist.

The governor has said further information about Robinson would be forthcoming next Tuesday when the suspect is due in court and prosecutors are expected to file formal charges backed by forensic evidence.

open image in gallery Tyler Robinsons roommate is reportedly cooperating with police, according to Utah Governor. Spencer Cox has said, who said the individual was shocked by the assassination

In the absence of more in-depth information about Robinson, prominent figures within Trumps orbit have pinned the blame on Democratic officials and groups on the left, though officials have not described Robinson as being a member of any such organizations, and the 22-year-old was not registered with any political party, according to public voter registration information seen by The Independent.

Stephen Miller claimed that Kirks last message to him before being shot was a call to dismantle and take on the radical left organizations in this country that are fomenting violence  a campaign the deputy White House chief of staff said he would continue following the activists death.

After the shooting, the president said in an Oval Office speech that people on the radical left [who] have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the worlds worst mass murderers and criminals are directly responsible for the terrorism that were seeing in our country today.

In a separate appearance on Fox & Friends, the president called for peaceful revenge at the ballot box for those upset after the shooting, though he went on to speak sympathetically about radicals on the right, who were radical because they dont want to see crime, looting, or illegal immigration, while radicals on the left are the problem.

Cox told Meet the Press that the White House asked him to appear on morning shows because theyre worried about the escalation thats happening out there.

But again, I dont know why we feel like we need to take our cues, that we as Americans have to get up in the morning and decide how were going to react or act based on what the president says, or what a governor says, or what anyone else says, Cox said.
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Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, known for his frequent breaks with the partys voting base on a wide range of issues, is now dismissing the idea that Donald Trump is acting like an autocrat.

Fetterman appeared on an interview with CNNs Manu Raju on the Sunday edition of Inside Politics. The senator swiped at protesters who confronted the president this past week at a swanky Washington D.C. restaurant as Trump ate dinner with top administration officials and supporters.

You dont ever compare anyone to Hitler, Fetterman told CNN. "This is not an autocrat. This is a product of a democratic election."

He went on to say that members of his party were wrong to accuse Trump and the Republican Party of seeking to tear up the U.S. Constitution, even as the president and his administration are undertaking what a wide range of experts, including the libertarian Cato Institute, argue is an unprecedented attempt to roll back free speech and expression rights for both Americans and noncitizens.

We cant just be, Trump is always wrong! Fetterman argued. A lot of Americans happen to disagree with you. That does not mean that they are fascists, or that they want to shred the Constitution.

John Fetterman frequently breaks with his party and has emerged as one of the most conservative-friendly Democrats in the Senate ( CNN State of the Union )

His remarks come after the administration jailed a college student for writing an op-ed and sought to revoke visas for foreign students who expressed views and opinions that ran counter to those of the White House and the State Department, even policing their personal social media accounts.

The president has also ordered a federalized takeover of Washington, D.C., which involved deploying National Guard troops around the city and a surge of federal law enforcement activity aimed at stopping street crime. The president battled with Washington, D.C., city leaders in the courts over taking over the citys police force, while Trump himself has openly threatened to replace the mayor.

The majority of arrests by federal law enforcement teams in the capital have been immigration-related, part of a national campaign of mass deportation and immigration enforcement raids the White House has launched around the country.

In the Oval Office, Trump has openly threatened his political enemies and has constructed a small team of loyalists to pursue the possibility of criminal investigations against key Democratic figures. His administration has sought to pressure top academic institutions like Harvard to toe a conservative line or lose federal funding, while instituting a loyalty purge across government.

The media has been another target; the president filed a $10bn lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and through a settlement with CBS Newss previous owner engineered the installation of Bari Weiss in a commanding role at one of Americas oldest remaining national news outfits.

Fetterman, meanwhile, has largely alienated the base of voters who elected him in 2022. A poll of Pittsburgh voters obtained by Politico in May showed the senator more unpopular than not with Democratic voters in the city of Pittsburgh, his home turf.

The senator now faces frequent sniping from his former Democratic opponent for the seat, Conor Lamb, as the latter remains an active participant in Democratic events around the state and often calls out Fetterman along with his Republican counterparts for not speaking directly to voters.

Interviews with Democrats in the state conducted by The Independent earlier this year suggested that Fettermans turn isnt well-received, either by everyday voters or state- and local-level Democratic officials around Pennsylvania.

The senators call for his party to tone down the rhetoric comes as Republicans have sought to cast blame on that very rhetoric for the shooting death of Charlie Kirk, at Utah Valley University this past week. Kirk, a close ally of Trump and members of his inner circle, was killed while at a public speaking engagement. A suspect turned himself in after a statewide manhunt was launched by Utah officials and the FBI.

At the same time, many on the right have veered towards overt calls for blood and vengeance in the wake of the shooting, such as Fox News host Jesse Watters.

They are at war with us. Whether we want to accept it or not, Watters said of Democrats and the left on his show after the shooting. "They are at war with us. And what are we going to do about it?"
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A lawsuit accuses the Trump administration of illegally deporting five African immigrants to Ghana, making the 16-hour journey in straitjackets, in an attempt to avoid court orders that blocked them from going back to their home countries.

A federal judge on Saturday said it appeared the Trump administration was making an end run around those court orders by first sending them to Ghana  which then could send them to countries where they face torture, persecution and death.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan ordered the government to provide assurances that Ghana would not send the immigrants elsewhere in violation of those court orders.

One day earlier, Chutkan said the Trump administration had, with a wink and a nod, deported those African nationals in an apparent attempt to have Ghana prepare to send them elsewhere.

What youre doing, what appears to be happening, is truly disingenuous, she said Friday.

A lawsuit against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accuses Trump administration officials of enlisting Ghana to do their dirty work by accepting U.S. deportees only to send them to countries where they face torture or persecution ( AP )

A lawsuit filed in Washington, D.C. on Friday accuses administration officials of enlisting Ghanas government to do their dirty work.

Despite the minimal, pass-through involvement of the Ghanaian government, [the Trump administrations] objective is clear: deport individuals who have been granted fear-based relief from being sent to their countries of origin to those countries anyway, in contravention to the rulings of U.S. immigration judges and U.S. immigration law, according to the complaint.

Homeland Security has denied that the deportees were in straitjackets.

Lawyers for the Department of Justice argued that immigration courts had issued final orders to remove all of the deportees, and that the State Department was working with Ghana to ensure they wouldnt be sent anywhere only to be tortured or persecuted.

But one of the plaintiffs has already been deported from Ghana to his native Gambia, where federal judges in the United States had previously determined he could not be sent, according to ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt.

Justice Department lawyer Elianis Perez argued that Judge Chutkan had no power to control how another country treats deportees.

She noted the Supreme Court this summer ruled the administration could continue sending immigrants to countries they are not from, even if they didnt get their day in court to raise fears of torture or persecution.

Gerlent compared the latest case to that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who the Trump administration mistakenly deported to El Salvador despite court orders prohibiting it, and then argued it couldn't get him back.

After orders from federal judges and the Supreme Court directed the administration to facilitate his return, Abrego Garcia eventually came back to the United States  only to face a human smuggling charges in Tennessee, as the Trump administration revives another attempt to deport him.

This appears to be a specific plan to make an end run around these obligations, Chutkan said of the administration shipping the immigrants to Ghana.

What does the government intend to do? And please dont tell me you dont have any control over Ghana because I know that, she said.

Chutkan later issued an order giving the administration until 9 p.m. Eastern time to file a declaration detailing how they were trying to ensure the other immigrants weren't improperly sent to their home countries from Ghana.

The administration resumed a policy of deporting immigrant detainees to so-called third countries in July, starting with the tiny African nation of Eswatini.

Trumps administration threatened to deport Abrego Garcia to four different countries within the span of less than two weeks, beginning shortly after he was released from federal custody in Tennessee only to land in an immigration detention center in Maryland a few days later.

Immigration officials outlined a plan for his removal to Costa Rica if he agreed to plead guilty to human smuggling charges. If he didnt, he would be sent to Uganda.

Officials suggested he could be sent back to his home country of El Salvador if he successfully reopens a case for asylum in the United States. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials then said he will be sent to Eswatini.

Additional reporting by the Associated Press
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Fox News host Brian Kilmeade issued a brief on-air apology after he said that homeless people suffering from mental health issues should be euthanized.

Kilmeade called his comments extremely callous.

The co-host of Fox & Friends, the networks flagship morning show, remarked on September 10. On Saturday, a clip of his comments resurfaced on social media, setting off a firestorm of outrage.

The remark was made in a discussion about the murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, who was stabbed to death on a light rail train in North Carolina by a homeless man with schizophrenia and an extensive criminal history.

Fox News host Brian Kilmeade apologizes for saying mentally ill homeless people should be involuntarily euthanized ( Fox News Channel )

On Sunday morning, Kilmeade said his piece to the camera, again prompted by his co-host Lawrence Jones: Yeah, and it actually happened when we were together on Wednesday, Lawrence. In the morning, we were discussing the murder of Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, North Carolina, and how to stop these kinds of attacks by homeless, mentally ill assailants, including institutionalizing or jailing such people so they cannot attack again.

He continued: Now, during that discussion, I wrongly said they should get lethal injections. I apologize for that extremely callous remark. I am obviously aware that not all mentally ill, homeless people act as the perpetrator did in North Carolina, and that so many homeless people deserve our empathy and compassion.

The viral clip begins with Jones decriing the fact that billions of dollars had been spent on mental health and the homeless, with supposedly little impact. He then advocated for removing any element of choice from participating in programs to help such people, or they would face jail.

Kilmeade then said: Or involuntary lethal injection or something. Just kill em.

Former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger tweeted: Jesus would be spending his time with these exact people you are suggesting be killed by the government. And condemning you.

Governor of California Gavin Newsom chose Proverbs 21:13 as his response: Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.

According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, around 20 percent of the male homeless population in the U.S. are military veterans.

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.

Nobody deserves to be murdered by the government for mental illness or poverty. These Fox hosts are calling for mass murderits sick.

Meanwhile, 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.
Key Points

A large portfolio of brands and strong brand power make Coca-Cola's business resilient.

Medtronic's recent moves should improve its top and bottom lines.

10 stocks we like better than Coca-Cola 

Ken Griffin is the founder and CEO of Citadel, a hedge fund established in 1990, whose long-term performance has been excellent. Citadel's track record suggests that Griffin knows a thing or two about how to beat the market, so it's not a bad idea to look into the fund's portfolio to get some ideas.

During the second quarter, Griffin and his team purchased many stocks, including Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) and Medtronic (NYSE: MDT). The fund increased its stake in Coca-Cola by nearly 2,000%, and in Medtronic by around 13%.

Here's why dividend-focused investors should consider following Griffin's lead and add these companies to their portfolios.

Image source: Getty Images.

1. Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola has several strengths that make it a top dividend stock. First, it has a resilient business. This is a leading consumer staples company that tends to perform relatively well even during tough economic times. And while many worry about the impact of tariffs on various corporations, Coke's business is somewhat insulated from that threat, as it tends to manufacture locally. Coca-Cola has been a reliable, consistent performer for a long time for these (and other) reasons, and it should remain so.

Second, Coca-Cola knows how to adapt its business to evolving consumer needs and demands. The company's best-known drinks remain part of its core offerings, but it also regularly launches new products or brands. Its portfolio is designed to cater to a wide range of preferences, offering drinks across practically every known category.

Third, the company benefits from a strong moat thanks to its brand name. Coca-Cola has one of the most recognizable logos in the world, which inspires confidence and trust. That makes it easy to command shelf space in grocery stores, which can be a challenging feat for newcomers to the industry.

Lastly, Coca-Cola has a terrific dividend track record. The company has increased its payouts for 63 consecutive years, earning it the title of Dividend King; very few corporations have a more impressive streak than that. Coca-Cola currently offers a forward yield of 3%, well above the S&P 500's average of 1.3%.

Its business might not be as exciting as, say, a company focused on artificial intelligence (AI). But Coca-Cola's stability and reliability, as well as its terrific dividend program, make it a top pick for income seekers.
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President Donald Trump said billionaire George Soros should be in jail as he continued to threaten the 95-year-old philanthropist and Democratic mega-donor.

The president has baselessly accused the Hungarian-born Holocaust survivor and founder of the nonprofit Open Society Foundation of funding protesters and demonstrations against his administration.

Were going to look into Soros, because I think its a RICO case against him and other people, Trump said Friday on Fox & Friends as he referenced his demand that Soros be prosecuted for racketeering.

Because this is more than like protests, he said. This is real agitation.

In a brief phone call Saturday with NBC News, the president stood by his attack on Soros and suggested that he should be imprisoned.

Donald Trump says the philanthropist George Soros should be in jail ( AFP/Getty )

Hes a bad guy, Trump told the outlet in brief remarks. It was not clear whether he elaborated further.

The Open Society Foundation funds progressive causes around the world, with a focus on justice, human rights and combating corruption in elections.

Soros, with his affiliated super political action committees, is also one of the biggest spenders when it comes to funding campaigns for Democratic candidates and causes, according to records with the Federal Election Commission.

In response to Trumps latest threats, the Open Society Foundation referred to a previous statement, rebuking the accusations as outrageous and false.

The Open Society Foundations, founded by George Soros and chaired by Alex Soros, do not support or fund violent protests, the organization said.

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, the statement added. We stand for fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, including the rights to free speech and peaceful protest that are hallmarks of any vibrant democracy.

Last month, the group said we do not pay people to protest or directly train or coordinate protestors.

All Open Society grantees are required to comply with the law and we expect our grantees to uphold our shared commitment to human rights, dignity, and nonviolence, the statement said. The Open Society Foundations oppose all forms of violence, including violent protests.

Following the killing of Charlie Kirk, Trump appeared in a video from the Oval Office and pledged to target each and every one of those who contributed this atrocity  including the organizations that fund and support it.

Trump previously said the liberal donor should face Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) charges, designed to target organized crime and famously used to break up the Mafia. Trump himself has faced RICO-like charges in Georgia, where prosecutors allege the president led a criminal enterprise to unlawfully overturn 2020 presidential election results in the state.

The presidents latest diatribe about Soros comes as the Department of Justice moves ahead with investigations into numerous Democratic figures and others whove expressed opposition to his policies.

Last month, the FBI searched the home of John Bolton, Trumps former national security adviser turned critic, allegedly for evidence that the veteran GOP foreign policy official had violated laws governing the handling of classified information  charges that Trump himself had also faced after leaving office.
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New Zealand police briefly joined Australias largest-ever police operation to find fugitive Dezi Freeman, who allegedly killed two officers in the Victorian town of Porepunkah.

Hundreds of police officers from Victoria, the Australian Federal Police, the army, and a contingent from New Zealand are part of a large-scale manhunt for Mr Freeman, who is accused of shooting dead a detective and a constable at his Porepunkah property last month.

Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart were tragically killed in the line of duty. A third police officer was seriously injured after being shot in the lower body, Victoria police said in a statement.

Desmond Freeman (Filby), sometimes known to associates as Dezi, is wanted in connection to the shooting death of two police officers in Porepunkah on Tuesday, 26 August, police said.

open image in gallery Alleged police-killer Desmond Freeman ( Victoria Police )

He is a conspiracy theorist and a self-described "sovereign citizen" who rejects government and law, according to local police.

The father of two was known to be a kind and polite person by locals, but seemingly changed during the Covid-19 pandemic and was outspoken about his deep distrust for government restrictions and lockdowns.

"He went from being just a pretty ordinary country bloke a normal dude you'd see at the local footy club all the time to quite a strange bloke. He fell down a bit of a rabbit hole and sort of disappeared and went off the radar, Sydney Morning Herald reported earlier this month.

open image in gallery Coffin of police officer Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, killed in a shooting at Porepunkah in Victoria's north-east last week ( AFP via Getty Images )

Mr Freeman has now been on the run for over 20 days, with police searching for him across hundreds of properties in Victoria "with and without warrant", including in abandoned houses, caves and huts, ABC News reported.

He is believed to be armed with firearms, and we urge people not to approach him, police said, adding that theres a reward of up to $664,000 (AUD 1M) for information leading to his arrest.

Authorities have eased a travel warning that urged people to avoid Porepunkah, but be vigilant and understand the environment.

Police say the search area contains "many places to hide", prompting authorities to put together a highly technical search that requires absolutely specialist capabilities to undertake because of the dangers that are involved.

"This is a really highly technical search that requires absolutely specialist capabilities to undertake because of the dangers that are involved, they said.

Victoria Police released several photos of officers in search of the alleged killer, including one where a specialist officer can be seen lying before a tunnel and another where three officers are crouched in a dark, narrow cave.

Until now, there have been no further confirmed sightings of the alleged killer.
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Donald Trump has said he is ready for major sanctions on Moscow  but only when Nato gives up the shocking purchasing of Russian oil.

In a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform Saturday morning, the US president said he believes the Russia-Ukraine war would end if all Nato countries stopped buying oil from Moscow and placed tariffs on China of 50 per cent to 100 per cent for its purchases of Russian petroleum.

He 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. Anyway, I am ready to go when you are. Just say when?

Since 2023, 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. Other members of the 32-state alliance involved in purchasing Russian oil include Hungary and Slovakia.

Trump's post arrives after the Wednesday flight of multiple Russian drones into Poland, an escalatory move by Russia as it was entering the airspace of a Nato ally. Poland shot down the drones, yet Trump played down the severity of the incursion and Russia's motives by saying it could have been a mistake.

open image in gallery Donald Trump has said he is ready for major sanctions on Moscow  but only when Nato gives up its shocking purchasing of Russian oil ( PA Wire )

US secretary of state Marco Rubio said on Saturday that the drone incursion was "unacceptable and unfortunate and dangerous", as he judged Nato's response so far to be appropriate. Still, Rubio said it was unclear if the drones were intentionally sent to Poland.

"The question is whether the drones were targeted to go into Poland specifically," Rubio said. "If that's the case, that the evidence leads us there, then obviously that would be a highly escalatory move."

While 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 Trump last month hosted Putin in Alaska for talks that failed to deliver on progress toward 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.

open image in gallery Territorial defence officers clean up debris from the destroyed roof of a house, after multiple Russian drones struck, in Wyryki near Lublin, Poland, on Thursday ( AP )

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, including businesses based in China and Turkey, that have supplied Russia with electronics, chemicals, explosives and other weapons components.

Trump, in his post on Saturday, 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 that Nato members should put the 50 per cent to 100 per cent tariffs on China and withdraw them if the war that began with Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine ends.

"China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia," he posted, and powerful tariffs "will break that grip".

open image in gallery Firefighters work at the site of a Russian drone strike in Sumy, Ukraine, on Friday ( via REUTERS )

The US president has already imposed a 25 per cent import tax on goods from India, specifically for its buying of Russian energy products. He has placed in total a 50 per cent tariff on India, though Trump has indicated that negotiations with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi could help settle differences.

The prospect of further import tax hikes on China and its retaliation could carry collateral damage for the US and European economies.

Earlier this year, Trump hit Chinese goods with new tariffs totaling 145 per cent, prompting China to respond with 125 per cent import taxes on American goods. Taxes at that level were essentially a blockade on commerce between the world's two largest economies, causing worries about global growth that led to negotiations that ratcheted down the tariffs being levied by both nations.

open image in gallery While 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 ( Sputnik )

So that trade talks could proceed, America lowered its tariffs against China to a still-high 30 per cent, while China took its rate to 10 per cent.

In his post, the Republican president said responsibility for the war fell on his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. He did not include in that list Putin, who launched the invasion.

Trump's post builds on a call on Friday with finance ministers in the Group of Seven, a forum of industrialised democracies. During the call, US trade representative Jamieson Greer and treasury secretary Scott Bessent called on their counterparts to have a "unified front" to cut off "the revenues funding Putin's war machine," according to Greer's office.
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Polish and allied aircraft were deployed in a "preventive" operation across Poland's airspace on Saturday, prompting the temporary closure of Lublin airport, amid concerns over potential drone strikes in neighbouring Ukrainian regions.

The two-hour alert followed an incident on Wednesday when multiple Russian drones reportedly crossed into Polish territory, leading to NATO fighter jets being scrambled to intercept them.

This has heightened long-standing concerns about the expansion of Russias war in Ukraine.

The Polish militarys operational command posted on X that ground-based air defence and reconnaissance systems were on high alert, stressing that "these actions are preventive in nature" to secure Poland's airspace and protect its citizens.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk also confirmed "preventive air operations" had begun due to the threat from Russian drones operating over nearby areas of Ukraine.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk shared 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," and the government security center warned of a threat of air attack for several border counties in the region.

Later Saturday, the military's operational command wrote on X that the operation has been completed and that ground-based defense and reconnaissance systems had returned to normal.

Russia has said it didn't target Poland on Wednesday, and Moscows ally, Belarus, said that the drones went astray because they were jammed. But European leaders have expressed certainty that the incursions were a deliberate provocation by Russia.

Polish aircraft have been scrambled repeatedly in recent months to patrol the country's airspace in connection with Russian airstrikes in Ukraine, but those strikes have usually occurred overnight or in the early morning.

Separately, Romania said it deployed two F-16 jets to intercept a drone that briefly entered its airspace on Saturday afternoon.

The drone did not fly over inhabited areas and did not represent an imminent danger to the security of the population, the NATO members defense ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said that teams of specialists would conduct searches for potential debris. Romanian authorities didn't specify where they thought the drone originated from.
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A significant Russian oil refinery was reportedly struck by Ukrainian drones overnight, sparking a fire, according to confirmations from both Russian officials and Ukraines military.

The attack on the Kirishi refinery, located in Russia's northwestern Leningrad region, marks the latest in a series of Ukrainian assaults on Russian oil infrastructure.

Kyiv asserts these strikes are aimed at disrupting Moscows war efforts. Operated by Russian oil major Surgutneftegas, the facility boasts a substantial annual output of nearly 17.7 million metric tons of crude, equivalent to 355,000 barrels per day.

Ukraines General Staff reported explosions and a fire at the Kirishi refinery, sharing a photograph purportedly showing a blaze against the night sky.

Regional Governor Alexander Drozdenko confirmed three drones were intercepted in the Kirishi area, with falling debris igniting the fire.

He stated no injuries occurred and the blaze was extinguished. The incident underscores the increasing role of drones as a pivotal weapon for both sides in the conflict, now in its fourth year.

Regional Governor Alexander Drozdenko said three drones were downed overnight in the Kirishi area, with falling debris sparking a fire at the facility ( Sputnik )

Concerns about the war extending beyond Ukraines borders were recently heightened when multiple Russian drones crossed into Poland, prompting NATO to scramble fighter jets.

Russian officials have yet to comment on the full consequences of the strike.

Russia remains the worlds second largest oil exporter, but a seasonal rise in demand and sustained Ukrainian drone strikes have caused gasoline shortages in recent weeks.

Gas stations have run dry in some regions of the country, with motorists waiting in long lines and officials resorting to rationing or cutting off sales altogether.

To try to ease the shortage, Russia has paused gasoline exports, with officials Wednesday declaring a full ban until Sept. 30 and a partial ban affecting traders and intermediaries until Oct. 31.
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Spain has formally summoned Israels acting ambassador in Madrid following accusations from the Israeli Prime Ministers office that Spains prime minister had threatened Israel.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares called in Dana Erlich, Israels charge daffaires and the highest-ranking diplomat in the country, to convey a strong message.

An official from Spains Foreign Ministry, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to speak publicly, said the purpose was "to categorically reject the false and slanderous statements from the Israeli Prime Ministers office".

It's the latest development in an ongoing diplomatic tit-for-tat between the two countries that ensued after Spain's prime minister announced measures on Monday to pressure Israel to end the Gaza war.

In a post Thursday on social platform X, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had made a blatant genocidal threat", in reference to comments made by the Spanish leader when he announced the steps the Spanish government was taking.

Spain, as you know, doesnt have nuclear bombs, nor aircraft carriers or large oil reserves. We alone cant stop the Israeli offensive, Mr Sanchez said in a televised address Monday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ( Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference at the Prime minister's office in Jerusalem, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. (Abir Sultan/Pool Photo via AP, file) )

The measures included an embargo on weapons, ammunition and military equipment sold to or from Israel and blocking Israel-bound fuel deliveries from passing through Spanish ports.

Since then, Israel and Spain have each banned a pair of ministers from the opposite country.

Spain's government has been an outspoken critic of Israels war in Gaza, which began after Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, on 7 October 2023, and abducted 251 hostages.

Israels offensive has killed more than 64,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not say how many were civilians or combatants.
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At the Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, trauma nurse Elidalis Burgos is sitting with the lifeless body of one-year-old Khaled.

As medics around her rush to treat their next victim, she asks who will take the baby boy to the morgue. No one, she is told. Doctors have named him Khaled as he has no known family.

Ms Burgos, a 44-year-old nurse from the US who was working in Gaza over the summer, recalls the surreal, out-of-body experience of taking Khaled to the morgue roughly 800 metres away. There, she placed him in a freezer filled with other bodies.

I found myself patting his little back like you would trying to put a baby to sleep, she tells The Independent. I kept having to remind myself, youre not putting him to sleep  hes not alive. It was horrific.

open image in gallery Trauma nurse Elidalis Burgos in Gaza over the summer ( Elidalis Burgos )

Khaled is another casualty of Israels relentless military offensive in the Strip, which recently expanded into Gaza City. Hospitals already struggling to treat a surge in war victims have themselves been targeted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Doctors, journalists and aid workers have all been killed.

Israel has ordered mass evacuations from Gaza City, accompanying the orders with heavy bombardment of high-rise towers which it claims host Hamas infrastructure. As bombing intensifies in the city, the IDF is attempting to push Palestinians towards the southern area of al-Mawasi, which it has repeatedly bombed despite designating it as a safe zone.

Medecins Sans Frontieres said on Thursday that the expanding offensive had left the health system on the brink, with the ongoing escalation in Gaza City threatening the closure of 11 out of 18 partially functioning hospitals in the Strip.

open image in gallery An injured Palestinian boy awaits treatment at the Kuwaiti hospital following Israeli strikes in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip ( AFP/Getty )

Already ravaged by disease and famine, children are increasingly arriving at these hospitals with gruesome injuries and severe illnesses but no family or loved ones to support them, medical staff told The Independent.

Often these children  and I'm talking about kids from the age of two and up  arrive without an adult, said Dr Saira Hussain, an Australian medic, speaking shortly after her return home after a month working in Gaza.

So there would literally just be a child on a makeshift trolley on its own, with horrific injuries, waiting to come into the theatre for an operation.

open image in gallery A displaced Palestinian girl walks next to an impact crater, left behind after an Israeli strike, at a camp for internally displaced people in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip ( AFP/Getty )

In May, the United Nations said that more than 50,000 children had been killed or injured since Israel began its military campaign in Gaza in October 2023, which was triggered by the killing of more than 1,200 Israelis by Hamas on 7 October.

Acute malnutrition is also having a severe impact on younger populations. In July nearly 12,000 children under the age of five were found to have acute malnutrition, including more than 2,500 with severe malnutrition, according to the UN. The World Health Organisation says this is likely an underestimation.

A report from the Palestinian statistics agency in April stated that more than 39,000 children in Gaza had lost either one or both parents since Israels campaign began. The agency concluded that Gaza was suffering from the largest orphan crisis in modern history.

Speaking over the phone, Dr Hussain recounts children being wheeled into the operating theatre for critical and life-saving operations; their parents and family either lost, injured or dead.

open image in gallery A Palestinian girl in the wreckage after an overnight strike on the Sheikh Radwan Health Centre in the north of Gaza City ( AFP/Getty )

One night in July, Dr Hussain recalls, a 12-year-old girl came into the hospital in need of urgent repair to her oesophagus.

She had tubes coming out of both of her lungs, leaking faeces, with a ruptured abdomen. There was nobody with her. She was just pushed and sort of left in the corridor. So you can imagine the fear and the pain that this child is in.

Another child, around three years old, had suffered severe burn wounds. Over multiple visits to his bed to change his dressings, Dr Hussain did not once see an adult or relative with him.

Hed be lying there, unable to move, just whining for his father. Thats all he would do. And I think I saw that kid about three times, and every time he was on his own and saying the same thing. There was never anybody with him.

The head of paediatrics at Nasser Hospital, Dr Ahmed al-Farra, told The Independent that children often die in the hospital alone.

open image in gallery Up to 40,000 children have lost one or both parents, says the Palestinian statistics agency ( AFP/Getty )

Ms Burgos, the trauma nurse, said that the treatment of children who are alone was becoming commonplace because the bombardments are so massive.

Whole families are being wiped out at a time, she added.

At the Nasser Hospital, where many displaced people are living to escape the Israeli bombardment, the corridors ring with the sound of dozens of children who have nowhere else to go.

In every hallway, children run up to you to ask for food and water, said Ms Burgos. I don't know if theyre there with their families or by themselves. But they are everywhere.
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Sunday, as Israeli forces intensified their assault on northern Gaza, resulting in the destruction of another high-rise building and the deaths of at least 12 Palestinians.

Mr Rubio stated prior to his visit that he would be seeking clarity from Israeli officials regarding their proposed path forward in Gaza.

This comes in the wake of Israels recent attack on Hamas operatives in Qatar, an action that reportedly derailed ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire.

The two-day visit also serves as a demonstration of support for Israel, which faces increasing international isolation, particularly as the United Nations prepares for a potentially contentious debate on the establishment of a Palestinian state  a proposal strongly opposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Mr Rubios trip proceeded despite President Donald Trumps reported anger at Mr Netanyahu over the Israeli strike in Doha, which Mr Trump claimed the United States was not informed of in advance.

On Friday, Mr Rubio and Mr Trump met with Qatars prime minister to discuss the repercussions of the Israeli operation.

These consecutive high-level meetings with both Israel and Qatar underscore the Trump administrations efforts to balance relations between key Middle Eastern allies amidst widespread international condemnation of the attack.

open image in gallery US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is greeted upon arrival by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, at Ben Gurion International Airport ( REUTERS )

The Doha attack also appears to have ended attempts to secure an Israel-Hamas ceasefire and the release of hostages ahead of the upcoming U.N. General Assembly session, at which the Gaza war is expected to be a primary focus.

On Sunday, at least 13 Palestinians were killed and dozens were wounded in multiple Israeli strikes across Gaza, according to local hospitals.

Local hospitals said Israeli strikes targeted a vehicle near Shifa hospital and a roundabout in Gaza City, and a tent in the city of Deir al-Balah that killed at least six members of the same family.

Two parents, their three children and the childrens aunt were killed in that strike, according to the Al-Aqsa hospital. The family was from the northern town of Beit Hanoun, and arrived in Deir al-Balah last week after fleeing their shelter in Gaza City

The Israeli military did not have an immediate comment on the strikes.

As part of its expanding operation in Gaza City, the Israeli military destroyed a high-rise residential building on Sunday morning, less than an hour after an evacuation order posted online by the military spokesman Avichay Adraee.

Residents said the Kauther tower in the Rimal neighborhood was flattened to the ground. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

open image in gallery A bomb dropped during an Israeli military strike approaches a building in Gaza City ( Associated Press/Yousef Al Zanoun )

This is part of the genocidal measures the (Israeli) occupation is carrying out in Gaza City, said Abed Ismail, a Gaza City resident. They want to turn the whole city into rubble, and force the transfer and another Nakba.

The word Nakba is Arabic for catastrophe and refers to when some 700,000 Palestinians were expelled by Israeli forces or fled their homes in what is now Israel, before and during the 1948 war that surrounded its creation.

Israeli strongly denies accusations of genocide in Gaza

Separately, two Palestinian adults died of causes related to malnutrition and starvation in the Gaza Strip over the last 24 hours, the territorys health ministry reported Sunday.

That has brought the death toll from malnutrition-related causes to 277 since late June, when the ministry started to count fatalities among this age category, while another 145 children died of malnutrition-related causes since the start of the war in October 2023, the ministry said.

The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, abducting 251 people and killing some 1,200, mostly civilians. There are still 48 hostages remaining in Gaza, of whom 20 Israel believes are still alive.

Israels retaliatory offensive has killed at least 64,803 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not say how many were civilians or combatants. It says around half of those killed were women and children. Large parts of major cities have been completely destroyed and around 90% of some 2 million Palestinians have been displaced. ___

Magdy reported from Cairo. Associated Press writer Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed to this report.
What a paradox. Angela Rayner had long been poised to seize Keir Starmers crown, and yet the moment she left the government, the speculation about his future intensified.

She was too canny a politician to show overt disloyalty, and had even taken in recent months to saying that she didnt want to be prime minister, but she was always the one that Starmer feared. All prime ministers worry about their job security more than outsiders think is justified. They imagine that they are going to be toppled at any moment, even when there are no outward signs of a threat to their position.

Suddenly, those inner fears are writ large in public, and Labour MPs are talking about when Starmer will go. The speculation is both vacuous froth and deeply damaging at the same time.

Who is the Labour MP who has said that Starmer doesnt seem up to the job and that the party cannot carry on with him? It is Clive Lewis, a member of the 19-strong Socialist Campaign Group, which is always opposed to the leader, except when it was one of their own, Jeremy Corbyn.

And who is the Labour MP who is being touted in The Guardian as Starmers replacement? It is Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, who is not an MP. For him to become an MP and therefore eligible to take over would require him to win a by-election, and I am not sure that there is any seat in the country in which a Labour candidate would be safe from Nigel Farages party.

The closest Burnham is likely to get to No 10, it seems to me, would be getting Lucy Powell, his ally, elected as deputy leader of the party, which would give her a platform but no power.

What, above all, is the alternative programme that this spasm of discontent would like to see brought in to restore the governments popularity and see off the threat from Farage? According to Emily Thornberry, it is to stop making mistakes, which at least has the virtue of making logical sense, but she had to withdraw from the deputy leadership contest after securing fewer nominations than the Campaign Group candidate.

Otherwise, the ideological challenge to Starmer comes from a new group called Mainstream, which is supported by a roll call of the so-called soft left, starting with Burnham, taking in a range from former Corbynite Clive Lewis to former Blairite Geoff Mulgan, and ending with Neil Kinnock. It wants to lift the two-child limit on benefits, tax the rich even more and embrace pluralism, which I think means proportional representation.

Forgive my scepticism. Everyone is for reducing child poverty, even Farage, but few are keen to pay for it, preferring to tax Other People instead. Unfortunately, Rachel Reeves ran out of Other People to tax last year, so it is unclear what Mainstreams programme would mean in practice.

Luke Akehurst, the Blairite MP for North Durham, got it right: This project seems to be an attempt to revisit the political strategy that led Labour to a tragic general election defeat under Ed Miliband in 2015. He said: Soft-left politics might well pile up big Labour majorities in major cities and university towns, but it does not address the concerns of voters in middle England, the red wall or Scotland.

That, then, is the plot to bring down Starmer. It doesnt have a candidate, or a policy, or anyone to speak for it in public who isnt a Corbynite.

So what is all the fuss about? It is about the fundamental principle of parliamentary democracy: that power lies with whoever commands the confidence of the majority of the House of Commons. It seems extraordinary, but we have already reached a point, 14 months after a huge election victory, where the confidence of Labour MPs in Starmer is so weak as to threaten his ability to get the normal business of government through parliament.

He has already U-turned on cutting pensioners winter fuel payments and making savings from disability benefits. Now he has appeared to vindicate the many Labour MPs who opposed the appointment of Peter Mandelson to Washington. One moment, Starmer showed a sure political touch, turning Rayners fall into a chance to set the agenda with a bold reshuffle; but the next, he seemed unable to read a piece of paper under his nose, defending Mandelson on Wednesday before sacking him on Thursday.

Most Labour MPs have a survival instinct strong enough to refuse to put their names to their dismay in public, but enough of them are prepared to say what they think to journalists unattributably to reveal the true state of the partys morale. Some of them do not even say what they think, criticising Morgan McSweeney, the prime ministers chief of staff, who made himself vulnerable by urging Starmer to appoint Mandelson, one of his mentors, in the first place and then to defend him, when Starmer had his doubts.

Criticising the kings adviser is only an indirect way of criticising the king, however, and Starmer has to take responsibility for his choice of chief of staff.

Starmers situation is serious. The opposition to him in the party has no candidate and no policy. It has a semi-mythical king of the north on whom it projects its soft-left fantasies, and it has no policy on the one thing that really would cut the ground from under Farages feet, namely, stopping the boats.

For the moment, Starmer is the best placed to defeat Farage at the next election, but Starmers own MPs in parliament do not believe in him any more, and are beginning to think that he will not last long as prime minister. Once that idea takes hold, anything can happen. With a Budget coming up and no majority in the Commons for the spending cuts or tax rises needed, it could start to happen quite soon.
'Deliberate Campaign of Terror': Syrian Christians Facing 'Accelerated Cultural Erasure'

Christian Syrians lift crosses as they rally in the Duweilaah area of Damascus on Dec. 24, 2024, to protest the burning of a Christmas tree near Hama in central Syria. ( Louai Beshara/AFP via Getty Images) WASHINGTON -- Radical jihadis and other extremist groups have carried out brutal mass killings and other human rights violations against Syria's religious minorities, prompting calls from religious freedom advocates for the United States to take action.

Dr. Morhaf Ibrahim, president of the Alawites Association of the United States, says the attacks against Syria's Christian, Alawite and Druze communities are not just random acts of violence.

"It's a deliberate campaign of terror," Ibrahim declared during a Wednesday press conference AAUS hosted on Capitol Hill to discuss the atrocities committed against Syrian ethno-religious minorities.

Since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, Syria's religious minorities are facing a rapid increase in violence from foreign jihadis, Assad loyalists and militias unleashed by Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, Ibrahim said.

After the Islamic alliance Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which is made up of former Islamic State and Al Qaeda fighters, ousted President Bashar al-Assad, religious freedom advocates have feared for the safety of Christians and other minority groups.

Following an Assad loyalist insurgency, Sunni fighters slaughtered almost 1,500 Alawite community members along Syria's Mediterranean coast in early March, according to Reuters. The report highlighted the sheer brutality with which the perpetrators treated the victims, including one man whose heart was ripped out of his chest and placed on his body for his father to find.

Ibrahim condemned other brutalities committed against religious minorities, such as the abduction of women and girls who are then sold into sexual slavery or forced into marriages.

On June 22, a bombing at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus killed over two dozen people. The bomber wore an explosive vest as he entered the church during a Sunday morning prayer service, where he proceeded to open fire on congregants.

"Syrian Christians who have endured centuries of political repression and sectarian violence now face an existential crisis," Richard Ghazal, the executive director of In Defense of Christians, which advocates for the protection of Christians in the Middle East, said.

He believes the attack illustrates a "sobering reality."

"With every suicide bombing, every desecrated church, every community exodus, Syria edges closer to losing a 2,000-year-old spiritual and cultural pillar," Ghazal said.

Before the start of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, Christians made up about 10% (2 million) of the Syrian population and co-existed with Muslim neighbors as the area is home to one of the world's oldest Christian communities. Today, fewer than 300,000 Christians remain in Syria.

The ancient Syrian city of Antioch is where followers of Jesus were first called Christians, Ghazal noted, and the road to the capital of Damascus is where the Apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul, became blind after an encounter with Jesus. The experience marked Paul's conversion from a persecutor of Christians to a devout follower of Christ.

The June attack on the church was not just another act of terror, but "a signal of the accelerated cultural and religious erasure," Ghazal said.

Crediting Christians, Alawites and Druze communities with having served as a "moderating force" in Syria, modeling virtues such as compassion while providing an example of peaceful coexistence, Ghazal warned about the negative impact their elimination would cause.

"Their elimination would cause a narrowing of ideas, a narrowing of identities, and a narrowing of beliefs, which would enable radical ideologies to reach an otherwise moderate Muslim demographic," the IDC executive director said.

Christianity's extinction in Syria would also, as Ghazal described it, "mark the loss of a vital bridge between East and West."

"Syriac Christianity has provided unique access into the mind, culture, and worldview native to Christ and the Apostles, and thus shaped the theology of the early Church and connected the Western tradition with its Semitic roots," the advocate explained. "Its loss would sever a crucial link in this shared civilizational heritage."

In response to increasing Sunni radicalism and violence from other groups, Ghazal urged the U.S. to press Syria's interim government to seek accountability against the perpetrators of violent attacks against ethno-religious minorities.

As the advocate acknowledged, however, Syria's interim government is a coalition of Islamic factions.

"Any diplomatic normalization must be strategically structured to establish guardrails for the transitional government's behavior and mechanisms for accountability, providing a framework for leverage and influence," Ghazal advised.

"The U. S. must condition any formal diplomatic normalization on the Syrian transitional governance, guaranteed to protect minority rights, religious freedom, and enshrine constitutional safeguards," he added.

Ibrahim wants to see the U.S. Congress and the Trump administration "take immediate action that reflects America's leadership in defending human rights and protecting minorities" by pressing the Syrian regime to halt its sectarian policies and support an inclusive government built on free and internationally monitored elections.

"Protecting Alawites, Christians, Druze, Kurds, and all minorities is not a moral imperative. It is the foundation of lasting peace in the Middle East," Ibrahim said. "We believe that the best plan for a stable, prosperous Syria is by adopting decentralization."

Decentralization, he said, would allow these minority communities to "freely govern themselves."

Ghazal suggested several reforms, including constitutional protections for ethno-religious minorities, guaranteeing their right to worship and "participate freely in public life." Ghazal also called for "the reform and professionalization" of Syrian security forces to replace "the patchwork militias and foreign jihadist fighters."

"World leaders and policymakers must move beyond reactive condemnations and adopt proactive strategies to preserve what remains of Syria's religiously diverse heritage, recognizing its enduring significance in global civilization," Ghazal stated, warning that the consequences of indifference will not stop at Syria's borders.
A top Blackstone executive says that elite degrees will only get you so farpeople with qualities like strong work ethic, an entrepreneurial mindset, and kindness are those who stand out in the long run.

In a recent LinkedIn post, Blackstone President and COO Jon Gray told new analysts they should not kiss up to the bosses or sharp elbow their peers to advance.

Most of you went to elite universities. You did really well, you were in the top of your class. You are people who are successful by nature and hardworking, Gray acknowledged in a video posted to his LinkedIn account. But when I look around at the people who truly succeeded at Blackstone, its not the good enough crowd, right? Its the people who are like, hey, Im gonna make sure I get this absolutely right.'

Gray said those who rise the furthest at Blackstone have the capacity to work well with others and innovate to make the firm a better place.

The mistake people make is theyre like, Im going to really kiss up to the bosses, and Im going to be sharp-elbowed with the people side by side and the people at the bottom,' Gray said.

He urged analysts instead to be as nice to everybody you touch inside the building, outside the building, calling kindness an amazing superpower to have.

To succeed, Gray told employees they should work harder and care more; this is not complicated. He also encouraged them to think like entrepreneurs and treat people in a really great way, the way you would like to be treated.

The importance of skills-based hiring

Grays comments come as young Americans navigate a tough job market. Newly revised data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics released Tuesday show the U.S. economy created nearly one million fewer jobs over the past year than previously thought.

The weak labor market has some Gen Z workers questioning whether a college degree is worth the cost. A recent survey by Indeed found that more than one-third of recent graduates say their degree was a waste of money, citing soaring tuition and the impact of artificial intelligence on business.

Gray comments come as businesses place more importance on emotional intelligence, or EQ, a skill increasingly seen as essential for executives. A 2024 LinkedIn report found a 31% increase since 2018 in C-suite leaders highlighting soft skills on their profiles. The most commonly listed skills included giving effective presentations, strategic thinking, communication, strategic vision and conflict resolution.
Trade

Irish exports increased to Russia by almost 98pc in June compared to the same period in 2024, according to new figures.
Aer Lingus offers 4pc rise to ground staff and cabin crew, bringing them close to matching pilots pay deal

Proposed deal follows an earlier 12.25pc and now goes to ballot

An Aer Lingus aeroplane landing at Dublin. Photo: Getty

Fearghal O'Connor Sun 14 Sep 2025 at 06:30

Aer Lingus has offered its ground staff and cabin crew a 4pc pay rise in exchange for agreeing to work practice changes that are largely already in place at the airline.
Fears backdoor routes are supplying Russia with Irish goods on sanctions list

Irish exports to countries in Moscows orbit, including Georgia and Kyrgyzstan, hit almost 216.5m at the end of 2024

Kyrgyzstan has long been suspected of acting as a back door for Russia-bound trade

Sean Pollock Sun 14 Sep 2025 at 06:30

Exports to countries in Russias orbit have continued to soar since it invaded Ukraine, fuelling fears Irish goods subject to sanctions are finding their way into the country through the backdoor.
Founder and CEO of Manna Aero, Bobby Healy with one of his delivery drones. Photo: Mark Condren

Drone delivery company Manna is seeking to continue using a drone base in Blanchardstown, where it had been operating without planning permission.

Manna, founded by serial tech entrepreneur Bobby Healy, was recently hit with an enforcement action by Fingal after inspectors found it was operating launch sites without planning permission, including from the base in a car park at the health and leisure centre Junction 6 in west Dublin.
A piece of paper is the only thing preventing my family in Gaza from being evacuated

Irish-Palestinian family plead for help as they cannot desert grandad after his passport was damaged by bomb

Khalid El-Astal (32) with his children Sara (2) and Ali (5). Their grandad, Dr Ali El-Astal, is trapped in Gaza. Photo: Mark Condren

Laura Lynott Sun 14 Sep 2025 at 06:30

Hope hangs by a thread for an Irish-Palestinian family split between Ireland and Gaza, who say they feel abandoned by the Irish Government and fear their loved ones will be killed.
Americans account for 60pc of property purchases in some Irish towns and villages, estate agent says

LGBTQ+ couples fleeing Trump and US culture wars believed to see Ireland as a safe haven

House prices have grown by about 50 percent on average over the last five years

Wayne O'Connor Sun 14 Sep 2025 at 06:30

There has been a sharp rise in gay and lesbian couples from the US buying homes in Ireland since US President Donald Trump was re-elected last year, auctioneers have said.
Catherine Connolly admitted she would be "delighted" to have the support of Sinn Fein in her Presidential bid.

Ms Connolly - speaking during a canvass in Cork - said she was honoured to have the support of People Before Profit, the Labour Party and the Social Democrats.
Its not much fun dodging drones, but Ill stay the course: Tadgh Hickey vows to continue with Gaza flotilla

Comedian is on board the Global Sumud Flotilla, which set sail on August 31 from Spain and is made up of more than 50 boats heading towards Gaza

Tadhg Hickey attends the press conference prior to the flotilla depart on August 31, 2025, in Barcelona, Spain. Photo: Mario Wurzburger

Ali Bracken Sun 14 Sep 2025 at 06:30

Irish comedian Tadhg Hickey has vowed that he will stay the course with a humanitarian mission after the Gaza-bound aid supply boat that he was on caught fire following an apparent targeted drone attack.
Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan wants Micheal Martin to lead Fianna Fail into the next general election as he dismissed suggestions of damage to M Martins leadership after the parliamentary party vote on their presidential election nomination.

Mr O'Callaghan  speaking at the Liam Lynch commemoration at Kilcrumper in north Cork - was questioned about the future leadership of the party after Ireland South Billy Kelleher last week received a much stronger than anticipated vote against former Dublin GAA boss Jim Gavin who was personally endorsed by Mr Martin.
A man in his 30s has been arrested after an elderly man was assaulted in Tipperary town on Friday night.

The injured man (80s) remains in critical condition in hospital following the serious assault at St Michaels Avenue in the town at around 9.35pm on Friday.
Die: After the individual has died, the step-up basis rule resets the tax base to current market value (referred to as rebasing in the UK). The heirs then inherit assets with no capital gains liability. The gain is simply wiped on death, said Mr Little.

Borrow: Once youve taken ownership of an appreciating asset, youre then in a position to borrow against it. In the US, this can be in the form of a loan, which the super-rich use to fund their lifestyle but in a tax-efficient way. Mr Little added: Loans arent taxable income, and the ultra-rich get the cheapest credit terms imaginable. Ideally, the interest rate will be less than the growth rate of the assets.

Buy: The process begins with the purchase of assets that appreciate over time, such as shares, property or even businesses. David Little, financial planning partner at wealth management firm Evelyn Partners, said: In the US [as in the UK], capital gains tax is only paid on disposal. As long as the wealthy dont sell, their paper gains go untaxed, and the compounding effect boosts the valuations.

Although the concept has been used for many years, Prof Edward McCaffery is credited with coining it buy, borrow, die in the 1990s as a means of explaining to his students how rich families stay rich, generation after generation.

In the US, this process often benefits from a tax reset known as the step-up in basis, meaning heirs inherit assets at their current market value, wiping out the original capital gains liability.

These include buying appreciating assets, borrowing against them to access liquidity without triggering capital gains tax by selling in part or in full, and passing them on to beneficiaries upon death.

The buy, borrow, die strategy, popularised in the US, is a wealth preservation technique used by ultra-high-net-worth individuals involving three key steps, explained Shaun Moore, a tax and financial planning expert at Quilter.

Here, Telegraph Money explains how the strategy works and how it could be adopted for families of more modest means here in the UK.

Essentially a form of leveraging, it allows wealthy individuals to buy appreciating assets, borrow against them to fund their lifestyle, and then, when they die, the assets can be passed on to the next generation tax-free.

For years, Americas super-rich have been honing the buy, borrow, die strategy as a means of keeping wealth in the family and side-stepping tax.

Story Continues

The strategy is so effective because it enables wealthy people in America to live off borrowed money tax-free without eating into their assets, which can then be passed on to their beneficiaries tax-free when they die.

A US example of the buy, borrow, die method

The following example from Evelyn Partners shows how buy, borrow, die works in the US.

Imagine an American woman called Alice bought $500,000 of shares in 2000. By 2025, theyre worth $10m.

If she sold those shares, shed pay around $2.25m in federal capital gains tax. Instead, she borrows $5m against this wealth to spend.

When she dies, her heirs then inherit the shares at $10m. They could sell them the next day with no capital gains tax bill, and the estate tax would not apply as its within the generous allowance.

As a result, Alices lucky heirs inherit the full $10m with no taxable gains.

Can buy, borrow, die work in the UK?

The biggest stumbling block for anyone wanting to employ the strategy on this side of the Atlantic is, of course, inheritance tax. In the UK, its a lot harder to pass family wealth down the generations tax-free.

Mr Moore said: Borrowing against assets is generally viewed as capital, so it is not taxable income. However, while the UK does offer a capital gains tax uplift on death similar to the step-up basis, inheritance tax applies at 40pc on estates above a 325,000 threshold (plus a possible 175,000 addition where residential property passes to a lineal descendant).

Debts on assets which are payable by an estate are deductible, helping to reduce the valuation for inheritance tax purposes.

In the US, there is a form of inheritance tax called estate tax, but as Mr Little explained, its not as punitive as the British equivalent. With a current exemption of $13.99m per person (rising to $15m in 2026 under new legislation), it only affects the very wealthiest households. In practice, many billionaires work around it with trusts and philanthropy.

A UK example of the Buy, borrow, die method

Heres how buy, borrow, die would work in the UK, with another example from Evelyn Partners.

If Alice were a UK resident, the mechanics of buying and borrowing would look similar. Capital gains tax (now 24pc for higher-rate taxpayers) is only paid on sale, and loans are not taxable income. So far, so good. At death, assets in Britain are also rebased to market value, wiping out historic gains.

The catch is that Alices heirs will need to pay inheritance tax.

In the UK, the nil-rate band for inheritance tax is 325,000 per person, with an extra 175,000 if the family home passes to direct descendants (which doesnt apply in this example as total wealth is above 2m).

Assuming Alice has already used all her available allowances, this leaves the entire share value exposed to a 40pc tax charge  a liability that would be close to 4m.

In this case, those in the UK would need to work harder to plan their estate wealth management to shield their cash from inheritance tax and may consider steps such as setting up trusts and making gifts.

Unlike the US, theres no multimillion-pound exemption for the middle classes, said Mr Little. Unless wealth is tied up in qualifying business assets or sheltered by trusts, HMRC will take a vast slice before heirs see a penny.

He added: In the US, the buy, borrow, die method lets fortunes cascade across generations with minimal tax friction. In the UK, the strategy collapses at the final hurdle because inheritance tax is unavoidable and starts biting at comparatively low thresholds.

For UK families, clever planning can soften the blow, but the dream of living tax-free and passing assets untouched to heirs remains firmly on the other side of the Atlantic.

US vs UK: Buy, borrow, die compared

The table below shows how the tactic compares in America versus the UK.

Can you still use leveraging to your advantage?

In the UK, inheritance tax will take the shine off any buy, borrow, die strategies. But some investors might still try to use leveraging within their financial planning, as Mr Moore explained: Wealthy individuals sometimes borrow against assets to fund their lifestyles while keeping investments intact, he said.

This can defer capital gains and preserve long-term growth, to then be passed to their loved ones. But its far less common in the UK, where securities-backed lending is niche and borrowing against shares is complex and often expensive.

A private bank could be the answer here, but usually only if you want to leverage your assets to buy property. Unlike high street lenders, private banks can be much more flexible when it comes to what they are willing to lend against. While youll usually need to have a certain amount of wealth to start with  around 1m is not unusual  you may be offered a mortgage even if you dont have any income, as long as you have enough assets to show how youll pay it back.

Depending on your situation, the property may be for personal use or used to create a new income stream  allowing you to build your wealth further.

Could sell, gift, die be a better option?

Mr Little tentatively suggests an alternative option better suited to the UK could be sell, gift, die.

Taking into account the highest rate of capital gains tax is currently 24pc in the UK, compared to inheritance tax at 40pc, if succession planning is the goal, then it would make sense to sell down assets and then gift prior to death.

The caveat is that you need to survive at least seven years for gifts to be passed on free of inheritance tax. As it is virtually impossible to predict our own date of death, this makes this strategy very risky in older years, he said.

The worst-case scenario would be paying capital gains tax to sell down an asset, give the cash to an heir and then pass away shortly thereafter. This would mean paying 24pc capital gains tax on sale and then a further 40pc inheritance tax on death.

For these reasons, it always makes sense to seek professional advice before you put in place any plans to reduce a potential tax bill.

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Distinguished academic and author Jerusha Hull McCormack, who lectured in University College Dublin for 30 years before taking up a similar position in China, has died at the age of 82.

She was born on May 30, 1943, daughter of physicist Gordon Ferrie Hull Jr and his wife Mona Jerusha (nee Cutler). She grew up in New England, except for a five-year European stint between 1949 and 1954, primarily spent in London and Switzerland.
Reading was superpower that helped with my MS diagnosis, says Meath GAA star Cillian OSullivan

Footballer is urging others to take part in the MS Readathon

Meath footballer Cillian O'Sullivan, who is living with MS, pictured at Rathdown School in Dublin's Glenageary, launching the MS Ireland Readathon. Photo: Andres Poveda.

Sun 14 Sep 2025 at 12:00

Meath footballer Cillian OSullivan has told how acknowledging the rollercoaster of emotions through therapy has helped him to manage after being diagnosed with MS.
Colourful Cork native Eoin OMahony chased local authorities to secure his nomination in 1966

The right of local authorities to nominate candidates for the presidency, now much in the news, was invoked little in elections until relatively recently. However, in 1966, a redoubtable Corkman called Eoin OMahony, known affectionately as The Pope, attempted to go this route to contest the re-election of the 83-year-old President Eamon de Valera.
Conor McGregor witnesses were not living opposite Nikita Hand at time they claimed, gardai told

Couple who said they saw assault by Hands then partner had not yet moved into Drimnagh house, detectives hear

Conor McGregor outside Leinster House making presidency bid

Ali Bracken and Maeve Sheehan Sun 14 Sep 2025 at 13:30

Gardai have taken statements from key witnesses contradicting a Dublin couples claims that they were living across the street from Nikita Hand at the time she said she was raped by Conor McGregor.
A rally held at Belfast City Hall to remember Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead this week at a university. Photo: Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Charlie's Kirks tragic death and the fiery reaction to it should be seen as warnings of what can happen when hardline voices drown out the decent majority. Photo: Thomas Machowicz/Reuters

The heat and noise of an Irish presidential election feels almost reassuringly old-fashioned when compared with the bleaker political forces at play in other countries.

The murder of influential conservative Charlie Kirk in Utah last week was a terrifying glimpse of where the toxic divisions tearing apart public life in the US may lead if allowed to fester. In the UK and Europe too, destructive impulses have bubbled to the surface.

The best lack all conviction, while the worst are full of passionate intensity, WB Yeats wrote prophetically. Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold. Some days, those words read more like a headline from the news than a poem.

It is worth taking a moment to appreciate the comparative stability of Irish life, where disputes are still settled with exchanges of argument rather than volleys of gunfire. There is, alas, no certainty that the centre will always hold. Those lamenting the current state of Irish politics may one day look back on this era with nostalgia.

More than anything else, Kirks tragic death and the fiery reaction to it should be seen as warnings of what can happen when hardline voices drown out the decent majority.

Next week, Conor McGregor is due to address Dublin City Council in his pitch to secure a nomination to enter the presidential race.

He appears to derive most of his support from splenetic Irish-Americans who believe every last flake of nonsense they read online about the old country collapsing into dystopian conflict.

Thankfully, his electoral fate is not in their hands. While it is tempting to give voters the opportunity to deliver a knockout blow to McGregor on October 24, the risk of turning the race into a circus and of giving him a platform from which to spew more ill-informed bile is too great.

The fight against child poverty is being lost in too many deprived corners of Irish society

It still behoves everyone with influence to not be complacent about disruptive elements on the right or left gaining currency here. Ireland has largely resisted such extremes, at least at the ballot box, but discontent over the mainstream parties mishandling of many voters concerns has started to fray that consensus.

Missed housing targets are a constant reminder of the pressures under which so many families are labouring. The fight against child poverty is being lost in too many deprived corners of Irish society. The cost of living continues to rise.

The emotion-driven echo chambers of social media offer an easy outlet to the discontented.

That those who were once voiceless now have a conduit to express their dissatisfaction is to be welcomed, but it would be naive not to be concerned at the ways in which the algorithms reward and amplify the loudest and angriest among us. If we lose the ability to listen to one another, the threads that have always held Irish society together will inevitably be severed.

Ireland came through a bitter civil war to quickly establish itself as a strong democracy with high levels of social trust. It was, commendably, one of the few fledgling nations in the 20th century to resist the lure of fascism.

The conflict in the North made those foundations tremble at times, but the house stood firm. Ireland remains a country where the worst extremes feel alien. We must never take that achievement for granted.
Eoin OMalley: We need to change economic course or more of our young people will be taking flight

Our Government cannot do much about excessive EU rules and regulatory uncertainty, but at home, it could be doing more to tackle issues driving a mass exodus

Ryanair chief executive Michael OLeary: the airline will do well flying emigrants home. Photo: Horacio Villalobos /Corbis via Getty Images)

Eoin O'Malley Sun 14 Sep 2025 at 06:30

In 1987, the new foreign minister, Brian Lenihan Snr, told Time magazine that the high levels of emigration from Ireland were normal: After all, we cant all live on a small island.
Sam McBride: Mary McAleeses despair at Gerry Adams TV appearance  and what it tells us about presidential discretion

Much of the magic of the presidential office lies in mystique as to who someone really is and what they really think

Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams greets Irish president Mary McAleese and her husband Martin to Glor na nGael, an Irish Language charity on the Falls Road in Belfast. Photo: Paul Faith - PA Images via Getty

Sam McBride Sun 14 Sep 2025 at 06:30

When Mary McAleese stepped down as president in 2011, Gerry Adams commended her from the stage of the Sinn Fein ard fheis. Had he known what she was saying about him in private, he might have felt very different.
Warm tributes have been paid to Fianna Fail councillor Patrick Gerard Murphy who passed away on Friday, September 12.

The 54-year councillor was a public representative for the West Cork Municipal District having first been elected back in 2008.

Cllr Murphy first co-opted to Cork County Council in 2008, filling the seat held by Councillor Donal Casey in Bantry.

He was elected in 2009 and re-elected at every subsequent local election since.

During his tenure with the local authority Cllr Murphy held several key positions, including Mayor of the County of Cork from 2018 to 2019, a role he undertook with great pride and commitment.

He also served as Chair of the Western Committee, Chair of the West Cork Municipal District, and he was an active member of the Councils Strategic Policy Committees for Housing, Planning and Development, Roads and Transport, Tourism and Economic Development, and Coastal Management.

The Eyeries native was deeply involved in community and voluntary initiatives in both Bantry and across West Cork.

He was a long-standing Chair of the Cork Education and Training Board, a position he held for over four years, and also chaired the Board of Colaiste Pobail Bheanntrai.

His contributions extended to organisations such as West Cork Rural Transport (now Cork Local Link) and Cancer Connect, reflecting his enduring commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and community wellbeing.

Cllr Murphy was respected by colleagues across all the various parties in Cork County Council for his integrity, his depth of local knowledge, and his co-operative approach to solving issues affecting his constituents.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, said it 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. 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, she added.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell said 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. His legacy will continue in the work he did and supported. He will be sorely missed by all in the Executive and the wider Council organisation.

A spokesperson for Cork County Council said that arrangements for a book of condolence and further details, will be issued in due course.

Fianna Fail TD for Cork North Central Padraig OSullivan who served in Cork County Council with Cllr Murphy said he was a great friend. Genuinely shocked. He was a great friend, straight shooter and no nonsense politician. He will be sorely missed for his wit and the craic.

He was a man who dedicated his life to serving his community and his region, said Fianna Fail TD for Cork South West Christopher OSullivan. All of West Cork is mourning the loss of Cllr Patrick Gerard Murphy. My thoughts are with his family, his friends and his supporters at this time. May he rest in peace.

Independent Ireland councillor Danny Collins said Cllr Murphy was an unbelievable man. Good true friends in politics are sometimes hard to find but when you find them you treat each other with respect and dignity and that's what my great friend Patrick Ger and I did. I got to know Pat in 2009 and sense then we were straight out with each other. I'd tell him my views and vice versa.

I will surely miss him. He was an unbelievable man. He conquered his disability and lived life to the best. Our local electoral area has lost a great man, he added.
EU law requires Ireland to restore 20pc of its land and sea areas by 2030.

Conversation events are set to take place throughout the country with the aim of shaping Ireland's nature restoration policy.

Kerry people who want to play their part in restoring Irelands natural environment are invited to take part in a special community event in Iveragh on Thursday and Friday, September 25 and 26.

The free two-day event, to be held at Bru na Dromada in Iveragh, will take place as part of a nationwide conversation on shaping Irelands Nature Restoration Plan.

The Plan is aimed at meeting the EU Nature Restoration Law target of restoring at least 20 per cent of our land and sea areas by 2030, and this will only be possible with the help of local communities.

The Iveragh event will be an open and welcoming space where community members can learn and share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas about the future of Irelands natural environment.

It will be part of a programme of events taking place throughout the country and online in September and October with support from Action for Nature, heading Irelands effort to protect biodiversity, and nature restoration charity Hometree.

The conversations at these events will allow people to help share the countrys 25-year Nature Restoration Plan because the insights gathered will be brought to the Independent Advisory Committee, ensuring that community voices are heard in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

No sign-up is required for the event in Iveragh and more information about it can and other upcoming initiatives can be found at: https://www.restorenature.ie/get-involved
Culture Night in Bray will offer the public a unique look into the world of two community groups as they put their artwork on display for the evening, giving people a valuable insight into their every day lives.

A combination of womens group photography and youth development work will be on display from the members of Bray Travellers Community Development Group, at an exhibition which takes place at the centre, at the rear of 97 Main Street, from 5pm-9pm, on Friday, September 19.

The exhibition, which will be launched by Wicklow Sinn Fein TD John Brady, follows the recent workshop by Bray Travellers Youth girls group, in collaboration with some of the staff of the Bray children's well-being hub - of which Bray Travellers are a founding member.

The staff held a three-part workshop, during which they aimed to capture the voices of young female Travellers in regards to mental health, well-being and the issues they feel should be included in a well-being hub.

As part of the exhibition, the group will unveil their masterpiece  which they have been working on for some time and will be worth the visit alone  Our Nelly, their contribution to the Elephant in the Room initiative.

Elephant in the Room is a social enterprise organisation founded in 2023 to encourage and promote people to become more comfortable talking about our mental health. And in so doing, the founders want the Elephant in the Room (the unspoken issue of mental health) to become extinct.

Bray Travellers Community Development Group has created an incredible artwork as their piece of the conversation to challenge mental health stigmas. You can see that in all its glory on the night.

Meanwhile, Bray Community Addiction Team is hosting an open house as part of Culture Night at 37 Beechwood Close, Boghall Road, from 4.30-7.30pm.

Its all part of an initiative by the We Act campaign, which has teamed up with The Arts Council and local authorities for the fourth year running.

The event will feature an art exhibition, Snapshots of Recovery, as well as mindfulness, meditation and movement workshops. There will also be an opportunity to have a guided tour of the space, hear real-life stories of addiction and recovery, and experience interactive harm-reduction workshops, featuring peer-led naloxone training and CPR.

Commenting on the evening, Claire McGowan, We Act campaign manager, said: The We Act campaign is delighted to be shining a light on the work of Bray Community Addiction Team and the wider community sector, as part of the large, vibrant, feel-good national event that is Culture Night.

The We Act campaign is about breaking down barriers and increasing understanding between the public and the organisations at work in their communities. That sense of community offered by charities plays a key part in our culture in Ireland and what better way to celebrate that than on Culture Night?
JD.com, which entered the food delivery market in February, and Meituan have taken their instant commerce rivalry to another level, as they started building thousands of central kitchens in strategic locations to speed up fulfilment of online food orders.

The size and scope of instant commerce also appear unparalleled in China's economic landscape, as the segment covers hundreds of millions of consumers who have grown accustomed to ordering a wide range of products and services online, with expedited on-demand deliveries.

Unlike past high-profile competition between Coca-Cola and Pepsi , Boeing and Airbus , and Apple and Samsung Electronics , China's instant commerce service providers have relied on subsidies and a sharpened focus on becoming more efficient to fulfil orders across the country.

That reflected how instant commerce and its main providers have evolved over a short period of time, as they expanded the on-demand delivery coverage beyond food. It marked another step towards the transformation of retailing in China across online platforms and bricks-and-mortar stores.

This week, all three instant commerce platform operators - Meituan, Alibaba and JD.com - started accepting pre-orders for Apple 's recently launched iPhone 17 models. Buyers are expected to receive their new iPhones in as fast as 30 minutes as soon as delivery starts next week.

According to 30-year-old office worker Bo Wen from Guangzhou , capital of southern Guangdong province, the cheapest order he made online was a cup of coffee that cost 0.01 yuan on Taobao Shangou - the instant commerce service of Alibaba Group Holding , owner of the South China Morning Post.

Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge , our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.

On-demand delivery giant Meituan 's "Grouping for Good Meals" campaign, for example, offered a four-dish set meal - with a portion of rice and a drink - for 6.9 yuan (US$0.97) and delivery in just 27 minutes. A delayed delivery of more than 15 minutes would entitle the buyer to 4 yuan in compensation.

Instant commerce - a turbocharged combination of online shopping and swift dispatch - had already made a typical lunchbox order cost around US$1 or US$2, which covered the food and the delivery fee.

Since April, mainland Chinese consumers have been spoiled for choice, as instant commerce competition brought dazzling promotional subsidies and speedy deliveries right to their doorsteps.

Story Continues

In July, Meituan said it would build 1,200 so-called Raccoon Restaurants over the next three years. These facilities are designed as hubs for multiple restaurant chains that operate their kitchens only for takeaways. These sites are expected to help drive down costs and boost efficiency for Meituan's restaurant chain partners, according to a company statement.

By contrast, JD.com announced a plan to invest 1 billion yuan to recruit "cuisine partners", as part of the firm's roll-out of 10,000 self-operated 7Fresh kitchens over the next three years. This infrastructure would enable the company to promote 1,000 different menus to a nationwide audience.

It described 7Fresh kitchens as "the largest supply chain innovation over the 15-year course of the local food delivery industry".

This marked a transformation of the mainland catering industry, as large internet platform companies became closely involved in the back-end operations of partner restaurants.

Alibaba on Wednesday launched an artificial intelligence-powered ranking of destinations - including restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions - on its online mapping service Amap. This feature will initially cover more than 300 cities and make recommendations for 1.6 million local businesses, with the algorithm synthesising data sources that include navigation patterns and user reviews.

That followed a campaign that has brought hundreds of merchants from its Tmall business-to-consumer shopping platform onto its Taobao Shangou site. In June, Alibaba's food delivery platform Ele.me and online travel agency Fliggy were folded into its core e-commerce business.

Those initiatives were in line with Alibaba's efforts to bring together its ecosystem's various resources to push forward its transformation into a comprehensive consumer platform.

"Cross-selling is the main goal," said Jay Lau, analyst at S&P Global Ratings. He described Meituan as being in a more defensive position, while rivals JD.com and Alibaba, with their own retail platforms, would appear to benefit more from the expanded coverage of instant commerce.

The cost of China's instant commerce war - including discounts, vouchers and other promotional expenses - is measured in hundreds of millions of yuan every day, while the number of daily transactions has reached hundreds of millions.

What is at stake is the future of retailing, as instant commerce focuses on the immediate satisfaction of consumer demand. Each order made, whether it is for a bowl of noodles or a pair of swimming trunks, can be delivered within half an hour.

Alibaba saw its daily orders hit an all-time high of 120 million in August. While that figure was behind Meituan's peak daily orders of 150 million in July, it showed that Alibaba was quickly catching up to the country's perennial on-demand delivery market leader.

Meanwhile, JD.com's quarterly active customers rose more than 40 per cent year on year in the June quarter, as more food delivery users became fresh buyers on its retail platform.

Data from QuestMobile showed that from January to July daily active users on Taobao, Meituan and JD.com grew 16 per cent, 21 per cent and 24 per cent, respectively.

Still, competition between the three instant commerce service providers has cooled recently after they publicly announced a truce in the price war that had offered consumers free lunchboxes and cups of milk tea, as well as hefty discounts, to seize consumers' attention.

China's State Administration for Market Regulation summoned Alibaba, Meituan and JD.com in late July, urging them to regulate promotional behaviour and engage in "rational" competition.

For now, S&P analyst Lau viewed Meituan as the most exposed among the three instant commerce players because food delivery contributed most of its revenue. While JD.com saw food delivery losses nearly wipe out its second-quarter profit, Alibaba faced the least risk because delivery remains a small component of its overall business.

The Hong Kong-listed shares of Meituan and JD.com were down 35 per cent and 1 per cent, respectively, since the beginning of the year, while Alibaba saw its shares jump more than 85 per cent.

Jiang Fan, head of Alibaba's E-commerce Business Group, said during the company's earnings call last month that the instant commerce business contributed to a 25 per cent growth in Taobao's monthly active consumers and a 20 per cent increase in daily active users during the first three weeks of August.

That marked a sharp contrast to what Meituan's management said during the company's second-quarter earnings call last month.

Meituan chief financial officer Chen Shaohui said the company expected to "incur substantial loss" in the third quarter owing to "strategic investments" that included high incentives and marketing fees.

According to S&P analyst Lau, the margins of all three instant commerce providers "will not recover over the next 12 to 24 months". He estimated that these platforms would spend at least 160 billion yuan within the next 12 to 18 months to grab or defend market share in food delivery and instant commerce.

In that regard, Alibaba's financial war chest appeared bigger than that of Meituan. According to the two firms' latest quarterly financial reports, Alibaba's cash and investments were worth 585.7 billion yuan, while Meituan had 171.1 billion yuan.

"Alibaba has a thicker cushion, but it also has its own Achilles' heel," said Tang Ya, founder of the XS Institute of China Economy, in a recent WeChat post. "The other main driver behind [Alibaba's] soaring valuation, its AI and cloud business, is a massive cash-guzzling beast."

Beyond a price war, instant commerce involved computing capacity, AI algorithms and supply chain management.

From the moment a consumer placed an order online to its delivery, a complicated set of tasks was required to allocate the order to the nearest rider and shorten delivery time.

Tang said Meituan's strength resided in its operational capabilities, the ability to digitalise stores and navigate delivery crews. Alibaba's advantage came from the synergy between its e-commerce, cloud services and AI models.

Jiang Fan (left), CEO of Alibaba's E-commerce Business Group, and Meituan CEO Wang Xing. Photos: Handout, Xinhua alt=Jiang Fan (left), CEO of Alibaba's E-commerce Business Group, and Meituan CEO Wang Xing. Photos: Handout, Xinhua>

Meanwhile, a 2019 social media post by Meituan CEO Wang Xing recently resurfaced to show how some captains of China's e-commerce industry eventually found themselves in 2025.

"In the coming years, it will be exciting to see how Colin Huang Zheng of Pinduoduo and Tmall's Jiang Fan, two extremely smart people, will face off [in e-commerce]," Wang wrote.

It turned out that Meituan's Wang was the one facing off against Alibaba's Jiang, while Pinduoduo's Huang remained on the sidelines.

Jiang's role in Alibaba makes him one of the most powerful senior executives in China's retailing sector. He was briefly sidelined in 2020 after an investigation into an alleged extramarital affair, which became a major public relations crisis. He was reinstated three years later.

At present, Jiang forms part of Alibaba's five-member "partnership committee" - a core management group - with founder Jack Ma, chairman Joe Tsai, group CEO Eddie Wu Yongming and Jeff Zhang, head of the Damo Academy on fundamental research.

Jiang tasked his team to boost Alibaba's market share in food delivery to 40 per cent by the end of August, according to the Chinese magazine Economic Weekly, which cited an unnamed source.

Pre-instant commerce in 2024, Meituan dominated the food delivery market with a 65 per cent market share, while Alibaba's Ele.me was a distant second with a 33 per cent share, data from Bocom International showed.

According to Morgan Stanley, Meituan would continue to dominate China's food delivery market with a 75 per cent share in terms of gross transaction value by 2030. In the instant commerce segment, however, Meituan's share may fall to 48 per cent, nearly the same as the 47 per cent share Alibaba is expected to record in the same period.

S&P analyst Lau, meanwhile, forecast that instant commerce order growth would pull back from the peak in July once promotions fade, although volumes would still jump 40 per cent this year from 2024.

On a warm summer evening last month, Guangzhou office worker Wen said he arrived home to find his air conditioning remote control was broken. So he searched for and bought a replacement on Meituan, which delivered the new unit within 40 minutes.

"If I bought through a traditional e-commerce platform, it would be a few yuan cheaper," he said. "But on a sweltering day, I'd rather spend the extra money to get a replacement unit immediately."

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
Always on the nose with the hottest trends, our beauty columnist has the lowdown on the latest looks for the new season ahead

Oooh, I love this time of year. Do you? Ill tell you why I love it so much. Its because its not too cold just yet but you can wear tights and boots if you like  but equally you can have bare ankles and nobody takes any notice. So I get to wear loads of my wardrobe. At the same time. Im easily pleased really. Make-up wise, I love watching whats happening on the catwalk at Fashion Week and then trying out something new to switch up my look and keep things fresh and interesting.

Thrill Seeker Extreme Volume Mascara in Cappuccino, 16.99, boots.ie

Coffee Thrill

Last autumn/winter everything was burgundy but this year its brown. So brown mascara is having a moment and Rimmel has a well-priced newbie, Thrill Seeker Extreme Volume Mascara in Cappuccino (16.99, boots.ie) that also gives lashes major volume with a soft, sultry warm-toned finish. The flattering brown shade is actually inspired by the Pantone 2025 Mocha trend and it delivers intense colour in one swipe. Give it a go! Brown flatters every eye colour and, as a softer alternative to classic black mascara, the chocolatey shade adds depth and dimension to eyes.

Chanel Les Beiges Bronzing Cream, 55, brownthomas.com

Bronzed Beiges

Bronzer is taking centre stage this autumn  and no, thats not a typo. We love bronzing in summer but its going to continue into this season too, adding warmth to the skin during the colder months. Cream-gel bronzers are great for giving the skin a sun-kissed glow, and the Chanel Les Beiges Bronzing Cream (55, brownthomas.com) is a fave of mine that comes in five shades, to complement every skin tone. You just apply it on your cheeks, nose, forehead and decollete, using your fingers or a brush, for an ultra-natural healthy glow. Top tip: Pop some on your paws as well, to match your face!

Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash, 51, victoriabeckhambeauty.com

Vintage Beauty

Earthy, warm tones are, as I said, going to be huge this autumn and theyll be seen in everything from lip and cheek tones to eye shades. Always ahead of the curve, Posh Spice herself has created a water-based blusher that soaks and sets into the skin and comes in three shades. Victoria Beckham Beauty Colour Wash (51, victoriabeckhambeauty.com) in Vintage Rose, is the one Im reaching for, as the sheer berry mauve gives a warm flush that looks like youve been up to no good  if you know what I mean! Im totally winking at you right now. And it lasts all day  the colour that is!

Poco Beauty Water Glow Lip Tint, 22, pocobeauty.com

Berry Nice

Have you heard of bitten berry lips? This hot new trend involves applying a sheer, berry-coloured product to the centre of your lips and blending it outwards for a soft finish that looks like youve just bitten into a juicy berry. Right on the money, Pippa OConnor Ormond has launched the Poco Beauty Water Glow Lip Tint (22, pocobeauty.com) and Soft Blur Lip Contour Stick (21) to deliver glow, colour and contour. The former applies like a gloss and settles into a tint that lasts all day, and it comes in three shades, including Strawberry Red.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, 36, charlottetilbury.com

Treat

Flawless Formula Charlotte Tilbury has wowed us again with the launch of her revolutionary full coverage foundation and incredible matte setting spray. The foundation is Tilburys groundbreaking new 3D long-wearing, blurring formula, available in 44 shades. The setting spray delivers a lightweight mist that locks in make-up for an impressive 16 hours while expertly controlling oil. Get the fabulous Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation (52) and the Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray (38) at charlottetilbury.com.

Treatment

Going Dotty Remember when I wanted lips on everything, then I was all about stars. Stripes are always a favourite, as are polka dots, and now Im popping polka dots on my nails too. Those cute dots add fun to manicures and can range from classic black and white spots to colourful ones. You can get them done in oversized or miniature dots, and maybe black dots on white tips on one hand, and white dots on black tips on the other. Theyre such a fun thing to try out, and I get mine done by the lovely Zolo at Hillary (from 35, hillary.ie) in Ranelagh, Dublin.

Trick

Product Power Why not give yourself a little love and touch yourself? Trust me, your skin will really thank you for doing this. Massaging your products right into your skin not only feels divine but it also supercharges their power. It gets the micro-circulation going, making your skin soak up all those fabulous ingredients. So, save yourself an expensive trip to a beauty salon and pamper yourself at home instead  it will maximise the value of your products and ensure that you get every last drop of goodness out of them.
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.
Emmanuel Macron can just about hold on to power  but hes unable to remedy the forces pulling France apart

As French street protests grow, their president remains an aloof and arrogant figure

French president Emmanuel Macron. Photo: Getty

Peter Allen Sun 14 Sep 2025 at 06:30

Reports of a country being in flames are easily exaggerated  but there was a very significant blaze at the start of Frances Block Everything campaign.
North America

Donald Trump says report querying his health may be act of treason as he rages against op-ed
Bob Vylan celebrates Charlie Kirk's death during their Amsrerdam concert

Cause if you chat sh*t, you will get banged! (Makes gun sign) Bob Vylan.



We are encouraging ppl to KILL those who say things we dont agree with.



The audience erupts in support of this sentiment.



The West is in such deep trouble. 

pic.twitter.com/g355NC0dof  Katharine Birbalsingh (@Miss_Snuffy) September 14, 2025

Massive backlash against Bob Vylan online

A 22 year old has taken a life, destroyed his own leaving 2 families in despair. A father handing his son over to authorities knowing he could face the death penalty. Is that what theyre cheering for?  NPJ (@Suffragette2025) September 14, 2025

We have an epidemic of radicalisation on the left, and it's happening because liberalism was on a winning streak culturally and politically for decades, and as a result they got arrogant, lazy, corrupt and overreaching.



They forgot how to make arguments and have debates. Then  jjinUK64 (@JjinUk64) September 14, 2025

Bob Vylan's anti-Israel chants at Glastonbury

( Image credit : Bob Vylan earlier courted controversy with anti-Israel chants at Glastonbury | Credit: X/@PopBase )

More about Charlie Kirk's death

Charlie Kirk's shocking death on September 10 has continued to provoke extreme reactions. While many mourn his passing, there are others who have openly celebrated his assassination, sparking anger and heated discussions. Among the latest to draw attention is Bob Vylan, the British rap-punk duo, who were seen celebrating the right-wing influencers death during their recent concert in Amsterdam.Bob Vylan, the British rap-punk duo known for their politically charged performances, have faced significant backlash for their controversial actions during a concert in Amsterdam on September 13, 2025.The incident occurred at the Paradiso venue, where frontman Bobby Vylan made inflammatory remarks celebrating the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. He referred to Kirk using derogatory language and mockingly stated, "I want to dedicate this next one to an absolute piece of s**t of a human being. The pronouns are 'was' and 'were'. Because if you touch s**t, you will get banged! Rest in pi**, Charlie Kirk, you piece of s**t!"This performance has drawn widespread criticism from various political figures, Jewish organisations, and the public, leading to over 30 complaints and an ongoing investigation by Dutch authorities.The video quickly went viral, sparking intense backlash online. Many have expressed outrage at the duos comments, criticising the public celebration of Kirks death.One user wrote, "The only way out is a change of leadership and strict law enforcement. You will get banged should be a criminal offence. He should be in jail.""A 22 year old has taken a life, destroying his own, leaving 2 families in despair.A father handing his son over to authorities, knowing he could face the death penalty.Is that what theyre cheering for?" another enraged user wrote on X.Another user noted in detail, "We have an epidemic of radicalisation on the left, and it's happening because liberalism was on a winning streak culturally and politically for decades, and as a result, they got arrogant, lazy, corrupt and overreaching.""The ideals and principles that made the West successful arent being taught because educational institutions have been captured by an ideology that is hostile to those ideals. That has to be reversed through aggressive and consistent use of many policy changes," mentioned one user.This is not the first time Bob Vylan has drawn controversy with their performances. Earlier this year, during their set at the Glastonbury Festival in June 2025, the duo led the crowd in chanting Death to the IDF, targeting the Israel Defence Forces. The performance was broadcast live by the BBC, which later faced criticism for airing such incendiary content. The network eventually apologised and removed the footage from its streaming platform.Following the broadcast, the Community Security Trust reported a notable spike in antisemitic incidents across the UK, showing the tangible impact of the duos rhetoric. In response to their actions, the U.S. government revoked Bob Vylans visas, blocking their planned American tour. Their performances have reignited debates over the line between artistic expression and responsibility, with some defending their right to free speech, while others argue that such statements risk inciting violence and fuelling hate.Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was tragically killed on September 10, 2025, during a Utah Valley University event that has shocked supporters and critics alike. His death has sent ripples across the political landscape, sparking an outpouring of grief from those who admired his work, while also drawing extreme reactions from opponents.
( Image credit : Iryna Zarutska fled Ukraine in 2022 with her family to escape the war with Russia (Credit: X/@dstefanos) )

Iryna Zarutska's boyfriend slams judge for 'letting' her murderer walk free

Iryna Zarutskas boyfriend Stas Nikulytsia has started sharing stories on Instagram slamming the unqualified magistrate judge who let her suspected killer walk free before she was stabbed to death.



Decarlos Brown was given cashless bail 7 months before the attack pic.twitter.com/S081gIIOjm  ComeOnCUFC (@CufcOn) September 12, 2025

Judge Roy under scrutiny over Decarlos Brown Jr.'s release

HT

( Image credit : Judge Roy under scrutiny over Decarlos Brown Jr.'s release | Credit: X | @Anc_Aesthetics )

But did Judge Roy release DeCarlos Brown?

HT

While everyone was focused on Charlie Kirks assassination this Democrat judge in North Carolina ordered Iryna Zarutkas murderer Decarlos Brown to be released from prison.



They are trying to make sure he doesnt even go to trial and is set free. pic.twitter.com/ak330sYc7s  Aesthetica (@Anc_Aesthetics) September 14, 2025

DeCarlos Brown's brother also condemned the decision

( Image credit : Iryna Zarutska's murder: Viral 'BLM poster sparks racial uproar | Credit: X | tiffanyfong_ and @piersmorgan )

Amid a wave of shocking incidents across the US, from the brutal murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska to the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, serious concerns about public safety and the justice system are growing. While national attention is currently focused on Kirk's assassination, social media users pointed out that a North Carolina judge, identified as Democrat Judge Roy, ordered the release of Decarlos Brown Jr, whom President Donald Trump has described as a 'career criminal' and the repeat offender accused of killing Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail. Adding to the outrage, Iryna's boyfriend has publicly slammed the judges decision to let her suspected killer walk free. Lets find out more.Since the shocking footage of the brutal and unprovoked killing of the Ukrainian refugee surfaced on social media, it quickly started circulating like wildfire. Moreover, since no action has been taken yet, it has sparked widespread discussions online.Moreover, the 21-year-old boyfriend of Iryna Zarutska, Nikulytsia, has since taken to Instagram to repost the clips slamming Magistrate Judge Teresa Stokes, who reportedly released DeCarlos free despite 14 earlier arrests. He shared some posts on his Instagram regarding the same.He also grieved his partner's death and slammed Stokes for being an 'unqualified judge'. However, netizens not only question Teresa, but they also raise the name of Judge Roy for releasing the suspect.According to, on Monday, the case of Iryna Zarutska, the Ukrainian refugee fatally stabbed on a Charlotte, North Carolina transit rail, took a dramatic turn. The new reports revealed that the suspect, DeCarlos Brown Jr., was released from custody by a judge to allow him to seek hospital admission for mental health treatment.After digging more, it was found that the reports of Brown's release for admission to a private hospital were first shared by Ken Silva, a journalist linked with a news outlet called Headline USA.This is when Silva reported that Judge Roy Wiggins of North Carolina passed an order that DeCarlos Brown Jr be sent to the Central Regional Hospital in Charlotte.As soon as the report of his release surfaced on social media, many misinterpreted the court order, falsely claiming that Judge Wiggins "released" DeCarlos Brown Jr. from prison.According to, in reality, the order, signed on Friday, September 12, authorised Brown Jr.s transfer to a mental health facility for evaluation to determine if he is mentally competent to stand trial. It was not a full release, and Brown Jr. remains in custody as he faces charges in the brutal killing of Iryna Zarutska.The brother of DeCarlos Brown Jr., the repeat offender accused of fatally stabbing Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a Charlotte light rail, has spoken out against the justice system, condemning it for letting a mentally ill individual with a criminal history walk free on cashless bail.He believes the tragedy could have been prevented. I didnt even know he had mental problems You cant just let him walk free, especially because of mental issues, Jeremiah said. I think he should suffer the consequences.Jeremiah, the 19-year-old, was shocked to hear the news about Brown and admitted that he had a history of violence.
New York Post

Tyler Robinson's living arrangements under scrutiny amid ongoing investigation

i24 News

 Confirmed: Six sources confirm to Axios that Robinson had a romantic relationship with his transgender roommate. pic.twitter.com/NrkrWqxHgA  Eli McGowan (@elimcgowan) September 13, 2025

Lance Twiggs' cooperation is key to the arrest as details emerge about shooting

Daily Mail

( Image credit : Lance Twiggs' cooperation is key to the arrest | Credit: X | @MrsBayer )

Twiggs' family member speaks out, revealing shocking details

Wisconsin Right Now

BREAKING: A family member of Lance Twiggs, who was the transgender boyfriend of Charlie Kirks assassin, Tyler Robinson says family cut ties with Twiggs due to his hostility toward anyone supporting conservative or Christian values and confirm Robinson lived with him. pic.twitter.com/GaDJiP675P  Dan-i-El (@Danielibertari0) September 14, 2025

Family called Twiggs a 'black sheep'

New York Post

( Image credit : Charlie Kirks alleged killer is Tyler Robinson | Credit: X/Gidi_Traffic )

In a major development in the conservative activist Charlie Kirk shooting case, officials have revealed that the suspect, Tyler Robinson, was reportedly living with his transgender partner at the time of the incident, as per the. The report further cited a law enforcement source and noted that the partner, who is said to be in the process of transitioning from male to female, is now fully cooperating with the FBI as the investigation continues to unfold.Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect in the fatal shooting of the conservative commentator, was reportedly living with a transgender partner who is now transitioning from male to female, as perand other US media reports.While outlets including Dallas Express have identified the partner, who is 22 years old, as Lance. However, on the other hand, conflicting accounts have emerged regarding Robinsons exact living situation, with some sources claiming he resided with his parents, while others suggest he had a roommate, raising questions about his background and personal associations as federal authorities continue their investigation.Multiple reports surfaced on X (formerly called Twitter) on Saturday indicated that Lance Twiggs, the partner of suspect Tyler Robinson, is actively cooperating with the FBI.According to the, Twiggs played a pivotal role in Robinsons arrest on Friday by handing over incriminating text messages in which Robinson allegedly discussed hiding the weapon used in the shooting.One such tweet that surfaced on the platform noted that the transgender person was friends with Tyler, who shared a post immediately after the murder, saying, "The transgender that was friends with Tyler Robinson's transgender boyfriend posted 'WE FUCKING DID IT' right after what happened to Charlie Kirk."However, there is no confirmation about the X handle; it is just based on the post and speculations made by netizens on the platform, as one shared the post and wrote, "Not sure what news source I was reading, but it stated that his little boy/girlfriend had 'no knowledge' prior to it happening. I have a hard time believing that."According to, they contacted two of Lance Twiggs family members by phone on September 13, following the release of reports of them living together.While the first relative declined to comment and ended the call, the second confirmed the accuracy of the information published by the New York Post and Daily Mail. Additionally, this family member shared new, previously unreported details with Wisconsin Right Now, shedding further light on the case.They did live together, the family member of Lance Twiggs confirmed to Wisconsin Right Now. He also alleged, He (Lance Twiggs) is very angry with anyone who is supportive of conservative ideals and Christian values."As far as I know, he was not going by another name. I just know he was in the process of transitioning. I know he was trying to take different medications, the family member claimed. They had intentionally distanced themselves from Lance Twiggs for nearly four years due to concerns about Twiggs reportedly volatile temperament.A different family member, in an interview with the, referred to Lance Twiggs as the 'black sheep' of their family in St George, Utah.However, they chose not to comment on whether there was a romantic relationship between Twiggs and Tyler Robinson. Meanwhile, speaking to Wisconsin Right Now, the relative said they had heard from other family members that Lance Twiggs had allegedly expressed disturbing wishes toward others.Ive really kept my distance, the relative said, adding that there was, in their view, a growing sense of darkness or malice in Twiggs that seemed to be worsening over time.
More than 100,000 people gathered in central London on Saturday for a rally led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, marking one of Britains largest nationalist gatherings in decades. #peercommunityhub#newspic.twitter.com/thIOUZI7gS  Dubon007 (@gdubon007) September 13, 2025

What was the rally about?

( Image credit : Tommy Robinson | Credit: X | @SOFABiscuitEatr )

High-profile international voices joined the rally

 ELON: BRITAIN CAN REGAIN ITS GREATNESS, BUT THERES NOT MUCH TIME LEFT



Europe in general has to be freer.



It's stifled by bureaucracy.



I think its good that Britain left the EU because there's just too much bureaucracy in the EU.



But frankly, instead of really going https://t.co/euw2aSrOfjpic.twitter.com/TEXmvR6a5I  Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 14, 2025

Symbols, slogans at the rally

( Image credit : Charlie Kirk during an event | Credit: thefulcrum )

Police faced violence

Chaotic scenes unfolding in London as protesters and Antifa face off.



Livestream: https://t.co/B38cAAls1zpic.twitter.com/PiCjnFsVeG  Unlawfully Sacked Care Worker  (@FreeWomanLeahy) September 13, 2025

Officers are having to intervene in multiple locations to stop Unite the Kingdom protesters trying to access sterile areas, breach police cordons or get to opposing groups.



A number of officers have been assaulted. pic.twitter.com/QcQ5EyN2Pw  Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) September 13, 2025

( Image credit : Cops at Central London | Credit: Lucy North/PA )

Analysts warn of growing far-right momentum

Political leaders condemn violence

London saw one of its biggest right-wing protests in years on Saturday, September 13. More than 110,000 people joined the Unite the Kingdom march led by anti-immigrant activist Tommy Robinson. The rally soon turned violent as protesters and police clashed. Heres everything that happened.According to Londons Metropolitan Police, the march drew between 110,000 and 150,000 people, far more than expected. Officers were deployed in large numbers to keep the right-wing protesters apart from roughly 5,000 rival demonstrators gathered in Whitehall, central London. But as tensions rose, violence erupted.Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, addressed his supporters with fiery rhetoric. Calling the event a show of patriotic unity like nothing seen before, he declared, Today is the spark of a cultural revolution in Great Britain. This is our moment.Robinson claimed the march was a stand for free speech, British heritage, and culture, alleging that migrants now had more rights in court than the British public, the people that built this nation.The rally gained global attention when Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X (formerly Twitter), joined via video link. Musk warned, Theres 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 also called for a change of government in the UK.French far-right politician Eric Zemmour and Petr Bystron of Germanys anti-immigrant AfD party also spoke. Zemmour repeated the controversial Great Replacement conspiracy theory, saying, 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.Protesters carried the Union flag and the St. Georges Cross, while some waved the flags of the United States and Israel. Many wore Make America Great Again hats and held placards reading Send them home.The march also included a tribute to US conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was remembered with a moment of silence and a bagpiper playing Amazing Grace.A spokesperson confirmed that 1,600 officers were deployed to maintain order. During the protest, at least 26 officers were injured, with four sustaining serious injuries, including broken teeth, a possible broken nose, a concussion, a prolapsed disc, and a head injury.The Metropolitan Police said officers faced unacceptable violence from some of the protesters. Officers reported being kicked and punched, while members of the Unite the Kingdom march hurled bottles, flares, and other objects as they attempted to breach a sterile zone set up to keep them apart from a smaller counterprotest organized by Stand Up to Racism.Shabana Mahmood, the UKs Secretary of State for the Home Department, strongly condemned the attacks. She stated, Those who have attacked and injured police officers will face the full force of the law.However, before the event, Robinson had urged participants to avoid masks, alcohol, and aggression. This isnt the moment for riots or violence. This is the moment to stand proudly for your country, he said in a video on X.Experts called the rally a major moment for Britains far-right. Joe Mulhall, director of research at Hope Not Hate, told the BBC it was probably the largest far-right demonstration ever in Britain.Georgios Samaras, assistant public policy professor at Kings College London, noted that multiple factions within the far-right, as well as newcomers, had united in London.Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, criticized both the violent scenes and Elon Musks participation.The scale of arrests was notable compared to the Palestine Action protest held the previous week, where 890 people were detained but the event remained peaceful as demonstrators demanded an end to the UKs ban on the group and condemned the war in Gaza.
Gaurav Bhatia forgets Pajamas on Live TV debate

Gaurav Bhatia went from shameless and spineless to pant-less ? pic.twitter.com/aXTLxkvQMn  Ranting gola (@therantinggola) September 12, 2025

Abey Gaurav Bhatia, pant to pehen leta 



pic.twitter.com/H29yOqNtUF  Roshan Rai (@RoshanKrRaii) September 12, 2025

Samajwadi Party's Media Cell slams Gaurav Bhatia

( Image credit : Credit: X )

Lawyer demands legal action against Bhatia for spreading obscenity

( Image credit : Credit: X )

In what seems like the most unexpected plot twist of Indian news channel debates, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia accidentally showed up for a TV debate without his pajamas, and yes, the internet noticed.During a heated prime-time panel discussion on CNN News 18, Bhatia wore a kurta but apparently forgot the pajama that usually goes with it; probably assuming only his mid-shot would be visible on TV. Much like those corporate video faux pas clips, the video instantly went viral on the internet. In it, Bhatia can be seen awkwardly trying to cover his legs, but the wardrobe malfunction has already caught the internet's attention with even the opposition joining the roast.This happened on September 12 during the Aar Paar segment of News18 India. As host Amish Devgn introduced Bhatia to the panel, he was seen without his pants, trying to adjust his kurta, though the damage was already done. As seen in the video, Bhatia was attending the debate on the TV channel from home.Social media erupted with hilarious roasts and memes as netizens mercilessly mocked Gaurav Bhatia for forgetting to wear pajamas during the live TV debate. From witty one-liners about his "pant-less" appearance to playful jabs, the internet had a field day.Taking to X, the Opposition from Samajwadi Party's Media Cells slammed Bhatia and wrote, "Look at @gauravbhatiabjp, the shameless, vulgar, spout-loving type from BJP, sitting in a TV debate without pajamas. Doesnt he feel any shame? Or was he drinking water from the spout of some BJP member or neighbour? This scene of Gaurav Bhatia that everyone can see reveals the true BJP character. These shameless people blabber nonsense about others all day, but their own character and conduct are out in the open for everyone to see."Lawyer and Journalist Dr. Sanjukta Basu slammed the BJP spokesperson, demanding legal action against him for spreading obscenity. "Video is viral showing BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia sitting in a TV debate via video call without wearing pants. He didn't check the camera frame. This is just height of obscenity. What a shameless man. He should actually be booked for public indecency," she wrote.Looks like Gaurav Bhatias fashion faux pas gave the internet more drama than the debate itself and it proves that sometimes, politics really is a "pants-down" affair! Lets just hope he double-checks his wardrobe before his next TV appearance!
Argos has been hit by poor consumer confidence - David Burton/Alamy

One of Chinas biggest retailers has launched an audacious swoop for Argos as owner Sainsburys looks to offload the struggling chain.

Sainsburys confirmed that it was in talks to sell Argos to Beijing-headquartered JD.com following a report in The Telegraph.

Sainsburys has controlled Britains biggest seller of general goods for nearly a decade.

The grocer said a sale of the business to JD.com would accelerate Argos transformation, adding any deal would include commitments from JD.com in relation to Argos for the benefit of customers, colleagues and partners.

However, Sainsburys said an agreement had yet to be finalised, and there was no certainty it would proceed.

The announcement to investors comes after The Telegraph revealed that talks between Sainsburys and JD.com were at an advanced stage.

The two sides have been holding discussions about a possible deal for months, sources close to the deal told The Telegraph, with the grocery giant setting up a secret team to work on a possible sale.

JD.com is thought to be working with advisers at accountancy firm EY.

It is understood that Peter Kyle, the new Business Secretary, met with JD.com executives last week to discuss its UK investment plans.

City sources said Sainsburys had recently taken steps to carve out the two businesses, including splitting out their respective commercial teams  a reshuffle that would make it easier to offload Argos to a new owner.

In January, Sainsburys said that Rhian Bartlett, its chief commercial officer, would work separately from Graham Biggart, Argoss managing director, who was made chief strategy and supply officer.

Last month, Sainsburys said Argoss transformation team would start reporting directly to Mr Biggart.

Any takeover of Argos is expected to be at a significant discount to the 1.1bn Sainsburys paid nine years ago. The chain was valued at 344m in Sainsburys most recent accounts.

The bid comes after JD.com walked away from making an offer to buy the electrical retailer Currys last year.

JD.com seeks foothold in UK retail

If successful, a deal would bring an end to almost 10 years of ownership of the brand for Sainsburys, which engaged in a bidding war for Argoss parent company Home Retail Group in 2016.

At the time, Sainsburys claimed the tie-up would allow for significant cost savings, a better range of products and faster delivery times for customers.

Mike Coupe, the former chief executive who led the acquisition, said adding Argos to its supermarkets would accelerate a strategy of serving customers whenever, wherever they want to shop.
We recently published 13 Stocks That Jim Cramer Discussed. The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer recently discussed.

In his recent comment about The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO), Jim Cramer has praised the firms CEO, Jim Quincy. His opinion of the executive is quite important due to the woes faced by the firms rival and peer, PepsiCo. Cramer has asserted that Quincy has continued to post strong quarterly results even as GLP-1 weight loss drugs reshape the American food market. The CNBC TV host has also outlined that The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) faces tariff uncertainty due to its aluminum beverage cans. This time, while he praised Quincy, he wondered whether mergers are the only way forward for American food companies:

You have to begin the great merger of this sector. You have to start putting together big deals, take out big costs. . .They have to just become, this should be like a big three. Its over. You cant grow. James Quincys got, you know hes putting up some consistent numbers at Coca-Cola. But you cant grow. . .

urbanbuzz / Shutterstock.com

Previously, Cramer was full of praise for the The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) CEO:

Of course the obvious one that everyones gonna look at to see if its gonna down is Coca-Cola which down to seven cents. Coca-Colas, Buffett, and Coca-Colas really, you know Coca-Cola, James Quincy. Hes made the quarter, made the quarter, made the quarter, made the quarter. Hes been remarkable.

While we acknowledge the potential of KO as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now.
File phot of an ambulance responding to the scene of an emergency. Read more

Two children were shot in separate incidents in Northeast Philadelphia on Saturday evening, police said.

In one incident, a girl was struck by gunfire at the Fox Chase Recreation Center on Ridgeway Street shortly before 8:30 p.m., police said. Police did not provide her age. Medics took the girl to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, where she was in stable condition, police said.

The other shooting happened around 7:05 p.m., near the 800 block of Brill Street, near Summerdale Avenue and Bridge Street, north of Roosevelt Boulevard. A 15-year-old boy shot in the leg was taken to Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital for treatment, police said.

No arrests or motives had been announced in either shooting as of Sunday.

The Philadelphia Police Shooting Investigation Group was investigating both incidents.
Jennifer Cardoso Franco (left) and her mother, America Franco Adame, lay beaded necklaces on their kitchen table in Crete, Neb. Immigration issues are at the top of Cardosos mind. Read more

CRETE, Neb.  In a town tucked amid cornfields and industrial plants, residents lounge in front of their homes during lunch breaks  music and laughter the only sounds to break the silence along two-lane streets.

This community of 7,000 is 30 minutes southwest of the bustle of Nebraskas capital, Lincoln, and it has always considered itself a welcoming place. But Cretes reputation for open arms came to the fore as the towns Hispanic population increased fourfold over two decades.

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In February, Crete became the first town in the state to join a network of 28 Certified Welcoming cities and counties, tangible proof that the town supports its new residents.

Its a story common around the country as newcomers look to establish lives in the U.S. Some towns are shifting resources toward their growing immigrant communities. Like Crete, some have established themselves as welcoming.

But dont call Crete a sanctuary city  because its not. It doesnt want to be one, either.

We just offer assistance to anybody and everybody, said City Administrator Tom Ourada.

Under President Donald Trumps second administration, sanctuary has never been more taboo  and being labeled as such could bring increased scrutiny or cuts in federal funding.

Trumps immigration policies are targeting so-called sanctuary cities and states, but also hospitals, churches and schools  areas that were once off-limits to immigration agents.

No more Sanctuary Cities! Trump wrote on Truth Social in April. They protect the Criminals, not the Victims. They are disgracing our Country, and are being mocked all over the World.

There is no legal definition of sanctuary, but the term typically describes an area with laws limiting collaboration with federal immigration agencies. That often means local jails are not allowed to hold inmates for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Pressure to denounce sanctuary policies has mounted since Trump took office. Some jurisdictions are rejecting the label and vowing to do their part in accomplishing the presidents crackdown on immigration.

New Hampshire this year passed two laws banning sanctuary cities, and Utah passed a law making it easier for immigrants convicted of misdemeanors to be deported. Florida and Texas require most county sheriffs to enter agreements to increase collaborations with ICE.

Meantime, jurisdictions that embrace sanctuary status are facing political consequences. In July, the Trump administration sued New York and its mayor, arguing the citys policies impede the federal governments ability to enforce immigration laws.

At Trumps request, the Department of Homeland Security in May published a list of hundreds of cities, counties, and states that it determined were sanctuaries. Philadelphia was on the list.

The list included states with laws limiting cooperation with ICE, like California and Illinois, but also such cities as Nashville, Tenn., and Boise, Idaho, where state laws prohibit sanctuary policies. DHS removed the list from its website just days after it went up.

Crete was not on the list. But under heightened political pressure, small towns like it are forced to decide what it means to support their immigrant residents without uttering the one prohibited word.

Central and South American immigrants started moving to Crete in the late 1990s, drawn by work at the meatpacking facility on the edge of town. Today, almost half its residents identify as Hispanic or Latino  and Crete has evolved.

In 2016, the town launched a Community Assistance Office to help residents with housing, education, and immigration services. Churches recruited Spanish-speaking pastors to lead Spanish-language services. Now the lone movie theater shows films in Spanish and English.

Resident Jennifer Cardoso Franco, 21, knows Crete as a town where the community always comes together for events and celebrations. But the towns welcoming attitude does not always allay worries about immigration enforcement.

Theres immigrants everywhere, Cardoso said. You just dont know whose house they might target next.

Ourada said that when he approached the mayor and City Council about becoming a Certified Welcoming city, they worried that welcoming would be misinterpreted as sanctuary and invite consequences.

Opponents of sanctuary policies argue they endanger cities by letting criminals walk free. If youre a sanctuary city, youre not doing the right thing for your citizens, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, a Florida Republican, said in an interview with Fox News.

However, research shows that sanctuary status does not cause higher crime, said Charis Kubrin, a professor of criminology, law, and society at the University of California, Irvine, who has extensively studied the impact of immigration on crime and written a book on the issue.

Immigrants actually have lower involvement than the native born on an array of crime measures, she said.

What has been documented, she said, is a decrease in trust between residents and law enforcement in places where police collaborate with ICE.

It minimizes trust, and it makes people concerned, she said. That, in fact, will harm public safety.

Hogwash, countered Sheriff Gordon Smith of Bradford County, Fla., whose agency is among those that partner with ICE via its 287(g) program, which trains local officers to act as immigration agents.

Any assertion that such collaborations diminish community trust is political banter, Smith told News21.

Crete police are not a part of that program, Ourada said, but if ICE asks for help enforcing warrants, the towns officers are required by law to comply. That type of assistance, he added, fundamentally distinguishes it from a sanctuary city.

The city wants the relationship between police and residents to remain strong, Ourada said.

When ICE leaves, the police will be going back to giving warnings for speeding, and helping  with driving classes, and chasing after barking dogs, and telling people you cant park there and that kind of thing, Ourada said, because thats what we do.

The Community Assistance Office develops welcoming resources, such as helping students apply for financial aid and collaborating with an immigrant advocacy group to hold know-your-rights presentations.

Marilyn Schacht, the community assistance director since 2023, helmed the citys push to become Certified Welcoming, a certificate awarded through the national nonprofit Welcoming America. The organization aims to enable belonging for everyone, and explicitly immigrants, its website says.

To become certified, cities must demonstrate that all residents can participate equally in civic life, education, and social services.

Ourada, who has led the city for 12 years, wholeheartedly believes that Cretes secret weapon to success is its immigrant community.

I wont say were one big happy family. We have trials and tribulations, like anybody does, Ourada said. But people move here, and they dont want to move away.

News21 reporter Aaron Stigile contributed to this article. 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/.
A federal agent wears a badge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement while standing outside an immigration courtroom at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building in New York. Read more

More local police agencies in Pennsylvania are signing agreements to help ICE enforce immigration laws, with the number of federal partners surging from 10 to 39 in recent months.

They range from the Beaver County Sheriffs Office to the Luzerne County District Attorneys Office to the Lansdowne Borough Constables Office in Delaware County.

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Most are in the central and western parts of the state. In Lancaster County, seven agencies have joined with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The partnerships are part of a controversial ICE initiative known as 287(g), named for a section of a 1996 immigration act, in which state and municipal police departments work to assist the agency in identifying, arresting, and deporting immigrants.

The Trump administration is very aggressively seeking to sign more 287(g) agreements, said Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council in Washington. Theyve ordered ICE to sign as many as possible.

ICE says the program helps protect American communities, a force-multiplier that adds important staff strength to an agency workforce that numbers about 20,000 nationwide. Opponents, however, insist that turning local officers into immigration agents breaks community trust with the police and puts municipal taxpayers at risk of paying big legal settlements.

ICE officials in Philadelphia and Washington did not reply to a request for comment on the rapid growth of the program.

The number of new agreements increases almost every day. In September, according to ICE, police agencies in 41 states had signed 1,000 agreements  up from 622 agreements in late May. An additional 16 agreements are pending.

Seven states, including New Jersey and Delaware, bar the agreements by law or policy.

The rise in Pennsylvania and across the nation has been driven by President Donald Trump, who has pumped incentive money into the program as he pursues plans to deport millions of people.

On Trumps first day in office in January, he directed the Department of Homeland Security to authorize local police to perform the functions of immigration officers to the maximum extent permitted by law.

In the Philadelphia area, Bucks County Sheriff Fred Harrans decision to collaborate with ICE has sparked public protests and a lawsuit.

The sheriff says that his only goal is to make the community safer and that the department will not conduct random immigration checks or broad enforcement, but that those who commit crimes must face the consequences regardless of immigration status.

A disapproving Bucks County Board of Commissioners warned county employees that they could be personally liable for helping ICE, passing a resolution that said the alliance was not an appropriate use of Bucks County taxpayer resources.

Harran, a Republican running for reelection, has clashed for months with the Democratic-controlled county board.

Laura Rose, group leader of Indivisible Bucks County, an advocacy organization, called the increase in 287(g) agreements a disaster in the making.

Some in local law enforcement are fully aligned with the Trump administrations deportation agenda, she said. The more local police partner with ICE, the higher the costs to local taxpayers, and the greater the risk of costly lawsuits.

Those financial costs do not include the human toll, she said, the erosion of trust in local law enforcement, and the trauma of federal agents ripping families apart in our local communities.

A spokesperson for Harran declined to comment on the growth of the agreements, citing pending litigation.

The ACLU of Pennsylvania and other advocacy groups have sued Harran to try to stop him from helping ICE. A hearing on the case is scheduled for Tuesday in Doylestown.

Weve known that 287(g)s are going to be a priority of this administration, said Keith Armstrong, an immigrant rights attorney with the ACLU of Pennsylvania. Were seeing a very aggressive push.

That includes ICE outreach to less conventional agencies, such as constables offices, which the ACLU believes have no legal authority to join the program, Armstrong said. He said ICE tries to bypass laws that require police departments to obtain advance approval from the local governing authority, like a board of commissioners.

And, he noted, ICE is now backing recruitment with money.

This month the agency announced it would begin reimbursing police agencies that join 287(g)  offering payment for costs that, beyond that of the initial federal training, previously had been borne by local departments and taxpayers.

ICE says that starting Oct. 1, participating police departments can receive up to 25% of the salary and benefits of each agency-trained officer. ICE also will pay quarterly performance awards, up to $1,000 for each participating officer, to local departments that successfully help the agency complete its mission.

We encourage all state and local law enforcement agencies to sign a 287(g) agreement now, ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan said in announcing the funding program. Youre not just gaining access to these unprecedented reimbursement opportunities  youre becoming part of a national effort to ensure the safety of every American family.

Texas passed a law this summer that requires most county sheriffs to participate in 287(g), and Florida approved a similar measure in 2022, ordering police agencies that operate a detention facility to take part.

The ICE program was established by Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which was part of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996.

It designates three program models:

Jail Enforcement, to identify and process those with criminal or pending charges who may be deported. The Warrant Service Officer program to authorize local police to execute ICE administrative warrants at jails. And the Task Force model that ICE says provides community police with limited immigration authority.

Some police departments and local governments, including those in Philadelphia, not only avoid 287(g) agreements but also deliberately limit their cooperation with ICE.

They say that their so-called sanctuary policies create trust in immigrant communities and that undocumented crime victims and witnesses will not come forward if they fear being arrested and deported because they lack legal status.

The 39 Pennsylvania agencies with active agreements represent a small percentage of the overall police presence in the state, which has about 995 state and local law enforcement agencies, according to the Justice Department.

Nearly half the Pennsylvania agencies that have joined with Immigration and Customs Enforcement are constables offices, situated in places from the Philadelphia suburbs to the Pittsburgh area.

A constable is an elected, sworn officer who generally assists the mission of the courts, often by serving arrest warrants.

Lou Marcozzi, president of the Pennsylvania State Constables Association, said many constables signed up for the program because they need the money, given the pay structure for the position.

Pennsylvania constables do not receive a regular salary. Instead, they are paid through a fee-for-service system for each task they complete, so an agreement with ICE offers an additional way to earn dollars, Marcozzi said.

Other Pennsylvania agencies that have signed with ICE include the Franklin County Sheriffs Office, the Lancaster County Sheriffs Office, the Northwest Regional Police Department in Lancaster County, the Butler County Sheriffs Office, the Somerset County District Attorneys Office, and the Robinson Township Police Department in Allegheny County.
A letter-writing event, coordinated by West Philadelphia community members in affiliation with Reclaim Philadelphia's West/Southwest Neighborhood branch, took place on Sept. 7 to the sound of traditional West African music from a kora, a guitar-like stringed instrument. Read more

This past Sunday, at a special West Philadelphia letter-writing event, live kora music filled the room where community members gathered to pen letters of support to detained neighbors.

Played by Youba Cissokho, a 72nd-generation master musician of the kora, a guitar-like instrument with 21 strings that was developed in West Africa, the lilting sounds of the music carried with them centuries of history. In West Africa, where the detained neighbors originate, the griot is not only a musician but a living archive; a keeper of memory who recounts the struggles and triumphs of a people. Cissokho brought that tradition to the small space where we had gathered.

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His notes rose and fell like a prayer, grounding us for the work ahead.

The event, hosted by Marcie J. Wood and organized in affiliation with Reclaim Philadelphias West/Southwest Neighborhood branch, was infused with both urgency and tenderness. With Cissokhos kora music surrounding us, neighbors and community members sat down to write letters of support  in English, French, and Fulani  to Yero, a beloved community member who worked and lived in West Philadelphia before being unexpectedly detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during his annual check-in.

We wrote to other detained West African community members, as well.

Despite the growing number of West African detainees, their struggles are rarely the focus of stories on the immigration crisis.

Many of these detainees are asylum-seekers from Mauritania, a country that abolished slavery only in 1981. There, a lighter-skinned Arab-Berber elite continues to dominate darker-skinned sub-Saharan groups, including the community to which Yero belongs.

Because Yero resisted the racist power structure in Mauritania, he became a target of that very system. His outspokenness left him vulnerable to persecution, forcing him to flee his homeland in search of safety.

His act of resistance against this system mirrors the tradition of American activism, where people have long risen against injustice.

For some older Black American participants, who recalled their own journeys, or those of their parents, fleeing the violence of the Jim Crow South during the Great Migration when millions left in search of safety and opportunity in the North, the act of writing was not abstract solidarity, but something shaped by lived memory.

Whether crossing internal borders or national ones, the experiences echo each other. Having also endured the devastation of mass incarceration, which has long separated Black families and destabilized entire neighborhoods, many of the diverse group of participants  from longtime West Philadelphians to recent arrivals  felt a deep empathy for ICE detainees and their families, who now face the same rupture of family bonds.

This intergenerational, intercultural presence gave the room a rare power.

The music of the kora, the cadence of shared stories, the rustle of paper as letters took shape, the art-making  it all combined into something greater than any single act. It was a chorus of solidarity, saying to Yero and others detained: You are not forgotten, you are ours.

The most moving moment came when I got a call from Yero at the detention center. I passed the phone to Yeros uncle, who was at the letter-writing event with us. In Yeros response, we could hear the shock and emotion of being greeted in Fulani by someone beloved and familiar.

And as his uncle then translated for the room, Yero thanked everyone for the support he had received. The room fell into silence, and tears rolled as he told us he and the other West African detainees were deeply touched by the simple act of strangers writing to them.

What might seem small, like a few pages of ink and a handful of envelopes, was, for them, a lifeline.

As the two-hour event drew to a close, people lingered. Conversations spilled over onto the sidewalk. Some asked how they could do more: volunteer, donate, bring others into the work.

Others shared their own stories of migration.

What began as a letter-writing gathering became something larger: a reaffirmation of community. Through words and music, we reached across walls and razor wire, reminding our detained neighbors that they are not forgotten, and that they are very much a part of us.

As the last notes of the kora faded, I thought of Cissokhos role as a griot: a witness, a keeper of memory, a bridge across generations.

At that Sunday event, all of us became griots in our own right. Together, we carried forward the story of resistance, dignity, and care. And we promised, with our letters and other actions, to keep telling it.

Octavia McBride-Ahebee is a Philadelphia-based author, poet, and educator who spent many years living in the Ivory Coast.
The juxtaposition of a 9/11 anniversary and the shocking assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk should have marked the moment when President Donald Trump finally called on all Americans to reject the political violence that has become characteristic of this country.

Instead, as is his wont, Trump and his acolytes used the incident to encourage more partisan mayhem  by blaming Kirks killing on radical left political violence while keeping silent on MAGA (and Trump) threats against judges, along with violent attacks and political murders of Democratic officials by Trump supporters.

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Such incitement is hardly surprising from the leader who pardoned and lionized the Jan. 6, 2021, mob of violent cop bashers that brayed for the hanging of Vice President Mike Pence.

The list of violent political incidents incited by the far right could fill this column. Yet, too few Americans appear to grasp that the presidents demonization of any opposition not only threatens our democracy but also endangers our security abroad.

 READ MORE: Netanyahus attack on Qatar makes Trump look weak in Mideast eyes | Trudy Rubin

Trumps divisive politics reflect his dangerous affinity for dictators like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, whose unfettered power he is trying to emulate. But Putin and Xi have become masters at exploiting the presidents overt admiration as a weakness and playing it to their advantage.

The more the president tries to imitate authoritarian rulers, the more the United States loses  at home and overseas.

The very same day as the shooting in Utah, Russia fired 19 drones over Polish territory via Moscows satellite state, Belarus, in a dramatic aerial incursion over a NATO country. Military analysts, and the Polish government, have made clear this was no accidental overflight of drones gone astray, as Trump suggested.

Putin was clearly testing whether Trump would back up NATO by strongly condemning Russias action. He hasnt. In fact, the same day, the United States lifted the flight ban on the dictatorship of Belarus.

In the three weeks since Trump rolled out the red carpet for Putin in Alaska and bragged that a Russia-Ukraine peace deal was nearing, the Kremlin has massively increased its attacks on Ukraine. All while Trump has repeatedly blown through self-set deadlines to punish Putin.

Since the Alaska summit, Tulsi Gabbard, Trumps director of national intelligence, has stripped 37 top current and former CIA officials  the cream of U.S. experts on Russia  of their security clearances, thus robbing the U.S. of critical needed expertise.

Trump has praised Gabbard for her actions. Meantime, pro-Putin Russian TV is crowing that Trump and Gabbard were just following Putins orders, according to the Daily Beasts wonderful Julia Davis, who translates the content of Russian talk shows for U.S. readers.

Russian analysts are also gloating about the firings of experts who participated in intelligence assessments related to Russias attempt to influence the 2016 election.

Do I think Trump and Gabbard are on the Kremlin payroll?

I dont surmise the president is a paid asset or being blackmailed. I just believe Trump is entranced by the Putin model of never having to answer to anyone for his behavior. He simply cannot believe the Russian leader who flatters him so richly is using him so openly. And, of course, lacking any Russian experts and unwilling to listen to anyone who knows Russia, he cant read the jokes about his ignorance that proliferate in the Russian press.

 READ MORE: Lessons from Ukraines First World Drone War | Trudy Rubin

Similarly, he has been unable to grasp the significance of Putin, Xi, and North Koreas Kim Jong Un marching together in Beijing a week ago, along with former U.S. ally and Indian leader Narendra Modi, who has been alienated by Trumps impulsive tariffs. Trump refuses to see that the first three are united in their efforts to play him for a fool.

The president has backed off from sanctions against exports of key computer chips to China because Xi out-toughed him. He has watched Putin defy him, over and over, as the Russian refuses to make any concessions about his plan to destroy Ukraines independence.

And Trump has done nothing about Putins overt threat to NATO on Wednesday, except grumble.

Nope, thats wrong. The Pentagon has announced it will cut defensive aid programs to the Baltic states, close U.S. and NATO allies who are at the forefront of resistance to Russian aggression  and may become the next Russian targets if Trump makes no tough response to Putins drones over Poland.

Instead, in a display of American power, Trump sent out three ships of the mighty U.S. fleet to blow a small Venezuelan motorboat out of the water because it allegedly carried drug dealers. (And for those who point to the U.S. attack on Irans nuclear sites as a sign of Trumps toughness, I will point out that he only acted after Israel had destroyed Iranian air defenses.)

Clearly, it is much easier to make war when theres little or no danger of retaliation.

So Trump sends masked, unidentified U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to arrest immigrants and sometimes U.S. citizens on the streets. He announces war vs. Democratic-run U.S. cities.

And, at this writing, it is unclear how he will follow up on his violence-inciting rhetoric about the shooting of Kirk.

The world is getting the message. Trump wants to join the axis of authoritarians, but is too weak and fearful to confront them when they threaten U.S. and European security. Its so much easier to talk tough and stand tall against his perceived opponents at home.
The 2034 World Ploughing Contest has been provisionally allocated to the Republic of Ireland.

It will be the 80th anniversary of the event being first held on the island of Ireland in 1954, when Killarney was the venue. That was also the first time the Contest was staged in Europe.

The island of Ireland has hosted the showpiece on ten occasions, six in the Republic, and four in Northern Ireland.

Following the Killarney event, the Contest has been held twice (1973 and 1981) at Wellingtonbridge, Co Wexford, and at Oakpark, Carlow (1996), Tullow, Carlow (2006) and Ratheniska, Co Laois, (2022).

Limavaddy, Co Derry (1979, 1991, 2004) and Armoy, Co. Antrim (1959) have been the venues in Northern Ireland.

Charlie Keegan, Martin Keogh, John Whelan, Eamon Tracey, and Jer Coakley have each won the Contest for the Republic.

Hugh Barr, Lawrence McMillan, Desmond Wright, Thomas Cochrane, David Wright, David Gill and Samuel Gill have been successful for Northern Ireland.

Tracey, who is from Garryhill in Carlow, brought his World Contest wins to six last year and shared with the late Hugh Barr the distinction of having won the title three years in a row.

Last years ploughing successes of Tracey (conventional) and Jer Coakley (reversible), a dry-stock and tillage farmer from Clonakilty, Co. Cork, had further significance.

It meant ploughmen from the Republic had won both World titles three years in succession - Wexfords John Whelan having also triumphed in the reversible event in 2022 and 2023.

Anna Marie McHugh, World Ploughing Organisation general secretary, said Ireland has always been highly respected internationally in terms of producing ploughmen to compete on the world stage.

The Czech Republic recently hosted this years World Contest in Prague. Next years event will take place in Croatia.

Meanwhile, the 70th World Ploughing Contest got off to a great start in the Czech Republic last weekend for Jer Coakley from Clonakilty, Co Cork.

He won the World Stubble championship title for the Republic of Ireland on the opening day of what is known as the Olympics of competitive ploughing.

Coakley, a 37-year-old farmer and agricultural contractor, went on to finish in second place in the overall reversible contest which was won by Switzerlands Marco Angst.

Winning gold and silver honours were outstanding performances by the West Cork man, who competed with a Ford tractor and Kverneland plough.

Last year, he became the first Munster ploughman to win the overall Reversible championship at the World Contest in Estonia.

Veteran ploughman, Martin Kehoe, Ballycullane, Wexford, a three times World Champion, finished eight out of 26 competitors in last week-ends conventional contest, won by Englands James Witty.
It was only his second time taking part in a film premiere in his native city, and Cillian Murphy looked delighted to be back in Cork on Saturday for the first official screening on this side of the Atlantic of Steve.

Im a bit emotional to be bringing the film here. It means a great deal to me, said Murphy while introducing Steve to an audience at the Arc cinema that included the actors friends and family, as well as Taoiseach Micheal Martin.

The 49-year-old Oscar-winner attended the first European screening of the hardhitting tale in the company of director Tim Mielants, writer Max Porter, and co-star Jay Lycurgo.

Steve had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival a few days previously, and it was shown in Cork as part of the Sounds From A Safe Harbour festival Murphy is involved in organising.

Cillian Murphy in a scene from Steve. Picture: Robert Viglasky/Netflix

The North Main Street cinema might not have had the red-carpet shenanigans of the Canadian event, but dozens of local fans gathered anyway at the barriers outside, and all six screens at the venue were packed out for the simultaneous showing of the film.

Murphys only other previous attendance at a premiere event in the city was at Mahon Point in 2006 for Ken Loachs West Cork-set The Wind That Shakes The Barley.

Immediately after the screening, the principals strolled down the quays to Cork Opera House where they took part in a public discussion hosted by broadcaster John Kelly.

At the discussion of the film Steve at Cork Opera House were John Kelly, Cillian Murphy, Tim Mielants, Jay Lycurgo and Max Porter. Picture: Brid ODonovan.

Steve was in part an adaptation of the book Shy by English writer Porter, a longterm collaborator with the Cork actor, and also a co-curator on the Safe Harbour festival. However, while the novel is told from the perspective of a struggling teenager in a residential school for troubled boys, the film version focuses on the titular headteacher, a caring figure played by Murphy.

Onstage at the Opera House, the Ballintemple native spoke of how his preparation for the role was helped by the fact that his parents and grandfather had been involved in the education sphere.

Both my mum and my dad are retired teachers, educators. My dad was also a cigire [school inspector] so like, I grew up around that. And I kind of knew what it was like to live with the after-shock of teaching 35 adolescents and then coming home to look after your own adolescents, said Murphy.

Co-star Lycurgo  also to appear alongside Murphy in forthcoming Peaky Blinders film The Immortal Man  was another person who brought personal experience to bear on the film, revealing that his father works in alternative education units in London.

Jay Lycurgo and Simbiatu Ajikawo (Little Simz) in Steve.

Screenwriter Porter, meanwhile, spoke of his longterm interest in social care. Earlier this year, the author had led a workshop in Cork with women of the Dillons Cross Project, which provides educational opportunities for the female relatives of prisoners and ex-prisoners in the city.

And though the presence of Corks most famous son had obviously helped sell out the Opera House event, it was Porter who received the biggest applause of the evening when he spoke of the difficulty of making and promoting the film as the situation in Gaza was unfolding.

Almost every single hour of every single day of that entire almost 800 days, a child has been murdered in Palestine, said Porter.

Steves screening and discussion formed part of an expanded film strand at the tenth edition of a biennial festival previously focused on music. Organisers of the 2025 edition of the event reported an increase in crowds at venues across the city, with sold out concerts by the likes of Beth Orton, Villagers, and Efterklang.

Steve will be released in cinemas on September 18 before landing on Netflix on October 3.
Blink and you might miss something special at Sounds from a Safe Harbour, celebrating its 10th anniversary this weekend in venues around Cork. At the 37d03d Mixtape collaboration with the Cork Opera House Concert Orchestra, it might be the way Bryce Dessner of The National and Ben Howard share a smile after the latters two-song cameo near the end of a sensational 90-minute plus show.

It also might be the secret pop-up show by Rosie Carney and Eve Owens, and their cover of Bruce Springsteens Im on Fire, which they had only practised for the first time together earlier in the day. Perhaps its Junior Brother, kickstarting the festivals Friday night shows with his album launch at the Pav, and their drum and flute solos. Or maybe its rapper God Knows forming a midnight mini-moshpit at Nudes.

Across the city are sold out shows by the likes of Beth Orton, erstwhile members of the Gloaming Caomhin O Raghallaigh and Thomas Bartlett, Lisa Hannigan, and Villagers. The 37d03d Mixtape in the Opera House is also packed to capacity, the crowd excited at the secrets that lay ahead.

Swedish singer Amanda Bergman performed a version of Both Sides Now at Cork Opera House. Picture: Brid ODonovan

It begins with a Cillian Murphy voiceover - hes one of the curators of the festival - telling us to treat what we were about to hear as almost one long suite of music, and not to feel under any obligation to applaud after each acts song has finished. Thats manageable for Jon Hopkins Sigur Ros-esque introduction and Max Porters spoken word piece, but by the time the Staves sisters Jessica and Camilla finish their section, the crowd is fit to burst.

Their performance is just so powerful, their voices soaring to the highest points of the Opera House as they lament futile words for a futile song on Damn It All, realising that even though I love you I want you to go. They grab each others hand for the emotional crescendo, the crowd transfixed. They remain so for Swedish singer-songwriter Amanda Bergman, whose gaze radiates. Her cover of Joni Mitchells Both Sides Now is breathtaking. Safe to say there is uproarious applause for everyone now.

The cast of the 37d03d Mixtape event. Picture: Brid ODonovan

Angie McMahon, who plays Live at St Lukes on Saturday afternoon, delights in shuffling across the stage and in front of the conductor, smiling as she hears the backing singers offering even more depth to her tender introspections. Efterklang, who close the festival on Sunday night, look like theyre having the time of their lives, frontman Casper squatting low as if to sing just for the front row. Also performing over the course of the night are David Kitt, Sam Amidon, and Gordi alongside Derry artist Soak, among numerous others, with arrangements by Dessner, Kate Ellis, and Corks Aine Delaney. An event to revel in.

Angie McMahon and Bryce Dessner at Cork Opera House. Picture: Brid ODonovan

Kerrys Junior Brother released his third album The End last week and rather than smoothing out his edges - hes inspired by Richie Kavanagh as much as he is Planxty - hes doubled down on them. He opens with Small Violence, which sounds like a descent into madness. Junior Brother, the brainchild of Ronan Kealy, has expanded into a fully fledged five piece, and it sounds like nothing else. Its so strange, divisive, but if you get it, its glorious. And the likes of The Back of Her are genuinely tender and beautiful. One of the countrys most idiosyncratic and exciting talents.

God Knows is gearing up to release his debut solo album A Future of the Past on September 26, though hes been performing for over a decade, starting out with Choice Prize winners Rusangano Family. Hes such a confident, talented onstage presence: Getting the crowd to turn their back on the stage and just have a dance, getting them to crouch down and jump up, getting in the centre of them for a couple verses, or for the finale getting the crowd up onstage with him.

Its a whirlwind of a closing act for Friday. Best keep those eyes peeled for the rest of the weekend.
A Cork man who had to be removed from the water at a packed beach on one of the hottest days of the year has pleaded guilty to multiple public order offences connected with the incident and two others.

Court presenter Sergeant Tom Mulcahy told Bantry District Court that Tom Walker, aged 20 of Dromleigh, Bantry, Co Cork, faced five charges arising from three separate incidents in West Cork.

The court heard that on August 8, 2024, gardai were called to assist an ambulance crew at Hospital Road, Bantry, where Walker was in a highly intoxicated state and being abusive towards the ambulance crew.

Walker also had cuts to his face and legs and was refusing to go to hospital for assistance. On that occasion, he was charged with being drunk in public and with threatening and abusive behaviour.

The court was told that on June 6, 2025, gardai were called to assist a male who was lying in the street at 12.45am at Dromleigh in Bantry. The man was identified as Walker, who was charged with being drunk in public.

The final incident occurred at 4pm at the Warren Strand, Rosscarbery on July 12, 2025. The beach was packed with up to 1,000 people, including many families and children, on one of the hottest days of the year.

The court was told that Walker, who was highly intoxicated, was requested to leave the water by lifeguards for his own safety and became abusive, threatening to slash them.

Walker was bleeding from his hand and gardai and lifeguards had to clear the water for public safety in order to remove him.

Shouting abuse at gardai

Walker was brought to the beach on a surfboard and initially seemed to be passed out. When he stood up, he became abusive and began shouting obscenities at the gardai and lifeguards. He was arrested and continued to be highly abusive to gardai as he was transported to Clonakilty Garda Station.

He told one garda: Your father should have rubbed you out on the sheets, while he told another: Your mother should have drowned you at birth.

Walker continued the abuse, calling one garda a thick fat stupid c**t before threatening to shove that baton up your arse like your mother loves it. He was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour and being drunk in public.

The court was told that Walker had 20 previous convictions, mostly for public order offences, including one for assault causing harm.

He court also heard that Walker was on a 10-month suspended sentence at the time of the incident in Rosscarbery.

Defence solicitor Flor Murphy said Walker had a tough upbringing, living in foster homes and was abandoned by his mother who went to England. His father, who was believed to be in Dublin, had no contact with him. He said that his client had been in hospital for psychiatric treatment for the past six to seven weeks and was effectively living rough.

Walker said of the Rosscsarbery incident: I had a bit of a fit. It shouldnt have happened and it wont happen again. I was well drunk. I was bang out of order.

Judge Joanne Carroll said: Do you know a lot of children look forward to going to the beach all winter long, and then what happens? Mr Walker comes along and ruins the day for us.

She said that Walker was previously advised to seek residential treatment for his alcohol problem but his commitment has been lacking. She said that actions speak louder than words and said she would be seeking a probation report before deciding how to proceed.

Walker was remanded in custody to appear again by video link at Clonakilty District Court on September 16.
More than 90,000 has been seized and a man and a woman in their 30s arrested after an operation targeting suspicious ATM withdrawals in Cork and Dublin.

Officers from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau led an operation which saw a vehicle in Dublin searched, leading to the seizure of a large quantity of cash and multiple bank cards.

That operation followed a series of large-scale cash withdrawals from ATMs across Dublin and Cork between August 11 and September 9, a garda spokesperson said.

Those transactions had involved the use of bank cards linked to accounts in Poland and Norway.

After the search of the vehicle  located in Lucan in the west of Dublin  a man in his early 30s was arrested and detained, the spokesperson said.

In the wake of that arrest, a woman  also aged in her 30s  was also detained.

Both she and the man are being held at the same garda station in the Dublin region.

Gardai said that a further search had been carried out at a property in Cork, where gardai recovered more cash, foreign currency, fake IDs, bank cards, and mobile phones.

All told, more than 90,000 in cash has been seized as part of the same investigation, the spokesperson said.

Officers are now liaising directly with international law enforcement agencies via Europol with regard to the relevant bank accounts in Poland and Norway, while both of the people arrested remain in custody.
"You're never too old to rap".

That's the mantra  and one of the first recordings  of a talented grandmother taking Corks local hip hop scene by storm with her age-defying performances.

Sally Crowley is paving the way for an older generation of rappers at the Kabin Studio in Knocknaheeney.

The studio shot to fame more than a year ago following a viral hit from its young musical collective the Kabin Crew. 'The Spark', which was performed in collaboration with the Lisdoonvarna Crew amassed over two billion views across social media platforms in 2024 and was longlisted for a Grammy award.

Noting the positive impact of rapping in his community, founder of the Kabin Garry McCarthy from GMCbeats was keen to expand the project to cater for older aspiring musicians and has teamed up with Cork City Councils Musical Neighbourhoods and Creative Tradition.

Kabin Crew Rappers and members Maureen Cullinane and Sally Crowley (front) Cara Cullen and Ellen Crowley (middle) and back row L-R Mark Barry, Alex Brady and Garry McCarthy at the Kabin Studio in Knocknaheeny. Picture by Noel Sweeney

Sally is among Garrys most promising students and has penned a total of seven raps which she hopes can one day be released as part of an album.

Sally, aged 60, has suffered her fair share of heartbreak. However, she never believed that rapping would serve as a much-needed outlet for her pain.

It comes 21 years after her then teenage daughter Jessica developed a rare form of Parkinson's, leaving her unable to walk or communicate. Now aged 38, Jessica lives in a care facility and takes comfort from listening to her mothers demos which include raps such as 'Youre never too old to rap' and 'Youre grounded'.

Sometimes I wonder if she still recognises me, Sally told the Irish Examiner. Then I watch her listening to the raps and I see the glint back in her eyes. For that alone, its worth it. She has always loved music.

The mother of two is keen to stay strong for her family including her other daughter, Ellen, aged 39, and grandchildren Patrick, Martin, and Chaniece.

People take so much for granted but even being able to turn over in your bed and scratch your own nose, I appreciate those things every day.

Rapper Sally Crowley performing at the Kabin Studio in Knocknaheeny, Cork. Picture: Noel Sweeney

It was initially Sallys grandson Martin who inspired her rapping career.

Martin was at an Easter camp with the Kabin where they were doing a showcase. Garry invited me to come see it with Ellen. He said he wanted Martin to come back and told me about an adult class they were running. I came back with a diss track and started attending the adults group. I come from a musical family. My dad was in the Barrack Street band and my brothers were always musical.

"I grew up with music but never performed. I never believed that rapping would be my path in life. I have written seven songs in the last two years, I am after making four demos and writing another one for Christmas. Everything I write I put a positive spin on.

My message is not to let your age stop you from doing what you wany in life. People think they cant pursue their dreams because they never got that chance when they were young, but thats just not true. Youre never too old to rap

The experience has been extremely therapeutic for Sally who has performed at numerous gigs including the Blackpool Block party in Cork which took place last month.

The Kabin gives me an escape. It helped me get out a lot of the feelings that I had buried deep inside of me. After what happened to my daughter Jessica I often felt guilty if I ever laughed or had moments of happiness or enjoyment. I suffered from anxiety a lot and Garry really helped me to express all that through music.

'Im not defensive anymore. I speak my real truth'

Rapper Maureen Cullinane performing at the Kabin Studio in Knocknaheeny. Picture by Noel Sweeney

At 80 years old, Maureen Cullinane from Ballincollig is one of the Kabins oldest rappers. She learned about Garrys work through Hollyhill Library where she had been attending ukelele lessons. She is best known locally for raps such as 'An Doras' and 'Sailing Away'.

I could never picture myself rapping, Maureen said. I was watching how they did it in the Kabin and I wanted to know what this magic was. I had no problem speaking in public but rapping was a different story.

"I could never have pictured myself rapping before. At 80 years old I thought I had achieved everything in life that was possible, Then I met Garry. He teaches people how to express their own humanity through rapping in a very subtle way.

"He braided all the parts of my personality together so that I was strong enough to rap. Ive developed so much as a person because of Garry. A few years ago I would never have rapped or even have done an interview like this.

"Im not defensive anymore. I speak my real truth. Truth and respect are the main elements of the Kabin. Best of all I have developed a career.
Cathie Wood, the CEO of Ark Invest, is an unabashed fan of Tesla (TSLA). The electric vehicle (EV) company is investing heavily in robotaxis and currently is the single-largest holding in the companys Ark Innovation ETF (ARKK), with a market value of $1.2 billion.

But it doesnt stop there. Tesla is also Ark Invests top holding in two other ETFs, although with smaller positions. In all, Ark Invest holds $1.56 billion in Tesla stock, with most in the ARKK ETF.

More News from Barchart

ETF Weighting Market Value Ark Innovation ETF 11.32% $1,216,850,607 Ark Next Generation ETF (ARKW) 8.92% $196,016,583 Ark Autonomous Technology and Robotics ETF (ARKQ) 11.83% $156,279,180 Total $1,569,146,370

Wood recently celebrated a study showing that Teslas Robotaxi app had the 10th-most downloads on its debut in the Apple (AAPL) iOS store, beating Lyfts (LYFT) debut and being on par with Ubers (UBER) Apple store launch.

Wood refers to Tesla as the worlds largest AI project and predicts that the global potential market for autonomous taxi networks could reach $8 trillion to $10 trillion within a decade. But TSLA stock itself has been choppy so far this year and is struggling compared to the other Magnificent Seven stocks.

Meanwhile, the ARKK ETF is up 38% so far this year, by far outpacing TSLA stock. So, is it reasonable to use the ARKK ETF and invest in Cathie Wood stocks in general as a proxy for betting on the more volatile TSLA?

www.barchart.com

About the ARKK ETF

The ARKK ETF is managed by Ark Invest, which is headquartered in Florida. The company is helmed by Wood, who launched Ark Invest after more than 30 years combined at AllianceBernstein (AB) and Tupelo Capital Management.

The company focuses on disruptive companies and technologies, so its holdings are often technology-based and can experience volatility. The companys ETFs include funds that are geared specifically to fintech, space exploration, 3D printing, Bitcoin (BTCUSD) and Ethereum (ETHUSD) futures, and blockchain.

The ARKK ETF is an actively managed ETF with an expense ratio of 0.75%, or $75 annually per $10,000 invested. Holdings include companies that are involved in disruptive innovationwhich it describes as the introduction of a technologically enabled new product or service that potentially changes the way the world works.
A second tier of child benefit will not be rolled out as part of next months budget, social protection minister Dara Calleary has said.

This is despite Taoiseach Micheal Martin suggesting last week that it would be.

There have been calls for the second tier to be introduced for several years, and there is a commitment in the programme for government to roll it out.

The plan to introduce a second tier of child benefit would see a higher monthly payment given to parents on low incomes or in instances where children were at risk of poverty. The existing universal child benefit payment would remain in place for other children.

However, Mr Calleary stated that the amount of work involved means it will not be ready in time for the budget on October 7.

There might, he told RTE Radio 1s This Week, be proposals in place for Budget 2027, which will be announced next year.

We just need to look at the supports already in place in addition to the universal child benefit, he said.

We have the child support payments, which is paid in addition to child benefit to those on the lowest incomes.

We're investing 780m per annum in the child support payment. It assists about 329,000 children. I have that available to me immediately.

A second tier of child payment is something that we are looking at within the department. My officials are doing a lot of work on it.

The proposals around it, though, would involve a complete rejig of existing payments. What I want to make sure is, firstly, that nobody loses out by introducing a new payment.

Secondly, we have to look at where you would bring in the tiers, where you bring in the cut-off, and ensure the working families who are currently being supported by the working family payment don't lose hours either.

I have tools available to me that I'm focused on. I'm focused on the child support payment and on further increasing that.

That work [on the second tier of child benefit] wont be done [in time for next months budget], but we are working on it with a view to bringing a proposal to Government at some stage.

Mr Calleary stated that there is a hope that a proposal for the second tier of child benefit will be completed in advance of Budget 2027. He said it will absolutely be progressed.

The comments came just days after Mr Martin indicated that it would be introduced.

The Taoiseach said the plan is currently being developed, adding that he met Mr Calleary on Wednesday night to discuss how it might work.

We will do something on that, or equivalent to that [second tier of child benefit]," Mr Martin said. There are complexities in terms of getting such a system up in place, so we dont want anybody to lose out.

Mr Martin said further work was required on the proposal, noting that a new system would need to be created to oversee the second-tier payment.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says he will be seeking answers from Israeli officials about how they see the way forward in Gaza following Israels attack on Hamas operatives in Qatar that has upended efforts to broker an end to the conflict.

Speaking before leaving for Israel, Mr Rubio said President Donald Trump remains unhappy with the Israeli strike but that it does not shake US support for Israel.

Were going to talk about what the future holds, and Im going to get a much better understanding of what their plans are moving forward, Mr Rubio said.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to the press before departing for Israel (Nathan Howard/pool/AP)

Obviously were not happy about it. The president was not happy about it. Now we need to move forward and figure out what comes next.

Mr Rubio and Mr Trump met on Friday with Qatars prime minister to discuss the fallout from the Israeli operation, in a demonstration of how the Trump administration is trying to balance relations between key Middle East allies days after Israel targeted Hamas leaders in a strike on Doha.

The attack has drawn widespread international condemnation and appears to have ended attempts to secure an Israel-Hamas ceasefire and the release of hostages ahead of the upcoming UN General Assembly session at which the Gaza war is expected to be a primary focus.

Mr Trump wants Hamas defeated, he wants the war to end, he wants all 48 hostages home, including those that are deceased, and he wants it all at once, he said.

The air strike on Doha killed five Hamas members plus a security staff member (Planet Labs PBC via AP)

Well have to discuss about how the events last week had an impact on the ability to achieve that in short order, he added.

Mr Rubio will have meetings in Jerusalem on Sunday and Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others.

His visit is a show of support for the increasingly isolated country before the United Nations holds what is likely to be a contentious debate on the creation of a Palestinian state, which Mr Netanyahu opposes.

The Trump administration is walking a delicate line between two major allies after Israel took its fight with Hamas to the Qatari capital, where leaders of the militant group had gathered to consider a US proposal for a ceasefire in the nearly two-year war in Gaza.

Qatar is a key mediator, and while its leaders have vowed to press forward, the next steps are uncertain for a long-sought deal to halt the fighting and release hostages taken from Israel.
Nepals new prime minister has taken office and urged calm and co-operation to rebuild the Himalayan nation after days of violent protests last week left at least 72 people dead and destroyed government buildings and politicians homes.

Sushila Karki, the countrys first female prime minister, told top officials gathered at her temporary office on Sunday that each family of the killed protesters will receive monetary compensation of one million rupees (about 8,300), and she vowed those injured would be taken care of.

We all need to get together to rebuild the country, Ms Karki said, pledging to work to get the South Asian nation back on track.

The massive demonstrations  called the protest of Gen Z  began on September 8 over a short-lived social media ban.

Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets, particularly young people angry about widespread corruption and poverty while the children of political leaders, known as nepo kids, seemed to enjoy luxurious lifestyles.

Numerous buildings were damaged in violence last week (Niranjan Shrestha/AP)

The protests soon turned violent, with protesters attacking the parliament building and police opening fire, and led to the resignation of prime minister Khadga Prasad Oli, who fled his official residence.

The actual office of the prime minister  an old white-coloured palace converted to an office  was burnt down along with the offices of the president, the supreme court, key government ministries and several police stations on September 9, a day after police shot at protesters.

The businesses and houses of key families were also attacked, including several stores of a popular supermarket chain in Nepal.

Calm was restored after the army took control of the streets that night, and negotiations between protesters, the army and the president began over an interim government.

Ms Karki, 73, was named the new prime minister on September 12. She was a popular figure while serving as the courts only female chief justice in 2016 and 2017, and was known for her stance against corruption in the government.

Fresh parliamentary elections have been set for March 5.
Authorities are still trying to learn more about what motivated the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at a college in Utah, as the conservative activists family plan a memorial next week to his life and legacy.

Tyler Robinson, 22, of Washington, Utah, has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder and other felony offences. Prosecutors are drawing up formal charges that could be filed early next week, when he will make his first court appearance.

Investigators have spoken to Robinsons relatives and carried out a search of his familys home in Washington, about 240 miles south-west of Utah Valley University, where the shooting took place.

Authorities have not provided many details about why they think Robinson carried out the attack on Mr Kirk.

Utah governor Spencer Cox said family members told authorities that Robinson had become more political in recent years. They recounted to authorities a dinner table conversation in which he mentioned Mr Kirks upcoming visit to Utah Valley University and they discussed whether the activist was spreading hate.

A memorial for Turning Point USA chief executive and co-founder Charlie Kirk is seen at Utah Valley University (Lindsey Wasson/AP photo)

State records show Robinson is registered to vote but not affiliated with a political party and is listed as inactive, meaning he did not vote in the two most recent general elections. His parents are registered Republicans.

Ammunition found with the weapon used to kill Mr Kirk was engraved with taunting, anti-fascist and meme-culture messages. One bullet casing had the message, Hey, fascist! Catch!, Mr Cox said.

Robinson grew up around St George, in the south-western corner of Utah between Las Vegas and natural landmarks including Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.

He became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known widely as the Mormon church, at a young age, church spokesman Doug Andersen said.

Robinson has two younger brothers and his parents have been married for about 25 years, according to social media posts. Online activity by Robinsons mother reflects an active family that took trips to Disneyland, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Alaska.

Like many in that part of Utah, they frequently spent time outdoors  boating, fishing, zip-lining and target shooting. A 2017 post shows the family visiting a military facility and posing with assault rifles. A young Robinson is seen smiling as he grips the handles of a .50-caliber heavy machine gun.

Tyler Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder (AP)

A high school honour roll student who scored in the 99th percentile nationally on standardised 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 that was posted to a family members social media account.

But he attended for only one semester, according to a university spokesperson. He is currently enrolled as a third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship programme at Dixie Technical College in St George.

Mr Kirks death has prompted calls for greater civility in the countrys political discourse, especially on social media. But many people have made comments about the shooting that brought consequences, including firings.

MSNBC political analyst Matthew Dowd lost his job shortly after on-air comments about Mr Kirk, one of the first of many figures to experience similar fallout.

Office Depot said on Friday it fired a worker at a Michigan store who was seen on video refusing to print flyers for a vigil to Mr Kirk and calling them propaganda.

A tribute to Charlie Kirk is shown on large screens at a sporting event (Wade Payne/AP)

Several Delta Air Lines employees were also suspended after social media posts that went well beyond healthy, respectful debate, the airlines chief executive, Ed Bastian, said in a message to the company.

Florida governor Ron DeSantiss education commissioner warned teachers in the state that making disgusting statements about Mr Kirks assassination could draw sanctions, including the suspension or revocation of their teaching licences.

A conservative internet personality who is embedded with immigration agents in Chicago filmed a video outside Illinois governor JB Pritzkers private home in which he urged viewers to take action after Mr Kirks assassination. Mr Pritzkers office said his security has been increased in recent days.

Meanwhile, Turning Point USA, Mr Kirks conservative organisation, will hold a memorial for him on September 21 at State Farm Stadium outside Phoenix, where the Arizona Cardinals play.

Mr Kirks casket arrived on Thursday in his home state aboard Air Force Two, accompanied by US Vice-President JD Vance.

His widow, Erika Kirk, vowed to continue his campus tour and his radio and podcast shows.

To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die, she said on Friday in a livestreamed video. It wont. I refuse to let that happen.

Flowers, US flags and handwritten messages have been left at a makeshift memorial to Mr Kirk at Utah Valley Universitys main entrance. The school has said there will be increased security when classes resume on September 17.
The dream of futuristic air taxis under Hyundai faces turbulence after its Supernal startup paused work on its aircraft program following the departures of CEO Jaiwon Shin and Chief Technology Officer David McBride.

The pause follows staff cuts earlier this summer and the abrupt winding down of its headquarters in 2024. Supernal's eVTOL aircraft program, once propelled by ambitious test flights and a 2028 launch goal, now faces a reassessment under new leadership, according to TechCrunch.

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Hyundai Outlines Strategic Leadership Transition and Long-Term AAM Commitment

Supernal said Aug. 27 that the South Korean auto giant will continue investing in the advanced air mobility sector, even as it implements leadership changes. Supernal added that Shin, who has led the group's Advanced Air Mobility division since 2019 and became CEO in 2021, will transition into an advisory role.

Hyundai said the move reflects a shift from early-stage research and development toward a new phase focused on business model execution and operational growth. The company emphasized that while the AAM industry faces regulatory and infrastructure hurdles, it remains confident in the long-term potential of sustainable air mobility solutions.

Test Flights Grounded Amid Internal Shake-Up

Supernal conducted its first technology demonstrator test flight earlier this year, TechCrunch reported. The company had planned further tests, including an untethered flight, and aimed to launch a commercial eVTOL service by 2028.

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At the 2024 CES on Jan. 7 in Las Vegas, Shin said Supernal was nearly ready to "push the limits of the technology with the demonstrator," AIN reported. In August 2024, McBride told Vertical Mag that the test flight would "validate our ability to build an aircraft" ahead of the 2028 goal.

"Autonomy is in the future," McBride said. "We're all working toward that, we're developing systems, and the avionics providers are talking about making these vehicles autonomous eventually."

Supernal spun out of Hyundai in 2021 and has faced repeated challenges. TechCrunch reported in 2024 that Supernal was shifting its global headquarters from Washington, D.C., to Irvine, California, with about 5% of its workforce, roughly 35 to 40 employees, asked to relocate.
Globalvoices.org )  Frei Betto, Brazilian writer, Dominican friar, and political activist. Image created by Global Voices on Canva Pro. Photo by ChichaFuerte on Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

At 81 years old, Carlos Alberto Libanio Christo keeps writing. Better known as Frei Betto, a Dominican friar and one of the exponents of liberation theology in Brazil, he has authored an extensive list of books and articles.

In his 20s, he was arrested and tortured by the military dictatorship (19641985). This period became a theme of some of his books, such as Blood Baptism (Batismo de Sangue, 1983), where he shares what Friar Tito de Alencar Lima, his colleague and friend, went through in prison that led him to commit suicide a few years later.

Frei Betto was also an important actor in a key program during President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas first term in office: Fome Zero (Zero Hunger). At the time, in 2003, within a population of 176 million people, Brazil had an estimated 50 million people facing hunger. More than that, it was a historical and rooted issue in the country, one that he follows now, as it is used as a weapon of war against the civilian population in Gaza.

In 2014, he was one of the writers and intellectuals who signed a manifesto asking to stop the massacre in Gaza. Last year, a decade later, he wrote that it was hard to name what Israel was doing in the region, and the complicity of Western and Arab countries. If the 20th century had as a mark the before and after Auschwitz, this beginning of the 21st century will have the before and after Gaza. This is one of the issues he discusses with Global Voices in the following interview:

Global Voices (GV): You were an important actor on Zero Hunger (Fome Zero), a program created during Lula da Silvas first term, focusing on eradicating the historical problem of hunger in Brazil. In an article you published soon after the programs launch, you wrote: Hunger is yesterday, said Gabriela Mistral. And it cannot wait, added Betinho. What do these sentences mean to someone who works with this reality?

Translation

Original Quote Frei Betto (FB): First of all, we should celebrate the fact that Lula took Brazil out of the United Nations Hunger Map for the second time. The first one was in 2004. But for neglect of the coup-government of Michel Temer (20162018), our country went back to it. Hunger is one of the most grievous attacks on human rights. As we see today in Gaza, where the current government of Israel promotes a genocide using weapons and food deprivation. Its a scandal that the European Union has disbursed 800 billion euro in arms this year and allocate next to nothing to fight world hunger. There are almost 800 million people worldwide facing chronic malnutrition.

GV: Last July, over 100 international organizations reported the famine scenario in Gaza. Pictures of malnourished people in Palestine illustrated front pages worldwide. How do you see this issue in this context?



Translation

Original Quote FB: In the animal world, there is nothing more cruel than the human being. No other animal tortures its kind. No other animal pleases to see the other in famine. This is a crime against humanity and it should be condemned by the International Court of Justice in The Hague. You cannot call civilization a period of time when the wealthiest countries are spending more with weapons to kill than with initiatives that would save lives.

GV: In an article published last year, you called what happens in Gaza a genocide, saying: If the 20th century had as its mark before and after Auschwitz, this beginning of the 21st century will have before and after Gaza. There is still resistance in naming it a genocide from some outlets and governments; on the other hand, there are people claiming this as the most documented genocide in History. Why do you consider it as such?

Translation

Original Quote FB: At this years Flip (Paratys Literary Festival, in Rio de Janeiro state), Jewish writer Ilan Pappe stated that the government of Israel already dropped more bombs in Gaza than the Allies over Nazi Germany! Gazas population has always lived in an open sky concentration camp. Im horrified at how European power states, that are so loud about defending human rights, are silent over the Zionist terror over Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. We are still far away from a truly human world.

GV: What do you think might happen in this after Gaza?

Translation

Original Quote FB: The demoralization of the Zionist State of Israel and a growing number of countries defending the right of creating a Palestinian State.

GV: What are the paths to the end of the war at this moment?

Translation

Original Quote FB: The fastest one would be the United States withdrawing their support to Israel. But this is very unlikely with the ultra-rightist Donald Trump at the White House. I hope that European Union countries start to distance themselves and condemn Israel. And to acknowledge the creation of a Palestinian State.

GV: This year marks the 40th anniversary of your most well-known book internationally, Fidel and religion (1985), in which you interviewed the then-Cuban president, Fidel Castro. Your conversation led to changes in the Communist Party statute and the Cuban Constitution. How do you see this relationship between religion and politics in Brazil today?

Translation

Original Quote FB: Besides Fidel and religion, I talk about my 33 years of work in socialist countries in Paradise Lost  Travels to the Socialist World. As for the relationship between religion and politics, the wisdom consists in not making the State confessional and not politicizing religions. Religion is the most wholesome system of sense ever created by human beings. The right always knew how to exploit it favoring its privileges and ambitions. The left made the mistake of not acknowledging in religion the essential social substrate for popular culture. Even though we must preserve the separation between the Church and the State, the secularism of our public institutions, in our private lives both dimensions  religion and politics  do mix up and are complementary to each other.

GV: As someone who wrote about it and followed the political context in Cuba, how do you evaluate the US tariff war by Donald Trump against Brazil, and the stance taken by Lulas government?

Translation

Original Quote FB: Trump did Lula a favor in intervening so aggressively in Brazil. It leveraged Lula to a fourth term and cracked the right, that is now in an internal war. Once the tariffs touch the U.S. consumers pockets, Trump might realise his mistake.

GV: During the military dictatorship in Brazil, you were arrested, submitted to torture and witnessed the same with people close to you. How does it feel when someone says 2025 Brazil is a dictatorship and that there is no free speech?

Translation

Original Quote FB: We live in a democracy, although an imperfect one. Bolsonaro and his subjects tried to re-edit the dictatorship in Brazil. And now they must pay for it. There is no lack of freedom of expression in our country. There are, indeed, abuses, facilitated by big techs. That is why it is urgent that our judiciary establishes regulation for digital networks. They dont have the right to act as trenches for lies and offenses, unpunished.

GV: A criticism made in Brazil is that, compared to the post-dictatorship period of other neighbors, such as Argentina and Uruguay, there was a lack of transitional justice and policies of memory. How do you see this matter? Is there a direct consequence of the ascension of the far-right and the new coup attempt in 2023?



Translation

Original Quote

Gaza 56, Digital, Midjourney, 2025 FB: It was a serious mistake that Brazil didnt investigate, process and convict all those who committed crimes against human rights throughout the 21 years that the military dictatorship lasted, different from what was done in Argentina, Uruguay and Chile, countries that knew how to separate the chaff from the wheat. Fortunately, for the first time we have military officials being punished for the coup attempt in January, 8, 2023. The Supreme Courts energetic action has emptied bolsonarismo. Their public protests have fewer people joining each time.

GV: What is the urgent matter for Brazil in 2025?
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  The first recorded world-historical pandemic took place in the Roman Empire and Sasanian Iran, as well as neighboring areas such as Arabia, 541- 750 CE. It began during the reign of Justinian (r.527  565) and continued during the rise of Islam and the fall of the Sasanian Empire in Iran to the Arab Muslim armies. An episode was reported in Medina in a rock inscription late in the Umayyad Empire. Although scientists and historians have long held that the culprit was Yersinia Pestis, until now no solid biological evidence from within the Eastern Mediterranean realms of the Roman Empire had been found. Another puzzle was that archeologists couldnt with certainty identify mass graves or plague pits like those known from the medieval Black Death (the second world-historical plague, in the 1300s and 1400s).

This is a story that has resonances for our generation, who lived through COVID lockdowns and millions of deaths worldwide only a few years ago. Im also interested because Ive written two books on the rise of Islam, set during the middle of the plague period  one of them entitled Muhammad: Prophet of Peace amid the Clash of Empires.

The Eastern Roman historian of the 500s CE, Procopius of Caesarea, a Palestinian, described the plagues advent, saying that the tale of dead reached five thousand each day, and again it even came to ten thousand and still more than that. At first people went to the burials of their relatives, but then societal order broke down. People tossed body on top of body in grave pits, or tossed them into the sea, or into boats that they launched into the sea.

Then there werent a lot of people around to serve as gravediggers. For slaves remained destitute of masters, and men who in former times were very prosperous were deprived of the service of their domestics who were either sick or dead, and many houses became completely destitute of human inhabitants. Even the great and wealthy, when they died of the swelling buboes, might lie dead for days without their bodies being disposed of. They just had to stop having burial rites. People who hated each other started helping bury their dead.

Then in the 1990s, archeologists did discover a plague pit, in Jerash, in what is now Jordan. And that discovery turned up some teeth that could be analyzed, allowing the identity of the plague microbe to be specified by a scientific team from the University of Southern Florida and Florida Atlantic University, through examination of surviving dental pulp:

Adapa, S.R., et al.  Genetic Evidence of Yersinia pestis from the First Pandemic. Genes 2025, 16, 926. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes16080926

The scientists investigated 8 teeth from 5 plague victims who had been buried in a mass grave beneath the hippodrome in Jerash, and found Y. Pestis. Moreover, they found exactly the same strain of Y. Pestis in each, suggesting rapid transmission before the bacterium had a chance to mutate.

Jerash was conquered by the Romans in 106 CE and incorporated into their province of Arabia. People in Jerash, then known as Gerasa, used Greek for formal purposes but spoke Arabic at home. In the late 300s and through the 400s its residents adopted Christianity. It was ruled by the invading Sasanian Iranians around 614-630, briefly recovered by Eastern Rome under Heraklios, but then incorporated into Islamdom in 636.



File photo of Jerash, 2020, by Hisham Zayadneh on Unsplash

Jerashs Hippodrome was where Roman chariot races were held early in the Roman period. But that practice ceased at some point, and the chambers beneath it became workshops for light industry, especially ceramic production. Rooms appear to have been used to dump ceramic bowls that didnt turn out very well. Some of these chambers were then pressed into service for mass burials in 555-560 when plague swept in. Extensive Roman structures still survive there, and are visited by over 300,000 people a year.

The authors write that the strain of plague found in Jerash resembles some samples earlier recovered in Central Asia, suggesting that the plague of the 500s spread from there west.

The urban dynamism of the Eastern Roman Empire, with extensive trade and circulation of population among substantial urban centers, the authors point out, exposed Roman citizens to pathogens.

They find that the bubonic plague came and went through history, subsiding after 750 but then breaking out again in the 1300s, and then again in the late nineteenth century in China and India, where it killed millions. As a zoonotic disease, it has a base in animal populations. In the period when it wasnt polishing off millions of people, the plague bacterium hid out in fleas, biding its time until human immunity waned and until some population movement put them in close contact with the rats that carried infected fleas.

It is hard to be sure whether the plague of the 500s and 600s affected world history. Did it help thwart Justinians attempt to restore Roman rule to the whole Mediterranean and to keep Iran at bay? (For a great biography of this emperor see Peter Sarris, Justinian .) In a later time the Black Death killed off 30% to as many as 60% of Europeans. Was there a similar toll in Eastern Rome? When you lose so many workers, the value of labor rises significantly and workers have much more bargaining power. How did that impact the social structure of Eastern Rome? How did it affect the ability of the empire to raise armies? Did Arabian tribesmen have an advantage in the plague decades, since pastoralists are less affected by pandemics than city people, for whom they are a death sentence?

After Heraklios defeated the Sasanians in 628, the Iranian empire appears to have fallen into political instability, with a series of short-lived rulers. We know that at least one died of plague. Did a major plague outbreak help the rising Muslim empire conquer Iran? Did early Arab Muslims establish garrisons outside conquered cities in part to avoid teeming imperial cities rife with the plague bacterium?



Justinian Mosaic Ravenna. Public Domain. H/t Wikimedia . *

To end on a dark note, heres some more of Procopius description:

DURING these times there was a pestilence, by which the whole human race came near to being annihilated . . . It started from the Egyptians who dwell in Pelusium. Then it divided and moved in one direction towards Alexandria and the rest of Egypt, and in the other direction it came to Palestine on the borders of Egypt; and from there it spread over the whole world, always moving forward and travelling at times favorable to it . . . And in the second year it reached Byzantium in the middle of spring, where it happened that I was staying at that time. . . And they were taken in the following manner. They had a sudden fever, some when just roused from sleep, others while walking about, and others while otherwise engaged, without any regard to what they were doing. And the body showed no change from its previous color, nor was it hot as might be expected when attacked by a fever, nor indeed did any inflammation set in, but the fever was of such a languid sort from its commencement and up till evening that neither to the sick themselves nor to a physician who touched them would it afford any suspicion of danger. It was natural, therefore, that not one of those who had contracted the disease expected to die from it. But on the same day in some cases, in others on the following day, and in the rest not many days later, a bubonic swelling developed; and this took place not only in the particular part of the body which is called boubon, that is, below the abdomen, but also inside the armpit, and in some cases also beside the ears, and at different points on the thighs . . .

*an earlier illustration for this post was mislabeled on the internet and was not related to Justinians plague. Informed Comment regrets the error.
Warring Parties Systematic Violations Against Media Freedom

Human Rights Watch  (Beirut)  Yemens warring parties, including the Houthis, the Southern Transitional Council (STC), and the Yemeni government have committed serious human rights violations against journalists and media institutions in Yemen, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today.

The 59-page report, We Pray to God by Torturing Journalists: Warring Parties Systematic Violations Against Journalists and Press Freedom in Yemen, documents the warring parties wide range of violations against journalists and media institutions, including the widespread use of arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture, and other inhuman treatment. The authorities on all sides of the conflict have also carried out broader violations against Yemenis right to free expression and against the media, including seizing media organizations, intimidating and harassing media workers and obstructing their movement and work.

Warring parties repeated attacks on journalists and media institutions have threatened the lives of dozens of journalists and have gravely undermined freedom of expression in Yemen, said Niku Jafarnia, Yemen and Bahrain researcher at Human Rights Watch. The authorities in Yemen should be doing everything in their power to ensure peoples basic needs and rights, rather than abusing and silencing those who are simply reporting what is happening.

Human Rights Watch interviewed 27 people, including 16 journalists, between October 2024 and May 2025. Human Rights Watch also reviewed and analyzed photos and documents related to the cases investigated, including official documents and court indictments, among other evidence.

Human Rights Watch documented 14 cases of abuses against journalists by the Houthis, the STC, and the Yemeni government, including five who were until recently or are currently arbitrarily detained since November 2023: three by the Houthis, and two by the STC. Four were forcibly disappeared.

In some cases, authorities detained the family members of journalists either in addition to or in place of the journalist, often holding them as leverage to coerce journalists to confess to bogus charges or to stop them from carrying out their work.

Four journalists who were previously detained said they were severely tortured in prison, in addition to other forms of ill treatment. They said that they believed the authorities subjected them to more brutal treatment than other detainees to frighten them, and others, so that they wouldnt report on the authorities abuses, mismanagement, and corruption.

Abdelkhaleq Emran, a released journalist, said that a Houthi prison authority told him that, We pray to God by torturing journalists.

Warring parties targeting of journalists and media institutions has encroached on freedom of expression in Yemen. Many journalists have fled the country due to the abuses they have faced, or their fear of abuse, by warring parties. Those who have stayed have often limited their reporting to avoid being targeted.

Lubna Sadeq, a freelance journalist in Aden, said that she tried to hide her identity as a journalist when traveling through checkpoints because she fears the reaction of checkpoint officials if they discover her profession. Even in my passport, my colleagues advised me to write my occupation as student to avoid getting into trouble at checkpoints, she said.

Nabil al-Osaidi, a board member of the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate, said that The space for [journalistic] freedom has been shrinking. He, and others, said that the authorities have been conducting surveillance of journalists and detaining them for something as inconsequential as a social media post critical of authorities.

Many journalists have been killed in Yemen over the last 11 years of fighting, including likely assassinations by warring parties. However, there have not been adequate investigations to determine who was responsible in most instances Human Rights Watch documented.

The Houthis and the STC have also seized and/or shut down several major media institutions across the country since the start of the conflict. Researchers documented five cases in the past four years, including Yemen Live for Media Production and Satellite Broadcasting, Yemen Digital Media, Sawt al-Yemen, SABA News Agency, and the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate.

Authorities in Yemen, including the Yemeni government, the Houthis, and the STC, have obligations under both international and domestic laws to protect freedom of expression, which includes journalism. Under both international and national law, they must also not arbitrarily detain, forcibly disappear, torture, or murder people.

UN member states should use all opportunities to raise serious concerns about violations of human rights in Yemen at the upcoming 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), including condemning warring parties arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances of journalists and other media workers, and call for the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained.

UNHRC members should also ensure that the resolution on Yemen that will be negotiated at the 60th session, condemns these rights violations, calls on the Yemeni authorities to immediately remedy them, and requests the Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights to monitor the situation and report to the UNHRC.



Photo of Ibb, Yemen, by asamw on Unsplash

The UN special rapporteur on torture, UN special rapporteur on freedom of expression, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detentions, and the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances should request a visit to Yemen. They should use the visit to monitor the human rights situation and document and report on violations of human rights, including against journalists, such as arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, and torture.

All warring parties should immediately release journalists who remain wrongly detained and end their abusive practices against journalists and media institutions, Jafarnia said. The international community should also put an end to their inaction concerning the ongoing violations in Yemen and ensure that warring parties are held to account.

Via Human Rights Watch
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Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested that the U.S. government is considering a public offering for Fannie Mae (OTC:FNMA) and Freddie Mac (OTC:FMCC) sooner than people think.

Trump Admin Aims To Keep Mortgages Low Amid GSE IPO talks

In a recent interview with CNBC, Lutnick mentioned the potential for a public offering of the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. He explained that the government is considering this move to showcase the value of these assets owned by American taxpayers.





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Lutnick clarified that the aim is not to sell a lot but to demonstrate a mark-to-market, showing the American taxpayers the value of the assets they own. He emphasized the Trump administrations commitment to keeping home mortgage prices as low as possible, stating that any action that raises that spread would be avoided. The focus is on making homeownership easier and more affordable.

When asked about the U.S. governments 79.9% ownership, Lutnick refrained from providing specific details at this point, citing his obligations. However, he did hint at a potential deal being struck and the company going public, which could potentially be the largest IPO in history.

Regarding the timeline, Lutnick revealed, It Could Well Be A This Year Thing.

See Also: If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it?

Trump Suggests Fannie, Freddie Could Merge Under MAGA Ticker

This news comes on the heels of a report revealing that the Trump administration is seriously considering a plan to sell a portion of its stake in Fannie Mae and its counterpart, Freddie Mac. This move would begin the process of returning the companies to the private sector after more than a decade and a half of government conservatorship, which began during the 2008 financial crisis.

President Donald Trump has also hinted at the possibility of merging Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and trading them under the name "MAGA." The government would need to take definitive steps soon if it intends to launch the new entity as early as November, as suggested by the backdrop of an image posted by Trump on Truth Social in August.

Hedge-fund billionaire Bill Ackman has voiced his support for a proposal to restructure the capital requirements of these government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs).






Saturday, September 13, 2025 - Motorists are raising an alarm over rampant corruption by traffic officers stationed along the Murram stretch leading into Thika Town, where police have been openly collecting bribes.

In a secretly recorded video, a matatu driver is seen handing over cash to a masked traffic police officer before being allowed to proceed with his journey.

The footage has sparked outrage, with one frustrated Kenyan tagging Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing the police force of being both drunk and corrupt.

The revelations have since triggered a heated debate online, with many Kenyans sharing similar experiences and demanding urgent disciplinary action against rogue officers tarnishing the reputation of the service.

Watch the video.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, September 13, 2025 - A bold Nairobi baddie has set social media ablaze after a jaw-dropping video of her partying at a city club went viral.

Captured vibing effortlessly to the music, she soaked in the admiration of fellow revelers - but it was her daring outfit that truly stole the spotlight.

Netizens were quick to react, with some applauding her fearless confidence and unapologetic energy.

Others, however, felt she may have crossed the line in her quest for attention, suggesting she low-key embarrassed herself.

Watch the video or HERE>>>

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, September 13, 2025 - Former Deputy President and Democratic Change Party (DCP) leader, Rigathi Gachagua, has officially declared his intention to run for President in the 2027 General Elections.

Speaking at a rally in Ruiru on Saturday, September 13th, Gachagua launched a scathing attack on his former ally, accusing Ruto of betrayal and deception.

Ruto came here on pretenses and lied to us. He was a hyena in sheeps clothing, Gachagua told supporters, referencing his role in Rutos 2022 campaign.

Gachagua unveiled key pillars of his manifesto, pledging to restore free education, improve healthcare access and abolish the controversial housing levy.

Children will get free education like under Mwai Kibaki.

Hospitals will have medicine, and women will give birth without paying. The housing fund will be scrapped, he said.

He made a direct appeal to Gen Z voters, invoking recent youth-led protests.

You cant vote back someone who killed our youth. Gen Z, register as voters.

Wake up early, vote, and the rest will follow, he urged.

Joining him was Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thangwa, who claimed Gachaguas rallies face more resistance than others, suggesting he is feared by the establishment.

Thangwa controversially proposed adding a pledge to jail Ruto to Gachaguas manifesto.

Since his impeachment in October 2024, Gachagua has intensified his political activities, positioning himself as a leading opposition figure ahead of the 2027 race.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, September 13, 2025 - A viral video has set social media ablaze after it captured a middle-aged Tanzanian woman hustling in the streets of Bangkok, Thailand, at night.

In the clip, a man is seen approaching her before striking up a conversation.

Where are you from? he asks.

With a charming smile, she replies, Tanzania.





The man then tells her he wants to take her to his hotel room, and she gladly agrees.

The video has since drawn mixed reactions online.

Some netizens sympathized with her situation, pointing to the high cost of living and limited opportunities back home, while others slammed the act as shameful and damaging to the reputation of Tanzanian women abroad.

The controversial clip continues to spread across social media, sparking a heated debate about the realities faced by Africans living and working overseas.

Tha!land OS no dey talk pr!ce, na straight to the rum  pic.twitter.com/A6dFz8e07n  Minister For Ashawo (@dazzybtv) September 12, 2025

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, September 13, 2025 - President William Ruto stirred political waters on Saturday, September 13th, with a pointed jab at his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, during the Waalimu Na Rais Forum held at State House, Nairobi.

Addressing a gathering of teachers, Ruto openly questioned Gachaguas academic credentials and leadership capacity, contrasting them with the qualifications of his current deputy, Professor Kithure Kindiki.

If you want to succeed, look for a more educated deputy than you, Ruto said.

I had another one who kept complaining that he was not learned, and then I realised he was going to fail me.

The President praised Kindikis intellect and communication skills, describing him as a strategic asset in advancing the Governments agenda.

Gachagua, a University of Nairobi graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Literature, has faced mounting criticism from Ruto over his performance and alleged focus on ethnic politics.

The President lamented having to defend Government policies alone, saying his former deputy failed to support him in engaging the public.

The fallout between the two leaders, once close allies elected together in 2022, intensified in their second year in office and culminated in Gachaguas impeachment last October.

He is now reportedly positioning himself to challenge Ruto in the 2027 presidential race.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, September 13, 2025 - A fiery Kenyan mother has gone viral after posting a bold warning to men eyeing her daughter, who recently joined Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC).

In the trending clip, she insists her daughter must focus solely on her studies and not be disturbed by romantic distractions.

Initially admitted to a KMTC campus far from home, the mother revealed that she intervened and had her daughter transferred to a nearby college so she could monitor her closely - ensuring she commutes daily from home rather than staying in a hostel.

Her unapologetic stance has sparked mixed reactions online.

Some netizens praised her protective instincts, calling her a real African mum.

Others argued that while her intentions are noble, such tight control could stifle her daughters social development and independence.

The video has ignited a lively debate on parenting, boundaries and the balance between guidance and freedom.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, September 13, 2025 - Kapseret MP, Oscar Sudi, has extended a helping hand to a needy student from Mathira Constituency, home turf of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, by sponsoring her university education.

The 19-year-old, Habiba Boru Jattani, caught Sudis attention during the Mathira edition of the Bottom-Up Economic Empowerment Day, presided over by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

Moved by her story, Sudi revealed that Habibas father works as a cow herder by day and a night guard, struggling to support her dream of higher education.

In response, Sudi enrolled her at KCA University in Nairobi to pursue a degree in Business Information Technology.

Habibas determination touched my heart. Im proud to support her journey, Sudi shared.

The gesture aligns with Sudis recent shift in focus from church donations to grassroots empowerment.

Last month, he announced his withdrawal from religious contributions, citing criticism from clergy over political involvement in churches.

Instead, he pledged to channel resources into youth, women and elder-focused initiatives.

Youve heard how some church people keep making noise.

Ive decided to put church matters aside. Next year, Ill focus only on empowerment, right here in Kapseret, he said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
Americans are struggling to pay their bills, and the collapse of a major auto lender shows just how dire things are getting.

Tricolor Holdings, a Dallas-based used-car dealer that made loans to people with poor credit, filed for bankruptcy on Wednesday. The company operated 65 dealerships across six states and specialized in selling cars to Spanish-speaking buyers who couldn't get loans anywhere else.

Must Read

The company's failure comes at a time when millions of Americans can't keep up with their car payments. Right now, 6.6% of people with bad credit are at least 60 days behind on their auto loans  the highest level since tracking began according to an Axios roundup [1]. Even people with good credit are falling behind more often than they did last year.

The warning signs were everywhere

Tricolor's bankruptcy didn't happen overnight. The company, which had been praised by major investors like BlackRock for helping underserved communities, was actually in deep trouble.

Fifth Third Bank discovered what it called "fraudulent activity" at Tricolor and took a hit of up to $200 million investigative reporting from Barron's revealed [2]. JPMorgan Chase faces similar losses, with about $200 million at risk [2]. Origin Bank has another $30 million tied up with the failed company [2].

The timing couldn't be worse for American families. Total household debt has hit a record $18.39 trillion, and Americans now spend about 11% of their income just on debt payments according to the Federal Reserve Banks of New York and St. Louis [3], [4] . That's money that can't go toward groceries, gas, or saving for emergencies.

Why your car loan is getting harder to pay

The auto loan crisis is hitting families especially hard. Car prices are sitting just under $50,000 on average, while loan rates have climbed above 9% for new cars and almost 14% for used ones [1]. Add in car insurance rates that are up 19% from last year, and many families simply can't afford their vehicles anymore [1].

Young people are suffering the most. Among Gen Z borrowers with auto loans, 7.5% are behind on payments  the highest of any age group according to LendingTree [5]. Mississippi leads the nation with nearly 10% of auto loan borrowers having at least one late payment, followed by Louisiana and Georgia [5].
Super subs have been the order of the weekend for the Ballydoyle operation due to the absence of Ryan Moore and Wayne Lordan because of injury and suspension and it was Ronan Whelan who delivered the latest Group 1 for Aidan OBrien and the Coolmore partners, guiding Precise (11/2) to a surprise but inarguably deserved victory in the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh today.

Christophe Soumillon bagged a treble on the first leg of Irish Champions Festival at Leopardstown yesterday, with the highlight being Delacroixs burst of speed to put the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes to bed.

Across the water in Doncaster, Tom Marquand was in the saddle as Scandinavia battled to victory in the St Leger.

The market and jockey bookings suggested that Composing was the first choice among the Rosegreen ranks in the Moyglare today but it was Whelan who held the aces on the apparent third string, to stretch away from another stablemate Beautify and Dylan Browne McMonagle by three-quarters of a length on the line.

Karl Burkes Venetian Sun lost her unbeaten record when staying on past the tiring Composing to be third, having been caught in a pocket but never looked to have the gears to extricate herself in time.

It was a fourth Group 1 success for Whelan, the first having come in this race on the Patrick Prendergast-trained Skitter Scatter in 2018.

The Monasterevin man spared a thought for Lordan, who provided his weigh room colleague with all the information needed to produce a copybook ride at Flat HQ.

Thats what its all about, said Whelan. I know its a cliche but its not what you know, its who you know! Its great to be associated with this time. Any time you get the leg over, you know you always have a chance.

We didnt jump as well as Id have probably liked. She was a little bit sluggish but being honest, the beauty about riding a second or third string is you can just let it happen a little bit more.

I was happy the two boys were going to take me as far as I needed. Roger Quinlan rides her every day and he said to me that ideally, you wouldnt be hitting the front too soon on her. So the way it played out, it couldnt have worked out any better.

Wayne Lordan, I feel for him. He probably should be here talking to you but Im very grateful for the opportunities. Wayne told me all about her, Ryan rang me this morning and couldnt have filled me in any more. Theyre just a great team to be associated yet and everyone is out to help each other. OBrien was suitably impressed by both horse and jockey.

Shes an improving filly. She had a lovely run the last day, came forward a lot. Shes a homebred filly. Theres a strong headwind but Ronan had her in a lovely position and gave her a lovely ride.

It was probably tough out there making the running. Obviously they all couldnt make it. Christophes won making the running her last couple of times and didnt want to change it too much. Dylan was there beside him nursing (Beautify) along and Ronan ended up with the perfect position, controlling the race where he was but she quickened up very well. Shes growing and maturing all the time.
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."
James Cox

Here, we have a look at the issues likely to dominate political discourse in the week to come.

Three-horse race for the Aras?

The presidential election is looking increasingly likely to be a three-horse race between Jim Gavin (Fianna Fail), Heather Humphreys (Fine Gael) and Independent Catherine Connolly.

Sinn Fein is yet to declare a candidate, and despite positive polling party leader Mary Lou McDonald has ruled herself out.

If the party does put a candidate forward, it will change the outlook, but Ms Connolly remains hopeful they will back her candidacy.

A host of unlikely candidates including Conor McGregor, Peter Casey and Dolores Cahill vying for council approval, this route remains improbable.

Independent candidate Maria Steen has the backing of 10 Oireachtas members, but is still 10 short of a nomination.

Over one fifth of people say they would vote for Heather Humphreys to become president, according to the latest opinion poll.

Some 22 per cent of 1,000 respondents in the Business Post/RED C poll gave their first preference to the Fine Gael candidate.

Former Dublin manager and Fianna Fail hopeful Jim Gavin received 18 per cent of first preference votes, while Independent candidate Catherine Connolly received 17 per cent.

Budget

The Budget will be unveiled on October 7th and with it fast-approaching talk will soon turn to what may be in store.

Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary has said a two-tier child benefit will not feature this time, despite speculation.

EU Gaza resolution

An EU resolution on Gaza is a "positive step" but "disappointing, particularly on stronger language in describing what is happening in Gaza as a genocide", according to an Irish MEP.

There was much debate in the European Parliament this week before the resolution passed with 305 votes in favour, 151 against, and 122 abstentions.

The resolution pledged to "combat famine" in Gaza, but left out stronger language on Israel's actions.

In an interview with BreakingNews.ie, Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh said: "I welcome the fact that the Parliament passed a resolution on the atrocities in Gaza. Sadly some in the Parliament feel Israel has a right to defend itself by committing the atrocities we are seeing.

"Ultimately it passed, a couple of things fell through which I was really disappointed with, particularly on stronger language in describing what is happening in Gaza as a genocide. It falls short in that way... Ireland and a couple of countries are leading the way in bringing a humanitarian approach to what is happening in Gaza to the EU.

"Stronger wording and more action is needed."

Abroad

In the UK, prime minister Keir Starmer is coming under increasing pressure after ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson was sacked over his association with Jeffrey Epstein.

Mr Starmer has denied he had any knowledge of the messages between Mandelson and the child sex offender, but opposition politicians have raised questions over the prime minister's previous backing of Mandelson.

In the US, the nation is still reeling from the assassination of far-right influencer and Donald Trump associate Charlie Kirk.
ICMSA President, Kilkennys Denis Drennan, attended this weeks protest in Brussels against the Mercosur Agreement.

The protest was organised at short notice by a wide spectrum of farm organisations, trade unions, civil society groups and environmental activists all united in their opposition to what Mr Drennan has called a calculated betrayal of the EUs decades long policy of sustainability and low-environmental impact.

TAP HERE FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS



Mr Drennan was part of the European Milk Board contingent that was headed by the President of the specialist dairy farmer umbrella group, Kjartan Poulsen, who previously travelled from Denmark to address the ICMSA National Council on precisely the issues that the move to ratify the Mercosur Agreement will now bring centre stage.



Mr Drennan said that it was simply impossible for the Irish Government to pretend that this could be yet another situation where Ireland was expected to take one for the team .



Nor was it, he maintained, a question of losing on our food exports but gaining in other areas.

Its already obvious whats going on here; Germany wants to sell cars to the South American market and Spain wants radically increase trade with the South American countries with whom it has strong linguistic, historical and commercial links. But the only thing that Mercosur can export to us is beef and other foodstuffs and the beef, specifically, will be in direct competition with us for markets weve spent decades opening.

The competition isnt the problem; our beef is better and on any level playing field there wouldnt be any problem. The problem arises because there isnt any pretence of a level playing field; the South American beef is produced practically without regulation or even a semblance of sustainability and that means that it will be arriving cheaper and undercutting our beef thats produced to the standards that the EU itself has insisted upon, said Mr Drennan.

Mr Drennan said that France was assembling a blocking vote and the Irish Government must not listen to the sirens voices who imagined that we could gain more than we would lose.



Irelands national interest lies in a categoric rejection of a Mercosur Agreement, something that has been recognised by successive Irish Governments for 20-odd years, concluded Mr Drennan.
The Retired Nurses Association of Ireland (RNAI) 26th annual conference will be held in Kilkenny City on October 6 and 7.

The event for the national organisation will take place at the River Court Hotel. The conference is expected to welcome hundreds of delegates from across the country, bringing retired nurses together to connect and discuss matters central to their interests and welfare.

The event also aims to showcase the historic city of Kilkenny to a national audience, providing a boost to local tourism and businesses.



Founded in September 1996, the RNAI has grown into a thriving community of over 5,500 members. As a non-profit organisation, it is committed to promoting the well-being and championing the interests of retired nursing professionals throughout Ireland.

We are thrilled to bring our annual conference to the beautiful city of Kilkenny, said John Coonan, Assistant National Treasurer for the RNAI, and Mayor of Kilkenny City.

READ NEXT: Mayor of Kilkenny John Coonan, chats all things Kilkenny

This gathering is not only a milestone for our association but also a wonderful opportunity for our members to experience the rich culture and hospitality Kilkenny has to offer. We anticipate a memorable and successful event for all our delegates.
Channing Tatum realised a dream walking the red carpet with his daughter Everly.

Channing Tatum got to share the red carpet with his daughter Everly at the premiere of his latest movie

The 45-year-old actor was accompanied by his 12-year-old daughter at the premiere of his new anime movie Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle earlier this week and reflected on the "unreal" experience of sharing the moment with his child.

Channing - who has Everly with his ex-wife Jenna Dewan - posted on Instagram: "Walking the #DemonSlayer: Infinity Castle carpet with Evie by my side was honestly a dream come true. She's been my anime inspiration from the start, and sharing this moment with her made my first time voicing Keizo extra special.

"Having a project we both love in theatres now just feels unreal - heart is full and fanboy levels are off the charts!"

The Magic Mike star explained how he earned "cool dad points" by lending his voice to the movie adaptation of the Japanese manga series of the same name.

Tatum told People: "Stories are important. They're very, very, very important, and this one, specifically for me and my daughter, is very important."

He previously explained how he has embraced life as a single parent following his separation from Jenna in 2018.

Channing said back in 2021: "When I became a single father, I had a lot of fear about connecting to Everly in every way that a little girl might want. I didn't wear nail polish or know how to braid hair.

"But I jumped with both feet into this magical world and I was rewarded with a kind of love that I don't think I would have ever been able to have otherwise."

Tatum is one of Hollywood's biggest movie stars but admits there are times where he feels as though he is "the radio contest winner" because of the fame he has attained.

The Roofman actor  who worked as a stripper and model before becoming a successful movie star  told Variety: "Anytime I see myself on the screen, it doesnt feel like a real movie. I see everybody giving these incredible performances, and I dont believe myself."

Channing added: "I always felt like the radio contest winner.

"I got called in at the right time, and I got the tickets backstage, and no one told me to leave. And once you let all that go, then you can really start."
Stock buybacks have been a popular policy that boosts value for existing shareholders without distributing dividends. However, those same stock buybacks are now on the sidelines thanks to parabolic AI spending.

A research note from Goldman Sachs Analyst Ben Snider and colleagues recently outlined how companies are trimming their stock buybacks and using the extra funds for AI investments.

"The 2Q earnings season reaffirmed the ongoing corporate focus on AI investment spending, which appears to be crowding out buybacks," Snider wrote.

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Is That A Bad Thing?

Stock buybacks do not increase the intrinsic value of a company. This strategy involves a corporation buying back its shares, effectively reducing the amount of its outstanding shares in the market. Investors then get to enjoy a higher earnings per share on the corporation's stock, which can push the price higher.

However, stock buybacks are an artificial way to elevate the stock price. If corporations can invest in initiatives that boost revenue and profits, it can be a better move. Artificial intelligence, in particular, presents a compelling opportunity that the tech giants don't want to miss.

McKinsey estimates that generative AI can deliver $2.6 trillion to $4.4 trillion in economic benefits each year. Such an economic impact can produce plenty of returns for tech investors if big tech harnesses AI better than anyone else.

Trending: Scrolling To UBI'  Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. You can invest today for just $0.30/share.

Stock Buybacks May Not Grow Anytime Soon

Although tech giants haven't completely eliminated stock buybacks, they may not be as prevalent as they were in prior years. That's because AI spending is still accelerating and may not experience any meaningful slowdown in a few years.

"Surging capex spending related to AI will likely prevent a major increase in the buyback payout ratio," Snider wrote.

As big tech commits more money to AI and has plans to ramp up capital expenditures, there will be less capital available for stock buybacks. Investors may not mind since the S&P 500 is up by more than 10% year-to-date.

Goldman anticipates stock buybacks rising by 12% to $1.2 trillion next year. However, the firm cautioned that growth may be lower than this figure if AI spending continues to increase.
Soybeans are showing 9 to 10 cent gains so far on Friday, following a production and stocks increase by the USDA. There were 24 deliveries issued against September soybeans overnight. The cmdtyView national average Cash Bean price is up 9 cents at $9.66 1/4. Soymeal futures are up $1.30, with Soy Oil futures 41 points higher. The CME reported another 4 September soybean meal deliveries issued, with 2 reported for bean oil. September futures expire today.

USDA reported a private export sale of 22,000 MT of soybean oil sold to South Korea this morning for 2025/26 shipment.

More News from Barchart

The monthly Crop Production report showed a 0.1 bpa cut to US yield at 53.5 bpa, above estimates. Acres were up 0.21 million on both the planted (81.135 million) and harvested side. Production was up 8 mbu at 4.3 bbu, vs. estimate calling for a 21 mbu reduction. USDA led the old crop ending stocks along this month at 330 mbu, with the 2024/25 MY seen up 10 mbu at 300 mbu, with a 20 mbu cut to exports and 15 mbu increase to crush.

World soybean stocks were down 1.61 MMT to 123.58 MMT, mainly on a drop in old crop Argentina stocks. New crop world bean carryout was down 0.91 MMT to 123.99 MMT.

NOPA data is out on Monday, with traders looking for August crush among members at 182.857 mbu.

Sep 25 Soybeans are at $10.15 1/4, up 9 3/4 cents,

Nearby Cash is at $9.66 1/4, up 9 cents,

Nov 25 Soybeans are at $10.42 3/4, up 9 1/4 cents,

Jan 26 Soybeans are at $10.61 1/2, up 9 cents,

New Crop Cash is at $9.66 1/4, up 9 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
By Ateev Bhandari

(Reuters) -Ticket reseller StubHub, which delayed its U.S. listing in April amid market volatility, has drawn over 20 times as many orders for its planned initial public offering as there are available shares, a source familiar with the matter said on Friday.

The outsized demand for the IPO, which is set to price shares on Tuesday, reflects pent-up investor appetite for tech-heavy consumer platforms.

StubHub did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.

Madrone Partners-backed StubHub had postponed its IPO roadshow earlier this year as U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs roiled global markets and froze all dealmaking.

In a stark turn of events, U.S. IPOs have had a triumphant week as companies ranging from crypto to consumer tapped the public markets amid record high equity markets and easing tariff worries.

Swedish buy-now, pay-later firm Klarna's shares jumped in its long-awaited debut earlier this week, reinforcing bullish investor sentiments for fintechs.

Separately, cafe chain Black Rock Coffee Bar's shares rose above their issue price earlier in the day, as investors brushed off residual concerns over the consumer company's health.

StubHub is targeting a valuation of up to $9.2 billion in its U.S. IPO, seeking to raise up to $851 million by offering 34 million shares priced between $22 and $25 each.

The company was co-founded in 2000 by Jeff Fluhr and current CEO Eric Baker, who had exited StubHub ahead of its $310-million sale to e-commerce firm eBay in 2007.

Baker in 2006 launched viagogo, a rival ticket reseller in Europe, which in 2020 bought StubHub from eBay for $4.05 billion.

J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs are the lead underwriters of the offering.

StubHub will list on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "STUB".

(Reporting by Ateev Bhandari in Bengaluru; Editing by Shreya Biswas)
A WONDERFUL exhibition of paintings and photographs by Laois artists and photographers was launched in Phelans Restaurant, Mountrath by Queen of Irish Country music Trudi Lalor, as part of her Lovely Laois Homecoming Festival held in many venues around the county from 5-7 September.

The superb photographs were from Mountrath and District Camera Club members and other photographers from the Abbeyleix Camera Club, while the stunning paintings were from local artists including Geraldine Molloy, Edwina Cuddy, Kathleen Gilligan, Antoinette Breen, Maura Byrne, Heather Rice, Orla McDonagh, Liam Phelan and Billy Dollard.

Just before Trudi Lalor arrived to launch the exhibition, Eddie Phelan told the Laois Nationalist that he and his wife Maura were in Portugal with Trudi on her music week several months ago, when she told them about her Lovely Laois festival.

Eddie is an accomplished photographer who won photographer of the year in 2018, with a black and white photograph of his granddaughter that he submitted to the Midlands Photography exhibition, which incorporates camera clubs from several different counties.

He said: Trudi told Maura and me that she was hoping to get something going in every town in the county. Im involved in the camera club as one of the founding members and I know all the artists, as Im on the board of Bloom HQ in the old Brigidine Convent.

We displayed an exhibition here before, so we said that wed do another one for the festival. We included my daughter Edwinas craft shop, Telfords and the library to display works by photographers and artists in their windows. Between the artists and the camera club, we have bits and pieces for people to enjoy around the town.

"Two local artists Mike Rafter and Antoinette Breen also have an excellent exhibition thats running at the moment in Bloom, which is great.

A gathering in the restaurant enjoyed a cheese and wine reception and viewed the displayed works, while waiting for the star of the show to arrive with her husband Billy Morrissey.

In her address, Trudi said: This is amazing what Eddie and Maura and all the family have put on here for us all. Im just as much blown away by it as you all are. The talent that we have on the walls here, between photography and art, is mind blowing. It's incredible.

"This captures the real sense of home, because were all reminiscing when we see the old photographs and the more recent ones as well.

After launching the exhibition, Trudi read out a letter she received from President Michael D. Higgins, congratulating her on behalf of himself and his wife Sabina and thanking everyone who helped to organise the festival.

After a round of applause, Trudi sang Lovely Laois for the delighted crowd and encouraged everyone to hold hands while they sang along.

Eddie thanked everyone who attended the launch, the exhibiting photographers and artists, Kevin McCann who organises all the art exhibitions in Bloom HQ and Trudi and Billy for attending the gathering and making it such a wonderful evening.

The exhibition will remain on display in the restaurant for several weeks to come.

See lots more photos from the Phelan's launch in the current (9 September) edition of the Laois Nationalist, in shops and online
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A Laois motorist drug driving in a car held together with baling twine was as bad as it gets in terms of driving offences, a judge has said.

Shane Daly (22) of Grawn, Attanagh, Laois appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of drug driving, drug possession, using green diesel, driving without insurance, tax and NCT and driving a dangerously defective vehicle at Dublin Road, Townparks, Laois on October 23 last year.

Judge Andrew Cody said the accused was driving a car that is nearly as old as himself, what can only be described as a wreck on the date in question. He said the BMW was dangerously defective and held together with baling twine while the driver was under the influence of drugs.

Garda Ross Foy gave evidence of stopping the car on the R445 in Borris-in-Ossory on October 23 last. He said the car had attempted to avoid a garda checkpoint on the evening in question.

When Garda Foy stopped the vehicle he discovered the tax was out over 1,000 days. He discovered a small quantity of drugs and tested the driver who failed a roadside breath test. He said the car was found to have green diesel in the tank and the boot was tied closed with twine.

I thought it couldnt get worse, said Judge Andrew Cody when he heard about the green diesel.

Garda Foy said the defendant had been very easy to deal with on the night and had three previous convictions.

Andrew Dunne BL said his client had entered an early guilty plea to the offending. He said the young man had spent his life in foster care and moved between Galway, Birr, Dublin and Tullamore. He said the man had a lot of difficulties in his background.

Mr Dunne said the accused owned two cars, a BMW and Jetta. The BMW had been bought secondhand with a view to doing it up, he explained. He said the Jetta had a full window but the BMW was in need of repair.

On the night he was stopped, Mr Dunne explained the man had a fight and stormed out of his house and I suppose, took the wrong car. He said the man had since disposed of both cars.

He is a gent who hasnt had the easiest cards dealt to him, said Mr Dunne. He said the man is picking up odd jobs and staying at home with his foster family and trying to keep busy. The defendant told Judge Cody that he was working as a plasterer.

Judge Cody noted the defendant had been five times over the drug driving limit. It is as bad as it gets, he said. He considered the case over lunch before sentencing the man in the afternoon.

When he returned, Judge Cody said he had taken all the circumstances into consideration as he sentenced the man to three months in prison suspended for three years, banned him from driving for five years and fined him a total of 5,800. He fixed recognisance in case of appeal. He said a condition of any appeal was that he not drive on any public road pending its outcome.
Portarlington's Colaiste Iosagain marked the beginning of its Silver Jubilee celebrations with a heartfelt gathering of current staff at The Heritage Hotel last month. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

Cutting the cake were - teachers - Marcia Morris, Margaret Nolan, Michelle Sugrue, Justin Brown (Principal), Geraldine Tynan (seretary), Terry Fitzpatrick, Miriam Holland and Karen Waish (Deputy Principal). Photo: Michael Scully.



It was the first of three special events planned to honour the schools 25-year journey. Today Colaiste Iosagain is one of the largest schools in the midlands with over 1,100 students. In August 2000, there were approximately 400 students enrolled in the school. Colaiste Iosagain was an amalgamation of the Christian Brothers, the C.B.S. Portarlington and the Presentation Sisters which was known as Scoil Mhuire. It was a new beginning and a new school building.



This event brought together all school staff who have helped shape the school into what it is today. Attendees were treated to a moving presentation of photographs highlighting key moments, achievements, and memories from over the past quarter of a century. From fundraising events to sporting triumphs, these images reflected the vibrant history and spirit of its school community.



English teacher, Michelle Sugrue and one of the members of staff who was present for the schools opening day noted that the story of Colaiste Iosagain is not just about the bricks and mortar of a school building, but about the people within it, a true school community that has grown into a family.



Like all families, there are good times and not so good times. But in the end, we support one another.

Teachers enjoying the slide show presentation.



Current teacher, John Heraty, curated a catalogue of photographs that reflected on how some of the most enduring lessons aren't taught in textbooks but through shared experiences beyond the classroom.



This Silver Jubilee was an opportunity not only to celebrate milestones but also to remember past pupils and former staff who are no longer with us. Over the years, the community has experienced both joy and sorrow. The loss of any member is deeply felt  even more so when it is a young person. This event also served as a poignant reminder of the bonds that tie the Colaiste Iosagain family together.



As the celebrations continue over the coming weeks, Colaiste Iosagain looks back with pride and forward with hope. With strong roots and a united spirit, the school community continues to thrive.



Heres to the past 25 years and to all the students, staff, and families, past, present, and yet to come.
Celebrity chef Catherine Fulvio is calling on Transition Year students in Leitrim to roll up their sleeves and get baking in support of local hospice services.

The Ballyknocken Cookery School star is backing the annual Bewleys Big Coffee Morning for Hospice, one of Irelands longest-running charity partnerships, which takes place nationwide on September 25.

TY students are invited to host their own coffee mornings or bake sales on a date that suits them. Every school that registers at hospicecoffeemorning.ie and returns funds before November 14 will be entered into a draw to win two free places on Catherines TY online cookery course, plus a 1,000 cash prize sponsored by Bewleys.

Joined by students Alannah Skakie (16) and Harry Dunne (15) in Wicklow, Catherine said:

Hosts have been gathering friends, family, colleagues, and neighbours to raise funds for an amazing cause for over 30 years. This year we want to encourage the new generation of coffee morning hosts in Leitrim to get involved.

So get creativehave a cupcake decorating competition, bake sale, raffle or community coffee morning. Invite your fellow students, parents and local community and see how your support will make such a huge difference to hospice patients and their families.

The initiative supports 24 hospices and specialist palliative homecare providers across Ireland, with last years campaign raising over 2.2 million through 2,500 events, helping to care for 19,000 patients and their families.

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MODERN Irish trad band 3 on the Bund are set to wrap up their upcoming Irish tour in Limerick, the very city where the band first came together.

The group known for their dynamic blend of traditional Irish music with modern influences will play Dolans, Limerick on Saturday, October 12, marking the final date of a six-night run across Ireland.

The bands connection to Limerick runs deep. All members met while studying at the University of Limericks Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, making the return to the city especially meaningful.

READ MORE: Young filmmaker brings homegrown story alive with first feature film

We are delighted to be closing our tour in the place we all came together, said Susan Coleman, speaking on behalf of the band.

Over the past few years, 3 on the Bund have toured extensively across Europe, the US, and Asia, earning praise for their energetic live shows and fresh approach to trad.

They have featured at major festivals including Rheingau Musik Festival, Guinness Irish Christmas Tour of Austria, and both the Irish Folk Festival and Heartbeat Festivals of Germany.

This October marks a rare chance for Irish audiences to catch them on home soil.

Their debut album Frenzy and 2024 live album have been praised for their freshness and finesse, with a second studio album due spring 2026.

The tour runs from October 7-12, stopping in Limerick, Dublin and Tralee, among others.
THE TECHNOLOGICAL University of the Shannon (TUS) has announced the creation of two new senior leadership positions: chief operations officer (COO) and chief academic officer (CAO).

These newly established roles have already been appointed, with Clare native Jimmy Browne has been appointed as COO and Professor Raphaela Kane as CAO.

Formerly vice president of Campus Services and Capital Development at TUS, Mr Browne has over 25 years management experience across a variety of areas such as governance, financial management, commercial operations and infrastructure development within the Higher Education sector.

He has also played a central role in the expansion of TUS facilities across the Midlands and Midwest campuses.

Professor Kane will be making the move to TUS to begin her new role later this month from Liverpool John Moores University, where she held the position of pro-vice-chancellor at the Faculty of Health, Innovation, Technology and Science.

Professor Kane is an internationally recognised academic leader with a distinguished career in healthcare and higher education, a spokesperson for TUS confirmed.

READ MORE: PICTURES: Eigse Michael Hartnett Festival 2025 programme launch in County Limerick

She has held senior executive roles across both sectors in the UK and Ireland. Professor Kane drives innovation in education, research, industry collaboration, and community engagement.

Commenting on the appointments, Professor Vincent Cunnane, president of TUS, said:

The creation of these roles marks a significant milestone in the development of TUS. Both positions will be central in shaping the future direction of the university, ensuring that we are well placed to meet the needs of our students, staff, and the wider region we serve. As a young university, we have already achieved a great deal, and these appointments will further enhance our ability to build a vibrant, innovative, and impactful institution.

Josephine Feehily, chair of the TUS Governing Body, also welcomed the appointments:

These new senior leadership roles greatly strengthen the governance and leadership of TUS. They bring the expertise and vision required to drive the universitys next phase of growth and to realise its ambition as a catalyst for innovation, opportunity, and regional development.

The reconfiguration of TUSs executive leadership structure followed an independent review of governance and executive functions.
The case of missing Louth 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, Dublin, have raised huge questions about the role that State agencies have played in the early lives of these children.

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.

READ MORE: ALERT: Gardai launch appeal to locate missing Waterford teenager

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.

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.
A war of words between Sinn Fein and the DUP is unsettling the Northern Ireland powersharing Executive, a former Stormont minister has said.

Independent MLA Claire Sugden called on the Executive parties to tone down their public rows and concentrate on delivery.

The Northern Ireland Assembly returned on Monday from its summer recess and ministers quickly became embroiled in a series of disagreements.

DUP deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said on Monday she would be showing leadership by attending a banquet during the upcoming state visit by US President Donald Trump, while also telling MLAs that Sinn Fein First Minister Michelle ONeill would not join the event.

DUP Education Minister Paul Givan also faced criticism after he said he had ordered the removal of transgender guidance from the website of Northern Irelands Education Authority.

On Tuesday, DUP leader Gavin Robinson and Ms ONeill had a public row after the Army withdrew from a jobs fair in Londonderry following objections from some councillors.

Mr Robinson said he did not believe Ms ONeill was a First Minister for all, while the Sinn Fein vice-president told him to butt out.

On Wednesday, Ms ONeill and Ms Little-Pengelly appeared together before their Stormont scrutiny committee where there were sharp exchanges with a number of MLAs.

While the pair insisted the Executive is delivering on its objectives, they also disagreed on several issues.

On Thursday, a High Court judge urged the Northern Ireland Executive to resolve a row over Irish language signs at Belfasts Grand Central Station, warning it is seen as a laughing stock.

Former justice minister Claire Sugden told the BBC Sunday Politics programme the First and deputy First Minister had given polar opposite views on a number of issues when they had appeared before committee.

She said: I suppose to me that points to an instability within the Executive.

Ultimately, if we are about delivering, we have to ensure we implement all of these things that they say they are trying to do.

I would have a concern that the war of words on various issues is unsettling the Executive.

I asked for a commitment we would see the end of this mandate out so that we can push through these policies that we are so keen to highlight and we can do more in relation to people on the ground.

A lot of these strategies, a lot of this work, is quite high level and it probably will take a number of years before it realistically filters through to the people on the ground.

Ms Sugden said she is concerned the Executive parties seem to disagree on everything.

She added: Yes, there are four political parties and yes, to an extent, each of them are talking to their base, but they have to recognise they all signed up for one government and that government exists to improve public services for everyone across Northern Ireland.

I think they maybe need to tone down this bad relationship.

The people out there arent stupid, on one hand they say they are doing this and we are on common ground, and the next they are disagreeing with each other.

I think if they are talking about communication they need to look to their own communication and how they present themselves as a government to the people of Northern Ireland.

The MLA also said she does not believe the Executive has delivered enough in terms of legislation.

She said: We havent really had any substantive legislation up to this point.

We have about 20 months until the next election, we would need to see an awful lot more in terms of actions, outcomes and legislation before they can say they are delivering, because right now it doesnt feel that they are.
Europe is aiming to become the global leader in quantum computing. IQM, a Finnish start-up, is one of the building blocks of that endeavor.

The company generated buzz last week, raising more than $300 million in a funding round led by a U.S. investment firm. That Series B capital raising could be an early sign that investors are recognizing how the continent has emerged as a hotbed of ingenuity for quantum in recent years. Privately traded pure plays are springing up.

If you look at the technology, its still very early, but we can build products that can compete even with the big names in the U.S.," IQM co-CEO Jan Goetz said in an interview with Barrons. Theres this sentiment that finally, we have a chance, and I think theres a lot of optimism here."

After wrapping up a PhD in physics in 2016, Goetz found himself drawn to quantum computing, which was starting on the slow crawl from a research setting into the real world.

Quantum was making the transition from university labs to industry," Goetz said. Here in Europe, we were still a bit behind, not from the technology perspective, but from the commercialization perspective."

IQM was founded in 2018. The following year, the start-up became the first in Finland to raise seed funding, at 11.4 million ($13.4 million).

In the years that followed, it established itself as one of the pre-eminent quantum players in Europe, with clients including the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre in Germany and the VTT Technical Research Centre in Finland.

IQMs processors are built from electronic circuits that are cooled to reach superconductivity, a state where they can conduct electricity with zero electrical resistance. The superconducting approach is based on chip technology," Goetz said. We actually use very standard semiconductor processes to build our chips. And this alone tells you that its a very scalable approach."

The tried-and-true nature of superconducting quantum computing makes it a popular modality. Much bigger players, such as Microsoft, International Business Machines, and Alphabets Google, use the same approach, with slight variations.

IQM aims to set itself apart from these behemoths by building better machines. In 2024, the company reported a technical milestone when one of its quantum processors achieved 99.9% fidelity. High fidelity is essential for the performance of quantum algorithms; it negatively correlates to errors, a persistent problem in the business.

The company is making strides commercially, as well. As of May 20, IQM had sold and shipped more on-premises quantum computers in the previous 12 months than any other manufacturer. Goetz said the company can produce up to 20 computers a year, which is really a lot in this industry."

From left: Juha Lehtola, director of venture and growth investments at Tesi; Alex Doll, co-founder and managing general partner of Ten Eleven Ventures; Dr. Sierk Poetting, IQM chairman; Mikko Valimaki, IQM co-CEO; and Jan Goetz, IQM co-CEO.

The CEO expects to see a shift toward cloud computing, or quantum as a service, in years to come. But sales of systems are IQMs bread and butter for now, comprising most of its revenue. The start-up sells most of its computers to research clients such as Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the U.S.

We integrate our quantum computers into their existing stack of CPUs or GPUs, and also the software stack," Goetz said. This allows us to develop the product up to a level where it can be adopted by industry."

Companies such as D-Wave Quantum have seen lumpy revenue, with big chunks of cash arriving at irregular times, as a result of the infrequent nature of system sales. But Goetz argued that selling the hardware works as a way to make money.

Customers renew their hardware every three years or so, which means that if you keep them happy, youre in a very good position to sell again," Goetz said. We have now reached a level where we are clearly one of the market leaders, and people have a lot of trust that we keep on delivering, which kind of gives us a lot of strength going forward."

As the race heats up, IQM will have to contend with ambitious rivals in Europe. In July, the European Commission put forward a strategy to position Europe as a global leader in quantum by 2030.

IQM is seeing a similar degree of support from European investors. While the involvement of a U.S.-based firm in the latest funding round caused it to make headlines, participation in the round largely came from European investors.

And things are only getting started. Theres this kind of Renaissance feeling that now finally we can do something," Goetz told Barrons. Growing the business on a global scale is a super exciting next step for the company."
Mumbai: For some months now, when social media marketing agencies run campaigns on X (formerly Twitter), they have been stressing about what seems to be a mildly positive phrasecongratulations to the marketing team". This phrase often pops up as a comment or quote tweets that are designed for meme marketinga strategy where brands rope in social media accounts with a big following to post something organic, like an anecdote or a quotidian photograph and subtly integrate a brand in it. For instance, a screenshot of a fight between two lovers over WhatsApp may contain references to a dating app, or a video of a post-breakup crying session may include an ice-cream in a quick-commerce companys brown bag on the kitchen counter.

But why would congratulations from a faceless, nameless X account bother brands running such campaigns? Because the wishes are sarcastic.

It all started with a simple, sarcastic phrase that 35-year-old Bengaluru founder and former marketer Phalgun Guduthur couldnt resist replying with to a Twitter/X post going viral sometime last year. That post was a candid moment from the life of an influencer, but, Guduthur says, was anything but candid.

I could clearly see that it was staged, rather than a real tweet," he says. It used to annoy me because it was a mixture of feeling deceived and being annoyed at the rage bait and noise around such tweets."

Guduthur didnt want to pick up an online fight, so instead, he picked the mildest, nicest, most sarcastic way of calling out what he argued was an undisclosed ad. In the comments, he wrote: congratulations to the marketing team" along with the handshake emoji. People dont want to promote negativity, so this phrase couldnt be caustic or hating. This one was very subtle," he says.

Also Read | Influencer marketing boom: Why brands prefer small creators over big names

Soon enough, more people caught on to the trend. Social media feeds are awash with memes, videos, screenshots, and other seemingly organic" content that hides brand integrations and advertising in subtle, and sometimes not-so-subtle ways. With more marketing budgets moving to influencer marketing and its newer cousinmeme marketingits sometimes hard to tell what is an ad and what isn't.

In fact, the Advertising Standards Council of India has long had guidelines instructing brands and marketers to use prominent labels for ads of this nature. But, many dont use them, saying that tags like Sponsored" and Paid Partnership" reduce the reach and engagement of such posts. Besides, brands targeting younger, chronically online audiences want to go viral and remain as authentic as possible; and ads rarely do.

Soon enough, Guduthur began getting flooded with notifications from other Twitter users, tagging him on posts that they suspected were actually undisclosed ads. In June this year, it got really too much, there were so many things. I didnt want to constantly post about this on my main account. I use Twitter for work, and I have startup circles and VCs [venture capitalists] following me." Instead, he started a new account dedicated to his now popular line: Congratulations To The Marketing Team". I started a handle in June and I started posting in July, and I got 7.8k followers in just 50 days," he says.

Also Read | Is your favorite social media sitcom actually a marketing campaign?

Since we spoke, this number has crossed 8,000.

Performing Authenticity

Call-outs like these are not meant to start an online feud, let alone draw the attention of any advertising policy makers. But they indicate that audiences are getting smarter about being shown ads in a sneaky way, and their reaction ranges from amusement to thrill of catching" an ad masquerading as a meme, to sometimes downright annoyance at the constant deluge of ads.

Yet, having a stunt, a pre-buzz campaign, a meme marketing agency, or some other route to authentic virality" has increasingly become indispensable for brands. Is it worth it, if the savviest among your intended audience will call you out?

Honestly, it all comes down to craft and research. Start by asking: can the stunt actually be pulled off by this creator?" says Abhilasha Chhabra, head of social media at international creative agency Toaster INSEA. Your brand already has its own tone and tenor, but in collaborations youre borrowing the creators voiceand that requires thorough research."

Social media stunts attempting to make a brand viral can sometimes have absolutely nothing to do with a brand. Consider a recent viral Reel on Instagram by social media celebs Sakshi Shivdasani and Naina Bhan. The video, called Caught on Cam: Sakshi and Nainas cryptic clash at Mumbais cafe!" shows the two having a heated argument, much like paparazzi videos of celebs in candid moments. Turns out, it was part of an elaborate ad campaign for Crocs, the shoe brand. The video racked up nearly 700,000 views on Instagram but the comments are full of people wondering if it was a PR stunt.

Yet, brands keep chasing virality and so-called authenticity in their social media campaigns. One reason is that measuring the impact of such campaigns run via influencersis extremely hard. In the absence of clear numbers such as return on ad spends, agencies and marketers do their best to simply maximize the reach of their stunts and campaigns, ensuring they at least go viral. That way, they can be sure that they managed to build some brand recall.

But, this can backfire. In some cases, for example, Guduthur says his followers piled on the congratulations on a post masquerading as an ad so efficiently that it received a Community Notea platform-vetted message calling out the post as an undisclosed ad. Community Notes are a bad look for a brand campaign, and they also get demonetized, meaning a blue tick account posting them dont earn from the views.

However, agencies say the trick to making such campaigns work is not to attempt to fool the audience by trying to hide your ad as a real, authentic, viral moment. The audience has gotten much smarter since 2017, when meme marketing and social media stunts first started. Now, even if a small mention of a brand comes in, people understand this is a campaign," says Sankalp Samant, co-founder and chief growth officer of creative marketing agency Idiotic Media.

But does it matter if the audience realizes it's just a marketing stunt? Perhaps.

Sometimes, even a cheeky nod to the fact that this is sponsored content can work brilliantlyaudiences appreciate honesty when its delivered with wit," Toasters Chhabra says. And if transparency isnt the route, then your stealth needs to be so seamless that the brand slips in almost invisibly, surprising the audience when they notice it later. Done well, that surprise feels less like a trick and more like a clever reveal."

In fact, sometimes theres no better way to get your brand shared authentically than to be as transparent about it as possible. Brands that have become famous with social media virality (or even notoriety) understand this well, and they say their aim is almost never to fool audiences who are too savvy for phony looking attempts at virality.

Consider Bold Care, the sexual wellness direct-to-consumer brand best known for a viral ad featuring actor Ranveer Singh and adult film star Johnny Sins. This month, they released another advertisement for condoms featuring the Hindi film director Anurag Kashyap and stand-up comedian Samay Raina. The ad was posted by several influencers who urged their followers to watch it for the tongue-in-cheek comedy.

Virality has never been our goal, it has been relatability," Rajat Jadhav, co-founder and chief executive officer of Bold Care, told Mint.  I think our consumers are incredibly smart and can know the difference between smart advertising and sneaky placement. At Bold Care, marketing stays close to the user and is made to feel as relatable as possible. We focus on being intentional by tapping into the right emotions and staying culturally relevant."
(Bloomberg) -- Australia will spend A$12 billion ($8 billion) on a defense hub to build naval ships and dock nuclear submarines, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will announce Sunday, as Canberra seeks to bolster US backing for the Aukus pact.

The funding commitment is for the development of the Henderson defense precinct, south of Perth in Western Australia, Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles told ABC Insiders program on Sunday. Funding will also go towards building surface vessels for the Australian Defence Force and maintenance facilities.

The early cost estimate for the total project was A$25 billion, Marles said. Australias defense spending is currently 2.8% of gross domestic product.

When you include what we are spending here, it is the better part  relative to what we inherited when we came to government back in 2022  of an additional A$70 billion of defense spending over the decade, Marles told ABC Insiders. What that represents is the biggest peacetime increase in our defense spending in Australias history.

Australia is working with the US and UK to build and equip a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines for Canberra to field, potentially as early as the 2030s, as part of the Aukus agreement signed in 2021.

In June, the Pentagon launched a review of the Biden-era pact, as the Trump administration looks to shift the burden to allies and ensure the USs own supply of warships.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is said to have privately reassured Marles that the deal will not be terminated, the Washington Post reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Marles separately told Sky News on Sunday that he had received positive sentiment from Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Ive had numerous conversations with American counterparts, he said. Im really confident about the proceeding of Aukus under the Trump administration.

Under the deal, the US will sell Australia as many as five of its nuclear-powered Virginia-class submarines by the early 2030s. Australia and the UK would then together design and build a next-generation submarine partly using American technology, due to be completed in the 2040s.

The southern hemisphere nation has been overhauling and upgrading its defense capabilities in response to an increasingly contested region, with China rapidly expanding its military power.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
New Delhi, Sep 14 (PTI) Power major NTPC is planning to set up nuclear power projects both as part of joint venture route and on a standalone basis, CMD Gurdeep Singh has said.

The company is collaborating with technology providers and state governments to explore individual nuclear projects, Singh has said.

At present, the installed capacity of NTPC Group is 82,926 MW (53 NTPC-owned stations and 53 joint venture/subsidiary stations), from sources like coal, liquid fuel, hydro and solar.

In December 2024, CMD Singh had announced NTPC's ambitious plan to enter into the area of nuclear energy, a move which will increase the non-fossil energy portfolio of the state-owned power company.

Addressing a session at the Bihar Business Connect 2024 summit in Patna, he had said that looking at the future of the energy sector, nuclear energy is expected to become extremely important for the energy sector, 20-30 years down the line. NTPC is also now entering the nuclear energy space.

Sharing an update over nuclear plans, the CMD, in a company document, has said "we are collaborating with various nuclear technology providers and State governments to set-up projects on our own."

In September last year, the government gave its approval to the Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd (ASHVINI), a joint venture of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd  NPCIL (51 per cent) and NTPC (49 per cent) to build, own and operate nuclear power plants in India in accordance with provisions of the Atomic Energy Act.
Indo-Russian oil marketing company (OMC) Nayara Energy is feeling the impact of European Union sanctions, with difficulties securing non-Russian oil for the second consecutive oil, tracking data showed, according to a report by PTI.

The company, partly owned by Russia's Rosneft PJSC, has been blacklisted by the EU since July. Western shipping companies have thus refused to supply oil for it, it added.

Heavily reliant on Russian oil: What's the status? Nayara has cut down the run rate of its 4,00,000 barrels a day oil refinery at Vadinar in Gujarat, and remains heavily reliant on Russian barrels since August, as per the report.

The company got about 2,42,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Russian oil, possibly in ships arranged by Moscow, in August, and another 3,32,000 bpd in the first half of September, preliminary data by global trade analytics firm Kpler showed, as per the report.

Notably, other key sources such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq, were not among its crude sources in both August and September; compared to the around 1,20,000 bpd both countries supplied in July. Nayara converts crude oil into fuels such as petrol an diesel for sale.

Sumit Ritolia, Lead Research Analyst (Refining & Modeling) at Kpler told PTI that the situation remains challenging under the weight of ongoing sanctions, adding that it has reinforced Nayara's reliance on Russian barrels. Post-sanctions, the refinery has struggled with compliance, shipping, payment channels, and lower crude imports.

These issues, however, are gradually being resolved, and we expect operations to move closer to its economical or rated capacity, he added.

What are the EU sactions on Russia oil? In July, the EU banned imports of petroleum products made from Russian crude starting in January 2026 and lowered its oil price cap. It sanctioned Russian and international companies managing shadow fleet vessels, traders of Russian crude oil, and a major customer of the shadow fleet  the Vadinar refinery, where Rosneft holds a 49.13 per cent stake.

The sanctions meant that the non-Russia-backed shipping fleet refused to transport oil, and Western insurance companies declined to provide cover for the barrels.

EU sanctions had led to nearly half a dozen top executives of Nayara, including the CEO, resigning from the company.

Also Read | India playing against Pakistan in Asia Cup a compulsion, says Anurag Thakur

What is the status of India buying Russia oil? Russian barrels continued to flow to India in September despite growing pressure from United States President Donald Trump, who wants to use drop in sale profits to press Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to end the Ukraine war.

According to Kpler, Russia remains India's largest crude supplier, accounting for over one-third of total imports.

Russian crude loadings in August and September should be viewed in this broader context: while intake has appeared steady, this reflects the timing of contracts rather than immediate reactions to external pressures. Since deals are typically fixed 6-8 weeks in advance, August and early September arrivals stem from agreements made in July. The true impact of new tariffs, payment challenges, or shipping frictions will only begin to surface from late September onwards or into October, Ritolia said.

Supplies from West Asia, including Iraq, Saudi Arabia and UAE, remained strong in September, indicating India's efforts to balance between discounted Russian grades and reliable traditional supplies to ensure security and avoid overexposure to geopolitical shocks.

Russian crude loadings to India in August and September are tracking at around 1.45 million bpd in August and 1.3 million bpd in September (till September 12), lower than the 1.774 million bpd average across the first seven months of 2025.

These figures may still change, as several vessels currently bound for Port Said could update their final destinations while transiting the Suez Canal - a key route, with all Russian flows to India in July passing through Suez.

Cargoes loaded in August are expected to discharge in September and October, and vessel tracking in the coming weeks will provide more clarity.

According to Kpler, there has been an uptick in undisclosed cargoes departing Russian ports. Many of these tankers discharged their last two to three shipments in India, suggesting continued strong flows, although diversions to other Asian buyers remain possible.

Overall, regarding September buying, it's still dynamic, but we're seeing a continuation of August trends with a focus on diversification, Ritolia said.

Price point: Russian crude is a strategy buy for India? India, long reliant on Middle Eastern crude, sharply increased oil imports from Russia following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Attracted by steep discounts on Russian barrels - driven by Western sanctions and reduced European demand  Indian refiners ramped up purchases from under 1 per cent to around 40 per cent within months.

Ritolia did not see any abrupt pivot away from Russia. Indian refiners are unlikely to suddenly abandon Russian supply. Greater diversification is expected, as refiners balance affordability with energy security.

Russian barrels remain the cheapest option in India's basket (a Russian barrel is around $3-5 per barrel cheaper than other sources on a landed cost basis), and without a formal directive from New Delhi, refiners are unlikely to leave even a $1 a barrel discount unutilised.

For now, it remains business as usual  albeit with greater caution and a sharper focus on diversification as energy security becomes paramount, he added.
MUMBAI : Swedish home furnishings retailer Ikea is accelerating its expansion in India, as it looks to add 3-4 small city stores over the next 10 months, in a change of focus from large-format outlets to compact urban showrooms.

"We're opening a second city store in Delhi after already opening a small storeother cities will come. We will open a minimum of three new touch points till August and hopefully many more next year. There is a shift underwayweve done six stores in seven years; we're going to do three this year. We need to recruit a lot of leaders, we are going to go from 3,000 people today to maybe three times that or four times of that in a couple of years," Patrik Antoni, chief executive officer (CEO), Ikea India, said in an interview with Mint.

Antoni was appointed India CEO in August this year.

Omni-channel strategy

Ikea is present in five markets in India with three large-format stores - one each in Hyderabad, Navi Mumbai, and Bengaluru, as well as two small-format or city stores. It shut one in Mumbai last year. It offers online deliveries across various pin codes in Maharashtra (including Pune), Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, among other markets.

The Ingka Group, which operates Ikea stores and shopping centres globally, has also announced plans to open Ikea-anchored large shopping malls in India, with two such projects currently under construction in Noida and Gurugram.

The company first announced its entry into Indias retail market in 2013 after winning approval to open stores under Indias foreign direct investment rules.

It then opened its maiden store in Hyderabad in 2018, a typical large-format yellow and blue store spanning a sprawling 13-acre complex.

However, India's retail market has since evolved, with more shoppers moving online and access to large land parcels in city centres becoming a significant challenge.

We see that the omni-channel concepts work the best. That means we still have the large stores because thats how you best experience the Ikea concept. The mix is that, for my everyday needs, I go online or to the city center store (small) and when I want a little bit more I go to the big stores," he said.

The expansion will be supported by more investments in distribution centres, speedy deliveries, and an Ikea product development centre in India to develop new products for India and overseas.

Antoni said the group could announce a new set of investments in India soon.

Market outlook

We will announce new numbers this year because we already exhausted the first 10,500 crore. There will be a new chunk now being announced which is more than that," he added.

Antoni said the India market has a "solid" mandate from Ingka Group.

"They are now saying that India is a growth market for uswhich was a bit of a debate for a while. But now it's really back again as a growth market. So, Susanne (former country retail manager, India) and the team have made really good plans. We have many stores in the pipeline. Its a very different template for rollout," he said.

India could lead the retailer with the expansion of small-format stores, which typically house a smaller range of products and offer shoppers the option to place online orders. India along with the US has the most aggressive expansion plans for small stores," he said in Mumbai, where the retailer was hosting its flagship event Ikonic, which focused on its range of cooking offerings, kitchen tools, and fixtures.

Regarding its large stores, Ikea has not purchased new land.

"We have identified landlords in various cities that we would like to enter. The pipeline for small stores is a lot more visible and shorter."

Ikea's revenue from operations in India stood at 1,809.8 crore, a 4.5% increase year-on-year in FY24. However, its losses also widened to 1,299.4 crore.

The retailer is also eagerly awaiting India's impending Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union that could lower tariffs on a range of goods it sells.

FTA could cut tariffs, boost exports

On Friday, the Federation of European Business in Indiaan industry body that Ikea was a founding member of and now consists of over 150 European companiesmet with European negotiators for the EU-India FTA.

Ikea is still a net exporter from India, with almost 300 million worth of Indian exports to the European Union, Antoni said in a LinkedIn post following the meeting in the capital.

Antoni said the FTA could help lower prices of goods for both European and India consumers.

Also Read | How India's consumer giants are getting their ad money to chase shoppers

Depends what they agree onfor example, if they lower the tariffs on Indian exports to Europe then for us it will be possible to drive bigger volumes at lower prices. If India lowers tariffs, say, on wood, and maybe machinery, we could set up more production here for categories like furniture. At present, its very costly but if that will change, we could easily set up new businesses," he said.
New Delhi [India], September 14 (ANI): The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) announced that India will host the 89th General Meeting (GM) of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) from 15 to 19 September 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

The event will bring together over 2,000 experts from more than 100 countries, who will deliberate on setting international electrotechnical standards that will foster a sustainable, all-electric and connected world.

This is the fourth time India is hosting the prestigious IEC General Meeting, after 1960, 1997 and 2013.

The Opening Ceremony will be inaugurated by Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Minister of New and Renewable Energy, while Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, will inaugurate the IEC GM Exhibition at Bharat Mandapam.

The exhibition will be the largest of its kind in the electrotechnical segment in India, showcasing innovations in electric mobility, smart lighting, electronics and IT manufacturing, and will provide a global networking platform for Indian start-ups.

India will also serve as the Global Secretariat for Standardisation in the field of Low Voltage Direct Current (LVDC), a critical domain for clean and pollution-free energy solutions.

Vimal Mahendru, Vice President of IEC, highlighted that IEC membership includes around 170 countries representing 99% of the world's population and impacts nearly 20% of global trade in value, adding that India's leadership in LVDC standardisation will strengthen global efforts to develop clean technology standards.

Pramod Kumar Tiwari, Director General of BIS, emphasised the Bureau's efforts to integrate quality and standardisation with academia through student chapters and a structured six-month internship programme that exposes young professionals to industries and the standards development process.

Under the IEC Young Professionals Programme, 93 young professionals from across the globe will take part in workshops, boot camps and industry visits to prepare the next generation of technology leaders.

Sanjay Garg, DG Designate - BIS, was also present during the briefing.

The General Meeting will feature more than 150 Technical and Management Committee meetings to shape next-generation standards, along with a series of workshops focusing on key emerging areas: Fostering a Sustainable World (15 September), Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future with Innovation (16 September), Shaping the Future of E-Mobility (17 September), and Building a More Inclusive World through Standards and Enabling an All-Electric and Connected Society (18 September).

James Wood, Director of Communications, IEC, said that global surveys indicate overwhelming public support for clean and green solutions, describing India as "a real sustainability champion", making New Delhi an ideal host for the global dialogue.

The IEC GM Exhibition, organised by BIS at Bharat Mandapam, will feature 75 exhibitors, including leading industries, associations and start-ups, demonstrating how international standards drive product development and innovation.

The exhibition will be open to the public from 16 to 19 September 2025, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with free entry through prior registration at https://gm2025.iec.ch/.

Visitors can access the venue through Gate No. 10 and Gate No. 4. More than 2,000 students from schools and colleges are expected to visit the exhibition.

Reflecting the theme "Fostering a Sustainable World", visitors to the BIS pavilion will be invited to take a Digital Sustainability Pledge. For every pledge taken, BIS will plant one sapling across its offices in India, reinforcing its commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.
Mumbai, Sep 14 (PTI) Budget carrier SpiceJet has been delaying salary payments to a sizable number of its employees for the past few months, according to a source.

SpiceJet employees drawing a salary of up to 55,000 per month have received payment for August, while the rest of the staff has not been paid yet.

"SpiceJet has once again started delaying salary payments to its staff. While employees drawing up to 55,000 per month are getting payments on time, the rest of the staff, mostly Assistant Managers and above level, are getting payments with a delay of 10-15 days," the source said.

SpiceJet did not respond to a query sent on this issue.

The Gurugram-based SpiceJet had a total of 6,484 employees, including 4,894 permanent ones, according to its annual report for FY25.

During 2024-25, SpiceJet provided an interest-free advance to Ajay Singh, who is the Chairman and Managing Director, an amount of 32 crore for a five-year period in accordance with the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and board-approved policy of the company, as per the annual report.

"The company has adjusted the advance from the salary of subsequent months (April and May 2025), as per the company's policy.

Further, this advance is not prejudicial to the interest of the company," the report said.

The airline reported a net loss of 238-crore in the June quarter this year.

SpiceJet had 18 aircraft in operations, as on September 13, out of the total fleet of 53 planes, as per fleet tracking website Planespotter.com.

This is despite the fact that in the last one year the carrier has announced its plans thrice to expand its fleet, each time by at least 10 planes.

At the end of July last year, SpiceJet had 18 operational aircraft and 38 on ground of the total 56 planes in the fleet.
BERLIN, Sept 14 - Swiss bank UBS is considering moving to the United States in response to proposals from the Swiss government on new capital requirements, the New York Post reported at the weekend.

Senior UBS executives have met officials in U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to prepare a strategy shift that could include the acquisition of a U.S. bank or a merger, the newspaper cited people close to the matter as saying.

When asked to comment on the report, UBS referred Reuters to comments made by CEO Sergio Ermotti in the last week.

"We want to continue to operate as a successful global bank based out of Switzerland," Ermotti told Bloomberg TV on Thursday, adding that the bank could offer a lot to Swiss and international clients in that way.

However, he described the Swiss proposals on capital requirements as punitive and excessive and said the bank would need to think about how to protect shareholders' and stakeholders' interests.

But its definitely too early to jump on commenting any potential scenario and what our responses will be," he said in the interview.

The Swiss government in June proposed stricter rules for UBS following its takeover of Credit Suisse, which could make it hold $26 billion more in core capital.

Reuters reported in July that UBS was briefing senior staff that the need to consider moving its headquarters from Switzerland had grown since the proposals were made, citing a source with knowledge of the matter. Another source pointed to London as a favoured alternative.
(Bloomberg) -- Two years ago, when Glencore Plc proposed an unsolicited, $23 billion takeover of Teck Resources Ltd., the Canadian miners founder decisively rejected the idea. Now is not the time, Norman Keevil Jr. said back then.

Fast forward to 2025, and the 87-year-old Keevil is one of the chief proponents of a mammoth deal to combine Teck with London-based Anglo American Plc. The merger would create a roughly $60 billion company and one of the worlds top copper producers. But both companies describe it as a zero premium deal, in contrast to Glencores proposal, which initially offered a 20% takeover premium.

Leaving that money on the table was the price Keevil was willing to pay to keep the company headquartered in Canada. The industry veteran, who built Teck with his father about six decades ago, is also the controlling shareholder, giving him significant sway over Canadas largest diversified mining company. He played a crucial role in negotiating the merger with Anglo, according to people familiar with the matter.

While the structure of the deal was largely decided among the firms bankers and corporate development teams, the negotiators were careful not to run afoul of Keevil, knowing his aversion to a takeover that would erase the Teck brand and allow it to be swallowed by a bigger, foreign company. Certain key concessions were made at Keevils behest, including the agreement to headquarter the company in Canada, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing internal debates.

Keevil wanted to get a deal done sooner rather than later because his grip on the company was weakening, according to the people. In 2023, amid Glencores takeover attempt, Teck shareholders approved an arrangement that would see Keevils controlling stake wind down by 2029, after which hed lose any ability to sink a takeover that other investors favored.

With that expiration date looming, Keevil was eager to protect his legacy and Tecks status as a Canadian company.

The longer Norm waited to make a deal, the less ability he would have to shape it, said Pierre Gratton, president of the Mining Association of Canada.

Teck and Anglo didnt respond to requests for comment. In an email to Bloomberg News, Keevil said the deal was the right thing to do.

It merges two mid-level, international copper miners into a single top-tier one, stronger than either alone, and with its global operating headquarters and top management based right here in Canada, Keevil wrote. Before, Canada had never had that. Now we will.

The accord included a promise for at least C$4.5 billion ($3.3 billion) of investment in Canada over five years.

Pledges by the companies to have Vancouver as the global head office and to invest further in Canadian projects constitute a home run, British Columbia Premier David Eby said in an interview last week. Its an incredible opportunity for British Columbia and Canada and Ill be delivering that message directly to the federal government as they do their assessment of this bid.

Keevil is rarely in the office, and he keeps well away from day-to-day decision making. But major corporate moves only get done with his approval.

Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the mining veteran spent much of his upbringing in Canadas wilderness. His father, an outdoorsman and prospector, worked at Harvard University before abandoning academia in the 1950s to search for copper and gold in Ontarios outback. In the 1960s, Keevil Sr. bought a controlling interest in a small copper deposit near a remote settlement called Teck Township, 375 miles (600 kilometers) north of Toronto, and set out to develop it into a mine.

While the elder Keevil had a penchant for bushwhacking and prospecting  he liked to paddle a canoe across Canadas northern lakes in search of lucrative ore bodies  the younger Keevil was more interested in dealmaking and corporate expansion. He joined his father in the mining business after obtaining a Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley and became Tecks chief executive officer in 1981.

Atop the company, he oversaw a flurry of acquisitions that dramatically expanded the firms portfolio into other metals, as well as oil and gas. In 2001, he engineered a transformative merger with Cominco Ltd. that gave Teck one of the worlds largest zinc mines as well as its downstream processing operations. He later bet big on steelmaking coal with the $13.8 billion acquisition of Fording Canadian Coal Trust, making Teck a major supplier to Asias industrial boom.

Friends and counterparts have described the mining veteran as soft-spoken and reclusive. When were together, I sometimes have trouble hearing him because hell talk so quietly, Edward Thompson, one of Tecks first executives, previously told Bloomberg News.

But Keevil has long been vocal about his support for Canadas storied mining industry  funding explorers, prospectors and Canadian academic institutions that specialize in geology and engineering.

He was also careful to protect the company from circling competitors. Early on, the family sought to insulate Teck from takeovers through a dual-class share structure that gave the Keevils disproportionate voting power. This helped Teck survive a flurry of dealmaking in the 2000s, when Canadas top mining companies including Inco Ltd. and Falconbridge Ltd. were enveloped by foreign firms.

He was quite upset with how the big Canadian mining companies got swallowed up by others, Gratton said. He never wanted that to happen to Teck.

In 2023, Keevil expressed outrage at the prospect of Glencores unsolicited takeover. Its not a matter of price, Canada is not for sale, he reportedly told the Globe and Mail at the time.

But Teck has been under pressure to make a deal ever since. The Canadian miner has drawn attention from the industrys biggest names for its attractive copper assets, as firms like Glencore, Rio Tinto Plc and BHP Group Ltd. scramble for a metal thats supposed to soar in demand in the coming years. The sale of Tecks coal assets in 2024, combined with the wind-down of Keevils controlling shares, made the Canadian company a prime takeover target.

In talks with Anglo, Keevil was said to be insistent that any transaction be structured as a merger rather than a takeover, preserving Tecks name and top personnel. He was also adamant that the headquarters stay in Vancouver, where Teck occupies a sleek, 35-story downtown office building. Talks repeatedly broke down between the companies, in part over those demands, according to people familiar with the matter, but eventually the London-based mining giant acquiesced.

Hes trying to secure his legacy, Gratton said. Part of that means leaving behind a company that stays Canadian.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
MUMBAI : India1 Payments, India's largest white-label ATM (automated teller machine) operator, is undergoing a leadership transition as it pivots towards digital services by launching a banking technology arm to offset sluggish ATM growth in the country.

Long-time chief executive K. Srinivas, who built India1 from a startup into the countrys third-largest ATM brand, is stepping away from day-to-day operations. He will continue as executive vice-chairman, steering strategy and regulatory engagement, while leaving the driving to the younger folks," he told Mint.

In a dual-CEO model, India1s traditional ATM vertical will now be led by Kumara Krishnan, current chief sales and marketing officer, while its new fintech arm, Paysis, has been spun out under Rajeev Desai, the current chief operating officer.

White-label ATM operators are non-bank companies that are authorised by the Reserve Bank of India to set up, own, and operate ATMs.

ATM growth story

India1 has been a key player in Indias white-label ATM market, operating over 15,000 ATMs across the country. It holds about 40% market share in ATMs and 53% in transactions among white-label operators, said Srinivas.

India has about 250,000 ATMs in total, of which close to 36,000 are white-label machines. As of July, India1s 14,500 ATMs make it the largest WLA player and also Indias third-largest ATM brand overall, behind only State Bank of India (61,600 ATMs) and HDFC Bank (21,300), according to data from National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

Also Read | Eruditus secures $150 mn refinancing to fuel global expansion

Its relevance is even more pronounced outside metros: India1 is the second-largest ATM brand in semi-urban and rural India with 12,100 ATMs, second only to SBI.

The company traces its roots to Banktech Group Pty Ltd, an Australia-based payments firm, which entered India through its subsidiary BTI Payments Singapore Pte Ltd. The real inflection came in 2013, when the RBI opened up the white-label ATM (WLA) space for non-banking entities. BankTech secured one of the first licences but was clear from the outset that it needed a strong local partner to scale.

It brought in ICICI Venture as a 49% shareholder, and soon after, K. Srinivas, a former Airtel consumer business president, came on board to build what was then effectively a startup into Indias largest white-label ATM operator.

In FY25, the company reported revenues of 670 crore and profits of 35 crore. Srinivas said profitability has been aided by recent policy moves, particularly the hike in interchange fees by the Reserve Bank of India.

An interchange fee is charged by the bank or company providing the ATM service, and paid by the customer's issuing bank for transactions such as cash withdrawals and balance inquiries.

From 1 May, the ATM interchange fees increased by 2 for financial transactions and 1 for non-financial transactions. The cash withdrawal fee has gone to 19 from 17 per transaction, and the balance check fee to 7 from 6 per transaction.

With this latest interchange, we are now profitable enough to generate enough cash to roll out more and more ATMs as we speak," Srinivas said. The firm expects to expand its footprint to 20,00025,000 ATMs in the next five years.

Also Read | Gautam Thakar steps down as CEO of Prosus global edtech practice

India1 competes with other white-label ATM operator like Hitachi (11,700 ATMs), Vakrangee (5,300), and Tata Indicash (4,500). The company also has a strong presence in semi-urban and rural markets, where it operates 12,100 ATMs, second only to SBIs 32,000, giving it a clear edge as banks slow their own ATM deployments.

He added that in rural markets ATM usage has held up, keeping a positive outlook for the firms growth.

Despite holding the largest white-label ATM footprint, India1 faces a structural challenge: banks across India are shutting down ATMs, driven by the shift toward UPI and digital payments, even as cash in circulation remains at record highs. Industry experts attribute this to consolidation and the push for digital-first strategies.

To offset this decline in ATMs, India1 is expanding into "banktech", a new vertical aimed at offering technology-led transaction services for banks, moving beyond pure ATM operations and building relevance in an increasingly digital financial ecosystem.

A banktech bet

India1 is betting big on financial technology for smaller banks through its new vertical, Paysis. The arm, which started as the in-house switching backbone for India1s ATMs, is now servicing rural co-operative and small finance banks.

We initially set up Paysis to handle transaction processing for India1. But then we realised many small banks neither have the capability nor the financial muscle to build such infrastructure," Srinivas explained. Our target is not ICICI or HDFC. Its the hundreds of co-operative banks and rural banks that also need technology expertise."

Paysis today manages switching and transaction services and is a certified partner for Visa, Mastercard, and NPCI. It also offers reconciliation, card and UPI processing, and digital transaction solutions to banks. Already, the arm has signed up RBL and a few co-operative banks, with plans to scale rapidly.

We expect that in the next two years, we are able to sign 200 co-operative banks," Srinivas said. The country currently has over 90,000 rural banks and co-operative credit institutions.

Also Read | After Haldiram and Rebel Foods, Temasek eyes a bite of Balaji Wafers

While stepping back from operations, Srinivas continues to sit on the board and remain part of industry forums such as the Confederation of ATM Industry (CATMi). For investors, too, conversations around long-term plans, including eventual exits, remain ongoing.

The core ATM business is growing at about 1015% annually," he said. But the new tech vertical is a vast space, so we are taking it one step at a time, starting where our strengths lie. Its a well-begun journey."
Mumbai: Tata Technologies Ltd, the engineering research and development (ER&D) unit of the Tata Group specializing in automotive industry, has set itself a lofty target to reach $1 billion in revenue by FY28 while also improving its margins.

The company had a revenue of $611 million in FY25, with a net profit margin of 13.1%.

If successful, the move could help the company reverse investor disappointment amid a more than 40% decline in stock price since listing in December 2023. But to do so, it will have to pull off a near miracle by information technology (IT) services industry standards bid aggressively for projects to win more business while also somehow cutting costs to improve margins.

Read more: Transformer by Mint | Inside Tatas Dholera chip fab, and the real deal behind Infosys $2 billion buyback

The company's chief executive officer Warren Harris, who assumed office 11 years ago this week, has placed his bets on what many see as corporate world's panaceaartificial intelligence (AI).

We'll continue to be as aggressive as we can as far as pricing is concerned," he said in an interview on Sunday. But we think that increasingly the role of technology and specifically the role of AI will allow us to harvest improvement that will manifest itself in terms of not just revenue growth, but also margin growth."

Does that mean AI will take away some of the 12,407 jobs at Tata Technologies?

No, says Harris. The use of AI will keep a check on the growth in the companys headcount, but not lead to any job cuts.

At just over $49,000 in revenue per employee in FY25, Tata Technologies lags peers like L&T Technology Services, which has twice the workforce. Harris attributed this to the company getting most of its business from India, where billings are not as high as in developed markets.

Revival of automotive business

The company is seeing light at the end of the tunnel for its biggest present concerna slowdown in investments by automobile companies, which account for over 80% of Tata Technologies business. The clients were now coming to terms with the turbulent geopolitical scenario, including tariffs, he said.

This bodes well for Tata Technologies, which saw two consecutive quarters of revenue decline.

Product plans are being revisited, decisions on supply chain are precipitating, and we're starting to see the decisions that we anticipated to come through early in the fiscal year, come through now," Harris said.

So we think that Tata Technologies is going to get back to organic growth."

Read more: Tata aims to roll out India-made chips by mid-2027, but rare-earths crisis could derail plan

The company will need to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18% starting FY26 to reach its billion-dollar target by FY28.

The ambitious target in the backdrop of declining revenues is prompting scepticism. Analysts at Kotak Securities led by Kawaljeet Saluja have forecast a 5% year-on-year decline in revenues in FY26. We believe a revenue decline is the most likely outcome in FY2026E, despite managements optimism for the rest of the year," the analysts said in a note on 14 July.

The company expects to get some inorganic growth boost through its 75 million acquisition of Germanys ES-Tec Group. While a relatively small company, with revenues of just over $42 million in 2024, the companys access to German automakers like BMW and Mercedes could help Tata Technologies diversify its customer base, as per Harris.

This is a diversification play," he said.

Currently, Tata Technologies gets nearly half of its services revenue from group firms Tata Motors and Jaguar Land Rover. The company is working on bringing this figure to under 40% even as it increases its business with the two automakers.

Aviation bet

Tata Technologies is also betting on its aviation business scaling up from contributing just 5% to its earnings currently. It counts Airbus as a client and is now exploring the aircraft maker's vendors. It is also exploring business opportunities with American jet engine makers GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney, he said.

The acquisition of ES-Tec will help in expanding business with Airbus as well as French automakers Renault and Stellantis, Harris said, given that the firm has an office in Casablanca, Morocco.

Read more: $20-billion chip incentives with design, component focus on track for end-2025
Capital Group is a 94-year-old mutual-fund juggernaut known for its disciplined investing style. Mark Casey, a portfolio manager with 25 years of experience at the firm, quotes pioneering value-investor Benjamin Graham and says his approach is very informed by Warren Buffett."

That is why it is so surprising that Capital Group has placed a huge bet on bitcoinone of the largest by a mainstream investment firmand that Casey has emerged as one of most outspoken backers of the digital currency in the so-called TradFi world.

I just love bitcoin, I just think it is so interesting," Casey, 54, said on a podcast interview hosted by venture-capital firm Andreessen Horowitz last year, calling it one of the coolest things that has ever been created by people."

In the past four years, Casey and his firm have turned less than $1 billion into more than $6 billion with investments in Strategy and other so-called bitcoin treasury companies whose sole focuses are loading up on the cryptocurrency.

Behind the bullishness: A view that bitcoin is replacing gold as a modern-day means of storing valueand will prove more useful than gold. Over time, bitcoins price will rise, Casey and some others at Capital Group argue, catching up to or even exceeding the value of gold, which currently accounts for roughly 2% of global wealth according to some estimates. By contrast, Casey is dubious other cryptocurrencies will ever prove valuable, even as rivals pile into ether.

Some analysts and others at mainstream financial firms doubt bitcoin will ever rival gold, which has held value for thousands of years and has been soaring lately. Other mainstream investors have struggled to place a value on companies focused on bitcoin, raising questions about Capital Groups enthusiasm.

The investment in bitcoin-related stocks is surprising," says Morningstar analyst Stephen Welch. Typically, you are investing in a company with assets and cash flows, and in this case, you are investing in a relatively untested currency, expecting the value to increase."

Casey says he and some colleagues evaluate Strategy and other companies buying up bitcoin the same way they scrutinize those that mine, refine and trade physical commodities like gold and oil.

We view bitcoin as a commodity," Casey says.

Capital Group is one of the oldest and largest active" investment managers. The Los Angeles firm, whose American Funds have been a staple in brokerage accounts for nearly a century, manages $3 trillion. Each of its mutual funds has as many as 12 portfolio managers, like Casey, who independently manage parts of the funds.

The firm spurned some past investing frenzies, such as the dot-com craze in the late 1990s, even as some clients clamored for those stocks. But it was early to the bitcoin craze, in large part due to Caseys fervor.

In 2013, Casey joined a group of investors in a meeting with Wences Casares, an early bitcoin advocate. Casey became a believer but as a mutual-fund manager didnt have a way to invest in the digital currency until Michael Saylor turned his software company MicroStrategy, now known as Strategy, into a bitcoin whale.

In 2021, Capital Group spent over $500 million to buy a 12.3% stake in Strategy. That made the firm Strategys second-largest holder after Saylor, its founder. The mutual funds stakewhich has shrunk to 7.89% after some sales but mostly because the company issued new sharesis now valued at $6.2 billion after a more than 2,248% surge of the stock over the past five years.

Strategy shares have run into headwinds, though, falling roughly 16% in the past month. Some investors question the need for a stockholding bitcoin when bitcoin exchange-traded funds and other vehicles offer other ways to bet on the digital currency.

This year, Casey and some colleagues also purchased 5% of Metaplanet, a Japanese hotel operator that last year began buying up bitcoin and counts Eric Trump as an adviser. That stock is up nearly 70% so far in 2025, though its shares have fallen about 39% in the past month. Capital Group also owns shares of Mara Holdings, a bitcoin mining company that is down 2.74% this year.

The bitcoin investments are small relative to the firms assets but offer a powerful endorsement. Casey appears at bitcoin conferences and attended a New Years Eve party at Saylors home in Miami celebrating bitcoin topping $100,000.

Casey is a graduate of Yale University, where he demonstrated a quirky sense of humor. In November, when daylight-saving time transitioned back to standard time, he would throw a one-hour party that started and ended at 2 a.m., which he called The Party That Never Happened." He received an M.B.A. at Harvard University, educating himself about investing by reading all of Buffetts investor letters and joining Capital Group in 2000 in Silicon Valley.

Some established business figures, including BlackRock Chief Executive Larry Fink, have softened their stance on crypto. Others, though, including Buffett, remain wary. JPMorgan Chases Jamie Dimon, who has called bitcoin a useless pet rock," remains personally skeptical of cryptocurrencies.

As for Casey, he hasnt wavered in his own belief. Lately, he has told people hes looking for new ways to invest in bitcoin.
The thing Tesla is selling hardest these days is the idea that Elon Musk needs to be paid more.

And the woman handed that sales jobagainis Robyn Denholm, the chair of the electric carmaker.

She has already begun a campaign ahead of the Nov. 6 shareholder vote on what could be a $1 trillion pay package aimed at motivating Musk to lock in for the next decade. Normally a behind-the-scenes operator, she has been sitting for interviews and preparing to pitch major investors.

This is the second time in about 18 months that shes essentially making the case Tesla needs to give Musk a giant payday to keep him happythe implied threat being that he might bolt if investors dont.

Denholm is trying to sell the new pay package as Teslas deliveries of vehicles are down for the year, a remarkable development for a growth-stock company. Its only all-new passenger vehicle in years, the Cybertruck, launched in 2023 and quickly flopped. And the companys bet on robot cars is still in its infancy, having launched a limited robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, in June after roughly a decade of hype.

In a recent interview, Denholm conceded theres investor fatigue around the matter of Musks controversial 2018 pay planthe roughly $50 billion deal whose fate is tied up in a Delaware court. But she thinks the latest proposal is what investors want.

I was getting a lot of questions from shareholders about what does the future look like, for Elon and the company," she told me.

Denholm said she has tried to imagine a Tesla without Musk and suggests shareholders wouldnt like itespecially at this crucial moment in pivoting from being a car company to one deploying artificial intelligence through robots.

Our view is the opportunity ahead is far greater with Elon at the helm than without," she said.

You wouldnt expect her to say otherwise. After 11 years on the Tesla board, including nearly seven as chair, Denholm is a veteran of these sorts of proxy fights.

She was the tip of the spear in persuading Tesla investors in 2016 to approve the acquisition of a struggling solar-panel company where Musk was the chairman and largest individual shareholder. It was part of his vision at the time to make Tesla into a renewable energy company, but was seen by critics as a bailout for him.

Then last year, Denholm was again trying to persuade shareholders to reapprove that 2018 compensation plan after a Delaware judge rescinded it. That ruling was critical of Denholm for lackadaisical" oversight of Musk.

She bristles at such criticisms, once telling a reporter that such claims were crap," only to receive a private rebuke from her 95-year-old mother, who Im told, reads Denholms press closely.

I know that I work for the shareholders," Denholm said. She sees part of her role as making sure the board and Musk have a good relationship while also balancing her duty to protect shareholders interest.

On that metric, shes delivering. During her tenure as chair, Teslas market value has soared to $1 trillion. She credits the 2018 pay package with helping motivate Musk.

Still, it is hard to imagine the board of another publicly traded company giving its CEO the free rein Tesla has given Musk, such as overseeing several other companieseven with his past successes.

You cant say I want Elon but I dont want this bit, or Can you dial up this bit?" Denholm said. I lean into tough discussionsSometimes he listens, sometimes he doesnt, and thats his prerogative."

Denholm might technically be Musks boss, but like most people at the company, she clearly spends a lot of time trying to make him happy.

Last summer, it seemed like she had. Musk excitedly jumped up and down on stage at the June 2024 shareholder meeting, moments after they reauthorized his roughly $50 billion pay package following the judges original ruling.

Except that payday didnt hold his attention long. Weeks later, he became consumed with President Trumps re-election. Then he relocated to Washington early this year in a vain attempt to remake the government as some investors pleaded with him to spend more time on Tesla.

His mood about his day job at Tesla wasnt helped when the Delaware judge in December again struck down the pay package.

In January, a special Tesla board committee, which included Denholm, began work on the compensation issue. They aimed to devise a way to cover the past plan and offer up a new one exciting enough to keep Musk engaged.

During negotiations, according to the company, Musk raised the possibility he may pursue other interests and leave Tesla if he did not receive" assurances around achieving at least a 25% voting interest in the company and being paid his 2018 compensation plan in full. Musk also made clear, according to the company, that he was unwilling to accept restrictions on his involvement in other companies or his activities.

The special committee had its own wish list, including Musks assurance that his involvement with the political sphere would wind down in a timely manner. That would happen. Musks relationship with the Trump White House later blew up over spending legislation and other perceived slights.

Im not sure that he would say today that his stint in Washington was fabulous," Denholm said. I dont think it was fabulous for the company, either."

When talking about Musks extracurricular activities, Denholm can sound contradictory. On one hand, she says she isnt concerned about the amount of time Musk spends on Tesla and sidesteps questions about whether she thinks his politics hurt the brand. Ive never, never been worried that he hasnt devoted enough time to Tesla, even while he was in Washington," she said.

Still, she said the board wants to get him to devote as much of his time, energy and focus as we could get." But the new pay plan doesnt specify how much time the board wants.

Denholm doesnt see it as a punching-the-time-card situation. Its not time that I measure," she said, its output."

Shareholders could be forgiven for hoping that output involves selling the future and the products that will shape it, instead of Musks pay.
Actor Ankita Lokhande's husband, businessman Vicky Jain, was recently hospitalised. Reportedly, Jain met with an accident, after which he remained in the hospital for three days. It is said that he got 45 stitches.

Ankita Lokhande pens emotional note for Vicky Jain On Sunday, Ankita Lokhande took to her Instagram account and dropped several throwback pictures with Vicky Jain.

Wishing for his speedy recovery, Lokhande penned an emotional note, recalling their promises to each other over the years. Calling him her strength, calm, forever, she wrote, "Mere Humsafar (My companion). Its always been you holding my hand, making me feel safe, reminding me that no matter how heavy the moment gets, love can still be light. Even in the most serious situations, you find a way to be funny and calm me down, thats what home feels like to me."

Promising to be with Jain through every storm, battle, thick and thin together, the actor also added in the caption: Get well soon, my dearest Vicky. Well walk through every storm, every battle, together.. through thick and thin, just like we promised. Youre my strength, my calm, my forever. And thats exactly what I am for you, too. Send all your love, prayers, and healing energy to my strongest Vicky. Always us, always together #AnVi.

The pictures featured Ankita Lokhande and Vicky Jain, twinning in black outfits. While she wore a black Anarkali suit, Jain was seen in a black shirt with matching pants. Both struck different poses with each other, seemingly in their all-white apartment in Mumbai.

See post:

Soon after she shared the post, fans rushed to the comment section and praised the couple.

Ankitas eyes say it all what Vicky really is to her, commented one. Another added, Get well soon Vicky bhaiya. All my prayers are yours.

Vicky Jain hospitalised On Saturday, producer Sandeep Singh shared the news of Jain's hospitalisation. He posted pictures of Vicky Jain in the hospital. In them, Ankita Lokhande was also seen by his side.

The post read, "After a painful accident where many pieces of glass pierced @realvikasjainn hand, 45 stitches, and three days in the hospital, his spirit still stands unshaken. He still managed to make us laugh and feel as if nothing has happened."
In the early 1990s, several newcomers made their successful debut in the Indian film industry. While some went on to create a niche for themselves in the industry, most of them faded with time. One of them is a young actor who made his entry in the industry at just 16 as the lead actor. He rose to fame overnight, hailed as a prodigy and celebrated as the industrys next star at a time when Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Akshay Kumar were nowhere close to the success they enjoy today.

However, it all came crashing down after just 10 years when the actor silently left the film world after being bedridden.

The actor is Harish Kumar.

Harish Kumar Harish Kumars journey in films began as a child actor in the late 1970s, with films across Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada languages, creating a pan-India appeal in a time when the term was not even coined by film industry experts.

Harish Kumar's career By 1988, at just 13, Kumar had stepped into lead roles, testing his ground with a mix of successes and failures before striking gold with the Telugu blockbuster Prema Khaidi in 1990.

The films popularity led to a Hindi remake the next year, where Harish Kumar, alongside a then-debuting Karisma Kapoor, won the hearts of the audience. They became popular as one of the youngest on-screen pairs at only 16.

He went on to star in films like Tirangaa and College Bullodu, becoming a renowned name in the industry during the 1990s.

By the early 90s, Harish Kumar became a popular name as one of the most talked-about young actors in both the Telugu and Hindi film industries.

Harish Kumar's films Industry chatter often placed him above several contemporaries who went on to become megastars. Yet, his success became a double-edged sword. While his talent was undeniable, lead roles were scarce, and filmmakers frequently cast him alongside established names rather than as the sole hero of the film.

He ended up sharing screens with legends like Chiranjeevi, ANR, Balakrishna, Nana Patekar, and Govinda. Despite the challenge, Kumar found success in big commercial films such as The Gentleman, Coolie No. 1, and Hero No. 1.

Why did Harish Kumar disappear In 2001, he was last seen in the Hindi film Inteqam. Later, Harish Kumar shocked the film industry by silently stepping away from acting at just 26. At the time, not much was revealed about his exit from films.

Two decades later, in a 2021 interview with Hindustan Times, Kumar opened up about the real reason behind his departure. He revealed that a serious injury from his childhood resurfaced and kept him bedridden.

He said, I suffered a major back injury, which left me bedridden, which also became my reason to leave showbiz. It was a major slipped disc, with issues in my L3 and L5. The situation was so bad that I couldnt even go to the washroom. I was very careless when I was young, and didnt even realise when I got this injury, pata hi nahi laga mujhe (I didn't even know). But I didnt want to go for any operation.

Harish Kumar added that as he was left bedridden for months, the film industry moved on.

Pehle pehle doctor ne do saal ke liye kaam karne ko mana kar diya, uske baad pata hi nahin chala ke kahan kho gaya main (The doctor initially advised me to not work for two years. And after that, I got lost), he said.

Where is Harish Kumar now Harish Kumar made his acting comeback with films like Naughty @ 40 and Chaar Din Ki Chandni in 201112, but nothing gave him the same success. In 2018, he returned one last time on the big screen with Aa Gaya Hero, co-starring Govinda.

After a long hiatus, Kumar made his OTT debut in 2025 with the Epic ON series Griha Laxmi.

Reportedly, he now leads a quiet, low-profile life away from the limelight.
The independent financial advice industry is maturing fast. The number of registered investment advisor, or RIA, firms more than doubled from 2000 to 2024, from 6,949 to 15,870, according to the Investment Adviser Association. And nine firms on our Top 100 RIA Firms list have gotten so bigeach with more than $90 billion in assets and over 1,000 employeesthat they are starting to look like national brokerage firms.

As the industry has grown, the ways these firms are owned and operated have become more diverse. This aspect of the business is rarely understood by clients, but can have important implications for them.

Twenty years ago, most independent RIA firms were owned and operated by their founders, who had broken away from big Wall Street brokerage firms in search of greater autonomy, fewer conflicts of interest, and higher compensation.

Plenty of these firms still exist, but advisors have embraced other ways of structuring their businesses. Some have sold their firms to aggregators" that integrate them into networks of practices spanning regions or even the entire U.S. Some have established relationships with platform companies that simplify back-office functions, such as technology and payroll. Others are taking on private equity, swapping part of their ownership stake for capital they can use to add new services, make acquisitions, or cash out.

The RIA model has been around since 1940, but in part thanks to evolving technology, several attractive affiliation options have emerged over the past 10 or 15 years," says Brad Wales, founder of the consultancy Transition To RIA.

Heres a look at how independent advisor firms are structured, including the pros and cons for clients:

AdvisorOwned RIAs

Employee-owned RIA firms belong to the founding advisors, who may in turn offer employees equity stakes as a means of motivating them. Such firms provide advisors with full autonomy: They get to choose everything from their logo to the investments they offer. They can create their preferred cultureanything from workaholic to laid back. And they get to sell part or all of the business when theyre ready to move on. Clients of employee-owned RIAs may get a more consistent and personal experience because the firms owners have a deep incentive to deliver it.

That is the case at Truepoint Wealth Counsel, a Cincinnati-based RIA firm that manages $5.4 billion of client assets and created an employee equity plan nearly two decades ago.

We have a deep philosophical belief that our clients are best served in the employee-owned model," says Steve Condon, CEO of Truepoint. It creates what we believe is the greatest alignment of interests: As shareholders in the firm, our professional reputation and our personal financial capital is on the line every day."

The trade-off for employee-owned firms is that they may lack capital to hire new employees, upgrade technology, or offer the same breadth of services as larger firms. They may not be able to offer access to private investments, for instance, or provide a mobile app that aggregates all your data in one portal.

Also, it can also be difficult for a practice leader to find a successor whos both worthy and able to buy the firm. Those havent been problems at Truepoint, but only because company founder Michael Chasnoff, who ranks 78th on Barrons Top 100 Independent Advisors list, planned so far ahead. If Michael hadnt initiated this in 2007, we wouldnt be in the position today where its a choice for us to remain employee owned," Condon says.

Private EquityBacked RIAs

Wealth management is a highly profitable industry, and its steady, fee-based revenue hasnt been lost on private-equity players, who have invested billions of dollars in the space.

Private-equity shops like Clayton, Dubilier & Rice and Stone Point Capital target large advisory firms as well as aggregators. This type of firm wants to maximize the growth of its portfolio companies and often takes profits within a few years. Its involvement may or may not benefit end clients.

For advisors, private-equity partners provide capital that can allow them to convert some of their business ownership into cash without having to leave the company. Capital can also be spent on talent, technology, and acquiring other firms.

Elevation Point, a Minneapolis-based business that buys stakes of between 20% and 49% in firms, bakes acquisitions into its approach and looks to help partner firms strike deals, says CEO Jim Dickson.

Elevation is also a good example of how the industry is evolving: It invests in firms and offers them optional platform services like technology, digital marketing, family-office services, and access to alternative investments. We take a minority stake in firms and then bring resources to help them improve but not change their client experience," says Dickson.

One catch when going the private-equity route: Firm founders may feel pressure to ensure their new partners get a robust return on their investment, which can lead to overly rapid growth and deteriorating client service. On the other hand, clients may gain access to enhanced resources and services.

Partners of a Larger Network

When a group of advisors sets up an independent firm, their responsibilities extend beyond investment and planning advice. Theyre in charge of everything from setting up technology to making sure theyre complying with industry regulations. That can make it appealing to work with a larger platform business that is set up to serve RIAs. The advisors retain full ownership and generally pay fees to the network, although compensation structures can vary. Examples of these platform businesses include Dynasty Financial Partners and Farther.

This model enables independent advisors to gain access to advanced technology, investment options, compliance support, and a range of services, which can simplify their jobs and free them to focus on serving existing clients and attracting new ones.

Some advisors, however, eventually bristle at being limited to the technology options or the investment menu the platform provides. As the years pass," says Wales of Transition To RIA, some advisors say, Hey couldnt we do this in-house ourselves, have some more flexibility, and achieve better economics? "

Clients, meanwhile, may appreciate benefits such as mobile apps and snazzy financial-planning tools that technology partners can provide. But wealthier households may find that their advisor isnt able to get them into a certain private-equity fund because the platform hasnt approved it.

Wealth Management Aggregators/RollUps

Aggregators, also known as RIA consolidators or roll-up firms, buy independent advisory firms to quickly build large networks. Often backed by private equity, they have spent billions of dollars amassing regional or national footprints. Joining an aggregator lets advisors offload business-management tasks such as human resources and regulatory compliance, gain access to technology, and cash out of the business they have built without leaving it.

Benefits to clients may include better pricing on certain investments as well as a greater range of capabilities, says Michael Nathanson, CEO of Focus Financial Partners, a New York Citybased aggregator that owns Focus Partners Wealth, which ranks as our No. 9 Mega RIA. Focus boutique at scale" model offers clients access to tax services, bookkeeping, insurance, sophisticated investments, and in-house trust services, Nathanson says.

One potential benefit of selling to an aggregator lies in the area of succession. The advisor industry is aging fast and, in many cases, successors arent available within employee-owned firms. Joining an aggregator can solve that problem, enabling advisors to gradually transfer clients to younger colleagues within the aggregator.

Clients may miss the personalized feel of an employee-owned practice, however. And trade-offs for advisors can include less decision-making autonomyas the parent company sets policy, selects the technology, and in many cases requires centralized investment management.

Every independent advisory business model comes with pros and cons for advisors and clients. Finding the right fit depends on investors priorities, needs, and values. By asking the right questions and understanding the tradeoffs, investors can choose advisors whose business models best align with their goals.
One in four people looking for work has been unemployed for at least six months.

The faltering U.S. labor market is pushing more Americans into part-time work and other roles they dont want, and that dont always pay the bills.

The official unemployment rate in the U.S. remains low at 4.3%. But under the surface, there are deepening signs of struggle for people looking for stable, full-time work in a time when hiring has slowed significantly.

A separate measure of unemployment, which includes people working part-time who would prefer a full-time job and people who are so discouraged theyve stopped looking for work, is much higher. That rate hit 8.1% in August, its highest in nearly four years.

That rate has been gradually moving higher for the past two years. (This week, fresh data showed a markedly weaker 2024 job market than previously thought).

There are more people finding themselves in a delicate position when it comes to their opportunities to find work and bounce back" after leaving a job, said Gregory Daco, chief economist at EY-Parthenon.

He noted that one in four people looking for work has been unemployed for at least six months. A year ago it was closer to one in five.

Many of those people are turning to part-time work outside their fields.

Anna Whitlock recently started a part-time job as a nanny, 10 months after getting laid off from her role as a tech company project manager. She said she has unsuccessfully applied for hundreds of jobs in the meantime.

Ive applied to grocery stores, Ive applied to coffee stands, Ive applied to a dozen administrative assistant positions locally, and Im getting rejections from all of them," said Whitlock, who lives in Yakima, Wash.

The 36-year-old spent more than a decade working in information technology. She is currently making $20 an hour, while working less than half the hours of her previous job, which paid more than $30 an hour and included medical and retirement benefits.

Whitlock said she has been living on unemployment benefits, which ran out several months ago. She recently had to turn to government food assistance, and is still looking for extra work to supplement her income.

Millions of Americans work part-time out of choice. They may need extra time to care for relatives, attend school or simply prefer spending less time on the job. But many people also take on part-time roles because they have to, often to try and keep some income flowing while they are searching for more hours. Along with lower earnings, this can lead to less retirement savings, fewer benefits and weaker career advancement.

Many employers have been managing rising labor costs by reducing hours through part-time roles rather than layoffs, said Kory Kantenga, LinkedIns head of economics for the Americas. Part-time job postings on the site have risen by 50% in the past three years, he noted.

There are rising signs of an unsettled labor market. Data on Thursday showed that the number of Americans who filed for initial unemployment benefits jumped the prior week on a seasonally adjusted basis to the highest level since October 2021. These numbers can be noisy from one week to the next, particularly during a holiday-shortened workweek.

Also, the U.S. in July crossed a threshold of having more unemployed workers than job openings for the first time in over four years, federal data show. Rates of hiring and quitting were unchanged from the prior month, suggesting firms are hesitant to take on new employees and workers are hesitant about their ability to find new jobs.

Meanwhile, American workers confidence in finding a new job if they lose their current one hit its lowest level since the series began in 2013, according to a recent survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Software engineer James Reynolds, 34, quit a job he didnt like at a wireless company in June. He has since found it harder than expected to line up another job to replace his six-figure salary, despite sending out his resume far and wide.

He is making $18 an hour now working about 20 hours a week at a Denver sandwich shop. Just keeping afloat is a challenge," said Reynolds, who earned a computer-science degree last summer after a decade in tech and retail jobs.

Its definitely a humbling experience because I came out of school feeling like Ive earned my way into a more white-collar kind of job," he said.

A Philadelphia-area nonprofit reported that some people it serves are working several part-time jobs without benefits to make a sufficient income, according to the latest Federal Reserve Beige Book, which compiles U.S. economic anecdotes. In Atlanta, firms reported an abundance of applicants for most positions," the Fed report said.

Kristal Andersen, 44, lost her full-time job teaching and managing faculty when the University of Antelope Valley, in Lancaster, Calif., closed early last year. She has continued to work there part-time, handling administrative tasks, like transcript requests, while fruitlessly searching for other jobs to increase her hours.

Andersen, who has a doctorate in education, said she has sent out around 400 job applications for everything from positions in academia to secretarial, barista and fast-food jobs. None have panned out. She suspects retailers are shunning her because they know she will leave for greener pastures when she lands a job she wants.

For now, she said, her family of four is living paycheck-to-paycheck, penny-to-penny."

Write to Harriet Torry at harriet.torry@wsj.com
Bank holidays this week, September 15-21, 2025: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI ) has declared only one bank holiday in the upcoming week of September 2025 due to a regional observance. Banks across Indian cities/states remain closed during the RBI mandated holidays.

RBI also mandates that the second and fourth Saturdays of each month are holidays for banks, whereas Sundays are a pan-India holiday for all public and private banks.

People who are planning any important activities related to banking transactions or other such services must refer to the list of bank holidays this week so that you can plan accordingly and avoid any last-minute inconvenience.

You should note that holidays may differ in various states due to regional and local observances. It is thus advised to check with your local bank branch for their holiday schedule or list ahead of time to be properly informed and make preparations in case of emergencies.

Bank Holiday Schedule for September 15-21 According to RBI's list of bank holidays, all private and public banks in Jammu and Srinagar will observe a closure on Thursday, September 18 in observance of the Unitarian Anniversary Day.

This day is primarily celebrated in Meghalaya in the honour of the founding of the Unitarian Church in 1887 by Hajjom Kissor Singh.

Also Read | India to target two PSBs in top 20 global banks under Viksit Bharat 2047 plan

This September 18 will mark the 128th anniversary of the birth of Khasi Unitarianism which is celebrated by gatherings and special services to commemorate the church's legacy.

Along with this, banks will also remain shut on Sunday, September 21, according to RBI rules.

List of bank holidays in September September 18 (Thursday) All private and public banks will be closed in Jammu and Srinagar in observance of the Unitarian Anniversary Day which is kept in honor of the founding of the Unitarian Church in 1887.

September 22 (Monday)  All banks will be shut in Jaipur as the city will celebrate Navratra Sthapna , marking the beginning of Navratri celebrations among Hindus.

, marking the beginning of Navratri celebrations among Hindus. September 23 (Tuesday)  All public and private banks across will remain shut in Jammu and Srinagar in celebrations of the birthday of Maharaja Hari Singh Ji, the last ruling monarch of Jammu & Kashmir.

September 29 (Monday)  It is a RBI mandated bank holiday for Agartala, Kolkata and Guwahati in observance of Maha Saptami , which is the seventh day of the Durga Puja festival, celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin.

, which is the seventh day of the Durga Puja festival, celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin. September 30 (Tuesday)  Multiple cities, including Agartala, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Imphal, Jaipur, Kolkata, Patna and Ranchi will observe banks closure due to Maha Ashtami/Durga Ashtami, the eighth day of the Hindu festival of Durga Puja and Navratri. What transactions can you do when banks are closed? A person can continue to use online or mobile banking services even during national holidays  unless notified to users for technical or other reasons. For cash emergencies, ATMs are open for withdrawals as usual. People can also use their respective banks app and UPI to facilitate payments.

Also Read | RBI may allow banks to lock phones bought on credit if buyer defaults: Report
Alex Thorn, head of firmwide research at Galaxy Digital, believes the United States could soon formalize its long-rumored Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR), potentially before the end of 2025.

Key Takeaways:

Galaxys Alex Thorn says the U.S. may announce a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve by year-end.

Trump has already signed an executive order, with lawmakers pushing for a feasibility report.

Delays could leave the U.S. behind as countries like Kyrgyzstan and Indonesia move forward.

In a post on X this week, Thorn said the odds are being overlooked by the market, adding that the U.S. government may soon announce it is officially holding Bitcoin as a strategic asset.

The market seems to be completely underpricing the likelihood of such an announcement, Thorn noted, highlighting growing momentum around the initiative.

Trump Signs Executive Order to Establish Strategic Bitcoin Reserve

In March, President Trump signed an executive order authorizing the creation of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and the US Digital Asset Stockpile.

While a detailed strategy has yet to be released, recent activity suggests movement behind the scenes.

Just this week, lawmakers introduced a bill requesting the US Treasury to evaluate the technical and strategic feasibility of the reserve.

Trumps crypto policy report, published in July, made only a brief mention of the reserve, but insiders maintain its a priority.

The administrations crypto liaison reportedly confirmed continued interest in building the SBR.

However, not everyone is convinced of a 2025 launch. Dave Weisburger, former chairman at CoinRoutes, believes the rollout is more likely in 2026.

He argues the administration may want to discreetly accumulate Bitcoin before making any public declarations.

Others warn that delays could carry consequences. Jan3 CEO Samson Mow has repeatedly stressed that the US risks being outpaced if it doesnt act soon.

Global interest in sovereign Bitcoin reserves appears to be growing. Kyrgyzstan advanced legislation this week to establish its own crypto reserve, and Indonesias Bitcoin advocacy group recently met with officials to promote a similar strategy.

As rival nations explore national Bitcoin strategies, Thorns prediction adds weight to growing speculation that the US may soon enter the race.

Strategy Tops Corporate Bitcoin Holdings with 636,505 BTC

While the US is considering launching a strategic Bitcoin reserve, many corporate companies are adding BTC to their balance sheets.

Michael Saylors Strategy now holds 636,505 BTC, making it the largest corporate holder by a wide margin.
Bengaluru: The table looks deceptively ordinary. There are four bowls of onion bajjis (onion fritters), with their crisp golden edges curled and the scent of fried batter hanging in the air. To the untrained eye, they look identical. But inside flavour, fragrance and aroma consultancy Confluence Valleys five-acre office in Hosur, a Tamil Nadu town about 50 km from Bengaluru, these fritters are part of a controlled experiment. One batch is plain, another carries an engineered fat aroma mixed into the batter, a third has the aroma infused in the oil, and the fourth has it both in the oil and the batter.

What looks like a simple snack is, in fact, science at work.

Fat aroma, as managing director Baskaran Parameswaran explains, is the invisible hand behind flavourthe notes of butteriness, caramel, or meatiness that fats bring to food. His team is developing a new recipe for a popular quick service restaurant chain in South India, re-engineering its onion bajjis to fry in half the time, from 10 minutes to just five, without compromising on taste, texture, or smell. For the restaurant, that means faster service, lower costs, and, Baskaran insists, a healthier snack.

Its all chemistry," he says. When you notice a difference in taste, you need to know which aromatic component is responsible. Is it caramelic? Fatty? Sweet? We analyze, extract, and recreate it in the lab."

Depending on the clients need, fat aroma can be made into liquid for beverages, powders for fried foods, or even gels and capsules.

Over the next three hours, the experiments continue: flavored buttermilks, a tea sample designed to mimic a rival brands taste, and a fat aroma-induced murukku.

Confluence Valley is among a clutch of consultancies, including Thinking Forks and Prowess Buzz, that work with large companies and young startups alike, helping them translate ideas into products that consumers recognize and crave.

View Full Image Shelves stocked with flavours at Confluence Valleys office in Hosur.

Behind every granola bar, cold brew, or protein snack that becomes a household name, theres often an unseen partner shaping the recipe and strategy. From Licious mayonnaise with meat chunks and Yogabars protein bars co-created with Thinking Forks, to Too Yumms snacks developed by Prowess Buzz, some of Indias most recognisable food products have come out from such collaborationsoften ideated and engineered in labs like this one.

These food research and development (R&D) consultancies thus shape what India eats. They manage everything from recipe design and nutritional profiling, to regulatory compliance and sometimes even manufacturing. But they do it behind the scenes. Food may be one of Indias fastest-growing consumer categories, but the scientific and technical backbone driving the boom remains largely invisible.

Lab behind the label

The food R&D consultancy business in India is still both nascent and niche. Earlier, this space was dominated by individual consultants. Most companies in the business today have sprung up only in the last decade, catering to a mix of FMCG giants and startups. But it is the latter, including companies such as Licious, Yogabar, Sleepy Owl Coffee and Too Yumm, that lean most heavily on them.

Big food companies typically have in-house product development teams. Younger brands, often led by founders without food science backgrounds, turn to external specialists for everything from recipe design to regulatory approvals. When a company approaches an R&D consultancy, there is initially a discussion of the idea, after which the consultancy gets to work and there is a series of tasting and prototypes. Once approved, depending on the contract, the consultancy helps the food company commercialize the product.

View Full Image Big food companies typically have in-house product development teams.

The consultancies have eclectic teams: chemistry graduates, seasoned food technologists and scientists, chefs, and tasters. The business model varies, too. Some charge a one-time service fee, while others, such as Confluence Valley, also generate revenue by selling proprietary flavours.

The range of requests these companies handle is vast. A startup might want to transform a back-of-the-napkin idea into a frozen meal; others come seeking to replicate runaway successes from abroad, say, Kunafa chocolate from Dubai, or to benchmark their products against rivals. Still others want to ride new consumer waves: clean-label, protein-packed snacks, or fibre-enriched foods.

Recipe development is only a small component of the work," says Gourinandan Tonpe, co-founder and CEO of Thinking Forks, a Bengaluru-based R&D consulting firm. Product development involves identifying the right suppliers of raw materials, the right processes, preservation techniques, regulations, manufacturing, nutrition, packaging. Recipe is ultimately what brings the consumer back, but it sits on top of a very complex foundation."

View Full Image Gourinandan Tonpe, cofounder and CEO of Thinking Forks.

For Khetika, a clean-label brand, this expertise was invaluable when it began operations. The companys brief was non-negotiable: every product had to be 100% preservative-free while preserving nutritional integrity and taste. There have been instances where the R&D partners made a product significantly better," says Prithwi Singh, cofounder and CEO. For example, the agency suggested multi-layered packaging for our chutneys to extend shelf life without preservatives."

While Khetika now conducts most of its R&D in-house, Singh told Mint it continues to rely on external experts when launching entirely new product lines, for fresh perspectives and benchmarking. Currently, it is working with an R&D agency to create blended spices.

The biggest challenge, according to Singh, is to find a solution to eliminate the use of any preservatives or chemicals in the yet-to-be launched range of spices. A majority of blended masalas have four-five chemicals, he noted.

Trendy, new and bizarre

The latest obsession in food R&D is clean-label, preservative-free, nutritionally dense products. If it was all about taste before covid, since the pandemic its taste plus health, say consultants.

Back then, I was flooded with briefs on plant-based meat. Not anymore. Now, its protein and more protein. Before that, it was caffeine-loaded everything. And now its around gut health," says Thinking Forks Tonpe.

Some client ideas can be fascinating and wildly ambitious. Tonpe recalls one brand that wanted an all-in-one sprinkling product that could be stirred into literally anythingrasam, dal, sabziand deliver vitamins, minerals, fibre, and probiotics. The challenge: it couldnt change the taste, colour, or smell of the food. The product didnt quite work out the way the client envisaged it. Thinking Forks also worked with a company that was trying to make plant-based eggs with chickpeas and other ingredients. While the product eventually got made, it found few takers in the market.

Confluence Valleys Baskaran has his own list of quirky briefs. A client wanted a menu for water," so his team got busy with alkaline water, aloe water, vitamin water, fibre-infused water, even botox water. In another project, he worked with an entrepreneur to prepare jackfruit-and-molasses laddoos for cows. And then, there were mint-flavored toothpicks bound for a Scandinavian market. While some of these products become commercial successes, many others dont survive the market test.

View Full Image Baskaran Parameswaran, managing director of Confluence Valley.

For another food consultant, Space Food Clubs Zaid Khan, the hardest nut to crack was a frozen pizza that had to balance taste, texture, and cost. These days, though, the hot trend is Korean flavors. Every other company is asking for chilli-based burgers, sauces, or wants to launch K-pop-inspired carts," he says.

Vision meets science

For many food entrepreneurs, the journey from idea to product is often more winding than expected. Timelines, costs, and the science behind recipe development rarely align with the initial assumptions that founders bring to the table.

A common request from founders is to create preservative-free products. But as Baskaran pointed out, that isnt always possible. You need something to ensure shelf life, otherwise the product wont last."

Cost is another factor that often reshapes a founders vision. Tonpe recalled the example of the client who wanted the same formulation of a sprinkler that could be used in all gravies and beverages, including tea. We had to explain that it wasnt possible as one ingredient changed the colour of tea due to chemical reactions. Plus, staying within cost limits means we cant always include everything a founder wants. The product has to be viable for consumers, too."

Perhaps the most frequent request today is for sugar-free products that taste clean. Thats the biggest challenge," Tonpe admitted. Because the cleanest-tasting sweetener we know is still sugar."

Cost, scale and next chapter

The cost of working with a food R&D consultancy varies widely, depending on the complexity of the product and other services availed by a company. A simple recipe might start at around 40,000, while more advanced formulations can run into lakhs. For example, a basic protein bar can cost about 40,00050,000 to develop. At the higher end, for instance, Space Food Club charged about 1.5 lakh to engineer a fried chicken recipe that could match the taste of a popular QSR chain in India.

Brownies, surprisingly, proved even trickier. A client wanted packaged brownies with a longer shelf life. That pushed the cost up to 3 lakh, not because brownies are hard to make, but because moisture makes extending shelf life a real challenge," says Space Food Clubs Zaid. The project itself took about two-and-a-half months, with recipe trials and shelf-life testing running in parallel."

Although food R&D companies often generate modest revenue themselves, they have a disproportionate impact on the top lines of their clients. Thinking Forks earned 7.5 crore in 2023-24, and Confluence Valley generated revenue of about 20 crore, according to data sourced from Tracxn. The latters revenue also includes fragrances, which it sells to FMCG companies for products such as shampoos and soaps.

Although food R&D companies often generate modest revenue themselves, they have a disproportionate impact on the top lines of their clients.

Food consultancies do not require any certification to operate. Thinking Forks says it has had over 600 clients and works with about 60 at any time, while Prowess Buzz claims it has worked with over 100 clients. The team sizes are typically small and range between 15 and 40 employees for most companies.

While partnerships between food companies and R&D consultancies have created some big products, they dont always come easy, or last. Without clear communication and aligned goals, deliverables may fall short or require costly rework.

Many startups lean on R&D consultancies in their early stages, then shift development in-house for more control and speed.

We realised that for a fast-moving brand with core values of no synthetic preservatives or artificial colours and flavours like ours, it made more sense to build strong in-house capabilities. This not only gave us greater control over timelines, but also proved more cost-effective in the long run," says Gaurav Manchanda, founder & director, WellBe Foods, a snacking brand.

Startups want to move fast, while consultancies may follow slower, structured processes. Product trials, for instance, are less about speed and more about precision. Each trial can only change one parameter at a time," explained Khan. I can run 10 trials in a day, but that wont get us anywhere if Im changing salt, sugar, and spices together. We need to know exactly whats driving the change in taste or texture. Thats why its a step-by-step process that takes time."

In the US and Europe, outsourcing food R&D is far more common and structured. Large FMCG companies and mid-sized brands routinely work with specialist firms for product development. In India, however, startups often turn to consultancies out of necessity rather than strategy. While big companies such as Nestle, Tata Consumer Products, Cadbury, or Unilever have long invested in their own in-house labs, smaller startups simply dont have that luxury.

But ultimately, the proof of the pudding is in market acceptance of the product developed and scale. Consultancies can formulate and prototype kitchen-scale productsa kilo or two. Thats easy. But producing consistently, and at industrial scale, while maintaining taste and texture is always difficult, Tonpe agrees.

For investors, too, food R&D isnt just about creating new products, but ensuring they can scale. Weve seen consultancies help businesses rethink what they sell, whether that means making healthier versions, adapting products for specific markets, or simplifying operations for scale," says Ankur Mittal, co-founder of IPV, an investor in food companies such as Samosa Singh. But consultancies alone cant make the pivot happen. The real value comes when founders, consultants, and investors work together to ensure new ideas align with business and market goals."
Srinagar: On a late summer morning in Kashmirs Pulwama, bees hum over the violet blooms of saffron fields, their buzzing almost blending into the Himalayan breeze. For 20-year-old Sania Zehra, this sound is more than natures soundtrack  its her livelihood.

Three years ago, Zehra was a physiotherapy student experimenting with 35 bee colonies. Today, she manages 650 hives, produces six quintals of honey a year, and exports to markets as far as Canada and China. I earn far more than I ever imagined," she says, standing beside neat rows of hives in Lethporas saffron belt.

From tradition to  500 crore boom

Jammu and Kashmirs apiculture industry is booming.

Once a traditional craft practiced in villages, beekeeping here has transformed into a 500 crore industry, attracting a new generation of youth entrepreneurs. While J&K still ranks tenth in India for production by volume, its strength lies in premium honey from rare floral sources, produced with minimal chemical exposure, commanding high prices in domestic and international markets.

Over the past five years, production has doubled to 27,092 quintals in FY25 (check) from 13,062 quintals in FY19 (check), with colonies rising from 132,000 to 227,000.

Assistant entomologist and chief sector officer, apiculture, Kashmir, Qazi Showkat Ashraf said that over the past five years, there has been a steady rise in beekeeping units, with more individuals, especially youth starting their own ventures. If this trend continues, J&K is well on track to break into the top five honey-producing regions in the country within the next five years."

Unlike larger states that dominate through sheer volume, J&K leverages organic purity, rare floral varieties, and modern scientific practices. While many states rely on indigenous Apis cerana bees, J&K has scaled up the European honeybee (Apis mellifera), prized for higher yields and a wider forage range.

The abundance of nectar sources and the temperate climate here allow Apis mellifera to thrive," R.K. Gupta, head of entomology at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST Jammu) told Mint. Minimal pesticide use preserves nectar purity, which enhances both medicinal properties and export potential."

Kashmirs honey draws from apple orchards, saffron fields, Robinia pseudoacacia (kiker), Plectranthus rugosus (solai), and wild forest flora. Kiker honey is prized for its nutritional richness, while solai honey carries rare herbal properties. Together, these varieties give J&K honey a premium tag in domestic and global markets.

Government support has accelerated this transformation. Under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) launched in 2023, modern hives costing 5,000 can receive up to 80% subsidies. Equipment and migratory beekeeping also qualify for significant incentives.

Beekeeping requires no land and minimal investment. It is one of the few rural businesses where income is not land-dependent," explains Gupta.

Both Gupta and Ashraf stress that J&K has moved from traditional natural colonies to modern hive-based systems. A single traditional colony, housing around 15,000 bees, produces 25 to 40 kg of honey annually.

The financial impact is evident, especially for young entrepreneurs. Depending on scale, beekeepers now earn between 3 lakh and 20 lakh annually, supplemented by sales of beeswax, pollen, royal jelly, and venom. Official data pegs sector-wide income at 499.42 crore in 202425, with honey accounting for 135 crore and beeswax 270 crore.

I wanted to start a unit in 2022 but lacked funds," says Shabir Ahmad Itoo, (35), a beekeeper from south Kashmir's Kulgam. HADP gave me 1.12 lakh as subsidy, so I only invested 28,000. Now I earn 8-10 lakh annually, catering to strong local demand."

Also Read | How a lotus bloom in Wular Lake may boost Kashmir's green economy

Zehra is expanding with government support, setting up an 8 crore Farmer Producer Organisation to scale marketing and exports. The government helps us sell through emporiums and melas, provides hand holding in crises, and assists with equipment required for setting up beekeeping units," she told Mint.

Buzzing through challenges

Yet, the sweet story has its shadows. Migratory beekeeping, essential for sustaining colonies during Kashmirs harsh winters, is fraught with challenges. Each October, hundreds of beekeepers load their hives onto trucks and travel to warmer states like Rajasthan and Punjab, where mustard and sunflower crops offer ample forage.

For senior beekeeper Mohammad Anwar Dhar from Awantipora, the migration is both arduous and essential. The cold here kills bees. In Rajasthans mustard fields, they thrive, and so does my income," he tells Livemint. But blocked highways, erratic weather, and rising transport costs often lead to heavy losses. If traffic halts for days, bees die inside the boxes which is devastating."

Climate change adds another layer of risk. Unseasonal rains and cold spells damage blossoms, reducing nectar availability. Deforestation is also threatening prized varieties. Kiker honey is considered the best, but large-scale felling of kiker trees is alarming. Without replantation, the future of this honey variety is at risk," says Naseer Ahmad, a senior beekeeper in Tral, 42 kilometres from Srinagar.

Despite these hurdles, the sectors long-term potential lies not only in honey but in pollination. More than 70 percent of J&Ks 1.25 crore people depend directly or indirectly on agriculture and its allied sectors, and bees significantly boost fruit yields. Pollination can enhance apple, almond, and cherry yields by up to 30 times. For a region where horticulture is the backbone of the economy, pollination of bees makes apiculture indispensable," said Manzoor Ahmad Parray, former head of entomology at SKUAST Kashmir.

Itoo also says that introducing bee colonies into his apple orchards has transformed the crops colour, size and taste. I am not only earning from honey, but my orchard yields have also improved through pollination, effectively doubling my income with better quality and quantity," he added. Encouraged by his results, several other orchardists have adopted the same model, combining beekeeping with apple cultivation.

This recognition has fuelled an ecosystem of research, training, and awareness. Institutions like SKUAST, the ICAR-backed All India Research Project on Honeybees and Pollinators, and the Ministry of MSME have trained hundreds of youth and tribal communities. Door-to-door campaigns and documentaries have popularised beekeeping as a livelihood option.

The availability of free training and visible success stories is pulling more young people into the sector," Gupta said.
Bengaluru: The Supreme Court recently came down heavily on speculative investors in real estate. Additionally, it said the real estate sector needs systemic reforms to infuse credibility. What prompted this? Mint explains. What did the Supreme Court ruling say?

The Supreme Court issued a ruling on 12 September in response to a batch of appeals following a decision by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal on a housing project in Greater Noida. Affirming NCLATs ruling that termed the appellants in the case as speculative investors, the Supreme Court said speculative investors could destabilize Indias residential real estate sector.

The court added that the residential real estate sector needs to be fortified to protect genuine homebuyers and the purpose of housing as a fundamental right, while ruling against the misuse of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code by speculative investors.

Also Read | IBC reforms will benefit distressed real estate projects, experts say

Why are speculative investors damaging?

Investors have always been a part of real estate. Speculative investors, on the other hand, buy properties purely for short-term financial gains, say via premature exits through buyback schemes, with no intent to use the property as a residence.

The National Capital Region has been a victim of speculative deals artificially inflating demand and prices, fuelling an asset bubble that saw developers sell homes in bulk to short-term investors without completing the projects. As a result, thousands of genuine home buyers were stranded with unfinished homes.

What did the Supreme Court prescribe as a remedy?

The Supreme Court suggested changes involving the government and agencies that are meant to safeguard homebuyers. Within three months, a committee represented by the ministries of law and housing, finance experts, and other government bodies have to suggest viable systemic reforms to cleanse Indias housing sector.

Also, according to the court, real estate insolvency cases should be resolved on a project-by-project basis to protect viable projects and genuine homebuyers.

What can RERA do?

The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act 2016 has often been criticized as a toothless tiger and that its success so far in resolving complaints has been moderate at best. It needs to do more.

RERA across states must be equipped with adequate infrastructure, empowered tribunals, and effective enforcement mechanisms so that their orders are implemented swiftly. Before approving any project, RERA needs to conduct thorough due diligence.

What about stressed projects?

The residential real estate sector may be witnessing an all-time high boom, but the stressed projects crisis is far from over. The governments Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (Swamih) investment fund can be expanded or a new revival fund should be set up to provide bridge financing to stressed projects undergoing corporate insolvency resolution. This will prevent liquidation of viable projects.

Also Read | Why are PE investments in real estate falling in India?

Can developers be put in check?

The Supreme Court has called for tighter regulatory and a legal framework to ensure developers cant defraud homebuyers and are bound to deliver projects on time. Many developers have indulged in speculative practices and encouraged a parallel cash economy in real estate.

Schemes of assured returns, compulsory buybacks, or easy exit options have masqueraded as housing contracts. State governments and their agencies need to step up and enforce stricter ways to prevent such malpractices.
Penny stock Sellwin Traders rose as much as 2 per cent upper circuit on Friday. Sellwin Traders share price has been hitting upper circuit for 28 days in a row.

The penny stock has given multibagger returns in last six months by surging over 265 per cent. However, the stock has descended nearly 46 per cent in last one year.

What's behind the rally? In an exchange filing on September 13, the company said that the board has approved the conversion of 49,35,000 warrants 49,35,000 equity shares of face value 2/- each out of the warrants allotted by way of preferential allotment.

Conversion of 49,35,000 warrants 49,35,000 Equity Shares of face value Rs. 2/- each out of the warrants allotted by way of preferential allotment to the following persons/entities pursuant to exercise of their right of conversion of warrants into Equity Shares and accordingly the Board of Directors have allotted 49,35,000 Equity Shares of face value of Rs.2/- each fully paid up on account of conversion, the company said in the filing.

Following the conversion, the companys issued, subscribed, and paid-up equity share capital has risen to 46,97,15,000, comprising 23,48,57,500 fully paid-up equity shares of 2 each.

According to the exchange filing, Neelam Dharmesh Patel, Smita Patel, Patel Mitesh and Falgun Anilkumar Yagnik are the allottees of the preferential issue.

The company further said that the warrants allotted carry a right to subscribe to 01 equity share per warrant on receipt of amount at the rate of 1.375/- per warrant (25% of total consideration). Now, 49,35,000 Equity Shares have been allotted on receipt of balance amount at the rate of 4.125/- per equity share (75% of total consideration).

On September 5, the company had announced that its 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Monday, September 29.

 Notice is hereby given that the 45t/hAnnual General Meeting of the Members of 2 M/s. Sellwin Traders Limited will be held through video conferencing on Monday, 29th September, 2025 at 12:00 P.M, the company said in the filing.

In Q1FY26, the company posted a net profit of 3.14 crore, reflecting a sharp 350 per cent year-on-year jump. Its operating revenue also grew notably by 31.4 per cent to 21.85 crore in the same quarter.
Despite whispers of an impending market correction due to a potential equity glut, A. Balasubramanian, managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of Aditya Birla Sun Life asset management company (AMC), which has an overall assets under management (AUM) of about 4 trillion as of the June quarter, is betting on Indian equities hitting a fresh lifetime high in FY26. The AMC manages equity assets worth 1.8 trillion.

India remains resilient with a strong absorption capacity despite the surge in equity supply. Right now, demand and supply are largely balanced, keeping markets within a narrow range, he explained.

But this is temporarymost PE (private equity) exits have already happened, and theyre leaving with big profits, proving India has been their best market. That success will draw them back, likely boosting EM (emerging market) allocations to India in the second half, which could help markets touch new highs by March or even before the Budget," Bala said. Edited excerpts:

Whats your outlook for Indian equities this fiscal? The market seems to be in a consolidation phase, with tariff uncertainty still weighing. While the Goods and Services Tax (GST) cut has offered some relief, how do you see markets shaping up from here till the end of this fiscal?

My outlook is gradually turning bullish. Were confident about Indian markets, with improved corporate earnings aided by GST, strong 7.8% GDP (gross domestic product) growth, and rising government and private sector spending. Over the next year, semiconductor and electronics manufacturing will move from setup to production, boosting exports and company revenues. This new earnings stream will strengthen fundamentals, attract upgrades, and reflect in market performance. With domestic consumption resilient and Indias fundamentals acknowledged by rating upgrades, I believe the Indian market is poised to touch a new lifetime high this fiscal.

Whats your view on the surge in equity supplywith promoter exits, private equity (PE) sell-offs, government divestments, and a heavy initial public offering (IPO) pipeline? Could this create a demand-supply imbalance and trigger a market correction ahead?

Despite the surge in equity supply, India remains resilient with strong absorption capacity. Right now, demand and supply are largely balanced, keeping markets sideways (within a narrow range). But this is temporarymost PE exits have already happened, and theyre leaving with big profits, proving India has been their best market. That success will draw them back, likely boosting EM allocations to India in the second half, which could help markets touch new highs by March or even before the Budget.

Whats your perspective on smallcaps versus midcaps? Which segment do you see emerging stronger?

Over the long termsay 7 to 10 yearssmall and midcaps will be the real winners. In the short term, views may remain mixed, but as India grows and market breadth widens, more companiesbe it startups, long-standing businesses, or next-gen firmswill tap the capital markets for expansion. With states competing to become $1 trillion economies and sectors like defence, railways, and manufacturing seeing a revival, SMEs (small and medium enterprises) and mid-small caps will play a central role in wealth creation and economic growth. Large caps will stay relevant, but mid and small caps will dominate over time.

Which sectors are you most bullish on? Is defence one of those?

From a long-term perspective, 65-75% of Indias growth will be driven by banking and financial services, followed by FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods), consumption, auto, cement, capital goods, and energy sectors. Some sectors are structurally bullish, like FMCG, while others are cyclical. Capital goods and infrastructure remain long-term themes due to continuous investment, and the energy sectorespecially renewables and solarwill expand as India moves toward 24/7 local power supply, reducing reliance on imported oil and strengthening energy security.

From the business side, where do you see the strongest growth coming from?

Our focus remains to further expand and deepen our presence across the length and breadth of the country with specific strategies not only for the Top 30 and Beyond 30 cities but also for emerging markets in smaller towns. Our other focus area is to grow the alternates business, including offering PMS (Portfolio Management Services), AIF (Alternative Investment Fund) and Real Estate funds to HNI (High Networth Individual), UHNI (Ultra High Networth Individual) and family offices. This year alone, we added about 30 new locations. Within Mumbai, were expanding in high-growth areas like Navi Mumbai (Panvel, near the upcoming airport) and Powai. Were also opening branches in emerging markets where per-capita income and industrial activity are risingfor example, a new branch in Kalyani, West Bengal.

On the retail side, we recently launched a 250 SIP (systematic investment plan) to encourage participation from lower middle-class investors. Were also working with industry bodies and post offices to build mutual fund awareness, which could evolve into an important distribution channel. In short, our strategy is to keep strengthening our existing network while tapping into new growth opportunities.

When it comes to products or asset classes, where is the growth coming from?

In our case, inflows are largely into large-cap, flexi-cap, multi-asset allocation, balanced advantage, and some small-cap funds. These 5-6 schemes form our core portfolio, and we believe about 70% of investor money should be allocated here for the long term. Equity flows remain strong as investors look beyond traditional options like gold, real estate, and fixed deposits.

Alongside this, weve built a strong presence in thematic funds, being the first to launch products like the Consumption Fund, MNC Fund, Digital India Fund, and, most recently, the Conglomerate Fund. These form the satellite portfolio, which we suggest should be around 20-30% of allocations.

Broadly, infrastructure spending is on autopilot, but the next leg of growth will likely be driven by consumption. With the recent GST cut on certain products, we expect a further boost in demandsimilar to large shopping festivals globallywhich could benefit both companies and investors in the thematic space.

How could the GST reforms play out for the mutual fund industry? Could they drive more money into SIPs as the economy benefits?

In my view, SIPs will remain the core of mutual fund investing. With the TINA (There Is No Alternative) factor at play, investors are moving from traditional savings to options that can generate both returns and long-term wealth. Most investors today are satisfied with 9-12% returns, which makes mutual funds a natural choice. A large share of flows is going into balanced advantage and multi-asset allocation funds, reinforcing SIPs as the steady way to invest.

So essentially, the upside from GST reforms should feed into the core portfolio?

GST reforms will significantly impact the economy, with a strong multiplier effectevery rupee saved or spent translates into higher volumes, profits, and wealth creation. Its a masterstroke reform that can boost local consumption, especially at a time when tariff concerns loom. From a portfolio perspective, weve already factored this in, remaining overweight on autos and FMCGsectors that stand to benefit from GST, good monsoons, and supportive valuations.

Whats your view on the new entrants in the AMC space, especially fintech players? How do you see this competition?

The entry of new players will only expand the market. When we started 30 years ago, there were just three AMCs; today, there are around 55. Over the years, some global players exited due to regulatory challenges or strategic shifts, and we even acquired Apple, Alliance, and ING in that process. Despite exits, the industrys AUM has consistently grown. New entrants will bring fresh ideas, but investors will continue to value experienced, long-term players like us. So, theres enough space for everyone as the market expands.

Do you think retail investors risk appetite has gone up too quickly?

Its not so much about higher risk appetite as it is about greater awareness. Retail investors today want to safeguard their money, use it wisely through investments, and generate returns to improve their quality of life. Most households have basic financial goalsowning a home, a vehicle, funding childrens education, family holidays, or weddings. Around 70% of expenses come from these life goals, and investors are realizing that mutual funds can help them plan and achieve them. Its less about greed and more about disciplined saving and investing for long-term wealth creation.

What does the mutual fund industry need at this stageespecially in terms of key regulatory support?

Regulation is already strong and supportive, thanks to Sebi (Securities and Exchange Board of India) and Amfi (Association of Mutual Funds in India). Enough has been done, and the key now is to keep the faith in mutual funds as an asset class. Perhaps some easing in customer onboarding could help further.

To what extent has Gujarats Gift City helped ease the onboarding of foreign customers?

Gift City has been one of the few regulators that consistently listens to market participants and makes proactive changes to attract more players and customers. Over the last decade, it has eased rules for inward and outward remittances and is even exploring digital onboarding for overseas and NRI (Non-Resident Indian) clients. Both Sebi and RBI (Reserve Bank of India), along with Gift City, have acted not just as regulators but as enablers. Now that much of the regulatory groundwork is in place, the onus is on fund houses and banks to bring in more funds and customers.
A couple of weeks ago, I stumbled across an AI video on Twitter peddling a schmalzy, sepia-tinged vision of 1990s America. Algorithmically generated teenagers in baggy denim and oversized hoodies wax eloquent about malls, corner stores and backyard hangoutswhite-flight suburbia recast as some sort of halcyon paradise. The 90s miss you bro," says one prepper, with the self-satisfied smirk of someone who never had to actually live through the decade.

But the 1990s werent all boom-boxes and mallrats. They were also the decade of the LA riots beamed live into living rooms, of Monica Lewinsky and the Clarence Thomas hearings dragging sex and power into the national spotlight. It was the decade of the Waco siege and the Oklahoma bombing, of the opioid crisis and a companion epidemic of high-profile suicides.

Also Read | Tarun Balani turns inherited memories into an evocative album

Most of all, what characterised the decade was the miasma of ennui that engulfed the sort of suburbs and small towns idealised in that AI slop video. In the first half the 90s, artists tried to channel that ennui into anthems of alienation (Nirvana) or political fury (Rage Against The Machine). But as we got closer to the turn of the millennium, all that was left was nihilistic rage. White-hot, impotent anger that built up till it exploded into bouts of random, misdirected violencethe Columbine massacre, the riots and widespread sexual assault of Woodstock 99.

You can hear that (mostly white, mostly male) fury in the nu-metal music that dominated the era: Korn rendering childhood trauma and drug-addiction in downtuned, funk-metal chaos; the industrial-emo of Deftones, even in Limp Bizkits fratboy rap-metal. But nothing quite captured the late 90s malaise quite as perfectly as the eponymous 1999 debut album by alt-metal nonet Slipknot, which has just been re-released as a belated 25th anniversary edition, with 40 new unreleased demos and tracks.

Combining death metal and thrash metal with elements of electronica, funk and hip-hop, the bands major label debut is a barrage of relentless misanthropy, a declaration of total war against the universe at large. 'Fuck it all, fuck this world, fuck everything that you stand for," screams frontman Cory Taylor over Surfacings blast-beat drums and seismic guitar riffs, making up for his lack of eloquence with pure spite. Over 15 tracks of curb-stomping mayhem, Slipknot gave shape and sound to an anger that had no object, no outlet, and no future.

The bands origins lie in tragedy. In 1992, the uncle of percussionist Shawn Crahanaka Clownwas murdered in a gang initiation. Angry, sad and confused, Crahan looked to music as a way to process these emotions, to make [people] have to face this thing inside of me."

Over the next few years, the band went through several iterations, drawing in musicians from Des Moines, Iowas small punk and metal scenes. Not all of the bands eventual nine members had such direct brushes with personal trauma. Many of them had entirely normal childhoods. But they all shared the anger that came from being young, bored outcasts in a monocultural small town, tired of being punchlines" as Taylor would once tell Kerrang! magazine.

By the time they signed on to Roadrunner Records in 1998, Slipknot had honed that anger into a potent, hell-raising blend of metal, jazz, industrial, funk and thrash. Their live showswhere the band showed up wearing horror-film masks and red boiler-suits, looking like a squad of slasher-film freakswere like grotesquely theatrical riots. Crahan even had to buy a bar in Des Moines, because theyd been banned from other local venues.

In Ross Robinson, the record producer who was already being hailed as the godfather of nu-metal", they found someone who could help them push their sound even further. Before they started recording, he asked Taylor to sit down and talk to the rest of the band about the stories behind his often disturbing lyricschildhood sexual abuse, growing up without a father, drug addiction and suicide attempts. Just to make sure everyone was on the same page.

In the studio, Robinson would be a harsh taskmasterhe might body-slam a guitarist, or throw a pot at the percussionists to make them up their game. Disagreements would escalate to fist-fights. It got so bad that, with only two songs left to complete, guitarist Josh Brainard quit the band. That sort of workplace atmosphere would lead to lawsuits today. But in 1999, it forged an album that, as Taylor put it, is the sound of war."

Tracks like (sic) and Eyeless are propelled by Joey Jordisons virtuosic, breakneck drumming, as churning guitars, innards-rearranging bass and frantic record scratches pummel the listener. Wait And Bleed shifts tempo from verse to chorus, as Taylor alternates between nasal croon and throat-lacerating scream. More experimental tracks like Tattered & Torn and Prosthetics hint at the influences of avant-garde acts like Mr. Bungle and Fantomas, while closer Scissors talks about self-harm with all the menace and brain-scrambled intensity of a school shooter manifesto.

Even 25 years later, Slipknots debut sounds truly terrifying, suffused with a sense of unease and horror that easily overcomes some of the bands over-the-top theatrics and the occasional unfortunate attempt at rapping. Despite some whinging from heavy metal purists, who dismissed the band as a gimmicky circus act, the album would sell over 2 million records, setting a record as the fastest-selling debut metal album at the time. It would catapult the band to global stardom, and influence a whole generation of metalcore and alt-metal acts to follow, from Vein.fm to Sleep Token.

Today, Slipknots legacy extends way beyond metal. You can hear their influence in rap acts like Rico Nasty and Ho99o9, and theyve got fans in Thundercat and Rihanna (which says all you need to know about how scary they are now). They continue to make their presence felt on the Billboard charts with every new album, and play to tens of thousands on tour.

Theyve even started to behave like a legacy act, cashing in on the sort of nostalgia they themselves never had time for starting out. All of which is kinda ironic, and a little funny. But it doesnt change the fact that the bands debut is still lodged like a splinter into our cultural memory, a subversive, genre-crossing masterpiece. So put it on, sit back, and feel the hate rise up in you.

Bhanuj Kappal is a Mumbai-based journalist.
A few week before IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin or Innovation For All) threw open its doors for its 101st year at the Messe Berlin grounds, Google unveiled its latest Pixel smartphones, which came with one feature wed all been waiting for: magnets. Yes, the Pixel line-up now supports Qi 2 and Qi 2.2 wireless charging (on the Pixel 10 Pro XL). That means that they now compete with Apples MagSafe.

When IFA threw open its doors, people were most curious to see if wed get anything related to this from accessory manufacturers. We got plenty of them! From Belkin to Ugreen and from Aukey to Anker, there was something for everyone.

Also Read | IFA 2025 Berlin: From rotating displays to new laptop chips

What is the Qi wireless charging standard? Before we get to the list, let me tell you about the latest charging standards. Qi wireless charging has been around for a long time now. Qi 2.0 is the one which has been widely available for years, and is capped at a charging capacity of 15W. Its compatible with Apple MagSafe. Qi 2.2 or Qi2 25W is an upgrade over the original standard and can charge up to 25W wirelessly on compatible devices. It also comes with better magmentic alignment so that the charger doesnt slip off your phone.

Here's the latest from the world of chargers that was showcased at IFA: Belkin

Belkin UltraCharge Magnetic Charger

Belkin, an American consumer electronics company, was one of the first ones out of the door with their announcements. A new Qi2 25W charging puck was unleashed. Its called the UltraCharge Magnetic Charger 25W and is Qi 2.2 certified. This means that it supports the full-speed 25W charging on compatible smartphones, which for now, is only Googles Pixel 10 Pro XL. Its priced the same as Googles own Pixelsnap charging puck, but comes with a few extra tricks. First, theres a built-in kickstand, and second, the charger has a passive cooling tech called ChillBoost. The cable included is 2m in length.

The UltraCharge Magnetic Charger will be available from October. Beyond the charging puck, Belkin also announced a 75W car charger with a built-in USB-C cable (that can retract right back into the charger).

UGREEN

the UGREEN Magflow Magnetic Power Bank

After showcasing one of the first Qi2 25W magnetic power backs back in July, UGREEN is showcasing the entire MagFlow series with three products at IFA.

The flagship product is the UGREEN MagFlow Magnetic Power Bank 10000mAh 25W. This one offers 25W wireless charging, 30W two-way fast charging, a massive 10000mAh capacity, and compatibility across devices. Its lightweight and you dont need to carry those extra cables. Its got a tiny, but useful display on the side that shows battery percentage and charging status. It may not be the slimmist, but at $90, its a loaded Qi2 25W power bank.

Next up is the MagFlow 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger 25W. This one carries the traditional foldable design and comes with dual-device support. You can charge your devices wirelessly or via a cable or both simultaneous. Theres an integrated stand also, making it very convenient for watching videos or taking calls.

Last but not least are the MagFlow 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger 25W and the MagFlow 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Desktop Charger 25W. Again, this one supports the latest 25W standard. This one is also a foldable stand and can work at multiple angles. Its tailored for iOSs StandBy mode and will double up as a mini display dock. The only difference between these two is that the 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Desktop Charger 25W has a sturdier, weighted base, and can be adjusted up to 70 degrees.

Theres also the MagFlow Magnetic Wireless Charging Pad 25W, which is just a simple and minimalist Qi2 25W wireless pad.

Aukey

Aukey's modular charging system

Aukey has an ace up its sleeve. Yes, the brand debuted the MagFusion Ark, touted as the worlds first modular true wireless charger. Its based on the latest Qi2.2 wireless charging standard and integrated an active cooling system along with Rx (receiving) and Tx (transmitting) dual technology. Its a 6-in-1 modular charging system. The base of this device supports up to three devices, but heres where the magic begins. There are three detachable charging spheres. This means you can have up to a total of six charging points, with each of them delivering up to 25W fast wireless charging. You can charge your smartphone, TWS earbuds, smartwatch and more, all at once.

The MagFusion Ark can also recharge wireless from the base, while simultaneously charging other devices placed on top of them. When the spheres are removed, they serve as portable 6700mAhh power banks.

As is expected, each sphere also has 30W USB-C PD 3.0 port for wired charging (bidirectional). Theres a magnetic stand mode as well for hands-free smartphone use. The MagFusion Ark is expected to be available sometime in Q1 2026.

Anker

The Anker lineup

Anker has been at the forefront of charging solutions in recent times. At IFA 2025, the company has brought its latest lineup, including some ideal for the Pixel 10 series. First up is the new 3-in-1 Prime Wireless Charging Station with MagGo, AirCool and Dock Stand.

Thanks to the advanced cooling technology, the 3-in-1 charging station is kept below 36*C when in use. It prevents overheating and extends the battery life of the devices being charged. Theres a screen, in the base, that keeps you informed about the charging status. It can also be used for personalised charging schedules (using the Anker app) and for customising charging modes such as Ice and Sleep. Theres also a Silent Night Mode, which as the name suggests, wont disturb your sleep.

Next up is the Anker 160W Prime Charger. This one uses Dynamic Power Allocation (DPA) on each of the USB-C ports, up to a maximum output of 140W. The total output is 160W. With Ankers PowerIQ 5.0 technology, one can charge a MacBook pro, iPhone and iPad Pro at the same time! This charger is 43% smaller than Apples 140W charger. Its compact, easy to store, and very much portable. Theres also a smart display and it can be controlled using the app.

The Anker Prime Docking Station is a massive 14-in-1 dock that supports up to three external displays (as high as 8K) using DisplayLink. Its a full desktop experience with a 140W full-function upstream USB-C port, three USB-A ports, three USB-C ports, dual HDMI outputs, DisplayPort, audio jack, Gigabit Ethernet, and SD/TF memory card slots.

The biggest of all has got to be the Anker Prime Power Bank. Its a 26,250mAh portable charger and is rated at 300W. It can charge two laptops and a phone, all at once, using its dual USB-C ports and a single USB-A port. Theres a screen as well to tell you about how much power is left, and how much watt it is outputting. Thanks to the 250W dual-port input, the battery can be juiced up to 40% in just 10 minutes. Each of the ports can output up to 140W. According to the company, this power bank is 17 percent smaller and 10 percent lighter than the competition. Last but not least, the power bank meets the requirements for carry-on baggage.

Baseus

The Baseus lineup

Mobile accessory brand Baseus came to IFA with not one, but two products. The EnerGeek GX11 MiFi Power Bank 20000mAh 67W, as the name suggests, is a power bank with a capacity of 20000mAh and offers 67W multi-port fast charging (USB-C and USB-A). This one also doubles up as a MiFi 4G hotspot and relies on an eSIM design. You can use the data, with up to 10 devices connected simultaneously, and then recharge it through the Baseus app.

Then there is the Baseus EnerGeek GT01 2-in-1 AC adapter with power bank. This is a 2-in-1 design, as there is a charger with a detachable design. Its a 67W 5-in-1 detachable power strip. Its got a 10,000mAh batttery, which can be separated from the adapters AC plug, and be used a portable power bank. The wall charger is rated at 27W and has a USB-C port. Wireless charging though, on this power bank, is limited to 15W. The power bank, which has two USB-C ports, can output at 45W.

Also Read | The best budget tablets of 2025
In his lifetime, Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906) was an avid traveller, who ventured beyond the boundaries of his home state Kerala to observe his subjects from close quarters, and later set up an iconic printing press in Maharashtra. His paintings, especially those that were mass-produced as affordable prints by his press, enjoyed a pan-India appeal, beloved of the rich and poor alike. Ravi Varmas afterlife has been no less eventful. Dismissed by artists like Nandalal Bose and historians like Ananda Coomaraswamy as a painter of kitsch, his reputation was revived by a major exhibition at New Delhis National Museum, curated by art expert Rupika Chawla and artist A. Ramachandran, in 1993.

The artists fortunes have been on the rise since then among elite patrons of galleries and auction houses. A Sothebys sale in New York in 2017 saw Ravi Varmas untitled painting of the mythological heroine, Damayanti, fetch a whopping 11.09 crore, more than doubling the initial estimate. Historians and Ravi Varma enthusiasts (such as Lounge columnist Manu S. Pillai and lawyer turned-collector Ganesh V. Shivaswamy) have revived interest in the artists life and work among a new generation of Indians. And now Ravi Varma is poised to travel to Australia, thanks to a major show of his oleographs, organised by Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), which opens on 20 September in Brisbane.

The collection, made up of 48 embroidered oleographs (which are essentially lithographs with a coating of varnish designed to resemble oil paintings," as conservator Kim Barett describes them), was acquired by QAGOMA from the Henry and Amanda Bartlett Trust in 2024. Currently a beneficiary of a Maitri grant, which is disbursed by the Centre for Australia-India Relations, the project has involved extensive collaboration between experts from India and Australia to better understand and restore the collection.

For QAGOMA, which has so far focused mostly on contemporary Indian art, it is a step into an entirely new terrain. You really dont see Ravi Varmas work in Australia, except perhaps rarely in a museum," says Tarun Nagesh, curatorial manager of Asian and Pacific art at QAGOMA. We wanted to share the story of this unique artist with non-Indian viewers here. Like Katsushika Hokusai, who had an incredible mainstream impact out side of his home country Japan, Ravi Varmas story, too, deserves to be known all over the world." Interestingly, the collection will be shown alongside contemporary art from Asia, including paintings by Indian artist Jangarh Singh Shyam, to showcase the diverse origins of religious iconography in different cultures. The aim is to see how these artists craft their stories and mythologies," says Nagesh, and how their art becomes an expression of everyday faith."

THE PRINCELY PAINTER

Over the last two decades, the commercial success of Indian art on the global stage has been dominated by the modernists. Members of the so-called Progressive Artists Group. M.F. Husain, V.S. Gaitonde, S.Z. Raza, F.N. Souza, Tyeb Mehta and their peers have fetched astronomical prices in auctions. Contemporary Indian art has become increasingly visible and influential. Yet, none of the Old Masters or their younger luminaries have had such an outsized impact on Indian public life as Ravi Varma.

How many Indian artists enjoy the honour" of seeing their art turn into pop cultural nuggets like Ravi Varmas paintings have? Or, for that matter, have the subjects of their art refashioned into an eclectic range of merchandisecushion covers, coasters, mugs, and so on? (Journalist Akshaya Mukul, author of Gita Press and the Making of Hindu India, tells me that a member of his wifes family even had a deck of cards printed by Raja Ravi Varmas printing press with his signature iconography.)

So, what explains the artists enduring appeal outside of the closed portals of academic interest or commercial enterprises like galleries and auctions? Its tempting to read the story of Ravi Varmas ascent as a parable for what it means to be modern and Indian. His life and career are a bundle of contradictions. A conservative, upper-caste man, with close links to the royal family of Travancore, he took up a profession that was considered beneath his station during his time. He then learned to paint by observing Dutch painter Thomas Jensen at work. Out of this very rudimentary training", he forged his own stylea unique blend of Western and Eastern practices.

Most outrageously of all, he didnt want to cater to the wealthy alone but aspired for the kind of fame that brings what we now call virality". So, he opened a printing press to disseminate his work as cheap and cheerful prints. Contemporary artists from the Bengal School (originating in the early 20th cen tury) believed that art had to be rarefied, it couldnt belong to every home," says Shivaswamy, who is writing a six-volume study of Ravi Varma, of which three are out. But Ravi Varma held a radically different point of view. He wanted to democratise his art so that it could belong to anyone."

Also Read | This Indian-origin arts professional is set to put Bali on the global art map

Ravi Varma was the first painter to provide a unique visual template to millions of deity-worshipping Indians. As his chromolithograph prints became popular, they were plagiarised or reproduced in leading journals and magazines of the 20th century, especially after his death in 1906. In an interview with the digital art journal Abir Pothi in 2023, Mukul explained, The technology of chromolithography helped (the) publications of Gita Press to bring gods to our homes. In that sense, we dont know how Ram looks, do we? We only know it through the drawings of Gita Press."

ART AS POLITICS

Seen through the lens of our time, Ravi Varmas art might seem to pander to the ascendant notion of reimagining the nation as a Hindu rashtra. He did heavily rely on Hindu myths, legends and epics for his subjects. Most of his main characters are fair-skinned women, affirming their upper-caste status. They also appear docile and exude a coy eroticism," as Mukul puts it. But there is more to his art than meets the eye. Ravi Varmas art was always a political project," says Deepanjana Pal, the author of The Painter: A Life of Ravi Varma. He picked a mediumoil paintingthat was technically barred to Indians."

Art writer Geeta Kapur also describes Ravi Varmas flouting of tradition as the struggle of a prodigy to steal the fire for his own people" in her critically acclaimed study, When Was Modernism. Unsurprisingly, this narrative of an Indian artists rebellion against foreign exclusivity over a format (oil painting) was co-opted by leaders of the nationalist movement like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Kakasahib Khadilkar. As visual historian Christopher Pinney explains in Photos of Gods: The Printed Image and Political Struggle in India, such appropriation of Ravi Varmas art was a low-hanging fruit. Even progressive thinkers like Ramananda Chatterjee considered Ravi Varma as a protagonist in the task of nation building," Kapur adds. The nationalist agenda, as the project of political modernity has repeatedly shown, can never remain untainted by supremacist impulses.

Ideologically the classical past is set against the medieval, regarded as having been corrupted by a medley of foreign influences...," as Kapur explains. Not only Islamic but curiously also Buddhist culture is largely excluded when a civilisational memory of India is sought to be awakened. By deduction the touchstone for the nineteenth-century Indian renaissance is clearly Hindu civilisation."

The long arm of this problem of appropriation continues to hold contemporary India in its thrall. If Ravi Varmas art has entered the visual lexicon of militant Hinduism, its beyond anyones control. Every culture starts as a cult, controlled by a few people," as Shivaswamy puts it. Once it enters the collective, it doesnt belong to anyone." Or, rather, it belongs to everyone from the god-fearing ordinary Indian who says a silent prayer when faced with a deity on a calendar to the gleeful meme maker on the internet, who wants to take the micky out of Ravi Varmas emasculated women", who are infantilised and objectified, reduced them to their tender est and softest versions," as Pal says. Much as the artist might have hated the meme-fication of his art, he would have loved the attention. He would have certainly enjoyed the millions of likes on Instagram," adds Pal. He would have valued the virality and the public access to his art."
I am a super senior citizen and my income in 2024-25 was bank interest only. FD interest was 7.8 lakh and savings bank account interest 4,927. I opened an SCSS account a year ago. My wife is a senior citizen aged 74. She had income from bank interest of 5.45 lakh and rent of 2.64 lakh. We have no insurance or other investments. Pls guide on our ITR liability. -Ramasubramanian

As a super senior citizendefined as an individual aged 80 years or aboveyou are eligible for a higher basic exemption limit compared to other taxpayers.

For the financial year 2024-25, the exemption limit stands at 5,00,000 under the old tax regime and 3,00,000 under the new tax regime. Your total income from bank interest, which includes 7,80,000 from fixed deposits and 4,927 from a savings account, exceeds these thresholds. Therefore, you are required to file an income tax return (ITR).

Additionally, the interest from your Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) account, though not explicitly mentioned, is also taxable and must be reported under Income from Other Sources, similar to other interest incomes.

Choosing between old and new tax regimes Even after considering the deduction allowed under Section 80TTBwhere senior citizens can claim up to 50,000 in interest income deductions in the old tax regimeyour total taxable income remains well above the limit. Our analysis shows that the new tax regime results in lower tax liability for you. Since SCSS interest does not offer additional tax-saving benefits, opting for the new tax regime will likely reduce your overall tax outgo, making it the preferable option.

Also Read | Indias Yes Minister moment in pensions

Your wife, aged 74, falls under the senior citizen category, which applies to individuals between 60 and 79 years of age. Her exemption limit is 3,00,000 under both the old and new tax regimes. With income comprising 5,45,000 from bank interest and 2,64,000 from rental income, she too exceeds the exemption threshold and is obligated to file an ITR. Similar to your case, she would benefit from choosing the new tax regime, as it offers lower tax liability compared to the old system.

It is important to note that the new tax regime allows a rebate of up to 7,00,000 for the 2024-25 financial year, meaning individuals with taxable income below this threshold could pay no tax. However, both you and your wife exceed this limit, making it necessary to pay tax in the current assessment year. The rebate limit is expected to increase to 12,00,000 from the next financial year, offering greater relief in future filings. The final tax amount you owe will depend on the SCSS interest you earned, which should be included when calculating your total income.

Also Read | How you can get a digital loan against mutual funds

Given these considerations, filing under the new tax regime appears to be the better course of action. Including all sources of interest income, especially from SCSS accounts, ensures compliance with tax laws and avoids penalties. While Section 80TTB may provide some relief in the old regime, it is unlikely to offset your total taxable income. Consulting a qualified chartered accountant can help you accurately prepare your returns and adopt the most beneficial tax structure based on your income and investments.
Day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Manipur, in a first after ethnic clashes broke out in the state, a mob clashed with security forces in Churachandpur over the arrest of two persons for allegedly vandalising the banners and cutouts of the prime minister.

Hundreds of cutouts were put up across the Churachandpur district ahead of PM Modi's visit to the state. According to the reports, several banners and cutouts put up at Pearsonmun and Phailien Bazaar were vandalised.

The police rounded up many individuals in connection with the vandalism of the the prime minister's cutouts and banners. While all of them were released, two of them were arrested.

Demanding their release, a mob staged a protest outside Churachandpur police station, which later escalated as they clashed with security forces.

Police said they were trying to bring the situation under control. Also Read | Top 10 quotes from PM Modi's address at Manipurs Churachandpur: A new dawn of hope is knocking at the door

PM Narendra Modi visited the state on Saturday for the first time after ethnic clashes broke out between Kukis and Meiteis in May 2023. He addressed a public rally in Churachandpur, promising to make the state a symbol of peace.

He also met the people affected by the violence in the district and unveiled a slew of developmental projects.

Apart from Manipur, PM Modi also visited Mizoram and Assam and inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple developmental projects worth thousands of crores.

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.
Welcome back! Did you miss me? Yes, of course you did. There is a lot of future of transportation news to keep track of. Lets jump in.

Its comeback week, and not just because I have returned from vacation. Im talking about the biennial IAA Mobility conference in Munich and the purposeful effort among German automakers to show the world it can still offer compelling, technologically advanced, and affordable vehicles. The subtext of the splashy event that started Tuesday: Hey, China, were not out of the race.

VW Group, Mercedes, and BMW all showcased numerous new vehicles, including electric ones. And executives made their battle cries: VW Group Oliver Blume struck a bullish tone in a few interviews with reporters and laid out the companys plan to be competitive in China, particularly with EVs, a category where VW has lagged.

But what about on the home front? Chinese automakers have been pushing into Europe, and consumers have responded. The German automakers are hoping their latest products  including a new all-electric Mercedes GLC, the BMW iX3 with its four superbrain computers, and the Volkswagen ID Polo and ID Cross concept  will preserve and even grow market share. But they have some work to do. Chinese companies like BYD almost doubled their market share in Europe over the past year, JATO Dynamics reported in July.

One other IAA news item of note: Rimac Technology, the tech and parts unit of Rimac Group, has developed solid-state battery packs it says will be available by late 2027. These batteries apparently pack in the energy and can be charged from 10% to 80% in under 10 minutes.

To get TechCrunch Mobility in your inbox, sign up here for free  just click TechCrunch Mobility!

A little bird

Image Credits:Bryce Durbin

Hyundai appears to still be committed to Motional, according to two little birds who have shared new investment information with me.

Hyundai and Aptiv had created a joint venture (called Motional) with an agreement to invest $4 billion in the effort. Aptiv backed out in early 2024, leaving Hyundai to either invest its own money, find other outside partners, or shutter the program altogether. Hyundai opted to invest $1 billion  $475 million directly into Motional as part of a broader deal that includes buying out joint venture partner Aptiv. Hyundai agreed to spend another $448 million to buy 11% of Aptivs common equity interest in Motional.

Now it appears Hyundai is investing more into Motional in two tranches. The first is being dispersed this year and is about $452 million. The second comes next year, and Im still trying to nail down that amount. That first figure is in line with reporting from a Korean outlet. Hyundai declined (a couple of times!) to respond to my questions about the funding. Thats pretty typical for large corporations to stay mum. However, one little bird who is deep within the AV industry also noted that Hyundai might not want to make a big deal about this, considering its also working with Waymo.
A Delhi-bound IndiGo aircraft carrying over 150 people aborted takeoff at the Lucknow airport on Saturday due to a technical issue.

The PTI report, citing a source, added that more than 150 people, including Samajwadi Party leader and Lok Sabha member Dimple Yadav, were on the flight.

An IndiGo aircraft operating flight 6E2111 from Lucknow to Delhi aborted takeoff on Saturday. The operating crew noticed a technical issue when the aircraft was on the runway before takeoff.

Also Read | How IndiGo became the largest and most successful airline in India

Subsequently, the aircraft returned to the bay, the source said.

Another report, quoting eyewitnesses, described tense moments as the aircraft accelerated on the runway but came to a sudden stop.

Passengers disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported.

There was no comment from IndiGo.

IndiGo flights hit snag On September 6, an IndiGo flight headed to Abu Dhabi was forced to return to Kochi due to a technical snag. The aircraft, which had been flying for over two hours before the snag was detected, was carrying over 180 passengers and six crew members.

The report also said that the passengers were flown to Abu Dhabi in another aircraft, and a new crew operated the flight, as the earlier crew had to be replaced due to flight duty time restrictions.

Earlier on September 2, a suspected bird strike was reported on IndiGos 6E812 Nagpur-Kolkata flight. The IndiGo flight returned to Nagpur after a suspected bird strike after take-off.
Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways of India, has stressed on the need for new technologies in farming, claiming that the sugar industry has survived due to the requirement of ethanol, PTI reported.

"We import fossil fuel worth 22 lakh crore due to ethanol. Today, the sugarcane cultivators and sugar mill operators have survived just because of the advent of ethanol," the minister said, adding that sugar is in surplus in India and sugar mills have managed to survive just because of ethanol.

He also said there is a need to bring in technology in the farming sector, adding that experiments regarding the same have already been undertaken.

Nitin Gadkari on farmer suicides: Water was the main cause Speaking at an event in Pune, for the Naam Foundation, backed by actors Nana Patekar and Makarand Anaspure, Gadkari also addressed farmer suicides in the Vidarbha and Marathwada districts of Maharashtra, stating that this was driven by water scarcity in these regions, it added.

Water was the main cause behind the suicides of farmers in Vidarbha and Marathwada regions. If water was available in abundance, the farmers would not have to take the extreme step, he said.

As per the report, the minister went on the hail the foundation for its work in water conservation and towards welfare of the children of farmers who had committed suicide.

Ethanol production: Gadkari faces conflict of interest allegations Meanwhile, the Opposition party Congress has alleged conflict of interest with regards to Gadkari's aggressive lobbying for ethanol production while his two sons are involved in companies that produce ethanol and benefitted from government policy, the report added.

While Gadkari's party, the BJP has dismissed the accusations and said that the Congress' allegations have nothing in reality.

The Congress party's charges came after the Supreme Court rejected a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the country-wide rollout of 20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol (EBP-20). The PIL put forth that lakhs of motorists are being forced to use a fuel not designed for their vehicles.

The impact of E20 fuel on vehicles, including decline in fuel economy and on engine parts, became a debate on social media with many claiming drop in mileage ranging up to 20 per cent.

On September 11, Gadkari addressed the anger social media and called it a paid campaign to target him politically. There has been clarity on the E20 (20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol) with the stakeholders, including the automobile industry, he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stones for health and infrastructure projects worth 6,300 cr in Assam's Darrang district on Sunday, PTI said in a news report.

After concluding his visit to Manipur, the Prime Minister's first since the 2023 ethnic violence between Kuki and Meitei communities, he announced his plan of visiting Assam the next day.

The entire day tomorrow, 14th September, will be devoted to the development of Assam! Projects worth over Rs. 18,530 crore will either be inaugurated or their foundation stones will be laid, he posted on X (formerly Twitter), adding that the first programme will be taking place in Darrang.

Investment allocation PM Modi kicked off the government's developmental agenda with the launch of the construction of Darrang Medical College and Hospital, along with a nursing college and a GNM school. The combined investment in these healthcare projects amounts to 570 crore, officials told PTI.

Modi also laid the foundation stones for the 2.9 km-long Narengi-Kuruwa bridge with an estimated investment of 1,200 crore and the 118.5 km-long Guwahati Ring Road project, which will connect Kamrup and Darrang districts in Assam with Ri Bhoi district in Meghalaya.

The cost involved in infrastructure of the Ring Road project was estimated at 4,530 crore by the government officials, PTI reported.

What's next on the agenda? Later in the day, PM Modi will unveil the newly constructed a bamboo-based ethanol plant, valued at over 5000 crore, along with another 7,230-crore worth Petro Fluidised Catalytic Cracker Unit at the Numaligarh Refinery in Golaghat district of the state.

The PM arrived in Assam on Saturday evening and went on to attend the Bharat Ratna awardee Bhupen Hazarika's birth centenary celebrations and calling him a great champion of India's unity and integrity. He also stressed that the government is working to realise Hazarika's dreams of a prosperous North-East.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of major infrastructure and industrial development projects worth over 18,530 crore in Assam today, 14 September.

Prime Minister Modi will begin the day by laying the foundation stones of various projects at Darrang around 11 AM and addressing a public function.

Also Read | How old is Narendra Modi? Key FAQs answered

In Darrang, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of multiple projects. The projects include Darrang Medical College & Hospital and GNM School and BSc Nursing College, strengthening medical education and healthcare delivery in the region; Guwahati Ring Road Project that will enhance urban mobility, decongest traffic, and improve connectivity in and around the capital city; and KuruwaNarengi Bridge over River Brahmaputra, improving connectivity and promoting socio-economic development in the region.

View full Image Prime Minister Modi will begin the day by laying the foundation stones of various projects at Darrang around 11 AM and addressing a public function.

Thereafter, he will inaugurate Assam Bio-ethanol Private Limited's Numaligarh Refinery Plant at Golaghat at around 1:45 PM. The project aims to promote clean energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

This is an important step towards promoting clean energy. The foundation stone for the Polypropylene Plant at Numaligarh Refinery will also be laid. These works will boost the local economy and encourage job creation, the prime minister said in a post on X on Saturday.

At 2:30 PM, PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone of the Polypropylene Plant at Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL). This plant will add significant value to Assams petrochemical sector, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to the region's overall socioeconomic development.

Bhupen Hazarika's 100th birth Anniversary event On Saturday, after concluding his visit to Manipur, his first since the 2023 ethnic violence, PM Modi headed to Guwahati, where he addressed the celebrations of Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika's 100th birth anniversary.

The Prime Minister expressed his wish 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.

In West Bengal and Bihar on Monday On 15 September, the Prime Minister will visit West Bengal and inaugurate the 16th Combined Commanders' Conference-2025 in Kolkata, at around 9:30 AM.

Also Read | PM Modi rolls out 1,200 cr projects in Imphal on first visit since violence

Thereafter, the Prime Minister will visit Bihar and inaugurate the new terminal building of Purnea airport at around 2:45 PM. He will also lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects worth around 36,000 crore at Purnea and address the gathering on the occasion. He will also launch the National Makhana Board in Bihar, where elections are scheduled to be held later this year.
New Delhi: The Indian embassy in Cairo has issued a cautionary trade advisory to all Indian pharmaceutical exporters regarding Biomed For Pharmaceutical Industries, an Egyptian firm. They have been advised to seek advance against export orders, said two officials aware of the development.

The advisory has been put in public domain by PharmexcilIndias pharmaceuticals export promoting councilhighlighting the details.

According to the advisory, several Indian companies have reported significant delays in receiving payments from Biomed despite them having fulfilled their shipment deliveries.

Also Read | India keen on affordable obesity pill as pharma giants skip the needle

Egypt remains a key trading partner in Africa, a continent that accounts for a significant portion of India's pharma exports, said an official familiar with the matter. Such advisories serve as an early warning system, providing actionable intelligence on potential risks such as unstable political climates, legal disputes and financial irregularities, the official added.

This information empowers Indian exporters to conduct thorough due diligence and mitigate potential losses Recovering payment in a foreign country can be both difficult and expensive, often requiring significant time and legal resources, said a second person in the know. The embassy's recommendation to demand advance payments for shipments is a direct measure to safeguard against these risks and ensure the financial security of Indian exporters, the person added.

India holds a 20% share of total global pharmaceutical exports, and is the world's top supplier of generic medicines by volume.

The United Nations' COMTRADE database shows India's pharmaceutical exports to Egypt were valued at $42.74 million in 2024.
Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old student suspected of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk, has been placed under special watch inside the Utah County Jail as authorities weigh concerns over his mental state.

Robinson, facing charges of aggravated murder, felony firearm discharge, and obstruction of justice, is being monitored 24/7 in a special housing unit, the Utah County Sheriffs Office told TMZ on Saturday.

Jail officials said the classification ensures round-the-clock surveillance with security cameras and staff oversight.

Mental health professionals are assessing whether Robinson is suicidal.

Robinson allegedly told his father hed rather die than surrender to police.

Assassination of Charlie Kirk The attack unfolded on September 10 at Utah Valley University during Kirks Prove Me Wrong segment of his American Comeback Tour.

Kirk, 31, was answering a question about transgender mass shooters when he was struck in the neck by a single rifle round.

Authorities say the shooter was perched on a campus rooftop before fleeing through a parking lot into nearby woods.

Surveillance footage later showed a masked figure in dark clothing escaping the scene.

Father identified suspect Robinsons father, Matt, reportedly recognized his son in surveillance photos released by authorities and confronted him. That confrontation, along with FBI leads, contributed to Robinsons identification as the prime suspect.

Discord chat mockery In the hours after the shooting, Robinson allegedly joked about the attack in a private Discord group of around 20 people.

He claimed it was his doppelganger trying to get him in trouble.

Another user wrote, Tyler killed Charlie!!!
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said on Sunday (September 14) that the man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk is refusing to cooperate with investigators, even as people close to him, including a transitioning roommate, are working with federal authorities.

Utah Governor Cox on Robinsons silence Cox told ABC News that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, identified as the alleged shooter, has not confessed and remains uncooperative. He is not cooperating, but all the people around him are cooperating. And I think that's very important, the governor said.

Formal charges expected Robinson is currently in custody, with formal charges expected on Tuesday, Cox confirmed.

Governor confirms roommate transitioning The governor also addressed reports about Robinsons living situation, saying his roommate  described as a boyfriend who is transitioning from male to female  is fully cooperating with the FBI. We can confirm that his roommate was indeed a boyfriend who is transitioning from male to female, Cox said, adding that investigators are reviewing communications between Robinson and the roommate.

Public records show Robinson shared an address with 22-year-old Lance Twiggs. A family member described Twiggs as the black sheep of their family but declined to comment on the nature of the relationship.

Also Read | What is Bella Ciao? The song on the bullet used to kill Charlie Kirk

Discord messages prove key evidence Investigators say the roommates Discord messages with Robinson, including discussions about bullet casings and retrieving a rifle from a drop point, were critical in linking him to the attack. Authorities recovered a .30-06-caliber Mauser rifle wrapped in a towel in a wooded area near Utah Valley University, where Kirk was shot during a speaking event last week. Casings at the scene bore inscriptions, including one that read, Hey fascist! catch!

Kirk shot after transgender question Kirk, 31, was struck in the neck by a single bullet shortly after taking a question about transgender mass shooters during his American Comeback campus tour. Federal officials have not yet identified a motive but said they are sifting through a mountain of evidence exploring every possible connection.

Also Read | Who is Tyler Robinson? Promising student turned alleged assassin of Charlie Kirk
Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy finally broke his silence on the alleged beheading of a 50-year-old Indian-origin motel manager, identified as Chandra Mouli Bob Nagamallaiah in Texas, US.

Chandra Nagamallaiah was allegedly beheaded in front of his wife and son at the Downtown Suites motel. The suspect, a Cuban co-worker with a criminal record, was arrested and charged with capital murder, news agency PTI reported.

Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy called the incident "horrific" and said, "An innocent Dallas hotel manager was brutally beheaded in front of his wife & son, by an illegal migrant who had a final order of removal & such a bad criminal history that Cuba refused to accept him."

"He was released on Jan 13, right before Biden left office. This is horrific. Its time to restore the rule of law," Ramaswamy said while reacting to the incident.

Ramaswamy posted on X after his silence was questioned and he was trolled for not condemning the incident.

About Chandra Mouli's killing The incident took place on Wednesday morning at the Downtown Suites motel in Dallas.

Chandra Mouli Bob Nagamallaiah, originally from Karnataka, was killed after a dispute over a broken washing machine with his 37-year-old Cuban co-worker Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, according to the Dallas Police Department.

Cobos-Martinez reportedly became enraged when Nagamallaiah asked another person to translate his instructions instead of addressing him directly.

Surveillance footage showed Cobos-Martinez attacking Nagamallaiah with a machete.

The victim fled toward the motel office, where his wife and 18-year-old son were present.

Nagamallaiah's wife and son tried to intervene several times, but Cobos-Martinez pushed them away and continued the attack. He then took the victim's cell phone and key card from his pockets before again resuming the attack until Nagamallaiah's head "was removed from his body", police said in court affidavit.

"The suspect then kicked the [Nagamallaiah's] head twice into the parking lot and proceeded to pick it up and carry it to the dumpster and put it inside," police said.

Also Read | Remembering the remarkable Indian women gurus of Tantric Buddhism

The crime is unthinkable, they said.

Cobos-Martine is being held without bond. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty.

According to official records, he has been arrested twice for auto theft in Florida and has indecency with a child and assault charges in Houston. The records also show an immigration hold.

ICE officials said Cobos-Martine was released under supervision earlier this year due to the lack of deportation flights to Cuba.

The Consulate General of India in Houston condoled the death of Nagamallaiah and said it is following up on the matter closely.

"We are in touch with the family and offering all possible assistance. The accused is in the custody of Dallas Police," it said in a post on X.

Consul General D C Manjunath told PTI that the mission is providing full consular support to the victim's family.

Known as Bob to friends and family, Nagamallaiah was remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, and kind soul who touched the lives of everyone he knew.

This unimaginable tragedy was not only sudden but "deeply traumatic", friends said. Bobs life was taken in a brutal attack that occurred in front of his wife and son, who bravely tried to protect him. The shocking nature of this event has shaken our community.

Friends, family, and community groups, including SEWA International, have come together to support Nagamallaiah's family.

A fundraiser set up by his friend Tanmay Patel has raised over USD 50,000 and is still ongoing.

SEWAs Dallas chapter president Gitesh Desai told PTI: We are deeply saddened by this heinous crime. The entire community has been shocked, especially after seeing the gruesome CCTV footage circulating online. We are committed to supporting the family in every possible way.

Funeral services for Nagamallaiah are scheduled for Saturday.
Hunter Kozak, a 29-year-old mathematics student, has revealed that he was the final person to speak to conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk before he was fatally shot by a sniper on the Utah university campus during his American Comeback speaking tour. Kozak said he had approached Kirk to challenge a claim the activist had made about transgender people and mass shootings. Moments later, Kirk was struck in the neck by a snipers bullet, triggering chaos and panic in the auditorium.

How did Kozak describe the moment? I dont know how to make this video, its been a rough 24 hours, Kozak said in a video statement. He admitted he has barely been able to rewatch the recording of the event, recalling how the audience fled in fear after the gunfire erupted.

What message did he have for conspiracy theorists? Addressing online speculation that he might have been involved because of his question, Kozak strongly dismissed the claims:

First off, you sick f***ing psychos that think this is the answer um, its not. I dont know what else to say. You are not helping anything.

Kozak expressed grief not only for Kirks family but also from his perspective as a father. Its f***ing not. Its awful, and a father doesnt have his kids anymore. Charlie had two kids and a wife. And, like, not to make this about me, but I have two kids and a wife. His one-year-old boy will grow up without memories of his dad.

What did Kozak say about disagreement and humanity? Despite being openly critical of Kirks views, Kozak stressed that political differences do not erase basic humanity.

Im on the record for how much I disagree with Charlie Kirk, but he is still a human being  have we forgotten that? Are we crazy? I stand by so little of everything that he said, but one of the things that he stood by was conversation.

Kozak described the wider reaction as one of shock and sorrow.

Its a tragedy and its hard to grapple with, and Im part of a community that is struggling to grapple with it right now. People have pointed to the irony that the point I was trying to make was how peaceful the left was right before he got shot. And that only makes sense if we stay peaceful.

Kozak confirmed he has been in touch with authorities.

Ive been talking to the police. Were good, thank you. And if youre salivating about what happened, dont. If you are, youre not part of what Im trying to do here at all.

'Culture warrior' Charlie Kirk, a prominent Trump supporter and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on Wednesday, September 10, during a speech at Utah Valley University. A well-known activist, author, and podcast host, Kirk played a key role in rallying young voter support for Trump and the Republican Party. He founded the organisation in 2012 at just 18 years old, aiming to spread conservative values among high school and college students. Over time, he rose to prominence in American politics by creating a large grassroots movement and positioning himself as a "culture warrior."
Thousands of Sikh truck drivers and operators who form the backbone of the US commerce are feeling threatened over past some days due to tightened scrutiny, following deadly Florida crash.

On August 12, 28-year-old Harjinder Singh, an India-born truck driver, made a U-turn on the Florida Turnpike that allegedly caused a crash that killed three people.

The accident sparked online vitriol denigrating members of the Sikh community, who often covet high-paying trucking jobs that allow Sikh men to wear beards, uncut hair and turbans.

Lots of drivers are scared right now, reported Los Angeles Times, quoting Sumit Singh.

Singh added that all the community shouldnt be penalised just because of one person.

Punjabi truckers are being targeted for impromptu English proficiency tests at highway checkpoints and weigh stations.

The incident also triggered a political debate over illegal immigration and the qualifications and testing of foreign truck drivers.

Sikhs and Punjabis play important role in the American trucking industry.

Numbers of the Sikh population in the US range up to 750,000, with the largest concentration in California.

The North American Punjabi Truckers Association (NAPTA) estimates that the Sikh workforce makes up about 40% of truck driving on the West Coast and about 20% nationwide.

The Association has around 2,500 members.

After the fatal Florida crash, the NAPTA has received several reports of Sikh drivers being harassed and abused.

Advocacy groups say there has been a spike in threats and safety concerns since the Florida incident, reported Los Angeles Times.

A lot of drivers dont want to go over-the-road, says Baldev Khang,the director of finance and operations at Fontana-based Cargo Solutions Express.

He also termed it the toughest period in decades for the business.

In Florida, Harjinder Singh faces manslaughter and vehicular homicide charges, and is being held without bond.

Also Read | Pannun defends Sikh truck driver charged in Florida crash that left 3 dead

The Florida authorities claim that he entered the US illegally from Mexico in 2018.

However, California officials say federal authorities told them he was in the country legally with a work permit when the state issued him a driver's licence.

NAPTA CEO Raman Dhillon said the community has initiated English classes for truck drivers at Sikh places of worship in Stockton, reported Los Angeles Times.
This week, OpenAI and Oracle shocked the markets with a surprise $300 billion, five-year agreement, part of a surge of new business that sent the cloud providers stock skyrocketing. But maybe the markets shouldnt have been taken by surprise. The deal is a reminder that, despite Oracles legacy status, the company still plays a major role in AI infrastructure.

On the OpenAI side, the agreement was more revealing than the lack of details suggest. For one, the startups willingness to pay so much for compute provides a measurement of the startups appetite  even if its unclear where the electricity to power said compute is coming from or how it will pay for it.

Chirag Dekate, a vice president at research firm Gartner, told TechCrunch its clear why both sides were interested in this deal. It makes sense for OpenAI to work with several infrastructure providers, he noted. It also diversifies the companys infrastructure  spreading out risk among several cloud providers  and gives OpenAI a scaling advantage compared to competitors.

OpenAI seems to be putting together one of the most comprehensive global AI supercomputing foundations for extreme scale, inference scaling where appropriate, Dekate said. This is quite unique. This is probably exemplary of what a model ecosystem should look like.

Some industry watchers expressed surprise that Oracle was involved, citing the companys diminished role in the AI boom compared to cloud rivals like Google, Microsoft Azure, and AWS. But Dekate argues that observers shouldnt be so surprised: Oracle has worked with hyperscalers before and provides the infrastructure for TikToks sizable U.S. business.

Over the decades, they actually built core infrastructure capabilities that enabled them to deliver extreme scale and performance as a core part of their cloud infrastructure, Dekate said.

Payment and power

But even as the stock market celebrates the deal, key details are missing and questions around power and payment remain.

OpenAI has made a string of infrastructure investment announcements over the past year, each one with an eye-popping price tag. OpenAI has committed to spend around $60 billion a year for compute from Oracle and $10 billion to develop custom AI chips with Broadcom.

Meanwhile, OpenAI said in June it hit $10 billion in annual recurring revenue, up from around $5.5 billion last year. That figure includes revenue from the companys consumer products, ChatGPT business products, and its API. And while its CEO Sam Altman has painted a rosy picture of its future prospects in terms of subscribers, products, and revenue, the company is burning through billions of dollars in cash each year.
US President Donald Trump said hes prepared to move ahead with major sanctions on Russian oil if NATO countries do the same.

Trump, a day after he said he was losing patience with President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine, said hes 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, in a post on his Truth Social site early Saturday.

Many European nations have cut back or stopped purchasing Russian oil, but several NATO allies  including Hungary  have blocked more stringent proposals by the European Union to target Russias energy sector.

Bloomberg reported on Friday that the US planned to urge allies in the Group of Seven to impose tariffs as high as 100% on China and India for their purchases of Russian oil, as part of an effort to convince Putin to end Russias invasion of its neighbor.

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, Trump wrote.

Trump has at times adopted a softer tone toward China as he continues to push for a summit with President Xi Jinping and a trade deal with the worlds second-largest economy. And any move to impose sanctions on China would likely draw a strong retaliatory response from Beijing and disrupt the tentative trade war truce between the US and China.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are set to meet with Chinese officials in Madrid in the coming days. G-7 finance ministers discussed how to increase pressure on Russia during a meeting on Friday.

Up to now, Trump has resisted adding new sanctions on Russia as he pursued peace talks with Putin. But, after holding a summit with Putin in Alaska that failed to yield any pause in Russias military operations in Ukraine, Trump was unable to arrange a three-way meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

In recent days, there have been increasing signs that Trumps patience with Putin is wearing thin, particularly with Russia conducting several days of dramatic airstrikes in Kyiv in the wake of the Alaska meeting.

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, he added.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a Trump ally who has also maintained close ties with Putin, has shown little willingness to shift his opposition to sanctions on Russian oil. The country has a contract with Russias Gazprom PJSC for 4.5 billion cubic meters a year that runs until 2036, which has been supplemented with additional purchases since 2022.

With assistance from Ros Krasny.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
From global politics and fashions biggest runway to Hollywoods award season and must-watch streaming finale, next week is stacked with unmissable moments. Here are the top events set to dominate headlines in the days ahead.

Trumps historic UK state visit US President Donald Trump will make a second state visit to the United Kingdom from September 16 to 18. The visit includes a royal carriage procession, a state banquet hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle, and a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers. Trump is the first US president ever to be invited for two UK state visits, underscoring his ongoing political influence.

London Fashion Week 2025 The global fashion spotlight shifts to the UK as London Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2026 takes place from September 18 to 22. Top designers, models, and celebrities will showcase new collections, with the event expected to highlight bold statements on sustainability, identity, and technologys role in fashion.

Emmy Awards spotlight The 77th Emmy Awards will be held next week, with hit series Severance and The White Lotus leading the buzz. The ceremony promises red carpet glamour, major streaming platform showdowns, and potential history-making wins in acting and directing categories.

Prime Video series finale Fans of Prime Videos teen drama The Summer I Turned Pretty will see the highly anticipated final episode drop on September 17. The show, which has become a cultural touchstone for Gen Z audiences, is expected to close with emotional twists that dominate social media chatter.

Also Read | How much money do Emmy winners really get? All you need to know
President Trump on Saturday praised FBI Director Kash Patel for the swift action that led to the identification and capture of Charlie Kirks suspected assassin.

"I am very proud of the FBI," Trump said, speaking exclusively with Fox News Digital. "Kashand everyone elsethey have done a great job."

Tyler Robinson, 22, was nabbed in his hometown of Washington, Utah, just 33 hours after he allegedly shot Kirk from a rooftop on the campus of Utah Valley University. It came after

The capture came after an intense manhunt that started with nothing more than grainy images showing suspect running from the scene.

FBI reveals timeline of Charlie Kirk shooting The FBI reported that Robinson was spotted on campus on September 10, the day of the shooting, apparently scouting the area between 8:28 and 9:34 a.m. He returned at 11:52 a.m., climbed an exterior stairway to the roof of the Losee building, and positioned himself at the roofs highest point by 12:22 p.m.  allegedly firing at Kirk just a minute later.

Authorities said Robinson then climbed down from the roof, dropped to the ground, and fled. Within two minutes of the shooting, he was seen running into a nearby woods.

Local FBI was on the scene immediately after the shooting, and Patel arrived at around 5:30 p.m. local time on Sept. 11.

Robinson, a third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College, part of Utah's public university system, was taken into custody at his parents' house, about 260 miles (420 km) southwest of the crime scene.

Police collected additional evidence on Friday evening from Robinson's apartment in St. George, about 5 miles (8 km) from his parents' home near the Arizona border.
At least 25 people were injured after an explosion ripped through a bar in Madrid on Saturday, local authorities said.

According to DW, the blast took place around 3 pm at the Mis Tesoros bar in the Puente de Vallecas district of Spain's capital. Citing local media, DW reported that a gas leak may have caused the explosion.

Carlos Marin, head of the Madrid City Council Fire Department, said the explosion was linked to gas, but the type and exact cause were still unclear.

Emergency services confirmed that two victims were in a "serious" condition and three others were reported to be in a "potentially serious" state.

Firefighters pulled four people out of the rubble.

Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Inmaculada Sanz said it was "too early" to confirm the reason behind the blast, but said no further victims were trapped.

She added that residents of nine housing units in the same building would need temporary accommodation for the next few days.
The Russian Foreign Ministry on Sunday, September 14, lauded India for continuing its trade relations with Moscow, noting that New Delhi has remained firm on purchasing discounted Russian oil despite sustained pressure from the United States. The ministry added that India rejected the calls to cut ties with Russia, despite facing 50 per cent tariffs from the US on these imports.

Frankly, anything else would be hard to imagine, the ministry said, welcoming the fact that India was committed to continue the trade relations with Russia.

Speaking with RT, the ministry said the relations between Russia and India are steadily and confidently advancing and any attempt to obstruct this process is destined to fail.

The ministry said Indias stance not only reflects the spirit and traditions of long-standing Russia-India friendship but also demonstrates what it described as New Delhis strategic autonomy in international affairs. Also Read | What does Trump's likely visit to India mean for the Indian stock market? 20 stocks to benefit

It said the partnership between Russia and India is based on the highest value of sovereignty and the primacy of national interests, adding that the relationship has been reliable, predictable and truly strategic in nature.

President Donald Trump had initially announced a 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods. But earlier this month he signed an executive order imposing an additional 25 per cent tariff due to Indias purchases of Russian oil, bringing the combined tariffs imposed by the US on its ally to 50 per cent.

After the tariffs came into effect, India and Russia agreed to boost trade ties as their foreign ministers met in Moscow in late August, giving little indication that Donald Trump's hefty tariffs on India for buying Russian oil would disrupt their relations.

While the US has said that India's purchases are helping to fund Moscow's war in Ukraine, New Delhi says its purchases are purely commercial transactions, accusing Washington of double standards, noting that they continue significant trade with Moscow themselves.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday, "War cannot solve problems, sanctions will only complicate them," in a veiled response to US President Donald Trump's earlier social media post urging NATO allies to impose heavy tariffs on China, ANI reported.

Trump took to Truth Social on Saturday to say that NATO member countries must impose as much as 50-100% tariffs on China to break its economic grip over Russia, adding that it shall be withdrawn only after the war between Russia and Ukraine is ended.

Speaking at a press conference in Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia, Yi said, China does not participate in or plan wars, and what China does is to encourage peace talks and promote political settlement of hotspot issues through dialogue.

Make allies, not enemies The Chinese foreign minister in his speech gave a called for promoting multilateralism, strengthening multilateral mechanisms and jointly upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

He also highlighted that in the present times, the international situation is characterised by intertwined chaos and continuous conflicts among nations. China and Europe should be friends rather than rivals, and should cooperate rather than confront each other.

Yi further added that "making the right choices amid the greatest changes in a century demonstrates the responsibilities that both sides should fulfill towards history and the people", as reported by Global Times.

Trump's letter to NATO In the letter posted by Trump's on Truth Social, he said that US is prepared to hit Russia with major sanctions but only if all NATO nations collectively discontinue oil purchases from Moscow and impose their own sanctions.

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 wrote.

Also Read | Trump urges NATO to slap 50-100% tariffs on China to weaken its ties with Russia

Previously, Trump has 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 was attended by the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukraine carried out its biggest drone strike in months, hitting Russias largest oil terminal and igniting two tankers, which led to a temporary halt in crude shipments on Saturday, France 24 reported.

The terminal, operated by Russian oil firm Bashneft, lies roughly 1,400 kilometres away from the front line.

Radiy Khabirov, head of Russia's Bashkortostan region, said as reported by France 24, one drone struck the plant while another was shot down. "There were no casualties or injuries. The production site sustained minor damage, and a fire broke out, which is currently being extinguished," he wrote on Telegram.

Meanwhile, a New York Post report said that one of the tankers that caught fire had the ability to carry up to 700,000 barrels of oil. The fires were later put out, but it remains unclear if loading operations have resumed.

Footage shared on social media seemed to capture a drone gliding toward the terminal before detonating in a fiery blast, releasing a thick plume of smoke into the air.

The strike is part of Ukraine's wider campaign targeting Russian refineries to disrupt Moscow's war funding. Over the summer, a series of such attacks reduced refining capacity at key plants and pushed up fuel prices.

The Bashneft Ufa refinery, described by the Kremlin in 2016 as "one of the largest in the country," produces over 150 different petroleum products, France 24 reported.

US President Donald Trump urged NATO allies on Saturday to stop buying Russian oil, calling it necessary to pressure Moscow to end the conflict. Despite sanctions, Turkey, Hungary and Slovakia continue to import Russian oil.

Trump 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. As if speaking with NATO members, he said: It greatly weakens your negotiating position, and bargaining power, over Russia.
NEW DELHI : Tatas first semiconductor fabrication plant has been making headlines for a while now. However, Tata Electronics, the unlisted subsidiary of Indias largest overall business conglomerate, has remained somewhat tight-lipped. It doesnt make much noise, barring a partnership here and a keynote by its chief there.

This week, we went behind the scenes in Dholera, where construction is rapidly advancing. The directive from all quarters has been to build the project as fast as possible, and not miss a potential deadline of mid-2027 to start selling these chips to businesses. However, there are concerns that Tatas big hires from Taiwan, Korea, and Japan have flaggedthat of potential supply chain disruptions.

Meanwhile, the central government continues to push for the next round of incentives to further boost Indias semiconductor industry. Sources tell Mint that a pitch has been made for an outlay of $20 billionto draw in big names and bigger projects to the country.

If successful, India may soon produce chips powering appliances like refrigeratorsthough this wont necessarily make products cheaper, it would help insulate supply chains from global shocks.

Delving deep into Infosys $2 billion buyback

Until last week, the share price of InfosysIndias second-largest tech services firmhad dropped by over 25% in the past one year. In the past week alone, it recovered 7%.

That makes for a fantastic headline for Infosys, which even got analyst affirmation that as far as the companys value to shareholders is concerned, it is right at the forefront in terms of maximising returns.

But, is there more than what meets the eye in Infosys $2-billion share buyback exercise that it announced last week? Jas Bardia, a Bangalore native who has been tracking Indias IT services firms relentlessly over the past two years, wrote this week that while shareholder returns is great, the move also shows that as far as utilisation of surplus cash is concerned, Infosys isnt finding viable ways to invest in AI.

Its a question that speaks to Indias tech industrys drive for innovation. Is a company pulling back on AI investments because its going softor because its biding its time for a bold move?

Data too cheap? Not quite

Jatin Grover, Mints telecom correspondent, wrote last week about the Centres regulatory displeasure over Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel discontinuing its least expensive mobile data plan.

The operators, sources told Mint, gave mixed reactionsAirtel cited the use of internal analytics to claim that the plan didnt have enough takers, while Jio said that it remains available offline. The governments concern here is that by removing the least expensive data plan, services would become less affordable for those at the bottom of the financial strata.

Is this penance for India being essentially a duopoly of telecom services? Analysts have flagged that the exercise is a move to increase per-user revenue. Jio, to be sure, is also eyeing a public listing by the middle of next year. The full story is here for you to read.

Cold in US, hot in India

We cant talk about tech news without mentioning Apples big event last week. But before we dive in, its worth understanding why Apples launches attract so much attention.

Apple is the sole consumer technology firm that became the worlds biggest company for a while based on a lean portfolio of gadgets that cost more than double that of market average. Yet, despite the hype, Wall Street hasnt been kindits shares have slipped on every event day since the iPhone 11 launched in 2019.

This year, too, was no different.

In the US, Apple shares dipped over 2% on event daylargely as concerns around the lack of AI advancements at Apple continue to remain. But, analysts and retailers are heavily bullish on the new iPhones this festive season in Indiaa completely different picture in comparison to the US.

Mints report highlighted how Apple remains on track to sell over 15 million iPhones this year, and has seven different iPhone models up for sale this festive season. The fact that prices have held steady despite Donald Trumps trade tariffs gives the brand an extra boost.

If youre reading this on your old iPhone, and wondering if you should upgrade your device this Diwali, this ones a must-read for you.

In other news: More Trump trouble, shippings AI secret sauce

In the US, a proposed Halting International Relocation of Employment (Hire) Act has sought to drop a 25% tariff on any American company outsourcing work to foreign nations for cheaper labour rates.

Jas Bardia wrote on how the impact would not just be too big for Americas tech majors, but the US may not even have enough people to fill up all the requisite jobs. In turn, it might end up hurting the US more than it does India.

Yet another story from Bardia highlighted the rather fascinating role that shipping giants DHL and AP Moller-Maersk are giving to their India engineering hubs. A sneak-peek into the story: key executives from both the firms tell Mint that in todays world of tariffs and geopolitical uncertainties, it is the real-time and AI-laden proprietary tech analytics that are helping them move around giant ships and massive cargo loadskeeping the worlds supply chains ticking and preventing global trade from grinding to a halt.

Transformer by Mint is a weekly newsletter that brings Indias most important and interesting technology updates under one umbrella. As the world transforms with every day of innovation, Transformer will keep tabs on the impact that technologies will make in each of our lives. Published every week, the newsletter brings some of Indias tech landscapes most insightful coverage to date.
(Bloomberg Opinion) -- The First Amendment is in a sorry state, especially on college campuses. A survey of students released last Tuesday from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression shows a steady decline in support for free speech  with a new high of 34% saying that using violence to stop a campus speech is acceptable in some cases.

These findings would be disturbing at any time in American history, but they are especially chilling coming the same week that conservative activist Charlie Kirk was gunned down while speaking at a Utah university. The suspect is a 22-year-old who allegedly believed Kirk was spreading hate.

The reasons for Gen Zs growing intolerance of opposing opinions are many, including the dominance of social media and increasing government efforts to control speech. But it's not too late. America can and must rekindle an appreciation for a good debate among young people, and remind them why freedom of expression is a fundamental right. Our national and local leaders could start by modeling the behavior wed like younger people to emulate.

For the past six years, FIRE has surveyed 65,510 students at 257 colleges and universities and asked if they would support or oppose allowing controversial speakers on campus. The group asks students whether its acceptable to disrupt a campus speech by shouting down a speaker, blocking entry to the event, or using violence. The percentage of students who approve of disruptive behavior to cancel a speech is now at a record high. Its a bipartisan trend that cuts across gender and racial lines.

The impulse to stifle unpopular speech has been growing on college campuses for a while, but FIRE says the pattern is changing. Over the past decade, students and scholars were the primary advocates for censoring speakers they deemed hostile; back then, administrators usually pushed back and defended free speech, said Sean Stevens, FIRE researcher and a social psychologist. Now, fewer people push back at all, with administrators, politicians and off-campus activists increasingly advocating for canceling speech they dont like.

Its a phenomenon that is fed by both politics and culture, Stevens told me. In this era of social media, students come to campus less supportive of free speech than prior generations. This generation is accustomed to curating their digital feed with views that validate and reinforce their beliefs. When they come to college, it might be difficult for them to empathize with people who voice dramatically different viewpoints.

But while censorship attempts from the left have declined since 2020, hostility to free and open debate on campus has grown primarily due to a drop in tolerance among conservative students, Stevens said.

The Trump administration has likely played a role, as have officials in red states who want to control academic speech. Governments have applied unprecedented pressure to higher education institutions, targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and restricting funds based on the institutions handling of protests over Israel and Gaza. Republican-led states like Florida and Texas have passed laws that echo President Donald Trumps executive orders and empower GOP-aligned trustees and university boards to limit academic freedom. And the federal Department of Education has launched investigations into dozens of schools, withholding federal funds from ideologically hostile universities. Just last week, Texas A&M fired a professor and demoted two administrators for illegal instruction after a student complained.

At the same time, students who feel increasingly threatened by the proliferation of hate speech on campuses have come to increasingly reject the idea that everybody flourishes best when all speech is allowed, said Caroline Mala Corbin, professor of First Amendment Law at the University of Miami. It depends on what kind of speech students are willing to have censored.

And Kirks organization, Turning Point USA, kept a Professor Watchlist on its website. The site says the list is intended to expose and document college professors who discriminate against conservative students and advance leftist propaganda in the classroom. Professors on the list say theyve been harassed.

Its not too late to find a new direction. Although the watchlist was misguided, Kirk himself showed up on campuses across the country under a tent reading Prove Me Wrong. That willingness to engage in dialogue on often-hostile college campuses was laudable.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox used his news conference on Friday to urge America to learn from it.

Young people loved Charlie, and young people hated Charlie, and Charlie went into those places anyway, said Cox, a Republican. Charlie said, when people stop talking, that's when you get violence.

Cox also exhorted young people to draw a sharp line between actions and speech, even when that speech is heated: Words are not violence, violence is violence; there is one person responsible for what happened here and that person is now in custody.

It was a sharp contrast to Trumps messaging last week. The radicals on the left are the problem, the president said, during Fridays hour-long appearance on Fox News. And they're vicious and they're horrible and theyre politically savvy.

Cox demonstrated the leadership Trump couldnt muster. He directed his comments to my young friends out there who are inheriting a country where politics feels like rage. He urged them to use the moment to build a culture that is very different than what we are suffering through right now  not by pretending differences don't matter, by embracing our differences and having those hard conversations.

If we want young people to learn those skills, the adults in the room need to start showing more of them ourselves.

More From Bloomberg Opinion:

This column reflects the personal views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Mary Ellen Klas is a politics and policy columnist for Bloomberg Opinion. A former capital bureau chief for the Miami Herald, she has covered politics and government for more than three decades.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion
Move over, traditional gifting. With Diwali approaching, gifting is about to take centre stage, and a quiet revolution is underway. For decades, the same big names have dominated our gift hampers: Cadbury, Lays, Haldiram, and Coke. These are the brands our parents and grandparents trust. But what if, instead of the usual suspects, your holiday hamper contained something different?

Imagine a gift basket featuring brands like Soothys chocolates, Yoga Bar energy bars, Kapiva's health juices, Vadams Turmeric Ashwagandha Tea, Happilo trail mix, Snackables namkeen, and Minimalist face serums.

This is the Insurgent Gift Hamper.

The brands within it are not household names from a generation ago. Consulting firm Bain & Co. defines these insurgent brands as "winning the hearts of underserved customers in India." They operate with a sense of rebellion, poised to capture an outsized share of consumption growth, and they incorporate technology as a core part of their business model.

While a Diwali hamper is a great way to illustrate the power of these brands, they are not limited to food. Insurgent brands are disrupting every category, from fashion and jewellery to beauty, home decor, and electronics.

Over the last 15 years, more than 4,000 such brands have been registered in India, attracting $4.7 billion in venture capital and private equity funding.

The three eras

Why are these brands proliferating now? What makes them so successful, and why are investors chasing them?

To answer these questions, we must first understand India's three eras of brand development. First, the License Raj Era (Pre-liberalization). During this time of controlled capacity and prices, the primary focus for brands was simple availability. Distribution was key, with iconic brands like Cadbury, Surf, Red Label Tea, and Bajaj scooters dominating the landscape.

Second is the Mass Brands Era (Post-liberalization). With the liberalisation of the Indian economy in the 1990s, shortages were no longer the main driver. This new era, combined with the rise of satellite television, allowed large companies to create mass-market brands. Brands like Nirma, Wheel, Tata Tea, and Maruti cars focused on reaching a large, homogeneous consumer base, often through small, affordable packs. Books like C.K. Prahalad's The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid chronicled this trend.

Today, we are in the Insurgent Era. As India's GDP and per capita income rose in the 2000s, a new generation of consumersmillennials and Gen Zemerged with different values and expectations than their parents. The market now has three distinct consumer segments: wealthier Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. This new consumer landscape is the perfect breeding ground for insurgent brands.

Changing rules

Insurgent brands are rewriting the market rules by mastering four key pillars. They have mastered the art of consumer intimacy and edgy communication.

First, insurgent brands don't just sell products; they build relationships. They use technology like data scraping and social media analysis to understand their customers on a deeper level than traditional market research ever could. This allows them to create products that align with the values of Millennials and Gen Z, who prioritise authenticity, sustainability, and social impact.

This generational divide in consumer values is not just a trend; formative experiences drive it. Gen X grew up with a focus on security and basic needs. In contrast, Millennials and Gen Z came of age with good availability, shifting their priorities to higher-order needs like social impact and self-actualisation. They seek brands that align with their beliefs and contribute to a better world, moving beyond just a products utility.

Second, these brands, born on social media, use sharp, edgy content to create a strong sense of community. Their communication isn't just about selling; it's about building a movement around shared values, turning customers into passionate brand advocates.

Besides, insurgent brands are lean and nimble. They can identify a consumer trend and launch a new product in record time, offering constant novelty and value that keep consumers engaged and excited. In the festive season, with rapidly changing trends, this ability is invaluable and helps insurgent brands score above the traditionalists.

Finally, insurgent brands have been omnichannel since day one. They use a digital-native approach to connect directly with customers, bypassing traditional retail bottlenecks and ensuring their products are always within reach.

Also Read | Is the rise of D2C brands really challenging the incumbents?

Consumer connect

These aren't just business strategies but a fundamental shift in how brands connect with modern consumers. Traditional brands often lean on prestige and established luxury ideas for their Diwali campaigns. But insurgent brands use their core pillars to create a more personal, purpose-driven connection.

How might they do it in this festive season?

Take Kapiva, the ayurvedic brand targeting health-conscious millennials. Instead of traditional ads, they'd partner with health and wellness influencers to create educational content. This approach highlights the health benefits of their Ayurvedic products, positioning them as a thoughtful gift that supports well-being during the festive season. The campaign would leverage special gift bundles on their website to encourage direct-to-consumer gifting.

Organic India teas may centre their Diwali messages around responsible celebration." Using their tagline, "Sirf Naam Se Nahi, Kaam Se Organic" (Organic by action, not just by name), they would connect with consumers' desire to make a positive impact, turning a simple gift into a statement of shared values.

Similarly, Sweet Karam Coffee (SKC), with a venerable grandmother as its brand protagonist, would launch a direct, heartfelt campaign highlighting the importance of Diwali traditions and family roots. By focusing on authenticity and nostalgia, they'd show how their products are more than just sweets and snacksthey are a link to heritage, playing a central role in glorious family traditions.

These examples show that insurgent brands are not just selling products; they are selling a purpose. By doing so, they empower consumers to become brand spokespeople and create a powerful network of advocates.

Insurgent gifts are rewriting the traditional brand landscape this festive season, one bold offering at a time. Are you ready to join the rebellion?

J. Suresh is an independent consultant, board member and senior adviser at the Boston Consulting Group based in Bengaluru.
We are told that an organic uprising against corruption broke out in Kathmandu a few weeks ago. The youth, angry with the government, supposedly rushed out of their homes in unison after social media apps were banned, set fire to buildings, nearly killed politicians and toppled the government, all within days. And this happened without anyone in the shadows pulling strings. If the revolt had taken place a few months ago, it would have been enshrined as the Nepalese Spring.

In the first hours of any modern uprising, it always looks like this. The young, Gen-something, some late alphabet, rise violently against injustice, apparently risking their own lives. State forces, despite their weapons and power, are surprisingly unable to quell the insurgency.

Later, it becomes clear that there was a power behind it, one that does not seem to be made up of ordinary people. Or perhaps it is true that in Nepal the uprising occurred exactly the way we have been told. Just that revolts do not happen that way, without the intent, funding or co-option of some part of the elite.

At the heart of all revolutions is the second rung of power, aristocracy, wealth or clergy, attempting to bring down those above them. For this, they recruit a moral reason and the youth and poor.

The French Revolution, which is remembered as the poor beheading the rich, is in reality and substance aristocrats taking down the monarchy and other aristocrats who were in the royaltys inner circle.

The doomed German peasant revolution that preceded it in the 16th century, which is framed in history as peasants waging a heroic war against the nobility, was also about knights and lords of the lower nobility exploiting the rage of peasants to plot the downfall of the higher nobility.

In Summer of Fire and Blood, Lyndal Roper points out that some of the second-rung elites of the 1520s even dressed like peasants and pantomimed illiteracy to manipulate serfs into attacking the top rungs. (Her books point, though, is not the argument I am making.)

The Indian Naxal movement is framed as an armed struggle of the poor against the state, but its founding father Charu Mazumdar was from a feudal zamindari family, a class that was diminished by the state. The Arab Spring, remembered as an anti-corruption movement against the political class, was an urban middle-class movement against traditional power.

The term middle class is one of the most misleading words in English. These are rarely people in the middle. The public figures among them are probably in the top 5% of their population, who naturally have a grievance against the top 1%. When the anti-corruption movement began in India, it was called an Indian Spring, even though India doesnt have a spring.

The day Anna Hazare came to Delhi and sat on the pavement to fast until he died or India ended corruption (both are alive), it was in reality an anti-rich movement. It flopped. I know this because I was there. There were just a handful of people and no media. His meagre followers who sat watching him were rural activists and they were saying that India was making beautiful roads and airports for the rich, and nothing for the poor.

The movement gathered political momentum when news anchors and the Bharatiya Janata Party spun it as an organic middle-class uprising against the Congress.

In the recent uprising in Bangladesh too, the middle class had a role. The bureaucracy despised the regime of Sheikh Hasina.

Almost all revolutions are framed as the rage of the poor. As though there is a place and time where they are not angry.

The idea that the poor can topple the rich without any help from the rich themselves does not come from history, but from an assumption that at first seems commonsensical. Surely, people living in wretchedness must eventually strike back? This is how, say, the popular myth of the French Revolution hardened into legend. Karl Marxs writings are the most popular medium of this notion.

He himself, though, is an example of someone from the second-rung in economic terms with a grievance against the top rung. He hailed, after all, from a wealthy German family; that he found ways to go broke is not as important as the class he came from. His later-life penury makes complete sense in his war against those who were not broke but a lot like him. It is not surprising that he did not look at revolution as something that emerges from a man like him, but as a more moral force that emanates from the misery of the poor.

Long after his death, the many assumptions of what he said became weapons in the hands of elites to fight other elites.

Also Read | Are the Gen Z protests in Nepal a movement for structural change?

People underestimate how much organization is needed for a revolution, and how that can only come from influential people. The myth of organic uprisings persists because those who pull the strings usually remain in the shadows. Reputed journalists, bound by standards of credibility, report only what is visible. They can only go in search of facts, not the truth. Facts and truth need not be the same thing, especially over a long arc of time.

In Nepal, a fact is that thousands of angry young people overthrew a government. This was followed by odd behaviour. Those same youth, after risking their lives, are now handing power to people who were not on the streets, people who are negotiating with the army, which had an outsized role in the success of the movement because it chose not to crush it with force. Yet, we are told no institutions were behind the uprising.

The author is a journalist, novelist and screenwriter. His latest book is Why the Poor Dont Kill Us.
Every year, on 15 September, the world celebrates the International Day for Democracy. Rooted in 5th-century BC Greece, democracythe rule of the peopleremains relevant and revered in the 21st century as well. And India is its largest practitioner through an elected representative system.

On this occasion, Mint explores the performance of India's parliamentarians by analysing key metrics: Parliamentary productivity, questions raised, and participation in debates, among others.

Parliament unproductive?

Repeated disruptions and adjournments during sessions in the Parliament reduce the political space available for actual debate and legislation of laws. India has a long history of disruptions, which many believe is also a sign of a vibrant democracy. However, such disruptions often lead to unproductive sessionstake the latest Monsoon session, which ended on 21 August, for example. Disruptions took up nearly two-thirds of the allotted time, according to the data from PRS Legislative.

This meant that the Lok Sabha functioned for only 29% of its scheduled hours, while the Rajya Sabha worked for 34%. This was the lowest in terms of productivitytime spent on actual worksince the formation of the current government.

PRS data also showed that the number of discussions on matters of urgent public importance, such as short-duration discussions and calling attention motions, being conducted is fewer now compared to the early 2000s. This raises a question mark on the efficiency of lawmakers to use the time available to solve critical issues at hand.

Regional parties shine

Parliamentarians from regional parties outshone their national counterparts in legislative engagement in the past year, according to the Lok Sabha Annual Report 2024-25 by Politics for Impact, a political consultancy firm.

The report scored the performance of private (non-minister) members of parliament (MPs), totalling 482, between June 2024 to June 2025 based on participation in debates, questions raised, and attendance.

Shiv Sena MPs topped on two frontsdebates and questions. Its MPs participated in the largest number of debatesaveraging at 22.2and also raised the highest number of questionsaveraging at 107.7, the report showed. Another party from Maharashtra, the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), ranked second. In contrast, MPs from the two national parties, the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian National Congress, fared poorly.

For instance, questions raised by BJP MPs averaged 51, and Congress MPs 44. However, BJP MPs did strike the highest average attendance rate of 91%.

Advantage education?

Does education impact the performance of a politician? A democratic system allows people to become parliamentarians irrespective of their educational qualifications, and India has had many successful politicians without much formal education. However, data analysed for 482 MPs by the Politics for Impact shows that MPs with graduate degrees form the most engaged group in the parliamentary process.

They lead in debates, questions, and attendance compared to MPs in other education groups, with 48.6 questions raised in Parliament on average and 12.7 debates participated in. Those with postgraduate degrees and above also demonstrate higher levels of engagement.

On average, they asked over 47.4 questions and participated in 12.1 debates. However, for MPs with a higher secondary or lower education, the average numbers were lower on both indicators. They raised 42.4 questions on average and participated in 9.5 debates.

Matters of representation

Are women parliamentarians matching the performance of their male peers, or do they remain in the shadows, as is often the public perception?

Female representation in Indian politics has risen in recent years, even as it remains way below the 33% mark envisaged by the Womens Reservation Act, at around 10%. However, data shows that women MPs match steps with their male peers despite lower representation.

Even with only 14% representation, women speak up as much as male MPs in debates," the Politics for Impact report pointed out. On the whole, the average number of debates participated in by women and men MPs was similar at 11.8. Men peers, however, were ahead in asking questions, with an average of 47.6 during the past year. Women MPs asked 42 questions on average. An age-wise classification showed that younger women MPs were more proactive in asking questions than men MPs in the same cohort.

Criminal connect

Perhaps one of the most worrying aspects of Indias political landscape is the involvement of people with serious criminal cases. A report released by the Association of Democratic Reforms, a non-profit organisation shows that about 47% of ministers in India have declared criminal cases against themselves, out of which 26% are of serious charges.

The report analysed affidavits filed by 643 out of the 652 ministers across 30 state/union territories, assemblies, and the Union Council of Ministers, covering elections between 2020 and 2025.

The serious charges declared include murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, or crimes against women. Telugu Desam Party has the highest share of MPs with serious charges at a staggering 57%, followed by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (45%).

The current government has proposed a bill to remove position-holders like the prime minister and chief ministers in case of imprisonment or detention in custody, but many experts believe that such a law can be misused.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu greeted Secretary of State Marco Rubio by touting the strength of relations with the US, days after his militarys strike against Hamas officials in Qatar drew a rebuke from President Donald Trump.

This visit here is a testament to the durability and extent of the Israeli-American alliance, Netanyahu said in Jerusalem, speaking alongside Rubio minutes after the top US diplomat visited and prayed at the sacred Western Wall. Under Trump and Rubio, this alliance has never been stronger, Netanyahu added.

Rubio, who landed in Jerusalem on Sunday morning, remained silent during the prime ministers brief remarks to reporters. Before leaving Washington on Saturday, Rubio said he planned to discuss with Netanyahu Israels strike and its impact on Trumps goal of ending the war and bringing the hostages home.

Our relationship with Israel is going to remain strong, Rubio said before boarding the plane. The strike isnt going to change the nature of our relationship with the Israelis, but we are going to have to talk about it, including what impact does this have moving forward?

Rubio said that Qatar has been good partners on a number of fronts, such as hosting talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels.

On the other hand, Qatar has long hosted Hamas political leaders and at times has provided funding for the Islamist group, which has governed in Gaza for almost two decades.

The top US diplomat said he plans to reiterate the Trump administrations support for defeating Hamas and bringing home the 48 hostages held by the group in the Gaza Strip, about 20 of whom are believed to remain alive.

Last weeks strike by Israel targeted senior leadership of Hamas in Doha, the capital of Qatar, an Arab nation which has mediated between Israel and Hamas. Trump said the US wasnt informed about the strike until just before it took place, and that he was very unhappy about the way it was carried out.

The strike has created one of the most fraught moments for the US-Israeli relationship since the Hamas attack against Israel that killed 1,200 people and saw about 250 taken hostage on Oct. 7, 2023.

A major non-NATO ally, Qatar hosts the largest US military base in the Middle East. It was key to the defense of Al Udeid Air Base from an Iranian strike in June. Trump visited Qatar in May during a regional tour.

Qatar offered the US president a $400 million Boeing jet to be refurbished as the new Air Force One, and pledged $500 billion of investments in the US through the Qatar Investment Authority.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- The UK government defended its ill-fated decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington as pressure grows on Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his handling of the affair following the envoys ouster.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle on Sunday told Sky News that at the time of the appointment in December, the government believed it was worth the risk. Mandelson was a singular talent who helped Britain navigate the most difficult period in trans-Atlantic ties, he also said to the BBC.

Still, the minister conceded that the government didnt know the full extent of the former envoys ties with the late pedophile financier, Jeffrey Epstein, and wouldnt have appointed him, had they been aware.

Retrospectively, if we had known the information that we know now, it was highly unlikely that he would have been appointed, Kyle said.

The depth of Mandelsons ties to Epstein were revealed last week in a cache of 18,000 emails obtained by Bloomberg News. After initially defending Mandelson on Wednesday, Starmer on Thursday removed the envoy from his post after the publication of the Bloomberg story.

Kyle on Sunday was questioned over Starmers initial backing of Mandelson as well as the vetting process conducted before his appointment in December. Downing Street has insisted that it didnt have access to the full emails when the prime minister offered his support to Mandelson on Wednesday.

There was a thorough vetting process, which was conducted in the same way it would have been for all external appointments, Kyle said.

Still, questions over the appointment remain. Bloomberg reported on Saturday that there was frustration in Downing Street that Mandelson hadnt been entirely honest with them about the extent of his relationship with Epstein when he was appointed, and with how quickly he gave them full details of Bloombergs investigation.

The uproar over Mandelson threatens to cast a shadow over the upcoming state visit by President Donald Trump this week, which No. 10 has been keen to tout as a triumphant reset of UK-US ties.

This is a government that is delivering, we are turning a corner, Kyle said, pointing to the planned investments by American financial firms in Britain.

--With assistance from Sherry Su and Alex Wickham.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
After the 3D model-making trend, Instagram users have already moved on to another viral craze  this time centred on retro sarees and old-school cinema vibes. The latest filter-style edits, powered by Gemini, are transforming regular photos into portraits that look like they belong in a classic film poster.

What Is the Vintage Saree Trend? Instagram is filling up with dreamy edits where women appear in elegant sarees, bathed in soft lighting, and framed by romantic, retro backdrops. The style echoes the golden age of 90s Bollywood mixed with a Pinterest-inspired aesthetic.

How Can You Try It Yourself? If you want to join the trend, youll need the Gemini app. Heres how it works:

Download the app: Get Google Gemini from the Play Store or App Store.

Sign in: Log in with your Google account.

Upload a photo: Choose the picture you want to transform.

Enter the prompt: Write your own or use one of the sample prompts below.

Generate and download: Hit send, let Gemini create the image, and then save it.

Prompts

Prompt 1: Convert the uploaded image into a stunning 4K HD portrait. The subject should have long, dark, wavy hair cascading over her shoulders. She should be wearing a translucent, elegant red saree draped over one shoulder, which reveals a fitted blouse underneath. White flowers should be tucked behind her right ear. She is looking slightly to her right, with a soft, serene expression. I want her face to remain exactly as it appears in the uploaded image without any alterations. The background should feature a plain, warm-toned wall, illuminated by a warm light source from the right, creating a distinct, soft-edged shadow of her profile and hair on the wall behind her. The overall mood should be retro and artistic.

Prompt 2: Create a retro, vintage-inspired imagegrainy yet brightbased on the uploaded picture. The girl should be draped in a perfect purple chiffon, Pinterest-style aesthetic saree. The vibe must capture the essence of a '90s movie 'baddie,' with dark brown, silky hair and a small flower tucked visibly into her hair, enhanced by a windy, romantic atmosphere. She is standing against an old wooden door, where deep shadows and dramatic contrasts add mystery and artistry to the scene, creating a moody yet enchanting cinematic effect. Her pose should suggest that she is adjusting her hair.

Prompt 3: Convert the uploaded picture into a retro, vintage, and grainy-but-bright image. Keep the facial features the same. The subject should be draped in a solid-coloured Banarsi saree with a Pinterest-retro aesthetic, giving it the feel of a '90s movie. Give her dark brown, silky, and shiny hair with a small flower visibly tucked into it. The girl is standing in front of a white wall with a soft, artistic, and moody atmosphere. Use a golden light source to create a soft glow on her face and a dramatic shadow on the wall behind her. The lighting should have the warm, golden tones of a sunset or 'golden hour' glow. The background should be minimalist and slightly textured. The expression on her face should be moody and calm, yet happy. The final image should be in HD quality, with the same face, but you can change the hair colour and hairstyle.
The Google Nano Banana AI trend has gone viral, with millions of people going crazy to create their own hyper-realistic 3D figurines using simple selfies or photos. The Nano Banana 3D picture is created using Geminis latest 2.5 Flash Image model.

Nano Banana is Google DeepMind's latest AI-powered image generation and editing model, which was released in August 2025.

What is Nano Banana 3D figurine trend? From photo to figurine style in just one prompt. People are having fun turning their photos into images of custom miniature figures, thanks to nano-banana in Gemini. Try a pic of yourself, a cool nature shot, a family photo, or a shot of your pup, Gemini wrote in a post on X.

Also Read | Nano Banana AI image trend: Users disappointed as Gemini tool ignores prompts

Also Read | How to create 3D model of yourself with Gemini Nano Banana AI?

Initially, the Nano Banana image trend exploded when users started creating toy-style avatars, complete with acrylic bases and collectors box packaging in front of a desktop.

Now, the Nano Banana trend is being pushed further, with users creating more AI images using the Gemini Nano Banana technology.

Here are 10 hidden Nano Banana tricks you should know today, along with their prompts.

10 hidden Nano Banana tricks Reddit user @aipromptprogramming has shared 10 hidden Google Nano Banana tricks along with prompts to generate different images and have fun.

1. Outfit Swap Prompt- Change the outfits of these two characters into bananas.

Nano Banana Outfit Swap

2. Sketch Rendering Prompt- Render the sketch as a colorful 3D cartoon car with smooth shading.

Nano Banana Sketch Rendering

3. Grid Image Prompt- One input  9 different ID-style photos.

Nano Banana Grid Image

4. Effortless Background Removal Prompt- Remove the person wearing black from the image.

Nano Banana Background Removal

5. Multi-Image Fusion Prompt- A man is standing in a modern electronic store analyzing a digital camera. He is wearing a watch. On the table in front of him are sunglasses, headphones on a stand, a shoe, a helmet and a sneaker, a white sneaker and a black sneaker.

Nano Banana Multi-Image Fusion

6. Four-View Character Turnaround Prompt- Create a four-panel turnaround for this man to show his frontal, his right side, his left side and his back, in a white and grey back ground.

Nano Banana 6. Four-View Character Turnaround

7. ID Photo Generation Prompt- Generate a portrait photo that can be used as a business headshot.

Nano Banana ID Photo Generation

8. Create Advertising Posters Prompt- Use the original uploaded photo as the base. Keep the young woman in the red T-shirt, her natural smile, and the sunlight exactly the same. Transform the picture into a Coca-Cola style advertisement by adding subtle Coca-Cola branding, logo placement, vibrant red highlights, and refreshing summer vibes, while preserving the original image content.

Nano Banana Advertising Posters

9. Restore Old Photos Prompt- Restore and colourise the image so that everything is colourful (consistently) but still feels cinematic. Lots of color. It looks like a modern (high-quality).

Nano Banana Old Image Restoration

10. Annotate Image Information Prompt- You are a location-based AR experience generator. Highlight [point of interest] in this image and annotate relevant information about it.

Nano Banana Annotate Image Information Feature
British punk rap duo Bob Vylan have sparked outrage after they allegedly ridiculed the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a packed concert in Amsterdam.

Frontman Pascal Robinson-Foster, known as Bob Vylan, dedicated a song to late Turning Point USA founder and even mockingly used the pronouns was/were in reference to his death before spewing more expletives directed at him, reported GB News.

The remarks, made at Paradiso venue on Saturday night, came just days after Charlie Kirk (31), was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University.

Calls for violence and political targets The GB News report stated that the Amsterdam show had heightened security with police and metal barriers stationed outside as Palestinian flags decorated the stage.

Another report in The Sun cited a Dutch publication and added that Vylan urged concertgoers to physically assault political opponents and said, Sometimes you have to kick Nazis in their face.

The frontman also appeared to reference Kirks assassination by opening the performance by saying, Are there any snipers in the hall?

International backlash Footage of the rant has since gone viral across social media. Turning Point UK condemned the duo as far-left extremists who belong in prison, not onstage. Dutch politician Geert Wilders too shared the footage condemning the incident and said, Total anarchy in The Netherlands. Arrest him and send him out of the country now!

Several X (formerly Twitter) users too slammed the frontman for his remarks and called him evil personified.

A pattern of hate speech allegations It isn't the first time Bob Vylan have incited controversy. Following their Glastonbury Festival show in June, they led the crowd to the chants of "Death, death to the IDF" from the stage that was streamed live on BBC iPlayer and sparked a police investigation, the GB News report noted.

The outcry ensued and attracted condemnation from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the BBC removed the set from its platform, and the two lost their US visas and management as a result. After all this, the talent agency UTA dropped the group altogether, and Avon and Somerset Police are looking into their previous comments, further added The Sun report.

All on Charlie Kirk Last Wednesday, September 10, Charlie Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck while speaking to students in Utah. He is survived by wife, Erika, and his two children who are very young.

His assassination has drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum with many warning that it represents a dangerous escalation of political violence. US State Department officials have also warned that foreign nationals celebrating the murder including performers, could be subject to visa restrictions shortly.

FAQs Who are Bob Vylan? Bob Vylan are a British punk rap duo fronted by Pascal Robinson-Foster, known as Bobby Vylan.

What did they say about Charlie Kirk? During their Amsterdam concert, Bobby Vylan mocked Kirks assassination, called him a piece of s***, and urged the crowd to attack opponents.

Why is this controversial? The remarks appeared to celebrate political violence just days after Kirks killing, prompting global condemnation.
With only a few more weeks of construction left, the countdown is on for Westsides former James A. Henry school to reopen its doors.
Emma Heming Willis says her childrens lives have been turned upside down by the impact of Bruce Willis dementia fight.

Emma Heming Willis says her childrens lives have been turned upside down by the impact of Bruce Willis dementia fight

The model and influencer, 47, has been acting as a carer for her ailing Die Hard actor husband, 70, since he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, and has now used her new book to describe how the condition is changing daily life for their young daughters, Mabel and Evelyn.

Emma said in her new book The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path: The truth is, Mabel and Evelyns daily lives were being turned upside down. For example, with FTD and other forms of dementia, some people become more sensitive to noise, which can cause distraction, confusion, and agitation.

So I had everyone tiptoeing around the house to keep it as peaceful and serene as possible. This meant playdates were obsolete and forget about sleepovers.

Emma has also used her book to reflect on the loud and crazy and fun times Bruce has enjoyed with Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11.

Father-of-five Bruce is also father to Rumer, 37, Scout, 34, and Tallulah, 31, who he had during his marriage with actress Demi Moore, 62.

Emma wrote about how she recently decided to move Bruce into a separate home with a professional care team, saying their household had become one where no one was thriving amid his health fight.

She said the new arrangement allowed the family to find a better balance and fit for everyone.

Speaking to Good Morning America on 9 September, Emma defended the decision after receiving social media criticism.

She said: Its really not up for a debate. Now I know that Bruce has the best care 100 percent of the time. His needs are met 100 percent of the time, as well as our two young daughters. So Im not gonna take a vote on that.

Emma added she expected criticism but insisted it was the safest and best decision  not just for Bruce, but also for our two young girls.

Emmas book The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path is out now.
When Australian travel vlogger Luke Damant landed in Tehran, the first shock wasnt the culture or the food, it was money.

When I arrived at the airport, there was a lot of scammers there trying to trick me because they were using the Google Exchange rate, which is a lot lower in comparison to the black market rate, Damant recalled in a podcast with Harry Jaggard. One US dollar equals about 1 million Iranian rial, so it is an extremely inflated currency, and if you get a hundred dollars exchange, you have a whole lot of cash.

Irans rial has collapsed under decades of U.S. sanctions, which have blocked the country from global banking systems like SWIFT. Visa and Mastercard are banned.

You cant use any banks or ATMs there because of the sanctions. MasterCard and Visa, theyre banned from operating in the country, so you have to bring in US dollars or Euros, a whole WA of cash, and you have to go onto the street and get an exchange, which is a crazy experience, Damant said.

Locals navigate the system with toons, a shorthand that removes zeros from the rial, making the already confusing cash exchanges even harder for outsiders. Foreign visitors like Damant must carry stacks of foreign currency, but locals have another workaround.

More News:

Is it true that you can use crypto there? one interviewer asked. I think so. I think they take Bitcoin in some places, Damant replied.

For Iranians, crypto isnt just about speculation  its about bypassing a broken system. If youre only visiting for a week or two weeks as a foreigner, you have to bring in all the cash and get it exchanged on the street, Damant said. For everyone else, Bitcoin is increasingly filling the gap sanctions created.

Sanctions by the U.S., especially via OFAC, block most Iranians from accessing global payment networks. Chainalysis reported $4.2 billion in crypto outflows from Iran in 2024, a 70% increase over 2023, much of it driven by people trying to get around frozen banking options.

With the rial in freefall, having lost about 90% of its value since the U.S. pulled out of the nuclear deal in 2018, digital assets have become a lifeline for citizens trying to preserve savings and move money out of the country.

This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Sep 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the MARKETS section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Longford entrepreneur, Elisha Stokes, wowed on the red carpet when she attended the special preview screening of 'Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale' in Dublin.

The invite-only screening, which was held at the famously beautiful Stella Cinema, had a dress code of 1930's cocktail, in-keeping with the theme of the movie.

For the screening premiere, the former Longford Life Magazine cover star wore a timeless cream silk dress which she picked up from the Savida range in Longford's Dunnes Stores. To give her dress that extra Downton Abbey flair of cocktail elegance, Elisha then styled it with a faux fur stole from Folkster, nude heels from Zara, and an evening bag from Mango.

Speaking to the Longford Leader about the movie premiere, Elisha said, "The event was absolutely stunning from start to finish. Between the venue - the Stella Theatre - the 1930's cocktail dress code, and the actual movie itself, it was like we had hopped into a time machine! I am very grateful to Universal Pictures for inviting us to attend."

The Granard makeup artist and owner of Elisha's Beauty Salon, is not only a busy model, she's also tipped to be one of Ireland's next big influencers, with a list of rapidly growing followers on her Instagram page.

Last year, Elisha - daughter of Tommy and Lena Stokes and former pupil of Granard's Cnoc Mhuire - was voted by the public as 'Makeup Influencer of the Year' at the 2024 Irish Makeup Awards, thus firmly securing her spot on the list of Ireland's rising social media stars.

'Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale' is now showing at the Omniplex Cinema in Longford.
A 49 year-old man has been convicted and fined for two public order breaches.

Pawel Lyko of no fixed abode pleaded guilty at Longford District Court to being drunk and disorderly and failing to comply with a garda direction to leave the area at Main Street, Longford on August 7 last.

Sgt Shane Kelleher said Gardai observed the defendant lying on the ground at Main Street, Longford.

"He was highly abusive to Gardai in an area where there were members of the public present."

Sgt Kelleher said the defendant was arrested and conveyed to Longford Garda Station where he was subsequently charged.

The court heard Mr Lyko had four previous convictions.

Solicitor Frank Gearty said Mr Lyko has been living here for several years and he is in employment and when he is not drinking he is the type of man who would rarely, if ever, come to Garda attention.

"I'm asking you not to send him to prison."

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Judge Owens decided to convict Mr Lyko and she imposed a 200 fine with six months to pay.
A Longford TD has vigorously rejected accusations that a Fine Gael order from Tanaiste Simon Harris was anti-democratic and he has insisted the pathway is still there for any prospective candidate to become President of Ireland.

Deputy Micheal Carrigy said after the withdrawal by Mairead McGuiness the party had one candidate that they rowed in behind and have supported.

"After Mairead McGuinness's withdrawal we had one candidate who is Heather Humphreys and all members of the Fine Gael party, both membership and the elected representatives will be canvassing and supporting Heather being elected as president.

Asked if he felt the decision by Mr Harris to instruct 246 Fine Gael councillors around the country to block the nomination of potential presidential candidates, Deputy Carrigy rejected comments by Independent Cllr Mark Casey that the move was a 'threat to democracy' and he said they are supporting their candidate Heather Humphries.

"Every other party will be supporting their candidates so I don't know why Mark Casey wants to interfere in Fine Gael party business.

"There are plenty of opportunities in local authorities across the country where there are lots of elected members other than Fine Gael members.

"We will be supporting our candidate and who we believe is the best candidate for the role as president and we want to make sure that she is elected."

Deputy Carrigy insisted he believes they are "not denying the people an opportunity to vote for anyone".

It is understood a total of 17 potential presidential candidates have contacted Longford County Council seeking a nomination.

The meetings administrator is currently finalising the identification verification of all of the individuals who got in touch with the local authority.

It is expected a special meeting will be held next week when presidential hopefuls will have an opportunity to address Longford County Council representatives.

Deputy Carrigy also spoke about Gardai investigating claims that a bomb was left at the home of Tanaiste Simon Harris last weekend.

A woman, who denied all knowledge, was arrested earlier this week and released without charge.

"It's unacceptable for any threat to be made to any person, particularly someone who is high profile and in public life.

"A line has been crossed when threats are made against the family home with children and it needs to be taken seriously, which I know the Gardai are doing.

"I do hope that when it is brought to court and the people responsible for it are brought before the judiciary that the judiciary take the matter seriously and deal with it strongly.

"That has not been the case in the past."

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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)

A memorial service has been scheduled for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed at a political event at a Utah university Wednesday afternoon.

Kirks non-profit organization, Turning Point USA, announced Saturday that a memorial for its founder is set to take place the morning of Sunday, Sept. 21, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Doors are set to open to attendees at 8 a.m., with the program beginning at 11 a.m.

Anyone who wants to attend can reserve up to two free tickets to the event online. Ticket reservations are first come, first serve.

Charlie was a servant of the Lord, a devoted husband to Erika, a loving father to two beautiful children, and a leader of uncommon clarity and strength, Turning Point USA wrote in an online tribute to Kirk.

Kirk was a conservative political provocateur with close ties to President Donald Trump. He died Sept. 10 after being shot once while answering audience questions at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University in Orem.

The shooter initially escaped capture by police, leading to a massive manhunt involving local, state and federal law enforcement. But on Friday morning, authorities announced the arrest of 22-year-old Utah resident Tyler Robinson in connection with Kirks death.

Charlie died doing what he loved: fighting for truth, for faith, for family, and for America. His sacrifice will endure as a guiding light for generations, the tribute reads.

For more information about Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USAs memorial event, visit fightforcharlie.com.
Joanna Hennigan was devastated when she learned her Boston University satellite program on Cape Cod was ending.

Shed spent years saving up for the masters social work program  the only in-person degree she could find near her Cape home  because she was motivated to become a therapist. It felt especially personal to her because of her experience of postpartum isolation and mental health challenges.

But with fewer than 50 students enrolled in its Cape Cod, Bedford and Fall River programs, and fewer signing up each year, Boston University felt it was a financial necessity to end the in-person programs.

Financial challenges, political pressure and dwindling enrollment have compelled schools across the country, including several in Massachusetts, to make similar painful decisions to end degree programs, with real consequences for people like Hennigan.

The impact is substantial because we have a huge need for more professionals in this field on Cape Cod. There is a real deficit  a huge need and not enough workers," Hennigan said.

Over the past year, Clark University in Worcester eliminated its French and francophone studies, comparative literature, ancient civilization and studio art majors; Berklee College of Music in Boston ended its contemporary theater degree; and Lesley University in Cambridge announced cuts in sociology, political science, global studies and a graduate program in photography with talks of stopping enrollment for its creative writing masters program.

Read more: University in Northeast lays groundwork for 31 layoffs amid financial concerns

Outside of the state, other institutions like Utica University in New York and Rhode Island College have also made cuts to their programming.

It comes at a time when states created laws that eliminate degrees with low graduation or enrollment rates, including in Indiana, Ohio and Utah, according to Inside Higher Ed. Texas also has a law regulating degrees and certificates, which was signed into law in June, leading to Texas A&M University cutting 14 minors and 38 certificate programs that were low producing, according to the Texas Tribune.

Why now?

Even before the Trump administration took office, instituting several attacks on higher education, colleges and universities were looking for ways to cut costs, said Lynn Pasquerella, president of the Association of American Colleges and Universities and a former president at Mount Holyoke College.

Higher education is facing multiple challenges: skepticism about a college degree, a smaller number of traditionally college-aged students, rising costs to obtain a degree and less of an emphasis on college as a requirement for employment, she said.

Lynn Pasquerella is the president of the Association of American Colleges and Universities and a former president at Mount Holyoke College. Pierce Kuchle

At the same time, higher education has been under intense scrutiny from the federal government under the Trump administration, leading to the revocation of student visas en masse and going after Harvard Universitys federal funding and international students.

Research funding and diversity, equity and inclusion programming have also been in peril.

Theres a sense of urgency as were seeing the weaponization of federal funds. Campuses are having to make up for lost revenue as a result of grants, donations that have also been weaponized, and theyre having to do more with less, Pasquerella said.

She expects the reduction in majors, especially those in the humanities, to continue, especially after the passage of Trumps Big Beautiful Bill.

The bill institutes an accountability mechanism for degree programs based on graduates future earnings to be eligible for federal student loans, Pasquerella said.

That could hit the humanities in particular, where humanities graduates who work full-time earned less than the median annual earnings for all college graduates in 2021  $64,000 compared to $72,000, according to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. These graduates still earned much more than those without a college education, who made $41,000 annually.

Fewer people have been majoring in the humanities over the past decade. There was a 24% drop in the number of humanities bachelors degrees awarded between 2012 and 2022, according to analysis from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Meanwhile, other fields like health and medical sciences, engineering and the natural sciences experienced growth during the same time period.

Mary Churchill is the associate dean of strategic initiatives & community engagement Boston University Wheelock College of Education and Human Development. Rick Friedman

Whenever there is economic instability, a rush of degree program cancellations occurs, according to Mary Churchill, associate dean of strategic initiatives & community engagement at Boston University Wheelock College of Education and Human Development.

And this is a point of instability right now, she said.

This time is unique because of the high degree of uncertainty. Usually when you have economic downturn, somethings happening in the world economy that you didnt necessarily  you as a country  didnt necessarily cause. But right now, we as a country are causing the instability, she said.

Institutions, as a result, are trying to find ways to weather this storm into the future, she said.

Theres just so much happening, Churchill said. I think that in the beginning, it felt like a singular attack on equity, diversity, and inclusion programs. It doesnt feel that way anymore. It feels like one of many points of attack.

What colleges are saying

As theyve cut majors, some colleges have provided explanations for their plans going forward.

In June, Clark announced a new strategic plan for adapting to higher educations changing competitive landscape and building institutional strength for the long term.

The university said it is leaning into current strengths by refocusing its curriculum and academic departments around three key areas most relevant to meeting the needs of a changing world: Climate, Environment & Society; Media Arts, Computing & Design; and Health & Human Behavior.

Boston Conservatory at Berklee, in announcing its phasing out of its contemporary theater bachelor of fine arts program, said that fewer than 0.5% of its students were enrolled in the program.

Both colleges said that students currently enrolled in those programs would be able to finish their studies in their chosen majors.

An anti-DEI emphasis?

Luis Alvarez-Hernandez, an assistant professor of social work at Boston University, said he has seen an increase in cancellations since the beginning of the year, particularly for programs related to diversity, equity and inclusion or those that study marginalized groups.

That includes classes on womens studies or LGBTQIA+ studies, Latin American studies or Black and Indigenous studies, he said.

I think some institutions might be preemptively just trying to not be in the spotlight, Alvarez-Hernandez said.

While he hasnt seen that to be the case as much in Massachusetts, he has been hearing about it from colleagues, especially in the South.

Some courses or whole programs in these areas have been eliminated, which is very problematic. Because its more than just theory or ideology, Alvarez-Hernandez said.

I think that when we understand whats happening with groups  like LGBT groups or women, Black and Indigenous communities, Latin American communities  when we understand their experiences, we can address their challenges, he said.

What are the impacts of the cuts?

Leonore Fleming is a professor of philosophy at Utica University. Courtesy Photo

At Utica University in New York, possible cuts to degree programs and certificates are only a symptom of a larger financial problem that has been brewing.

On top of potential cuts, the university sent notices this week to 23 academic departments, notifying them that 31 full-time faculty and librarians could be laid off.

The university had already been dealing with enrollment difficulties and operating at a $30 million cash operating deficit from 2022 to 2024, leading to nine layoffs, all employees taking pay cuts and freezes on employer contributions last year.

Leonore Fleming, a professor of philosophy at Utica University, said Utica used to pride itself on having a liberal arts foundation and offering pre-professional programs, but now the liberal arts courses feel like they are being gutted and professors have been leaving, she said.

It feels very much like it is undermining our university mission, our university history, our university spirit, Fleming said.

The recommended list of degree programs to end included Africana studies and history and minors in anthropology, geoscience, gender studies, sociology, Spanish and writing. The deletion process wont occur until May, according to the institution.

There are 20 majors that represent nearly 95% of the student body, including nursing, health sciences, cybersecurity, business management, health and physical education and criminal justice, according to a presentation from Todd Pfannestiel, president of Utica.

Similar cuts to humanities courses of study were made a few years before the College of Saint Rose closed in New York last year, Fleming said.

It seemed like that really accelerated their closure because they got rid of some things that really made them distinct ... I worry about the university. I worry about how this damages our reputation, she said.

Churchill, from Boston University, worries that all universities could cut the same programs due to enrollment issues.

As a result, some fields of study could be difficult to teach to future generations, she said.

Youre cutting a body of knowledge. And so for me, the highest cost is that the topics wont be taught and future generations wont learn about those topics, she said.

So often, the underperforming small majors are the same on all of our campuses. And if we could find ways to collaborate across campuses, we may have larger numbers for a major that didnt just sit as a single campus, she said.

Forging ahead

Hennigan, a student at Boston Universitys social work masters program, organized a petition in response to the closure announcement, gaining nearly 800 signatures. In the petition, she calls for BU to reconsider or extend the satellite programs until the cohorts can complete their studies, until 2027.

I think that we should be given the education that was offered to us. And to be told that we are in their bottom 5% of their budget and that theyre cutting our program because we dont make them money feels very incongruous with the mission of providing, or especially my personal desire to provide human resources regardless of financial gain, she said.

A Boston University spokesperson said the institution is teaching out the programs and has made reasonable effort to work with continuing students, but that it wasnt self-sustaining.

The university students can continue online, in-person in Boston or through the hybrid program in Worcester, which is thriving with more than 900 students enrolled, a university spokesperson said.

As a result of Hennigans advocacy, the institution offered a potential option where, if there is enough interest, the cohorts at the three locations could be kept together and learn online instead of participating in a larger online model offered by the institution, Hennigan said.

With two semesters left, she wants to continue in person to become a therapist to serve my local community, she said.

I think its an injustice for them to take that away from us, especially at our final two semesters, where arguably its the most important classes of advanced clinical classes where were learning, hopefully the most important and being prepared for a career of effective service in our community, she said.
Allstate rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars

In addition to its cheap car insurance rates, Allstate stands out for offering discounts and perks to safe drivers. These include the Safe Driving Bonus program, which issues bonuses every six months if youre accident-free in the form of credits to your policy, and the Deductible Rewards program, which reduces your deductible every year youre accident-free.

Heres everything you should know about Allstate car insurance before deciding if its the right insurance for you.

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Learn more: How does car insurance work? The basics explained

Allstate auto insurance pros and cons

Pros

Accident forgiveness that prevents rate increases after accidents

Diminishing deductible discount for each year without an accident

Pay-per-mile insurance for low-mileage drivers

Cons

Doesnt cover customized or aftermarket parts and equipment

Doesnt cover the cost of using original manufacturer parts in repairs

Low CRASH Network rating for claims handling policies and payment practices

Allstate auto insurance details

Allstate offers several coverage options at competitive rates  plus several ways to score discounts on premiums. However, in two J.D. Power studies, Allstate ranked below average for customer satisfaction in more than half of the 11 U.S. regions and for national claims satisfaction.

Allstate cost and customer satisfaction

Average monthly cost for full coverage: $180

J.D. Power customer satisfaction score by region: Allstate scored above average for customer satisfaction in less than half the geographic regions.

J.D. Power auto claims satisfaction: Allstate scored just below the average claims satisfaction score.

Allstate coverage

Different coverage types: 14

Allstate discounts

Number of discounts: 12

Learn more: Car insurance discounts: 17 ways to save

Types of coverage Allstate offers

Allstate provides a range of coverage options, including coverage for rideshare drivers. Unlike some insurers, Allstate does not cover customized parts or the cost of using original manufacturer parts in repairs.

Collision coverage

Comprehensive coverage

Liability coverage

Medical payments coverage

New car replacement for total loss of a newer car

Gap coverage to pay an auto loan if a car is totaled or stolen

Personal injury protection

Personal umbrella coverage

Rental reimbursement coverage

Rideshare coverage

Roadside coverage

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage

Classic car insurance

Car insurance for travel to Mexico

Learn more: Most common types of car insurance explained

Does Allstate offer accident forgiveness?

Yes, Allstate offers optional accident forgiveness coverage that protects your rate from increasing after an accident, even if youre at fault.

Learn more: Is accident forgiveness insurance worth it?

Does Allstate auto insurance include emergency roadside assistance?

Yes, Allstate offers emergency roadside assistance that includes 24/7 towing. You can add roadside assistance to your auto policy for a yearly rate starting at $25.

Allstate also has a pay-per-use service, with rates starting at $154 per tow, and a membership plan that covers any vehicle you drive or ride in. These two options are available to Allstate auto policyholders and non-policyholders.

Learn more: Do I need emergency roadside assistance coverage?

How much does Allstate auto insurance cost?

Allstate offers lower rates for basic and full coverage than most of the auto insurers evaluated.

Basic coverage, or liability-only coverage, pays for property damage and injuries to others if you cause an accident. All states except New Hampshire require a minimum level of liability coverage, but Yahoo Finance recommends getting more coverage, if possible, for increased financial protection. If you have only liability coverage, your insurance will not cover damage to your car from an accident if youre at fault or from something other than a collision, such as vandalism.

Full coverage refers to a combination of liability, collision insurance, and comprehensive coverage. That means youll be covered for repairs to your own vehicle in addition to property damage and injuries to others.

Learn more: Minimum car insurance requirements in all 50 U.S. states

Average auto insurance costs for full coverage

The average cost of Allstate auto insurance is lower than the average rate for full coverage among insurers evaluated. In fact, Allstate has one of the lowest rates for full coverage.

Average auto insurance costs for basic coverage

Allstates rate for basic coverage falls slightly below the average monthly premium for this type of coverage. It has the fifth lowest average rate among auto insurers that were evaluated.

Allstate car insurance discounts

Allstate offers several different ways to reduce the cost of auto insurance coverage.

Multiple policy discounts. Save up to 25% by bundling Allstate auto and home insurance policies. Discounts for bundling auto insurance with other types of coverage are also available.

Early signing discount. Reduce your rate by signing your policy seven or more days before it becomes effective.

EZ pay plan discount. Save by setting up automatic withdrawals for premium payments.

eSmart discount. Save by opting for an electronic rather than paper version of your policy that can be viewed online.

Full pay discount. Get a discount by paying your policy premium in full rather than monthly.

Responsible payer discount. Youll get a discount if you dont get a policy cancellation notice for non-payment in the past year.

New car discount. Save on your premium if you have a vehicle that is the current model year or previous year and youre the first owner.

Anti-lock brake discount. Get a discount if your vehicle has anti-lock brakes.

Anti-theft device discount. Having an anti-theft device in your car can help you get a lower rate.

Drivewise discount. Get a discount for signing up for Drivewise, a feature in the Allstate app that tracks your trips. The policy gives credits for safe driving every six months.

Safe driving discount. Enroll in the Safe Driving Bonus program to get payouts applied as credits toward your premium every six months you dont have an accident.

Smart student discount. Unmarried drivers under age 25 can get a discount if they have a GPA of at least 2.7, have completed the teenSMART driver education program, or attend school at least 100 miles away from where their car is located.

How to file a claim with Allstate

Follow these steps when filing a claim with Allstate to help ensure the process goes smoothly.

Understand your coverage. Know what types of incidents your insurance will cover and the amount of your deductible, which is how much you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Gather information. Before filing a claim, get contact and insurance information for everyone involved in the accident, vehicle information, details and photos of the accident, and a copy of the police report. Contact your insurance company. Allstate requires policyholders to notify it of accidents as soon as possible. You can file claims online. If you dont have all the information you need when you start your claim, you can provide more as you get it. Get damage inspected. You can use a repair shop in Allstates network to get an estimate for damages, or you might be able to submit photos for a virtual inspection. Track your claim. Log onto your online account to track the status of your claim, or stay in touch with the adjuster assigned to your claim to get updates and provide any additional information that is requested of you. Receive your payment. An Allstate representative can provide you with a timeline for receiving a payment, which will be made directly to the repair shop or to you. Be aware that your premium might increase after an accident if your policy doesnt include accident forgiveness.

Learn more: How to file a car insurance claim

How long do I have to submit claims to Allstate?

Allstates auto policies require that you notify the insurer immediately to start the claims process if you have an accident or incident. You risk losing coverage for any damage or injuries related to incidents that you fail to report.

How fast does Allstate pay auto insurance claims?

The timing of payouts can vary depending on the claim. Providing details and photos of an accident can speed up the claims process.

Allstates mobile app

The Allstate mobile app lets you view your policy, submit claims, make policy payments, and connect with roadside assistance. The app also provides a digital version of your insurance card, can help you find the cheapest gas prices, and detects if youve been in an accident so you can get help. And you can sign up for Allstates Drivewise feature and enable trip monitoring to get discounts for safe driving.

Allstate mobile app ratings:

Apple App Store: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Google Play Store: 4.1 out of 5 stars

Allstate auto insurance FAQs

Is Allstate car insurance good?

Allstate offers a wide range of car insurance coverage options. It also offers lower premiums when compared to the other auto insurance companies in our ranking.

What is the 1-800-number for Allstate auto insurance?

You can reach Allstate customer service at 800-726-6033.

Tim Manni and Jamie Young edited this article.

Methodology

We researched the coverage details and prices for 13 auto insurance plans. We then weighted categories, and each auto insurer was scored relative to the others to find the best auto insurance companies. Here are the factors we incorporated.

Coverage types: 20% of score. We examined all the coverage options available and assessed whether each insurer offered the following: new car replacement (5%), GAP insurance (5%), accident forgiveness (5%), and diminishing deductible (5%).

Average cost: 40% of score. The average cost was generated by Trellis in-house machine learning models based on over 3 million data points, and includes more than 15 of the largest insurance companies in Trellis nationwide data set. These estimates are for policies with full coverage for the average policyholder who owns one car. Average policyholder here is defined as a 48-year-old driver, driving a 13-year-old car, in an average-income ZIP code with full coverage.

Customer satisfaction: 30% of score. We factored in information from three major sources: 1) National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaints (10%), in which we took the total number of complaints each company had over a three-year period (2022-2024), 2) CRASH scores (10%) from the Crash Network which share how well each company ensures quality repairs and customer service, and 3) J.D. Power scores (10%) from the J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study and the U.S. Auto Insurance Study.

Discounts: 10% of score. We gave points for each type of discount that each auto insurer offers.

All app ratings were accurate at the time of publication.
A 31-year-old man is facing attempted murder and other charges after exchanging gunfire with a Boston police officer in Roxbury early Friday morning, according to Boston police.

Daiquan Rice has been charged with attempted murder, five gun charges and one drug charge in connection with the incident, Boston police said in a press release.

The incident began with four Boston police officers monitoring a group that was loitering inside the General Edward O. Gourdin African American Veterans Memorial Park in Roxbury early Friday morning, police said. They noticed one person standing apart from the group  who was later identified as Rice, and he ran away when the officers approached him.

Rice ran from Washington Street onto Archer Terrace before turning toward Kenilworth Street, police said. Shortly after 12:45 a.m., Rice shot at the officers mid-chase and hit one officer in the upper arm.

Fearing for their lives and the safety of the public, officers returned fire, striking Rice and taking him into custody, police wrote in the release.

Rice and the officer were both taken to nearby hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, police said. Officers discovered that Rice was carrying a loaded gun and later located two plastic bags containing a white, rock-like substance that had fallen from his pocket.

Three other officers were also injured during the incident and treated for non-life-threatening injuries at local hospitals, police said.

No further information about the incident has been released.
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft walks toward the field at the team's NFL football training camp, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) AP

Nine people from Massachusetts made the Forbes 400, a ranking of the richest people in the United States for 2025.

The richest 400 people in the country are worth a staggering $6.6 trillion  a new record. The countrys richest are $1.2 trillion richer than last year, according to Forbes.

Abigail Johnson, CEO and chairman of Fidelity, is the highest-ranked person from Massachusetts on the annual Forbes list with $35 billion net worth.

Edward Johnson IV, her brother and president of Pembroke Real Estate, ranks second on the list. The real estate company is owned by Fidelitys parent company, FMR. His net worth is $14.2 billion.

Elizabeth Johnson, a third sibling of the family, has a net worth of $12.5 billion, according to the Forbes list. She ranks fourth on the list of the wealthiest people in Massachusetts.

She owns a 9.56% stake in FMR, and is a founder of Louisburg Farm, a stable of show-jumping horses in Wellington, Florida, according to the Boston Business Journal.

Who else made the list?

At third on the Forbes list for people in Massachusetts is Robert Kraft, with a net worth of $13.8 billion. Kraft purchased the New England Patriots in 1994 for $174 million, a team now worth over $8 billion after six Super Bowl victories, according to the Boston Business Journal.

Robert Hale Jr., a founder and CEO of telecommunications company Granite Telecommunications of Quincy, placed fifth on the list. Hes also a co-owner of the Boston Celtics and hes donated over $270 million to cancer research, educational institutions and other charities, according to Forbes.

This past spring, he unexpectedly gifted students at Bridgewater State University $1,000 in cash at a commencement ceremony.

Jim Davis and his family ranked number six in Massachusetts. Hes the chairman of New Balance and his net worth is valued at $5.2 billion.

Ranked number seven is Phillip Terry Ragon, the founder of software company InterSystems Corp. Its one of the largest healthtech companies in Massachusetts, and Ragons net worth is valued at $4.2 billion.

Tied in ranking and net worth is Alan Trefler, the founder and CEO of Pegasystems Inc. of Waltham.

Rounding out the list of nine richest people in Massachusetts is Amos Hostetter Jr., who made his fortune as a cable television pioneer in the 1990s, according to the Boston Business Journal.

He is the co-founder and trustee of the Barr Foundation and chairman and CEO of Pilot House Associates.

Hostetter co-founded Continental Cablevision and served as its chairman and CEO from 1980 to 1996, when it became the third-largest company in cable television. It sold for $11.8 billion in 1996 to U.S. West, according to the Boston Business Journal.

Read the full Forbes 400 list here.
Khaled Mahmoud, back from left, Fouad Ibrahim, Joel Fuller, Omar Alaeian, 13, and his father, Amer Alalean, play an English-as-a-second-language card game at the Welcoming Alliance for Refugee Ministry in West Springfield on Sept. 7. Volunteer Michael Crandall and Malachi Fuller, 9, sit facing away from the camera. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

WEST SPRINGFIELD  Kholoud Mahmoud and her husband and three children came to the U.S. in 2016 as refugees. They fled war in Syria and lived in a refugee camp in Jordan for several years before coming to the states, where they resettled in Westfield.

When Mahmoud arrived, she felt a little lost. One of the first people she met in the U.S. was Tricia Sayre, who was at the time collaborating with refugee resettlement agency Ascentria Care Alliance. The two didnt speak each others languages and relied on Google Translate to communicate, while Sayre helped Mahmoud with tasks like setting up her familys apartment and taking her to the store.

Shes our family here, Mahmoud said, sitting in her parents living room in Westfield with Sayre on a recent afternoon.

Khaled Mahmoud, from left, Hiba Awad, 2, Kholoud Mahmoud and Tricia Sayre sit on the couch in the Mahmouds' Westfield living room in August. The family came to the U.S. from Syria. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

Now, Mahmoud is helping refugees who are new to the area. She attends and helps translate at a weekly Arabic womens group that meets at the WARM Welcome Center, a new space that Sayre helps run in West Springfield.

Mahmoud enjoys connecting with the other women in the group.

You feel like they are part of the family  not just friends, she said.

Mother Kholoud Mahmoud hugs her 2-year-old daughter, Hiba Awad, as she cries. Kholouds sister, Nour Mahmoud, purple shirt, stands behind her and Kholouds 10-year-old son, Nour Awad, sits on the bench on Aug. 27. Nour is now a fluent English speaker and has an American accent. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

The Arabic womens group is one of several regular community gatherings for refugees held at the center. Run by the Welcoming Alliance for Refugee Ministry, the brick-and-mortar space on Main Street in West Springfield officially opened its doors in August.

It grew out of a church effort to support refugees in Western Massachusetts that formed several years ago when the group joined WARM, a nonprofit organization that began in Worcester a decade ago.

The new West Springfield center hosts regular groups, such as a therapeutic art group, an Arab womens group, an Afghan womens group, a mens group and an English practice group.

We just want to build relationships that are trusting, really loving and helping people to not feel alone  thats our biggest goal, said Jennifer Frye, WARMs executive director. And its the number one challenge that refugees struggle with  loneliness. That feeling, Where do I turn? I have this need. ... We want to be a trusted entity.

As federal funding cuts have forced some refugee resettlement groups to contract, Frye sees the organizations work as more important than ever to help fill in gaps to support refugees.

WARM is a Christian-run organization, but its not affiliated with a specific denomination. Most people that the group serves in Western Massachusetts come from a Muslim background, Frye said.

The religious element of the organization is that members are doing the work because they believe its what Jesus would have done, said Melissa Fuller, program coordinator at WARM in Western Massachusetts. Behind her on the wall of the center was a Bible quote: I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.

A vibrant community

A decade ago, Sayre began helping her friends neighbor, an Iraqi refugee. Resettlement agencies at the time were swamped, Sayre said.

More friends got involved, and word about their support spread to other newly arrived refugees, she said. The group taught new arrivals how to drive, helped them find work and started English-as-a-second-language classes at Sayres church, Westfield Evangelical Free Church.

We needed a way to expand this, because other people were saying  Wed love to help, too," Sayre said.

Thats when she connected with WARM, which at the time stood for Worcester Alliance for Refugee Ministry. The group had been working with refugees since 2016 in the city. Sayres group officially became part of WARM in 2021, and it changed its name to Welcoming Alliance for Refugee Ministry.

For the last few years, WARM has held group programs for refugees in Western Massachusetts, meeting in spaces like churches and parks, Frye said.

They wanted their own dedicated space and were drawn to West Springfield.

Theres a vibrant community of refugees there, Frye said.

The group had been working with people in the town already, Sayre said. Its been beautiful to look out the window and see people weve build relationships with and known for years walk by and wave, Sayre said.

The center has programs nearly every day. The groups arent new, but the space is. Its not like were going zero to 60 all (of a) sudden. Were going to 40 to 60, Frye said.

One of those programs met on a recent Sunday afternoon at the center. Amer Alalean and his 13-year-old son, Omar Alaeian, sat at a table of people playing a card game as part of a weekly mens group focused on games and English conversation.

Omar Alaeian, 13, helps his father, Amer Alalean translate and play an English-as-a-second-language card game at the Welcoming Alliance for Refugee Ministry in West Springfield on Sept. 7. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

The two came to the U.S. several years ago as refugees from Syria and now live in Chicopee. A friend introduced them to the center.

Theres a lot of talking, and we want to learn English, Amer Alalean said.

He and his son played a card game that prompts people to ask each other questions, converse and practice English. They sat at a folding table with several other refugees, including Khaled Mahmoud, Kholoud Mahmouds brother, and his father, Majeda Al Johnani, and some WARM volunteers.

The group talked and laughed as they snacked on dried fruit, pistachios, cashews and drank cups of Arabic coffee that smelled of cardamom.

The group has helped Al Johnani learn English, his son said. They both came to the U.S. last fall. The Sunday mens gathering helps break up his routine, Al Johnani said, speaking in Arabic with his family translating to English.

Melissa Fuller, Western Massachusetts program coordinator for WARM, said the new center is a place to not only learn English but to create a community. The photos on the wall are there as reminders of home for the refugees. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

Behind the game table is a space with warm-colored Persian rugs and floor cushions lining a wall. A large world map hangs on the wall, and the space has plants near the front window.

On the walls hang photographs of places the refugees have come from, including images of the Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan, a bazaar in Aleppo and a citadel in Iraq. Some of the photos were taken by the refugees, Sayre said.

The group wants it to feel like everyones living room, said Fuller. She is planning an upcoming playgroup for parents and their children, and shes excited for people to come build friendships. Kids dont need to speak the same language to play blocks and knock them over together, she said.

The group is funded largely by donations and fundraisers, and it is working on securing grants. On Nov. 7 at Bethany Assembly of God in Agawam, the nonprofit group is holding a dinner fundraiser. WARM doesnt get any government funding, Frye said, unlike refugee resettlement agencies.

We are not a resettlement agency, Frye said. We want to make sure people understand we dont have the same responsibilities as the resettlement agencies.

Those agencies provide basic needs upon for refugees arrival.

Since his inauguration, President Donald Trump suspended the refugee admission program. Thats now being battled in court. Federal funding cuts led to layoffs this spring at resettlement agencies in Western Massachusetts, including Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts and Ascentria. Catholic Charities Agency of Springfield lost $600,000 in federal funds to help it resettle refugees in Western Massachusetts, and it will no longer be doing resettlement work. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said in April it wont be renewing agreements with the federal government for refugee resettlement.

Those cuts have been a challenge for refugees and the people who serve them.

There was a lot of fear in January  a tremendous amount of fear in the community, Sayre said. A lot of conversation about how to prove your status, what to do when/if somebody came to your door.

Shes since seen that decrease. The people I spend the most time with currently, I dont see the same fear level that was existing back in the winter-springtime, she said.

Refugees in the U.S. have gone through extensive government vetting to be admitted, and after a year refugees must apply for a green card. The card shows that an immigrant has permanent legal status in the U.S.; its a must-have before newcomers become a naturalized citizen.

Frye said WARM has done trainings to prepare for the event that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement comes to their programs, even through refugees have gone through the lengthy legal process.

Because people have been picked up even though they have a green card, refugee status, TPS (temporary protected status), she said. We have to do everything we can to protect people and reassure them but to also not cause more fear.

Mahmoud Awad and his daughter, Hiba Awad, 2, sit on the couch in their family's Westfield living room on Aug. 27. The family came to the U.S. from Syria in 2016. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

Under the Trump administration, Mahmoud Awad, Kholoud Mahmouds husband, has noticed changes to his familys life. Hes seen the cost of living increase and worries about access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps. As the federal government cuts Medicaid spending, Kholoud Mahmoud worries about her familys access to MassHealth.

Khaled Mahmoud plays with his niece, Hiba Awad, 2. Hibas maternal grandfather sits on the couch with his daughter and Hibas aunt, Nour Mahmoud, standing with Hibas sister, Hanadi Awad, 15. The family came to the United States from Syria in 2016. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook

Despite the federal governments crackdown on immigration and cuts to refugee resettlement organizations, Mahmoud Awad and Kholoud Mahmoud dont feel like their neighbors are treating them differently. They felt welcomed by Westfield and the greater community, and continue to feel that way, they said. The center is part of that.

I have a lot of fun there, Kholoud Mahmoud said. It makes us feel welcome and not alone.
Chronic Pain Ireland launched its 2025 Pain Awareness Month campaign themed Beyond the Surface, focusing on the hidden struggles of chronic pain and the stigma that surrounds it.

Chronic pain  defined as pain lasting longer than three months  often arises from injury, illness, or unknown causes. It can affect anyone, at any age, and has wide-reaching impacts on mental health, mobility, work, relationships, and quality of life. Up to 1 in 3 people in Ireland live with chronic pain - an often invisible and misunderstood condition.

Twenty-five-year-old Chloe Grier from Claremorris says that her Chronic Illness diagnosis has caused her to suffer with a huge amount of pain.

 I was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia. This is a nerve condition that affects my face, causing quite severe shooting pain throughout my face and down the back of my neck. Its very random and uncontrolled. Its a really extreme amount of pain.

The pain is triggered by several different factors, which Chloe outlined: "One of the biggest triggers is stress. I notice that if I am stressed at work, it flares up quite badly. It can also be triggered strongly by even a breeze. It essentially feels like someone is pressing a hot iron on the side of my face."

While the pain Chloe suffered was taking a toll on her life, it took what she described as a lot of persistence with doctors to get diagnosed when I was about 23, eventually.

Chloe is now twenty-five years old and says the last two years have helped her finally put a label to what she has suffered with.

When I was first going to the GP reporting these symptoms, it was actually suspected relatively early on. However, I had to consistently keep going back into A&E with the same symptoms and the same attacks.

Chloe says the symptoms began affecting her everyday life.

I was taking a lot of time out of work and school. I couldnt meet up with my friends. I just could not do a lot with my life. I shut down for a while.

After a hard period, Chloe finally found some light at the end of the tunnel.

I am now under the care of a neurology team, who I meet with and regularly review my medication. Neurologists look at the root cause of the issue, and they know how to treat the issue and not the symptoms.

The twenty-five-year-old says working with a specialist helped her manage symptoms to get back to her everyday life.

Most GPs or A&E doctors treat the immediate issue. However, with a neurologist, they find the root cause and help you manage symptoms to get back to a much more normal life.

Thankfully, with things like Chronic Pain Ireland, there is much more of a push to further research. Looking into further treatment and further services for people with chronic pain. In general, theres a stigma around it.

Just because I am not walking around with a sign on my head that says I have chronic pain, it doesnt mean I am not suffering from it.

Throughout September, Chronic Pain Ireland will host free workshops and events to mark Pain Awareness Month. The public is invited to join the global campaign using the hashtag #PainAwarenessMonth and to learn how small acts of empathy can make a big difference.

Christina Donnelly, Executive Director of Chronic Pain Ireland, says that chronic pain bears a heavy load both physically and mentally to those diagnosed.

Chronic pain is a heavy burden, as often, pain is invisible. Stigma adds more weight to that burden, wearing you down, impacting your mental health and wellbeing. This campaign aims to bring that pain to the surface  to challenge and end pain stigma, to help promote understanding, and to call for a system that believes and supports people from the start.

To find out how you can support the campaign or to learn more about chronic pain, visit www.chronicpain.ie.

READ NEXT:Mayo arts festival returns for another year of events
Vaccine stocks fall after report claims Trump health officials may link COVID-19 shots to pediatric deaths.

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a move that could reshape U.S. immunization policy ().Pfizers shares slipped more than 3 percent, Moderna fell over 7 percent, and Novavax declined more than 4 percent, according to CNBC. The selloff followed The Washington Post report that theOfficials are expected to cite pediatric deaths flagged in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), () a federal database of self-reported potential vaccine side effects. However, the CDC has consistently cautioned that VAERS data cannot establish cause and effect.FDA Commissioner Marty Makary told CNN that federal investigators are reviewing autopsies and interviewing families but noted that the process will take months. Meanwhile, scientists warned that misinterpreting VAERS could spread misinformation. They are leveraging this platform to scare people, said Noel Brewer, a public health professor and former CDC adviser.CDC data presented in June showed at least 25 children died after Covid-related hospitalizations since July 2023, but none were fully vaccinated. Researchers argue this highlights the dangers of the virus, not the vaccines.TheTwo policy paths are reportedly under discussion: restricting vaccines primarily to those aged 75 and older, or limiting shots for younger adults without preexisting conditions.Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime vaccine critic, has already instructed officials to halt recommendations for healthy children. The outcome of the ACIP review could directly impact insurance coverage, physician recommendations, and public trust in vaccination.In a statement,Pfizer did not respond to requests for comment.Global research continues to show that mRNA vaccines remain safe, with myocarditis in young men identified as the only consistent rare side effect. Pediatrician Harleen Marwah, who reviewed recent safety data, noted: Studies since June have identified no new concerns.Source-Medindia
DEAR ABBY: Ive been married for 19 years to my second husband, Jack. Our children are grown. When we met, I was a business owner, and he was retired. He has had numerous medical issues and procedures, and I have always insured him on my health plans and been his advocate. We have always had separate bank accounts and a household account we equally contribute to. Jack has numerous CDs and funds that he manages. We do not commingle those funds. I have never asked for money from him and have always contributed to any of the household needs.

I still work full time and recently began receiving my Social Security, which Im banking for my retirement as I dont anticipate receiving any of Jacks money. Maybe I will, but I need to be proactive on my own behalf.

Jack is now seeing my increased income and wants me to contribute a larger portion of my salary to the household account. I dont think his expectation is fair or warranted. I do most of the household and yard chores since he has become limited in his ability and strength. Please advise. -- WORKING GAL IN WASHINGTON

DEAR WORKING GAL: The way you have described it, your marriage seems more like a business relationship than a partnership. If you are included in your husbands estate plans, you should know what they are. Because you dont know any details, and you may need those funds later, you should discuss this with YOUR financial adviser before putting any of your retirement money into the household account.

Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
A handful of nurdles found in 15-minutes of sifting at North Beach in South Haven, Mich. Wednesday, July 28, 2021. Nurdles are industrial plastic pellets used for making products. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com) Joel Bissell | MLive.com

LANSING, MI  The state of Michigan began testing a random assortment of rivers and streams for microplastics this year. Data from the first sampling round is being analyzed and quality-checked, but the preliminary results are not encouraging.

Basically, theyre finding it everywhere.

From an initial glance, I guess you could say that microplastics were pretty ubiquitous across our samples, said Eddie Kostelnik, an analyst in the emerging pollutions section at the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).

It didnt necessarily matter whether that stream was in a remote area, like in the U.P., or a more urban area or in an agricultural impacted area, he said. Were seeing microplastics across most of the rivers and streams that weve sampled so far.

In May, EGLE took its first stab at understanding the prevalence of microplastic in the states environment. Using a one-time $2 million appropriation in its fiscal 2025 budget, the agency will test 200 rivers and streams around Michigan between now and 2029.

The agencys increasing attention on microplastic comes amid mounting global concern with the ecological and public health risks of the tiny polymer fragments that enter the environment through breakdown of larger products, shedding from synthetic fabrics, intentional additives and leachates that wash through wastewater plants.

Microplastics are also on the radar of Democratic lawmakers in Lansing, whove proposed a package of bills that aim to reduce the overall use of some microplastics and better understand their occurrence in Michigan drinking systems and surface waters.

The legislation, which the Senate Natural Resources committee heard testimony on Tuesday, Sept. 9, would build upon EGLEs nascent sampling effort.

One of the bills, SB 505, would create a Part 151 under the state Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. It would direct EGLE to develop a strategic statewide research and monitoring plan, establish baseline concentrations in the Great Lakes and contract with academic researchers to assess microplastic occurrence and impacts.

Another bill, SB 504, would establish baseline concentrations in public water supplies and require quarterly monitoring and testing, with a detailed report due in 2031 that includes a recommended toxicity limit and preliminary risk assessment for public water supplies.

A third bill, SB 503, would ban products made with microbeads, a type of tiny plastic added to cosmetic products. The prohibition would close a gap on similar, but more limited existing federal ban on microbeads that only applies to rinse-off products.

Plastics are not inert and scientists know that they can cause cancer and affect our hormones, said Democratic Sen. Sue Shink, the committee chair. By creating a research and monitoring plan, Michigan can effectively respond to this pollutant.

Democratic Sen. Jeff Irwin of Ann Arbor, a bill sponsor, said the goal is to get our arms around this problem.

I didnt know about nurdles until I started working in this legislation, Irwin said, suggesting fellow lawmakers look up the word for industrial pre-production pellets that can be found in surprisingly high quantity on Great Lakes beaches.

Republicans on the committee asked questions about potential enforcement and how the legislation might impact agriculture but did not voice opposition. The bills do not currently have any bipartisan sponsors. The legislation drew support from environmental advocacy groups, but opposition in its current state from the chemical industry.

Marcus Branstad of the American Chemistry Council took issue with provisions that limit research partners to academic institutions, called the definition of microplastics overly broad and characterized timelines for implementation as too ambitious.

Requiring a safe limit for microplastics by 2031 is premature, he said. Standards should be tied to evidence of adverse health effects, not just picking a date six years down the road. Lessons from California show the complexities and costs of statewide monitoring.

Donna Kashian, an environmental science professor at Wayne State University who leads the International Association of Great Lakes Research and serves on the International Joint Commission (IJC)s Great Lakes Science Advisory Board, said new research is coming out monthly on the negative health effects of microplastics on humans and animals.

In November, the IJC released a report that found microplastics to be ubiquitous across water, sediment, biota and beaches in the Great Lakes basin. The report noted evidence of microplastic in Great Lakes drinking water sources and fish and found that some ambient water samples show concentrations that exceed existing risk thresholds.

More: Plastic pollution is worsening in the Great Lakes

The report urged harmonization of research and monitoring methods across governments and suggested designating microplastics as a chemical of mutual concern by the U.S. and Canadian governments.

In lakes and rivers, microplastics pose a risk to humans who eat fish because, plastics act like little carbon particles and they will attach to other contaminants like metals, PCBs and PFAS, Kashian said. When an organism goes to eat them, theyre getting a more clustered amount of these chemicals  a concentrated amount that theyre ingesting.

Elin Warn Betanzo, a former federal drinking water engineer and private consultant who played a pivotal role in helping expose the Flint water crisis, urged lawmakers to require water sampling at customer taps, not just at the water treatment plant.

Tap water monitoring is essential  especially in communities with plastic water mains, plastic service lines and plastic plumbing, she said. Sources of microplastics in our drinking water after the water leaves the treatment plant may include polyethylene PVC, HDPE and PEX pipes that are becoming more and more popular.

We need to know not only what is in our source water and what passes through our water treatment plants, but also what contaminants may increase once water travels through plastic pipes to residence taps, Betanzo said.

In the meantime, EGLEs sampling effort is collecting a second round of water samples this month and will grab a third in November.

Megan Nakoneczny, a field researcher with Great Lakes Environmental Center (GLEC) takes water chemistry samples near Nashville, Mich., July 9, 2025. The stream was being tested for a variety of contaminates through the Michigan EGLE water chemistry monitoring program. Garret Ellison

The agency folded microplastics to an existing water chemistry monitoring program that grabs water samples from 50 randomly selected sites three times a year and analyses them for a variety of contaminants, including pesticides and PFAS.

Kostelnik said EGLE is already working across divisions and programs to develop a more holistic strategy around microplastics. The agency is looking at procedures developed in California, as well as strategies developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

But theres not a ton of information out there at this point, he said. There is going to be a good amount of building of whats best for Michigan and the waters of the state.
Manessa Cotton, a native of Eastpointe, participated in a celebration for her late husband and avid Detroit Lions tailgater, Marvin, who passed away in May. Photo credti: Kory Woods/MLive

DETROIT -- Per usual, the tailgate scene at Detroits Eastern Market on Sunday was lively and energetic as Lions fans geared up for the home opener at Ford Field against the Chicago Bears.

Among the many setups at the popular location was a bittersweet moment of solidarity.

Near Shed 3 on Russell Street, a group of Lions fans gathered for a pregame toast to honor The Governor, Marvin Cotton, a well-known tailgater in the community who passed away in May.

Cotton, a diehard Lions fan and cancer survivor from Eastpointe, was on one of his frequent trips to Aruba with his wife, Manessa -- a trip he insisted on taking, telling her, This might be my last time going to Aruba.

Sadly, he was right.

Marvin fell ill during the trip, prompting Manessa to cut it short and return to Michigan.

We used to stay 10 days, but this time I said, Were not going to stay that long. Well stay seven, Manessa told MLive. He didnt even last seven days. He got sick on the fourth day. The fifth day, I said, Okay, we are going back to Michigan.

Hes like, No, I dont want to go. I want to stay. I said, No, because its going to take me too, but Ill take you to the hospital in Aruba. I might not ever get you back to Michigan.

Upon their return, Manessa rushed him to the emergency room at Beaumont Hospital (now Corewell Health) in Royal Oak, where he died that night -- not from cancer, but from double pneumonia. Doctors told her at the time that he was still cancer-free.

At Sundays tailgate, a banner displayed photos honoring Marvin, who was widely known as the life of the party at Eastern Market.

He was the (tailgate) DJ, Manessa said. You see, they have the pictures of every time he was out here. He had the Lions gear on. (He) loved the Lions. So yeah, its a big loss to not only me, but to my family, my girls, and his grandkids. We take it one day at a time.

He kept (the party) going. He did the (TV) screen, he did the whole nine yards. This (tribute) was beautiful Im all about family, and these people have been family to us for so long. Their family, my family, everybody elses family. As you can see, we join in and we just have a good time.

Wearing Lions apparel, Manessa said she is absolutely hoping the team pulls out a victory -- for themselves and for Marvin -- to move to 1-1. When asked for her prediction, she smiled and didnt hesitate.

Oooh, Im coming in at 24-6.
Canadian actress Nina Dobrev (L) and US former snowboarder Shaun White attend the Vanity Fair Oscars Party at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California, on March 10, 2024. (Photo by Michael TRAN / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images

Olympic snowboarder Shaun White and actress Nina Dobrev have called off their engagement. Sources are describing the high-profile split as a mutual decision.

An insider close to the couple told PEOPLE, It was a mutual decision, and wasnt an easy one, but it was made with love and a deep respect for one another.

Observant fans had noticed the couples absence from each others social media accounts in recent months. According to PEOPLE, Dobrev attended the Toronto International Film Festival alone on Sept. 7, which intensified speculation about their relationship status.

White, 39, is a three-time Olympic champion snowboarder. Dobrev, 36, an actress, is known for her starring role in The Vampire Diaries, the Associated Press said.

The romance started in 2019 after meeting at a Tony Robbins seminar in Florida. At the event, the two ended up in the same discussion group, according to Parade. Their relationship progressed quickly, with the couple moving in together during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic.

White proposed to Dobrev in October 2024. She announced their engagement on Instagram with the caption RIP boyfriend, hello fiance.

They shared pictures on social media of their travels together and seemed to publicly support the others career.

White announced his retirement from snowboarding after the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. At that time, he credited Dobrev for helping him craft his plans for retirement, the AP said.

Generative AI was used to produce an initial draft of this story. It was reviewed, edited and expanded by MLive staff.
A photo at the University of Michigan-Flint is shown in this MLive file photo. The university's enrollment recently surpassed 7,000 students for the first time since 2019. Zachary Clingenpeel | ZClingenpeel@mlive.com

GENESEE COUNTY, MI  The University of Michigan-Flints enrollment has surpassed 7,000 students for the first time in more than half a decade, marking yet another year of growth for the school.

Meanwhile, a Flint City Council member facing assault and domestic violence charges returned to the councils chambers last week for the first time since his arrest.

Learn more about these stories and other Flint-area news with these headlines from the past week:

UM-Flint enrollment tops 7,000 students for first time since 2019

The University of Michigan-Flint recently hit a major enrollment milestone after seeing an increase in enrollment of more than 9%, accounting for a total of 595 additional students.

As it enters the fall 2025 semester, the university has a total enrollment of 7,124, marking the first time this number has been higher than 7,000 since 2019.

The increase is the latest for the university, which has seen its enrollment increase steadily in the last three years.

Read the full story here.

Police sergeants get new contract in Flint, but council support for food market falls short

The Flint City Council approved a new contract with police departments in Flint during its Sept. 8 meeting, which is expected to cost the city more than $46,000.

However, during the same meeting, a proposal for the city to make a contribution to the North Flint Food Market failed to receive enough votes from council members. The new grocery co-op is expected to open later this year.

Read the full story here.

Flint councilman attends first meeting since domestic violence arrest

Despite facing assault and domestic violence charges, Flint City Council member Leon El-Alamin indicated he intends to complete the remainder of his term during the first council meeting he has attended since his arrest in July.

During the Sept. 8 meeting, El-Alamin received criticism from multiple residents, including some who said they have been traumatized by domestic violence themselves.

El-Alamin was arraigned on felony assault and misdemeanor domestic violence charges in July.

Read the full story here.

Flint couple wants to honor sit-down strikers at new restaurant

A husband and wife plan to open a new pizzeria in downtown Flint that will pay homage to the autoworkers who took part in the Flint-Sit-Down Strike in 1936.

Ted Van Steyn and Emily Feuerherm plan to open the restaurant, the Sit-Down Tap Room, in an old brick house on South Grand Traverse Street.

Plans for the restaurant currently include 1930s-inspired decor as well as photos from the strike, photos of prominent labor movement figures, and family photos.

Read the full story here.

Man accused of killing woman at her Flushing home referred for competency evaluation

The man facing first-degree murder and armed robbery charges in connection with the death of a 71-year-old woman in Flushing will undergo a competency evaluation.

48-year-old David Randall Cocking is accused of killing the woman, who was found dead in her home by police in July.

The Genesee District Court is expected to review the results of the evaluation later this month.

Read the full story here.

UM-Flint to host Constitution Day event on immigrant rights

The University of Michigan-Flint is set to host a Constitution Day event featuring a panel that will include speakers from the Flint Alliance for Immigrant Rights (FAIR), which has been critical of recent federal deportation efforts.

The event will focus on immigrant rights and protections, and it will be held in the University Centers Happenings Room on Tuesday, Sept. 17, which marks the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution.

Read the full story here.

Second former Flint Housing Commission executive claims firing tied to discovery of misconduct

A second former Flint Housing Commission executive has joined a wrongful termination lawsuit filed against the commission in U.S. District Court.

Faten Latimer, the former director of asset management and human resources for the Flint Housing Commission, claims she was fired because she reported alleged misconduct by a member of the Flint Housing Board of Commissioners.

The wrongful termination lawsuit was filed by former Flint Housing Commission Executive Director Harold Ince Jr.

Read the full story here.

Man who killed Genesee County woman in front of son gets 25-year sentence

A Genesee County man has been sentenced to serve 25-50 years in prison after being found guilty of killing 36-year-old Amber Faith Wicker in front of his 3-year-old son.

Wicker was shot and killed in Flint in January 2024.

33-year-old Trenard Powell was sentenced in Genesee County Circuit Court last month after being found guilty of multiple charges related to Wickers death, including second-degree murder and first-degree child abuse.

Read the full story here.

Flint schools begin 2025 year with smiles and optimism

Flint Community Schools recently kicked off its 2025 school year as district leaders and staff focus on several key goals, including academic progress, student well-being, and improving literacy among students.

Superintendent Kevelin Jones said the district is excited to start the new school year and noted that he is looking forward to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Brownell-Holmes STEM Academy Campus, which is set to take place this month.

Read the full story here.

MLK-inspired theme drives Flint NAACPs Freedom Fund Gala

The Flint Branch NAACP is preparing for its 43rd Annual Freedom Fund Gala and Dinner, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 20.

The theme of this years event, The Fierce Urgency of Now!, is inspired by civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The president of the Detroit Branch NAACP and a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors, Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, will deliver the events keynote address.

Read the full story here.

Voters in Montrose Township being asked to renew millage for police operations

Voters in Montrose Township will decide on the proposed millage renewal that would generate more than $500,000 annually for the townships police department.

The proposal will be included on ballots in the Nov. 4 election, and if approved, the millage would support police operations from 2027 through 2031.

The renewed millage would be levied against real and personal property.

Read the full story here.

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MLive file photo of Brewery Vivant on Cherry Street in the East Hills Business District. MLive.com

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Fifteen years ago, a historic chapel in Grand Rapids East Hills neighborhood transformed into something unexpected: a brewery.

Now, Brewery Vivant & Spirits is celebrating that milestone with a free, all-day block party-style festival from 19 p.m. on Saturday, September 13.

The Community Jamboree Festival will transform Brewery Vivant & Spirits parking lot at 925 Cherry St. SE into a hub of music, food, games and local flavor this month.

Unlike traditional beer festivals, this one is designed for all ages.

The first half of the day (1-5 p.m.) is family-focused, complete with a local artist market, food trucks, pretzels, ice cream cones, kid-friendly slushies, and oversized yard games  including a giant cornhole set.

Being part of the East Hills community has been in our DNA since day one, said Brewery Vivant co-founder Kris Spaulding. Thats why were making this years event free. We know times are difficult for many families, so we wanted to make sure anyone can come out and celebrate with us.

As the sun sets, the energy shifts: live music kicks off at 5 p.m., showcasing three bands made up entirely of brewery staff and longtime patrons: Dr. 4Ward & the Hosts, Green Acres and Cheap Emotion.

Beyond the festival, Vivant has big plans for the entire year, including new menus, a newly-launched phone app with exclusive perks, and monthly announcements as part of its 15-year celebration.

Weve got a few tricks up our sleeve, said co-founder and CEO Jason Spaulding.

The Jamboree is co-sponsored by Uptown Grand Rapids, which champions the citys walkable neighborhoods.

Events like this showcase what makes Grand Rapids so special, said Ingrid Miller, executive director of Uptown GR. East Hills, Eastown, East Fulton, Wealthy Street  our locally-owned shops and restaurants are the heartbeat of this city.

Admission to the festival is free. Food, drinks and treats will be available for purchase.
A bicycle next to a bench in Kalamazoo on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. Police are working to catch bike thieves in the act in Kalamazoo. (Brad Devereaux | bdevereamlive.com)

KALAMAZOO, MI  Thinking of stealing a bike? Someone with a badge may be watching from above.

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is catching thieves in the act by placing out a bait bike (sometimes a high-end carbon fiber model) and arresting them when they ride away.

MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette used the Freedom of Information Act to obtain police reports for 11 such incidents this year. Police set the bait and people would hop on the bike, falling for the trap.

The bait bike program came after steady reports of theft to police, Sgt. Brendan Westrick said.

The community has felt that frustration, he said, and the thefts bothered him, too.

As an officer, I want to get peoples property back and hold someone accountable, but without witnesses or clear evidence those cases were tough to solve, he said.

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is catching thieves in the act by placing a bait bike out. Pictured is a KDPS car parked downtown. (Brad Devereaux | MLive.com) (Brad Devereaux | bdeverea@mlive.com)

The baiting operation began in April in response to significant number of bike theft reports in areas including downtown and the Vine, the police report says.

Police used overhead surveillance cameras  part of the Fusus surveillance network  to monitor the bikes, which were also equipped with tracking devices.

If people were going to steal, let them take our bike instead, Westrick said.

Police reports describe the thieves pedaling away, prompting an officer to respond.

Later, the halted riders offered explanations as to why they thought the bike was fair game or belonged to them.

On May 13, Prentice Green told police he knew the bike was possibly a sting.

However, since it may not have been a sting, he stole it.

Green admitted to being a bike thief and stated that officers should not be attempting to catch people for bike thefts, the police report states. He pleaded guilty to larceny of under $200.

Police use the term bait bike when describing the operation in police reports.

Herss a list of the bait bike operations and where the bike was:

April 20, South Kalamazoo Mall at seal statue

April 20, South Kalamazoo Mall bike rack

May 2, Shell gas station, Westnedge Avenue and Crosstown Parkway

May 12, South Kalamazoo Mall

May 12, Shell gas station

May 13, Shell gas station

May 13, Shell gas station

June 16, Shell gas station

June 20, Shell gas station

June 24, Shell gas station

Aug. 3, Shell gas station

Police used different bikes, moving to a more expensive bike in the later cases.

A June 16 police report states KDPS used a bicycle valued around $3,000  a lure that was irresistible to one offender.

Because the bike was valued over $1,000, police requested a felony charge be issued. But the June 16 offender was actually charged with larceny of less than $200.

He pleaded guilty and spent a month in jail for taking the F15x bike, given a sentence for time he had already served.

The same bike model number was used on June 16 and June 20. Police estimated its value at $850 the second time and subsequent times it was used.

Several people were charged with larceny of less than $200.

One of the police reports clarifies the value of the high-end bike.

The bike is a Felt F15x, a carbon fiber racing bike, originally valued at $2,800. The bike is worth about $850 after depreciation, KDPS said.

KDPS declined to release a photo of the bait bike to keep it private for future operations, Public Information Officer Zach Hamelton said.

The bike was placed close to the front entrance of the gas station store, propped up, a police report says. All of the thefts happened late at night or in the early morning, police said.

Police said it was positioned to make it appear someone left it outside while they went in.

The cases are in different stages as they go through court.

In one of the cases, the offender pleaded guilty and was sentenced to pay $275.

From the start it worked, Westrick said, giving police clear evidence for charges.

Over time word has spread, Westrick said. These days I sometimes watch people eye the bike, check it over, and then walk away.

That is exactly what we want. If someone thinks twice about stealing from us, maybe they will think twice about stealing from their neighbors too, he said.

Fear of theft

Milwood neighborhood resident Jonathan Morgan purchased a bike for his wife to ride around the neighborhood.

It was saddening to find it had been stolen earlier this year, Morgan said.

More recently, there have been some egregious bike thefts in Milwood, including in the daylight hours, he said.

He also had a high-end vintage 1980s touring bicycle, worth maybe $500, stolen this year.

It was found totally dismantled on the railroad tracks, he said. Only the frame was left, but it was returned to me by a couple of homeless guys who knew me and had kept an eye out for it.

It would be nice if residents could live without constant fear of their belongings being taken, he said.

Sometimes, you just want to lay the bike against the house or by the shed for a little while and go inside and not worry about it, he said.

With a bait bike in play, police are hoping word will get round and bike thieves will have to worry.

Morgan said he imagines the operation would have both negative and positive aspects, noting how it might impact homeless people and young people the most.

He wonders if there will be long-lasting impacts, or not.

How far-reaching will the impacts be once the program is done and completed? Morgan said. Sure, word may get around the neighborhood that theres a bait bike program, but I dont believe that the effects will be long-lasting.

Another woman, Diamond Sawyer, said her bike was stolen on the citys north side and she would be in support of a program using a bait bike.

Sawyer watched video from her front porch security camera and saw someone take the bike before 7 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11.

She made a police report.

Shes missing the bike.

I would take spontaneous bike rides with my fiance to get food and ice cream as well as taking my little nephew on bikes rides around the block but sadly now we cant do any of those things, Sawyer said.

The term bait bike is sometimes used to describe online prank videos, in which people will be enticed to ride away on an unguarded bike, getting injured as they ride away. These bikes are sometimes attached to a rope, causing a crash.

This was not the case in the KDPS operation, as riders were uninjured.

Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark MLives local Kalamazoo news page.
MUSKEGON, MI -- A sea of green, orange and tartan flooded downtown Muskegon this week.

The Michigan Irish Music Festival returned to West Michigan on Saturday, Sept. 13, at Heritage Landing in Muskegon.

The four-day festival incorporated dozens of performers, workshops and vendors, allowing Michiganders to interact with ancient Irish culture and traditions in modern ways.

Between sets, festivalgoers couldve learned Gaelic, tried their hand at hurling, or learned more about the countrys history.

The Michigan Hurling Club teaches festival goers about the native Gaelic game during the Michigan Irish Music Festival on Saturday, September 13, 2025 in Muskegon, Mich. Chloe Trofatter | MLive.com

In the last few years, the festival has added Grafton Street, a stage primarily reserved for contemporary performers.

Thats not your mom and dads Irish music, said Colin Eden, assistant director of the festival.

The headlining act of Grafton Street on Saturday was Ally the Piper. Ally uses her bagpipes and other Celtic instruments to cover songs from movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean and popular bands like Dropkick Murphys.

The festival also serves as a connecting point between Michigans Irish community and Ireland itself.

Through vendors, Irish Michiganders can learn the history of their last name or visit the Irish consulate to forge a connection back to the island.

Running for 26 years, the festival has become a staple of Muskegons fall calendar.

Crowd sizes have remained consistent, but Eden has found that theyve had more staying power in recent years. People are staying longer and seeing, hearing and trying more.

The festival looks to continue to build from year to year. Last year, it updated its logo for the first time in over a decade. Next year, it hopes to partner with local running groups to institute a festival 5K.

Reverie Road performs during the Michigan Irish Music Festival on Saturday, September 13, 2025 in Muskegon, Mich. Chloe Trofatter | MLive.com

Regardless of changes, the festival remains a nonprofit at its core.

Profits made over the course of the weekend are donated to food pantries across Muskegon County.

People are having a good time, but every dollar that is able to be passed along gets passed along, Eden said.

The Michigan Irish Music Festivals final day is Sunday, Sept. 14. For a detailed schedule and ticket information for the final day, visit the festival website at MichiganIrish.org.

See the full gallery above or click here.
A recycling can is emptied into a truck along N. Trumbull Street in Bay City, Mich. on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025. Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com

BAY CITY, MI  An armored bounty hunter has been charged with waiving a gun at customers inside a Bay City bar.

Meanwhile, the city issued more trash cart citations in one day last month than it did in the past three years combined.

Those stories and more are included below in this weeks roundup of headlines you may have missed.

Armored bounty hunter charged with waving gun at customers at Bay Citys Bell Bar

A self-described bounty hunter is facing criminal charges after allegedly donning body armor and brandishing a handgun at a bar in Bay Citys South End.

About 2:15 a.m. on Aug. 31, police went to the Bell Bar, 1314 Columbus Ave., for a report of a man waving a handgun around.

While officers were en route, dispatchers advised them the suspect had fled the scene in a white pickup truck.

Read the full story here.

Bay City issued more trash fines in 1 day than the previous 3 years. Then it threw them away.

After issuing more citations for trash cart violations in one day last month than it had in the past three years combined, Bay City will amend its ordinance relating to residents who leave their sanitation carts at the road for too long.

Bay City Manager Dana Muscott said Monday, Sept. 8, that after a public outcry over $200 fines for residents who left sanitation carts at the road after 8 a.m. the day following refuse pickup, city officials waived the fines and plan to amend the ordinance moving forward.

There is going to be some changes coming out regarding the sanitation carts, she said. So, more to come on that we are going to see (such as) some ordinance changes and some fee schedule changes.

Read the full story here.

Saginaw man charged in Bay City fatal shooting advances to trial despite conflicting testimony

A Saginaw man accused of fatally shooting a Bay City man outside a South End bar in a robbery gone wrong is a step closer to facing a jury, despite some contentious courtroom testimony.

The preliminary examination of 33-year-old Shawn D. Meredith Jr. resumed the morning of Monday, Sept. 8, before Bay County District Judge Timothy J. Kelly. Meredith is accused of fatally shooting Kane E. Crockett, 28-year-old father of one son, at the intersection of 18th and South Sherman streets in Bay City in the early hours of March 15. Hes charged with felony murder, armed robbery, felony firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, and felon in possession of a firearm.

Emmanuel Gatewood, Crocketts friend and coworker, retook the witness stand after testifying when the hearing began on Aug. 27. At that time, the friend said he, Crockett, and a third friend had patronized 11:11 Bar & Grill, 615 S. Farragut St., where they had drinks and played pool. He and the other friend testified Meredith approached them as they left the bar and asked for money. Meredith began digging through Crocketts pockets, prompting Crockett to shove him away, the witnesses testified.

Read the full story here.

Bay City police catching flak for Flock Safety Facebook posts

The citys public safety department has been criticized in recent days for posts it has made on its Facebook page encouraging residents to call their commissioners and urge them to support a contract with a private company for the use of license plate reading cameras.

Officials with the Bay City Department of Public Safety Facebook page made posts on Sept. 4, Sept. 8 and Sept. 9 promoting Flock Safety, a private company that contracts with police agencies across the country for use of its license plate-reading cameras.

Each post has been met with criticism, with many comments chastising the public safety department for considering the use of such technology as well as using the departments city-branded social media account to promote the technology.

Read the full story here.

Michael Bacigalupo to appear before judge in federal fraud case

The former executive director of Bay Citys historic State Theatre is scheduled to appear before a federal judge for the first time later this month.

Michael Bacigalupo is charged with a single felony count of fraud in connection with what has been described in federal documents as orchestrating a fraudulent scheme.

Federal court records show that Bacigalupo, who has not had an appearance before a judge on the matter, has been scheduled for an initial appearance and plea hearing before Magistrate Judge Patricia T. Morris at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23.

Read the full story here.

See how your Bay County school scored in 2025 M-STEP, SAT/PSAT tests

The Michigan Department of Education recently released the latest results of state-standardized tests taken last spring.

The results show how Bay County students fared in the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress, or M-STEP, as well as the SAT, or the Scholastic Aptitude Test, and its pretest.

According to the data, 11th grade students at Bay City Central High School had proficiency scores of 29.8% and 18.9% in social studies and science, respectively.

Read the full story here.

Mark Zanotti sworn in as Bay Citys new 5th Ward commissioner

The citys newest commissioner has been sworn in, bringing the governing body to eight members.

Mark T. Zanotti was sworn in as Bay Citys new 5th Ward commissioner at the Monday, Sept. 8, meeting. He was appointed at a special meeting on Aug. 25.

Zanottis swearing in means the commission is one member shy of being at capacity with nine members. The lone vacancy now is the citys 3rd Ward seat, which was vacated when former commissioner Andrea Burney-Obershaw resigned last month.

Read the full story here.

Bay County Library System names Kirsten Wellnitz as new director

The Bay County Library System has announced Kirsten Wellnitz as its new director.

A lifelong Great Lakes Bay Region resident, Wellnitz replaces longtime director Trish Burns, who retired.

Wellnitz has more than 22 years of library experience. She served the Bay County Library System in multiple leadership capacities in the past 15 years. Wellnitz has managed each of the library systems four branches and the bookmobile.

Read the full story here.
(Photo of Gavin Adcock by Joshua Applegate/Getty Images; Photo of Zach Bryan by Taylor Hill/Getty Images for ABA) Joshua Applegate/Getty Images; Taylor Hill/Getty Images for ABA

Country music star Zach Bryan tried to climb a barbed wire fence during a tense confrontation with another musician at a music festival in Oklahoma.

Footage of the initial argument between Bryan and Gavin Adcock at the Born & Raised Festival in Pryor was shared to Instagram by Adcock with the caption Eat a Snickers bro.

In the clip, Bryan, 29, and Adcock, 26 can be seen confronting each other while standing on different sides of a wire fence at the event.

Hey, do you want to fight like a man? Come open the gate, Bryan says to Adcock before forcibly pushing the fence in Adcocks direction.

In another video of the incident, posted on Facebook, Bryan is captured trying to hop over the fence, but he is held back by security.

Bryan, a rising star known for hits like Something in the Orange, I Remember Everything, Pink Skies and more has been recognized with several awards including an Academy Award of Country Music Award, a Grammy Award and four Billboard Music Awards.

He has sold more than 30 million albums and singles, according to the Recording Industry Association of America.

Adcock is known for his breakout hit, A Cigarette.

The incident appears to be the continuation of an ongoing feud between Bryan and Adcock that began when the two traded social media barbs over an interaction Bryan had with a young fan in July.

Adcock also accused Bryan of being fake, referencing a a big mask he puts on for the public.

Regardless, the footage shows that relations between the two havent improved since the summer.
The Monkees star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (Photo by AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) GC Images

Bobby Hart, a songwriting dynamo who partnered with Tommy Boyce to write iconic hits for The Monkees has died, the band announced.

He was 86.

Hart had been in poor health since breaking his hip last year and died at his home in Los Angeles, his longtime friend Glenn Ballantyne told the Associated Press.

Boyce and Hart were a well-known writing team in the mid-1960s, especially for the Monkees, the made-for-television group promoted by Don Kirshner that went on to become one of the decades biggest chart-toppers with tracks like Daydream Believer."

The duo wrote hits like I Wanna Be Free, their first No. 1 hit, Last Train to Clarksville, and the iconic Monkees theme.

Another great is gone, the Monkees Micky Dolenz wrote. His talent, humor, and calmness amidst chaos brought peace to those around himthe eye of the hurricane. Rest in peace, Bobby.

While working with The Monkees, Boyce and Hart embarked on a successful career as recording artists, releasing three albums on A&M Records. They also appeared in iconic sitcoms such as I Dream of Jeannie and Bewitched.

Boyce, who died in 1994, and Hart were the subjects of a 2014 documentary The Guys Who Wrote Em.

Its interesting and gratifying to look back these many years later and see that the Monkees are still with us, and theyre still being played somewhere... Hart once said.

The records themselves have been staples...theyll have a life of their own thatll probably far outlast mine.
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)

LANSING, MI  Michigan Republicans plan to host a rally at the State Capitol to pay homage to prominent conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.

Kirk was shot and killed while speaking during a debate hosted by his organization, Turning Point USA, Wednesday, Sept. 10, at Utah Valley University. He was 31.

Authorities arrested the suspected sniper Thursday night, Sept. 11.

The loss of Charlie Kirk  one of the fiercest, most unrelenting defenders of our freedomshas left many of us prostrate with grief, Jim Runestad, chairman of the Michigan Republican Party, said in a statement. In his honor, we will not sit idle.

Michigan Republicans are planning a rally at 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, on the Capitols east lawn and steps, 100 S. Capitol Ave. in Lansing.

Come hear leaders and allies from across Michigan as we lift our voices for Charlies cause and vow that his passion, his action, and his vision for America will not die with him, Runestads statement continued.

Kirk and his organization are credited with helping energize and mobilize young conservatives, especially boosting youth support for President Donald Trump and the Make America Great Again movement.

The shooting occurred Wednesday as Kirk was speaking at a debate on Utah Valley Universitys campus. The alleged assailant, 22-year-old Utah resident Tyler Robinson, fired a single shot from a distant rooftop, striking Kirk in the neck.

Politicians from both major parties immediately condemned the political assassination.

After Kirks death, Trump announced he would posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
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The 2025 WNBA playoffs are officially here.

The top-seeded Minnesota Lynx will host the No. 8 Golden State Valkyries today in the first game of the best-of-three, first-round series. Fans can catch the action on ESPN, with streaming available via Fubo, Sling and DirecTV.

Streaming Options

Streaming Options Price/Month Free Trial Deal Fubo $84.99 Yes $30 off the first month Sling $45.99 N/A N/A DirecTV $89.99 Yes $35 off the first month

The Lynx have dominated the league all season long, finishing the regular season with a 34-10 record and securing the No. 1 playoff seed. Napheesa Collier, who leads the team with an average of 22.9 points per game, has been a leader for Minnesota all season long and has certainly made her case for MVP. She missed some time in August with a sprained ankle but returned to the court at the end of the month and is ready to go for the playoffs.

The Valkyries secured the final playoff spot in just their first season as a WNBA franchise. Golden State lost star forward Kayla Thornton earlier this season to injury but have been able to maintain a playoff spot. Veronica Burton leads the current roster, having averaged 11.9 points per game in the regular season.

Following todays game, the series will move to San Francisco on Wednesday for Game 2.

WNBA PLAYOFFS

No. 1 Minnesota Lynx (0-0) vs. No. 8 Golden State Valkyries (0-0)

When: Sunday, Sept. 14

Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minn.

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Channel: ESPN
ANN ARBOR, Mich.  Sherrone Moore may have not been on the sideline to watch it play out, but Michigan made sure to send its head coach a strong message on Saturday.

Not only did the Wolverines uncork freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, it routed Central Michigan, 63-3, to conclude non-conference play and begin Moores suspension.

Facing a two-game ban related to the NCAA probe into sign stealing, Moore is barred from coaching the Wolverines for the next seven days, a stretch that includes Michigans Big Ten opener next Saturday, Sept. 20, at Nebraska.

Veteran Michigan staffer Biff Poggi, tabbed as Moores replacement, called Saturdays game an odd day and heartbreaking for me.

We were texting last night, just about how much he loves me and I love him, Poggi said. It was a really hard week in our building; a really hard and emotional week. And I think what people that care realize, football is a game about relationships. And his players love him like you wouldnt believe.

Michigan responded with touchdowns on four of its first five drives on Saturday, then answered a CMU field goal with a fifth touchdown before halftime. Underwood (114 yards, 2 TDs) and the Wolverines rushing attack were a big reason why, grinding away at an overmatched CMU team that could not keep up.

By the end of the game, the Wolverines had amassed 616 yards of offense, the most since Michigan hit 660 yards in a 2016 win over Maryland.

Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) celebrates his first career rushing touchdown as Michigan hosts Central Michigan University at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025. Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

You saw a love letter from 120 young men to their football coach today, Poggi said.

Michigans acting head coach and its players described an emotional Friday evening, not unusual for a moment involving Moore, whos perhaps still best known for his tearful, on-camera interview following Michigans 2023 win at Penn State.

With the team settled into its hotel and together for dinner, Moore, in one last moment with the team, encouraged his players to play for the name on the back of the jersey and school, not him. Hed be watching from his home and return soon enough. As soon as he walked out the door, I said, We love him, we all work for him, but were not listening to that, Poggi said.

Thats why we came to Michigan; to play for a guy that has the passion he does for this program, sophomore running back Jordan Marshall said. It means something when you step out there and your head coach isnt out there. Just the desire and fire to play for him, for his family, because he would do anything to be out there with us this week and next week.

Michigan will move forward next week with Poggi, a 65-year-old former hedge fund manager and high school and college coach whos on his third stint with the Wolverines, a run that began in 2016 under Jim Harbaugh and resumed this fall under Moore.

And while Moore had options on his staff, he moved to elevate Poggi, at least in part, to avoid any further disruption among the staff. As he said it, the coordinators could still maintain their focus coming up with a game plan and assistants would be allowed to still coach, leaving Poggi to steer the ship.

Now comes the hard part: Hitting the road to open Big Ten play against Nebraska, another young team with a talented quarterback and something to prove next Saturday.

This was all about Sherrone Moore  and its going to stay about Sherrone Moore, Poggi said. Im going to try and do everything as I think he would do it, because the players are used to that. And I will say this to you: Ive been around a lot of coaches, a lot of really good coaches, and Sherrones a young superstar.
MC Education Desk Read the latest and trending news on CBSE, board exams, NEET, JEE, CUET, competitive exams, scholarships, college admissions, education policies, and more.

Saurav Pandey

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Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra stopped working together due to their speculated relationship, claims veteran journalist Pooja Samant

In a podcast with Hindi Rush, veteran journalist Pooja Samant spoke about the alleged closeness between Priyanka Chopra and Akshay Kumar and what went wrong.

M Snehanjali

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Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui is ready to take audiences on yet another cinematic adventure. He will lead the directorial debut of action choreographer Ravi Varma, titled Blind Babu. Nawaz's exciting upcoming films, which promises a wide range of genres, compelling stories, and memorable characters, has grown even more with the official announcement of the black comedy.
Lakshmi Manchu lauds friend Allu Arjun as he cheers for her new film Daksha, calls him 'blessing in disguise'

Lakshmi then took to her Instagram to express her gratitude to the Pushpa actor for being a good friend.

M Snehanjali

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Tamil actor Shalini celebrates divorce with viral photoshoot with empowering message, writes "Its okay to leave a bad marriage"

Gayatri Rani

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The Great Indian Kapil Show: Mirais Shriya Saran reveals meeting her husband Andrei accidentally after booking the wrong flight

Shriya Saran shared a funny anecdote about how she met her husband Andrei Koscheev after accidentally missing a flight to the Maldives.

M Snehanjali

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101Reporters

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Besides JV route, NTPC looking to set up nuclear projects on standalone basis: CMD Gurdeep Singh

At present, the installed capacity of NTPC Group is 82,926 MW (53 NTPC-owned stations and 53 joint venture/subsidiary stations), from sources like coal, liquid fuel, hydro and solar.

101Reporters

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Aishwarya Dabhade

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With more mines set to commence, this loss will multiply, discouraging participation in upcoming auctions, the association claimed.

Aishwarya Dabhade

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On the mission, he suggested that the plan can be rolled out in phases.

Aishwarya Dabhade

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According to Kpler, Russia remains India's largest crude supplier, accounting for over one-third of total imports.

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Punjab faced one of its worst flood disasters in decades

101Reporters

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'EC should have probed LoP Rahul Gandhi's vote theft allegations instead of shouting at him': Ex-CEC SY Quraishi

Rewati Karan

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'Hindi should be language of science, technology, justice and police': Amit Shah

Insisting that children must learn in their native tongues, the Union minister remarked, This is very important for the child's future, as many psychologists and educationists have confirmed that a child thinks in his mother tongue."

Rewati Karan

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Ria Kapoor

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My brain is worth Rs 200 crore: Nitin Gadkari says ethanol push for farmers, not profit

Tamal Nandi

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'Not a single word of regret, nor did he apologise': P Chidambaram on PM Modi's Manipur visit after two years of conflict

Addressing the people during his trip, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged different ethnic groups of Manipur to set aside violence and help bring peace back to the region.

Rewati Karan

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Rewati Karan

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Arishaa Izaj

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PM Modi bats for ethanol, says 'India needs more fuel alternatives to oil and gas'

Ria Kapoor

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PM Modi ties Operation Sindoor, Janmashtami and security doctrine in first Assam visit after military strike

Aishwarya Dabhade

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Political inclination to ongoing probe: Things to know about Tyler Robinson, the shooter who killed Charlie Kirk

Ria Kapoor

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Situation on India-Nepal border returning to normal after formation of new govt headed by Sushila Karki

President Ramchandra Paudel on Friday administered the oath of office of secrecy to newly appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki at a ceremony at Sheetal Niwas (Image: X/@thekathmadupost)

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The Centre strongly defended the Act, saying waqf by its very nature was a "secular concept" and can't be stayed given the "presumption of constitutionality" in its favour.

Rewati Karan

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Ankita Sengupta

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A woman looks at a phone as she uses the Albanian government portal 'E - Albania', now assisted by government artificial intelligence cabinet minister avatar 'Diella'.

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The findings by Genians in July are the latest example of suspected North Korean operatives deploying AI as part of their intelligence-gathering work

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Tucker Carlson confronts Sam Altman with murder conspiracy theory, here's what the OpenAI CEO said

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Over one lakh join anti-immigration rally in London; Elon Musk calls for UK parliaments dissolution

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Xi wants Trump in Beijing, but talks stall; summit now a very close call in the history of close calls

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India has 1.4 billion people but wont buy our corn: US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on tariffs

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'No body part spared': Two siblings in China killed by over 1,000 wasp stings; beekeeper faces charges

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Police and Military Police secure parts of a damaged UAV shot down by Polish authorities at a site in Wohyn, Poland (AP Photo)

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Punjabi grandmother who lived in US for over 30 years detained by ICE, sparks outcry

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'This is horrific': Republican Leader Vivek Ramaswamy condemns beheading of Indian-origin motel manager in Dallas

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Russia praises India for maintaining ties despite US pressure: 'Attempts to obstruct...'

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Sanctions only complicate: China hits back at Trumps push for Nato to punish Russian oil buyers

Despite repeated threats, Trump has not yet followed through with fresh penalties on Moscow.

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'Those killed in Gen Z protests will be declared martyrs': Nepal PM Sushila Karki says 'wont stay beyond 6 months'

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Trumps UK visit brings Wall Street and Silicon Valley to London with 20 bn AI and tech deals

A tech pact, Wall Street billions, and Ukraine minerals  Trumps second UK state visit is no ordinary pageantry

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UK PM Starmer says people have a right to 'peaceful protest' after anti-migrant march

Police said 26 officers were injured, while it made an initial 25 arrests with more expected to follow

Arindam Roy

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Miley Cyrus has given her seal of approval to her father Billy Ray Cyrus latest romance with Elizabeth Hurley.

Miley Cyrus approves of new Billy Ray romance

The 64-year-old country music star and the 60-year-old actress started dating five months ago and his daughter Miley is thrilled for them both.

According to The Mirror, Miley, 32, said: When you are younger, I think you just view your parents as mom and dad rather than individuals with feelings, with faults, with their own story.

The most important thing for both my parents is that they are happy, and it's clear to see they both are.

Billy Ray split from Mileys mother Tish Cyrus, 58, in 2022 after almost 30 years of marriage.

Two years ago, Tish moved on and tied the knot with actor Dominic Purcell, 55.

Meanwhile, Mileys former husband Liam Hemsworth recently proposed to dating model Gabriella Brooks, who he started dating just months after splitting from Miley in 2019.

A source told PEOPLE: "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."

Miley 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."
Arindam Roy

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The talks are set to encompass trade, economic and national security issues, as well as the status of ByteDance Ltd.s TikTok

Arindam Roy

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US must lead, tariffs key to pressuring Putin for peace: Senator Lindsey Graham

Pragya Trivedi

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Kinpachi Restaurant celebrates 45 years of cultural and culinary legacy

DESPITE economic challenges in the CNMI, Kinpachi Japanese Restaurant has preserved the legacy of Japanese cooking and its long-standing relationship with the island community.

Today, Monday, Sept. 15, 2025, Kinpachi Restaurant, located on Coral Tree Avenue in Garapans tourist district, marks its 45th anniversary, celebrating its role in maintaining ties between Japanese culture and the islands way of life.

The oldest continuously operating Japanese restaurant in the CNMI first opened in 1980. When Yoshio Kamata founded Kinpachi 45 years ago, one of his goals was to bring the tourist area to life through Japanese ties to the island community.

When we started the business, the place was a jungle. Only the Hanamura and Galaxy restaurants were the business establishments along that road, said Misako Kamata, the current owner and daughter of Yoshio-san.

Since then, the dining establishment has become a neighborhood institution on Saipan and a second home to local families who flock there for sushi, ramen, udon, tempura, and many other Japanese dishes.

When her father passed away, Misako-san said her mother, Keiko Kamata  known to everyone as Mama-san  took over operations. And when Mama-san passed away last year, Misako-san carried on the family tradition, continuing to serve Japanese dishes to tourists and locals while keeping cultural ties alive through organizing the Saipan Awaodori team.

Misako-san expressed deep appreciation to the CNMI community, saying that in both good and bad times, the local people have supported Kinpachi for 45 years. Over the years, she added, they have earned the loyalty of customers spanning up to four generations of Saipan families.

From the great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, and children, I consider them as my own extended Kinpachi family. They love Japanese food and Kinpachi food. I do really value their loyalty, Misako-san said.

Another way she shows gratitude to the community is by volunteering her time to nurture young residents through the Saipan Awaodori Team, giving them the opportunity to learn Japanese culture and experience new things in life.

She noted that the CNMI is an island of diverse cultures. Through Awaodori, children are trained to embrace Japanese culture through music, dance, and food. These, she said, promote stronger friendship between the island and Japan.

Now, even in the face of the CNMIs most challenging times, Misako-san said, I am still looking forward to 50 years of continued service to my Kinpachi family. Let us help each other and aim for a brighter future.

Strong ties

Kinpachi Japanese Restaurant has long been considered our own by notable families on Saipan.

The Cabrera family from Capital Hill recalled 45 years of friendship with the Kamata family.

Oliva Cabrera said her parents, Gregorio and Escolastica, had been good friends with the Kamatas since Kinpachi began. The Cabreras were among the islands earliest entrepreneurs. Right after World War II, once residents were released from Camp Chalan Kanoa, Escolastica opened a small beauty shop. Her business later expanded into an ice cream and snack store, and eventually into a department store in Susupe.

Today, Oliva and her siblings continue Escolasticas legacy as operators of the islands oldest local delicacies business. She remembers her parents often inviting the Kamata couple to their home for Novenas, where the Kamatas would bring restaurant specialties like sushi and barbecue.

In turn, the Cabreras would prepare Chamorro delicacies such as bread, apigigi, potu, and fresh harvests from Gregorios farm. At that time, Misako was still in school, but after completing her education she helped her parents run Kinpachi.

Mr. and Mrs. Kamata were a very nice couple. They liked to sit down with my parents and tell stories, Oliva said.

She added that Kinpachi Restaurant has remained a favorite of her family across generations. My favorite is their fresh ramen, she said, adding that the restaurant remains well known among younger members of the Cabrera clan.

Her younger brother, Eloy Cabrera, 59, shared similar memories. My parents were influenced by Japanese culture. We grew up eating a lot of Japanese soup, he said, recalling how his mother often made miso soup and sashimi.

Eloy said his father was a close friend of Mr. Kamata. I guess my dad found Kinpachi Restaurant very comfortable to drink and dine. And us, the children, we loved the Japanese food. My favorite is katsu-don. Very good  they make it very good, he said.

He added that Kinpachi employees have always been warm and welcoming.

More blessings

Board of Education member Andrew Orsini also shared fond memories, saying his family has been loyal Kinpachi customers.

Every time we dined at Kinpachi, we would always greet Misakos mother, Keiko. Im very fond of her, Orsini said.

He described the restaurant as atmospheric, calm, and welcoming to both locals and tourists, adding that Kinpachi is a very positive business in the CNMI and one that many people continue to patronize.

Orsini thanked Misako Kamata and her late parents for their long years of service to the islands. Its one of the longest-serving restaurants in the CNMI, still operating despite economic challenges. I give them more blessings for years to come. My hats off to them, he said.

Ruel R. Villacrusis, general manager of RNV Construction, also expressed gratitude to the Kamata family. He praised Misako-san, her late parents, and their longtime employees, including Sonia, for reaching such a rare milestone.

Not all businesses can reach that milestone, he said, adding that he is grateful to God for his long friendship and business ties with Misako-san.

Villacrusis said he will always remember how the Kamata family supported him when he was starting his construction business. I will not forget that for the rest of my life, he said.

Having lived on Saipan since 1987, Villacrusis recalled that his big break came when the Kamatas entrusted him with the contract to build their family home in Garapan. There would never be RNV Construction without the help of Misako-san, he said.

From the great-grandparents, grandparents, parents and children, I consider them as my own extended Kinpachi family. They love Japanese food and Kinpachi food. I do really value their loyalty.

<p style=text-align: right;><strong>Misako Kamata, owner, Kinpachi Japanese Restaurant</strong>

Kinpachi Japanese Restaurant owner, Misako Kamata, third left, with employee Sonia Siwa, center; manager Yoshiko Song, left; maintenance worker Alberto Ignacio, second left; food server Vangie Lagmay, second right; cook Zacarias Sakisat, backrow; and accountant Priscilla Mendoza.

Saipan Awaodori founder and Kinpachi Restaurant president Misako Kamata, center kneeling, and the Saipan Awaodori team members pose for a photo while taking a break from practice at the Koblerville Youth Center on Monday.

Saipan Mayor Ramon Blas RB Camacho, fourth left, with Tokyo Koenji Awaodori Director Kiyotaka Shimada, fourth right, Saipan Awaodori co-founder Misako Kamata, third left, Paseo De Marianas Promoters Inc. Director Hideaki Sawada, second right, and members of the Saipan Awaodori Team. Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano

Misako Kamata, right with her parents, the late Yoshio Kamata and Keiko Kamata when they first opened Kinpachi in Sept. 1980.

Oliva Cabrera and her brother Eloy pose for photo after an interview at their store on Capital Hill. Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano

Board of Education member Andrew Orsini with his family and guest. Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano

RNV Construction General Manager Ruel Villacrusis stands next to the picture of their first project, the residence of the Kamata family in Garapan. Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano

RNV Construction General Manager Ruel Villacrusis, his family and office staff dine at Kinpachi Restaurant. Contributed photo

The Igitols and Arriolas are among the loyal customers of Kinpachi Japanese Restaurant. Contributed photo

Kinpachi Japanese Restaurant owner Misako Kamata with members of the Saipan Awaodori team. Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano
DPS to join 10th Annual Field of Heroes

THE Department of Public Safety will join first responders, military personnel, and community volunteers for the 10th Annual Field of Heroes, commemorating the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

At a press conference Friday, DPS Commissioner Anthony Macaranas reflected on the day that changed the nation.

I was working the night shift when it happened, he said. There was something going on at the airport, and the late Commissioner Charles Ingram called for assistance. When we arrived, we were told the U.S. had been attacked: Terrorists hit the Twin Towers in New York City. Ill never forget that day.

Macaranas said DPS will participate in the Sept. 15 Field of Heroes ceremony on Saipan, which honors responders who served during the 9/11 attacks. In the CNMI, we continue this tradition to honor the officers who perished and to reaffirm our commitment to vigilance and crisis response, he said.

DPS Public Information Officer Fred Sato said, 9/11 remains vivid in our minds. No matter how many years have passed, some of us still think about that day.

Sato credited Tan Holdings and the Tan Siu Lin Foundation for organizing the annual event. Its also a way to recognize todays frontline workers and show appreciation for their daily sacrifices, he said.

On Saipan, the Field of Heroes commemoration today begins at 4:30 p.m. with a freedom walk from Carolinian Utt to American Memorial Park, followed by a ceremony. Tinian will hold its event Sept. 16 at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, to be led by Mayor Edwin Aldan. Rotas observance is scheduled for Sept. 18 at 5:30 p.m. at Melchor Mendiola Leadership Park under Mayor Aubry Hocogs leadership.
Five small businesses honored as grant recipients

(NMC)  Bank of Hawaii, in partnership with the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network at Northern Marianas College, recognized five small businesses during the Bank of Hawaii Small Business Revitalization & Development Grant award ceremony.

At the event were BOH officials West Pacific Market President Michael Sakazaki, BOH Vice President/Branch Manager-Saipan Rose Sumor, NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD, NMC Vice President of Administration and Advancement Frankie Eliptico, CNMI SBDC Network Director Nadine Deleon Guerrero Kintol, Associate Network Director Mercilynn Kaneshi Palec, and the grant recipients.

Weve been in partnership with the CNMI SBDC for quite some time and the amount of businesses we see applying are each unique and equally passionate in serving the community, Sakazaki said. And to see prior recipients reach new successes and accolades is why we continue to do this partnership. The CNMI is our home, and the businesses that we serve are our family and friends  so thats why we do what we do.

NMC President Deleon Guerrero was inspired by the power of small business and community collaboration.

Visionary businesses like Hermans Bakery, MS Villagomez, and Joeten all started as a small business and then went big  and thats what these five recipients remind me of, Deleon Guerrero said, And with the commitment from Bank of Hawaii while embodying the colleges Proa spirit, were not just embracing todays economy, but for tomorrows as well.

The BOH Small Business Revitalization & Development Grant  I Kinometi Para I Kumunidat I Isla-ta  was created to revitalize and uplift small businesses by providing funding, support, and recognition to those who demonstrate resilience, innovation, and service to their communities.

Each recipient was picked by the Bank of Hawaii and will receive direct financial support to invest in key areas such as equipment, inventory, marketing, and capacity-buildinggiving them a stronger foundation to grow and thrive.

Bank of Hawaii awarded grants to CNMI businesses Ancient Compost, Magof Professional Services, Niaos Poke Deli, Marianas Churisos Company, LLC, and Pacific Psychiatric Care.

Ancient Compost, owned by Solomon Castro and Jolene Muna, is a family-driven business dedicated to sustainability and building a zero-waste community. Currently operating from home, the business aims to expand its operations to better serve the islands and inspire eco-friendly living.

Magof Professional Services, owned by Adelpha Magofna, is a woman-owned business of Northern Marianas descent that provides paralegal support, process serving, mobile notary and courier services. With expertise in legal support and a strong commitment to the community, the company serves as a trusted partner for navigating complex legal and administrative needs.

Magofna said she plans to use the grant to upgrade her home workstation and purchase tools, such as a portable scanner, for her notary services. The remaining funds will go toward marketing her business to connect with more clients and other businesses that can benefit from the services she provides.

I also hope to give back to the community by offering my notary services for free to students pursuing higher education, Magofna said.

Niaos Poke Deli, owned by Vanessa Dancoe, offers fresh, flavorful poke dishes in Saipan that combine local ingredients with bold, creative twists. Known for its vibrant flavors and island hospitality, the deli has become a go-to spot for both locals and visitors.

Our business was built from the heart  its not about making money, but about giving back to the community by offering healthy, wholesome, and nutritious food, Dancoe said. This grant will help us grow and continue being a quick, easy stop for the community. We currently employ students under different government and non-profit programs, this will help us ensure that we can retain our employees because we deeply value and care for the people who make our business possible.

Marianas Churisos Company, LLC, founded by William Torres, Stephen Sablan, Dave Guerrero, Inas Hocog, and Ed Hofschneider, produces the CNMIs only locally made craft sausages using island-inspired flavors and traditional techniques. With a mission to strengthen food security and support local businesses, the company is also expanding into smoked meats and beef jerky.

This grant gives us the lift we need to expand our operations, from hosting pop-ups and catering events to building our brand through marketing and small community fundraisers, Torres said. Eventually, we even hope to get a mobile setup so we can bring our products directly to the people.

Pacific Psychiatric Care, owned by Monica Morgan Lee and John Lee, provides compassionate and confidential mental health services for patients of all ages in Saipan. Led by a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, the clinic offers personalized treatment to help individuals navigate lifes challenges and improve overall well-being.

The businesses represent a range of industries, including environmental, professional, food manufacturing, healthcare, and food service- each one selected for its commitment to growth and community impact.

This initiative shows whats possible when corporate partners and community institutions come together to support our local businesses, CNMI SBDC Network Director Nadine Deleon Guerrero Kintol said. These five recipients represent the heart of entrepreneurship in the CNMI, and we look forward to seeing their continued growth and impact.

As the 2025 recipients begin their next chapter, CNMI SBDC remains committed to providing free advising, training, and access to resources to entrepreneurs across the Marianas. This grant is just one of many ways the network continues to empower local businesses and create a more resilient, sustainable economy for the islands.

For more information, contact the CNMI SBDC Lead Center at (670) 237-6888 or email cnmisbdc@marianas.edu/. Follow @cnmisbdc on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.cnmisbdc.com for the latest updates and events.

The CNMI SBDC Network and its programs are 100% funded by a $777,777.00 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBDC services are provided in a nondiscriminatory way to all legal residents and citizens in the U.S.

Bank of Hawaii, in partnership with the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network at Northern Marianas College, recently awarded five small businesses as part of the BOH Small Business Revitalization and Development Grant  I Kinometi Para I Kumunidat I Isla-ta program. In photo are CNMI SBDC Network Director Nadine DLG Kintol, NMC Vice President for Administration and Advancement Frankie Eliptico, NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, Ed.D., Bank of Hawaii West Pacific Market President Michael Sakazaki, Bank of Hawaii vice president and Saipan branch manager Rose Sumor, CNMI SBDC Associate Network Director Mercilynn Kaneshi Palec, CNMI SBDC Marketing Manager Roman Tudela, CNMI SBDC Administrative Office Manager Cassandra Deleon Guerrero, grant recipients Ancient Compost, Magof Professional Services, Niaos Poke Deli, Marianas Churisos Company LLC and Pacific Psychiatric Care.

Michael Sakazaki, BOH West Pacific market president delivers the opening remarks.

Bank of Hawaii Vice President/Branch Manager Rose Sumor welcomes attendees.

Grant recipient Vanessa Dancoe, center, of Niaos Poke Deli with CNMI SBDC Network Director Nadine DLG Kintol, NMC Vice President Frankie Eliptico, NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, Bank of Hawaii West Pacific Market President Michael Sakazaki, BoH Vice President/Branch Manager Rose Sumor and Associate Network Director Mercilynn Kaneshi Palec of CNMI SBDC.

Grant recipient Solomon Castro, center, of Taotaomona Surf Tribe dba Ancient Compost LLC with CNMI SBDC Network Director Nadine DLG Kintol, NMC Vice President Frankie Eliptico, NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, Bank of Hawaii West Pacific Market President Michael Sakazaki, BoH Vice President/Branch Manager Rose Sumor and Associate Network Director Mercilynn Kaneshi Palec of CNMI SBDC.

Grant recipient Adelpha Magofna of Magof Professional Services with CNMI SBDC Network Director Nadine DLG Kintol, NMC Vice President Frankie Eliptico, NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, Bank of Hawaii West Pacific Market President Michael Sakazaki, BoH Vice President/Branch Manager Rose Sumor and Associate Network Director Mercilynn Kaneshi Palec of CNMI SBDC.

Grant recipients Bill Torres, Inas Hocog, Ed Hofschneider and Stephen Sablan of Marianas Churisos Company with CNMI SBDC Network Director Nadine DLG Kintol, NMC Vice President Frankie Eliptico, NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, Bank of Hawaii West Pacific Market President Michael Sakazaki, BoH Vice President/Branch Manager Rose Sumor and Associate Network Director Mercilynn Kaneshi Palec of CNMI SBDC.
Higher ed leaders slam USDOE for ending support to minority-serving institutions

(APAHE)  Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education strongly condemns the recent decision by the U.S. Department of Education to end discretionary funding for Minority-Serving Institution or MSI designations, including Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions and Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions. This action represents an unprecedented attack on educational equity and undermines decades of bipartisan progress in advancing opportunity for historically underserved students and communities.

AANAPISIs and NHSIs, like other MSI designations, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Alaska Native-Serving Institutions, Native American Serving Nontribal Institutions and Predominantly Black Institutions, were established by Congress to recognize and address the systemic inequities that students of color and low-income students face in higher education.

AANAPISIs and NHSIs serve as a vital lifeline for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA&NHPI) students, one of the fastest growing yet most underfunded and overlooked populations in higher education, said Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero, president of Northern Marianas College. At AANAPISIs and NHSIs across the nation and in the Pacific, federal funding has supported academic programming, financial aid and advising services, mental health programs, civic engagement, and research initiatives that directly contribute to student persistence, degree completion, and workforce preparation. These efforts have transformed lives and strengthened the nations economic and civic fabric.

To characterize MSI designations as racial quota is a deliberate distortion of both the law and the lived reality of students, as the overwhelming majority of AANAPISIs, NHPIs, and MSIs are highly under resourced and open-access or broad-access institutions with already high enrollments of underrepresented students. Stripping away these funds threatens to widen racial and economic inequities in higher education and beyond, said Dr. Rowena M. Tomaneng, president of APAHE.

APAHE stands in solidarity with our MSI colleagues and communities across the country. We reject the Departments reckless action and will fight back through advocacy, coalition building, legal, and policy avenues to ensure that MSIs, including AANAPISIs and NHSIs, continue to receive the resources they need to serve students.

For nearly two decades, AANAPISIs and NHSIs have demonstrated that when colleges and universities are resourced to meet the needs of underserved AA&NHPI students, the results are powerful: higher retention, stronger graduation rates, and more equitable access to opportunity. The elimination of these funds is not only a betrayal of students and families, but also a betrayal of our nations commitment to fairness, equity, and justice.

We call on Congress, higher education leaders, communities, and our students across the country to reject this dangerous action and to affirm, once again, the vital importance of AANAPISIs, NHSIs, and MSIs in advancing equity in higher education.
NREL and NMTECH launch energy auditor training program

THE Northern Marianas Technical Institute, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energys National Renewable Energy Laboratory, successfully hosted a five-day energy auditor training at its Lower Base campus from Sept. 8-12, 2025 to promote energy efficiency and build professional expertise across the Commonwealth.

The week-long training brought together 13 participants from key agencies, including the Commonwealth Bureau of Military Affairs, Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation, Commonwealth Ports Authority, Commonwealth Utilities Corporation, the Hotel Association of Northern Mariana Islands, Northern Marianas Housing Corporation, NMTech, Office of Grants Management, Office of Planning and Development, Office of Rep. Vincent Aldan, and the Public School System.

Designed to build local capacity in energy efficiency and conservation, and to recruit potential Energy Auditor instructors  the course combined three days of classroom instruction with two days of field work. Participants applied their knowledge by conducting hands-on energy audits at major facilities across Saipan, including the CNMI Legislature, AK Toyota, Aqua Resort, and Office of the Mayor of Saipan, equipping participants with practical skills to evaluate and optimize energy use in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Hosting this training aligns with NMTechs mission to equip the CNMIs workforce with skills that directly support our communitys sustainability and resilience, said NMTech CEO Jodina Attao. By working with NREL, we are helping to ensure that local professionals can lead the way in energy efficiency, cost savings, and environmental stewardship.

The Energy Auditor Training is part of a growing partnership between NMTech and national experts, including the Association of Energy Engineers to expand renewable energy education and technical capacity in the Northern Marianas.

Selected participants will be on track to pursue the Certified Energy Auditor and/or Energy Efficiency Professional credentials through the Association of Energy Engineers, expanding opportunities for local expertise and the programs long-term sustainability.

About NMTECH

The Northern Marianas Technical Institute is a workforce training institution committed to equipping students and professionals with the skills and certifications needed to succeed in todays industries.

About NREL

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is the U.S. Department of Energys premier national laboratory for renewable energy and energy efficiency research and development.
Students connect with cultural practitioners at museum, American Memorial Park

THE Indigenous Affairs Office, the Carolinian Affairs Office, the NMI Museum of History and Culture, American Memorial Park, and the Public School System collaborated on Friday to offer the first Cultural Road Map program of 2025 as part of Chamorro and Carolinian Cultural Heritage Month.

Throughout the month, IAO and CAO will feature cultural activities such as the Cultural Road Map program, which took place on the grounds of the museum and American Memorial Park. The program allows PSS students to meet with cultural practitioners and outreach coordinators for a day of learning outside the classroom.

When Variety visited the NMI Museum, Chacha Ocean View Middle School students were touring the museum facilities. They also met with representatives from 500 Sails, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, the CNMI Substance Abuse, Addiction, and Rehabilitation Program, native healer Susan Cabrera, slingstone practitioner Oliver Iguel, and the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance. Groups of students took turns listening to presenters.

At Cabreras booth, students learned about the benefits of amot Chamorro, or traditional medicine.

What Im doing today is encouraging our kids and our people to go back into our traditions and start drinking Chamorro medicine as part of their daily lives, and I also promote the different kinds of oils you will find, Cabrera said.

On display at her booth were coconut oil and homemade daok, or mastwood oil. Cabrera shared that the oil pressed from daok seeds  sometimes called tamanu oil  can be sold in pharmacies for $30 or more. She said that with the right knowledge, local medicine can help residents care for themselves sustainably.

Also at her booth was a sample of subikao, a type of native wood that can be boiled for tea to calm the body or help relieve pain.

In the olden days, thats what our grandparents resorted to, she said, speaking of amot Chamorro in general. Its good to encourage our kids at this young age and pass it down so that our traditions will continue to live on.

Oliver Iguel was also present representing Ta Chagi Fan Inc., which teaches acho atupat, or slingstone throwing.

Although students did not throw stones in the museum, Iguel demonstrated how to swing a sling and explained the natural and synthetic materials he uses.

He shared that Ta Chagi Fan began as a way to support his son Roque, who started slinging four years ago at the age of 7.

The slings are handwoven from either thistle-twine fiber or 550 paracord. Iguel explained that Roque has been able to travel as far as Spain to compete in slingstone competitions.

His first competition was in Tinian, he learned [how to sling] in Rota, and he just came back from a summer camp in Guam  all from slinging, Iguel said. Slinging is one way of being outside, staying connected to our roots, being one with nature.

Oliver Iguel, center, background, teaches students how to swing a traditional sling.

Susan Cabrera teaches students how she uses subikao in amot Chamorro.
Woman sentenced to 2 years probation for marriage fraud

THE federal court sentenced Jaimelynn Nebres Morales to two years probation on one count of marriage fraud on Friday.

At the sentencing hearing, Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona of the District Court for the NMI also ordered Morales to pay a $900 fine, as well as a $100 special assessment fee due immediately after sentencing.

Judge Manglona likewise imposed a special condition on her release, including mandatory reporting to the U.S. Probation Office.

The defendants previously imposed conditions of release are hereby exonerated; therefore, defendants passport shall be returned, the judge said.

Morales remained free following sentencing.

Represented by attorney Mark Scoggins, Nebres pleaded guilty to the charge of marriage fraud last May. Assistant U.S. Attorney Garth Backe was the prosecutor.

According to the plea agreement, the defendant was born in 1993 and is a U.S. citizen.

On or about June 30, 2023, in the District of the Northern Mariana Islands, Defendant knowingly entered into a marriage for the purpose of evading a provision of the immigration laws. Specifically, Defendant married M.P.M., a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines and a CW-1 visa holder, so M.P.M. could potentially obtain permanent resident status and avoid returning to his home country. At the time she entered into the marriage, Defendant had no intention of ever establishing a life with M.P.M., the plea agreement stated.

Variety was unable to obtain additional information about M.P.M., including whether he was also charged.
BCs Tales of the Pacific  Slouching towards Gomorrah

BC Cook

THINGS fall apart; the centre cannot hold;/ Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,/ The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere/ The ceremony of innocence is drowned;/ The best lack all conviction while the worst/ Are full of passionate intensity.// Surely some revelation is at hand;/ Surely the Second Coming is at hand./ And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,/ Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?

William Butler Yeats was right in 1919, but could he imagine the urgency of his words over one hundred years later? Yeats wrote the above poem in the dystopian aftermath of the First World War and during the worst of the Spanish flu pandemic. Things had truly fallen apart and that generation understood something new had begun. The pre-war world order could never be resumed, something new was coming, and most thinkers were not optimistic. Russia lay gripped by the communist revolution, Yeats own Ireland was occupied by British forces, the dead and wounded from the Great War reached staggering proportions, his wife contracted the dreaded Spanish flu.

A century later, the world experienced another pandemic, but the parallels do not end there. Once again, things have fallen apart, the center cannot hold, and anarchy is loosed upon the world. Systems and institutions we have come to trust and believe have failed, political parties are at extreme ends with each other. People in the middle, moderates, who traditionally have kept the more extreme and violent social-media-fueled actors at the fringes of national discourse, have vanished or been silenced into impotence. One need only watch video of Los Angeles or the random murder of a Ukrainian refugee by a piece of human filth in North Carolina to see that anarchy is loosed upon the world.

The best lack all conviction and the worst are filled with passionate intensity. Good people are either powerless or too scared to do something, echoing the words of a popular quote: All evil needs to win is for good people to do nothing. Yeats said the worst are filled with passionate intensity. Hotheads, fire-eaters, and mentally unstable haters take to the streets and proclaim their anger through violence and destruction. They never propose to build anything, only tear down what others have built.

When Yeats asked what rough beast slouches toward Bethlehem to be born, he was not hopeful. He saw the end of an era. For him, the epoch that began when Christ prioritized love and grace over all else was being replaced. He did not know what the future would look like, but he knew it would not be better.

How about now? Who among us thinks we stand on the precipice of greatness and peace? Who believes that our political, commercial and cultural leaders are moving society in the right direction, or that anyone is listening if they are? People who oppose guns cheer when Charlie Kirk is shot. People who oppose the death penalty rejoice when a man is assassinated for his opinions. Disgusting hypocrites, you are the worst who are filled with passionate intensity, and decent people saw you coming.

Is this the end of an era and the beginning of something much worse? Truly, we are slouching toward something, but it isnt Bethlehem. We are slouching towards Gomorrah.

Dr. BC Cook taught history for 30 years and is a director and Pacific historian at Sealark Exploration (sealarkexploration.org). He currently lives in Hawaii.
The psychopath in the Oval Office

OUR tourism industry, mostly consisting of Koreans since Covid, has been on life support. Trump just killed it when his thugs raided the Hyundai factory in Georgia and put over 300 Korean citizens in jail for several days. Large demonstrations against the U.S. government have been taking place in Seoul since then. Whether it is illegal tariffs or violating the rights of non-citizens, we can count on the psychopath in the Oval Office to destroy our economy and the reputation of our nation.

JEFF RACE

Saipan, CNMI
A grim pall has been cast over the nation following a devastating head-on collision involving a bus and two other vehicles along the Masvingo-Beitbridge highway. The accident, which occurred in the early hours of Friday morning, claimed the lives of seven people and left fifteen others injured.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has released the names of the seven victims who perished in the horrific crash. Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the ZRPs national spokesperson, confirmed the details in a statement released over the weekend.

The deceased have been identified as:

Leopold Mudiwakure (43) of Waterfalls, Harare, the driver of the Toyota Aqua.

Fortune Eddington Chitsaka (21), male, of Waterfalls, Harare.

Sithembiso Bhegedhe, female, of Waterfalls, Harare.

Danson Chidewu of Chitungwiza.

Martin Mazhata (41) of Gweru.

Takudzwa Msanaganise (35) of Zowa farm, Zvimba, Mashonaland West.

Tragically, the body of the seventh victim, a male adult, remains unidentified and is currently at the Masvingo Provincial Hospital mortuary.

The fatal accident involved three vehicles: a Yutong bus, a Toyota Aqua, and a Toyota Dyna truck. The collision occurred at the 175km peg along the Masvingo-Beitbridge Road at approximately 0245 hours on September 12, 2025.

According to police reports, the Yutong bus, carrying 48 passengers, was travelling towards Beitbridge when it collided head-on with a Toyota Aqua, which had five passengers on board and was heading in the opposite direction towards Masvingo. In the aftermath, a Toyota Dyna truck, also travelling towards Masvingo, collided with the wreckage.

The impact of the initial collision was devastating. Two passengers from the bus, three occupants from the Toyota Aqua including the driver, and two occupants from the Toyota Dyna including the driver died on the spot, the police statement confirmed.

In addition to the fatalities, thirteen passengers from the bus and two passengers from the Toyota Aqua sustained injuries. They were immediately transported to nearby hospitals for urgent medical treatment.

The Masvingo-Beitbridge highway, a crucial transport artery connecting Zimbabwe to South Africa, has become notorious for its high accident rate. This latest tragedy has reignited concerns about road safety and prompted renewed calls for motorists to exercise extreme caution and avoid reckless driving.

As investigations into the cause of the accident get underway, the police have assured the public that further details will be released as they become available. More details will be released in due course, the police statement added.

The accident has once again brought into sharp focus the need for improved road safety measures and responsible driving habits. The Masvingo-Beitbridge highway, while vital for trade and travel, has become a death trap for many.

The call for caution and responsible driving is more urgent than ever. Motorists are urged to adhere to speed limits, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy.

The loss of seven lives in this single accident is a stark reminder of the human cost of road accidents. Each of the deceased leaves behind grieving families and friends, and their loss will be felt deeply by their communities.

As investigations continue, the nation mourns the loss of life and hopes for the swift recovery of those injured.

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Welcome gentle readers to another installment of the Sunday Morning Movie. Today its another delight from Mosfilm, an adaptation for the screen of Anton Chekovs Uncle Vanya.

Reviews:

Letterboxd says:

Uncle Vanya is a bittersweet symphony of devotion and melancholy, a character left adrift by those he cherished. I often find myself mulling over my two cherished cinematic interpretations of this poignant Chekhovian tale, and the verdict remains unchanged: Smoktunovskiy eclipses even Redgrave. Both are titans in portraying minds teetering on the brink of collapse, yet here we have THE ensemble. The delicate Sonya (Irina Kupchenko) holds her own against the ethereal Elena (Irina Miroshnichenko) in Konchalovskiys adaptationby the way, the only one of his works I truly admire. Meanwhile, the splendid doctor Astrov (Sergei Bondarchuk) sometimes seems to fade into the background compared to Voinitskys fervent longing for Professor Serebryakovs new bride. Its a decaying aristocratic haven, resplendent in its decay. I cant help but weep alongside Innokentiy Mikhailovichs character every time I revisit that heart-wrenching moment when he pilfers a vial of morphine from the doctor. What a remarkable film, brimming with my favourite actors.

The NYT says:

the new Russian film version of Uncle Vanya, which opened yesterday at the Regency Theater, is probably the best filmed Chekhov Ive ever seen. Adapted and directed by Andrei Mikhalkov-Konchalovsky, this Uncle Vanya is an exceedingly graceful, beautifully acted production that manages to respect Chekhov as a man of his own time, as well as what I would assume to be the Soviet view of Chekhov as Russias saddest, gentlest, funniest and most compassionate revolutionary playwright.

russianfilmhub says:

While the deep Russian soul is in many ways immeasurable and undefinable, there are still those who can show it. Watch this beautiful rendition of Uncle Vanya to bear witness to the brilliance of film director, Andrei Konchalovsky, writer, Anton Chekhov, as well as many of the greatest Russian actors, including Innokenty Smoktunovsky, Sergei Bondarchuk and Irina Kupchenko. Part color, part black and white, this film creates a unique mood and atmosphere of the life of the nobility on a small estate. Alfred Schnittkes music adds a second meaning to the picture and immerses the viewer in the drama of the nineteenth century. The story takes place in a small family estate: family members meet and discuss everyday issues, Russian laziness and hard life. They enjoy the Russian nature in silence, but at some point, things must fall apart.

My take:

So this was my first encounter with Chekov and I have to admit I missed the point at first. I kept waiting for something to happen. It wasnt until I read some reviews and watched a few videos that I realized the ennui was the point. It brought the film into focus for me and I realized how grim the lives of the characters really are.

Director: Andrey Konchalovskiy

Writers: Anton Chekov (play)

Andrey Konchalovskiy (screenplay)

Notable Actors: None that I know of.

Plot (Spoilers!):

Professor Serebryakov and his young second wife Yelena enjoy an urban lifestyle financed by the hard work of Vanya, the Professors brother in law from his first marriage. His daughter from his first wife, Sofya, is also employed at the estate where her and Vanya manage affairs and send the money directly to the Professor. Their lives are otherwise quite empty.

The Professor and Yelena have come to visit and both Vanya as well as the local doctor Astrov, a frequent house guest, are deeply enamored of Yelena. She is torture to the two men who feel that they have spent their best years working and living in the provinces while life has passed them by. She flirts with them a bit but ultimately wants nothing to do with them. Sofya is in pain as well, she suffers from low self esteem and desperately loves Dr. Astrov, who doesnt return the feelings. Its a pretty sorry state of affairs.

The situation reaches a breaking point when the Professor announces his intention to sell the estate for a profit and move to Finland. Vanya explodes and attempts, unsuccessfully, to kill the Professor. The Professor decides not to sell the estate after all, leaving Vanya, Dr. Astrov and Sofya to their grim and gray lives.
Landmark report links Canadian COVID-19 policies to surge in unexplained deaths

A Canadian civil liberties report challenges the official pandemic narrative, asserting that government mandates, not the virus itself, were a primary driver of a catastrophic rise in unexpected deaths.

The analysis reveals a surge in excess deaths to over 31,000 in 2022  after lockdowns ended and most were vaccinated  which is more than double the number from 2020.

The report accuses officials of significantly inflating COVID-19 mortality statistics by misclassifying approximately 10,000 senior deaths from other common ailments as COVID-19 fatalities.

It details a devastating secondary toll from lockdowns, including increased deaths from drug overdoses, alcohol and delays in medical procedures, alongside a concerning number of deaths among young people from "unknown causes."

The report calls for greater government transparency, an independent investigation into policy harms and legal protections for medical professionals who dissent from official narratives.

A new report from a prominent Canadian civil liberties organization is challenging the official narrative of the nation's pandemic response, asserting that government mandates directly contributed to a catastrophic rise in unexpected deaths and accusing officials of significantly inflating the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) mortality statistics.

The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF) released its findings on Sept. 3, painting a damning picture of the collateral damage wrought by lockdowns and vaccine policies.

The report, titled "Post-COVID Canada: The rise in unexpected deaths," analyzes official data from Statistics Canada to conclude that thousands of Canadians perished not from the virus itself, but from the profound societal and health consequences of the government's chosen public health measures. (Related: Canadian grassroots group releases historic report on investigation into Trudeau regime's authoritarian response to COVID.)

The JCCF's central finding focuses on the alarming rise in what statisticians call "excess deaths"  a figure representing the number of deaths above what is normally expected based on historical data. Contrary to the assumption that the most lives were lost to the virus in 2020, the data reveal a more disturbing trend. The report found 14,950 unexpected deaths in 2020, which dipped slightly to 13,510 in 2021. However, in 2022  a period after most lockdowns had ended and a majority of the population was vaccinated  the number of unexpected deaths skyrocketed to 31,370.

Inflated COVID numbers and misclassified causes

A key allegation within the report is that official COVID-19 death counts were systematically bloated. The JCCF concludes that approximately 10,000 deaths among seniors in 2020 and 2021 were misclassified as COVID-19 fatalities. This claim is supported by a noted statistical anomaly: during those years, Canada saw significantly fewer deaths than expected from common ailments like respiratory infections, lung disease and degenerative nervous diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

The report posits that deaths which would typically have been attributed to these chronic conditions were instead logged as COVID-19, creating a misleading picture of the pandemic's direct lethality and ignoring the downstream effects of overwhelmed healthcare systems.

The vaccine rollout and rising deaths

Further complicating the government's narrative is data correlating the vaccine rollout with rising COVID-19 deaths. By the end of 2021, over 80 percent of Canadians were fully vaccinated. Yet, in 2022, recorded COVID-19 deaths reached an all-time high of 19,906, marking a 22 percent increase over the death toll in 2020. This trend challenges the effectiveness of the vaccines in preventing mortality and aligns with emerging global data suggesting rapidly waning efficacy.

The hidden toll of lockdowns

Beyond the virus and questions of vaccine efficacy, the report details the devastating secondary impacts of lockdowns. Deaths linked to drug overdoses, alcohol-related illnesses and unknown causes of death and delays in medical procedures and diagnoses increased significantly during periods of strict public health measures. These "deaths of despair" and those resulting from deferred healthcare represent a tragic cost of policies that isolate individuals and restrict access to critical medical services.

Perhaps most concerning is a growing category of deaths from "unknown causes." For Canadians under the age of 45 who died in 2022, over 15 percent have not been assigned an official cause of death. This lack of clarity for thousands of young people underscores a critical failure in data collection and transparency.

A call for accountability and transparency

JCCF's Research and Education Coordinator Benjamin Klassen, the report's lead author, stated that governments failed to protect lives and instead contributed to thousands of preventable deaths through freedom-violating policies. The report issues three core recommendations: that governments provide timely and accurate death data; that an independent investigation be launched into the harms caused by lockdowns and vaccines; and that legislation be enacted to protect freedom of expression for medical professionals who dissent.

"The data showing a high percentage of deaths among the vaccinated is a direct example of why improved reporting is critical, as it could be misinterpreted without proper context like age and underlying health conditions," explained Brighteon.AI 's Enoch. "The knowledge base explicitly states that the system for counting deaths is not working properly and is over-counting them, which undermines public trust. This inaccuracy is identified as a matter of public health that requires fixing through better cross-checking and retesting."

The JCCF report stands as a stark indictment of Canada's pandemic management. It contends that the legacy of COVID-19 is not just a viral outbreak, but a man-made crisis of excess mortality, misrepresented data and eroded public trust. As the nation moves forward, the demand for a full accounting of these policies and their true human cost is likely to grow louder, fueled by a simple, haunting question posed by the data: How many lives were lost not to the virus, but to the cure?

Watch the interview with Maxime Bernier, leader of the People's Party of Canada below.

This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brightecom.com.

More related stories:

Vaccine Choice Canada sues Canadian government for bungling coronavirus response.

Data: Canada and Israel are suffering from a pandemic of the fully vaccinated.

Canada legalizes euthanasia for ARTHRITIS whats next?

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com

JCCF.ca

TodayVille.com

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
Germany plans major military expansion amid rising tensions with Russia

Germany is planning to more than double its active-duty military personnel to 200,000 by 2029, adding 100,000 troops to address NATO's defense needs and prepare for potential conflict with Russia. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to enhance military readiness and fulfill NATO commitments.

NATO perceives Russia's actions as increasingly threatening, with concerns that Russia could launch a large-scale attack on Western nations by 2029. In response, Russia has repeatedly warned that any NATO troop deployment to Ukraine would be considered an act of war and could trigger nuclear retaliation.

European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, are debating sending troops to Ukraine under the guise of "post-war security guarantees." However, U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out deploying American ground forces, offering only air defense support.

Despite efforts to increase troop numbers, Germany faces challenges in recruitment, with a current shortfall of about 20,000 personnel.

The situation evokes Cold War-era anxieties, with both NATO and Russia unwilling to back down. The lack of diplomatic solutions and the potential for miscalculation create a volatile environment that could lead to catastrophic consequences.

Germany is preparing for a potential military confrontation with Russia by significantly expanding its armed forces, according to a confidential strategy document obtained by Reuters.

The plan calls for adding 100,000 active-duty troops by 2029  more than doubling its current force  as North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies brace for heightened tensions with Moscow. German Army Chief Alfons Mais warned that Berlin must be "sufficiently ready for war" by the end of the decade to fulfill its NATO commitments. The move comes amid escalating rhetoric from Russian officials, who have repeatedly threatened nuclear retaliation if NATO troops enter Ukraine.

The confidential report dated Sept. 2 outlines Germany's urgent need to expand its military capabilities in response to what NATO perceives as Russia's growing threat. Currently, Germany maintains just 62,000 active-duty soldiers  far below the numbers required for a sustained conflict. Mais projected that an additional 45,000 troops would be needed by 2035 to meet NATO's revised defense targets, alongside 10,000 more for territorial defense.

Germany has already begun bolstering its presence in Eastern Europe, including deploying a brigade of 5,000 troops in Lithuania and increasing naval patrols in the Baltic Sea to counter suspected Russian sabotage. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has previously stated that Berlin may need up to 60,000 additional personnel across all military branches to meet NATO's new benchmarks.

However, recruitment remains a challenge. Despite a 2018 goal to reach 203,000 troops, Germany's military remains understaffed by approximately 20,000 personnel. The proposed expansion would require a dramatic shift in defense policy and public support for military service  a contentious issue in a nation historically wary of militarization.

Russia's threats and NATO's dilemma

Russian officials have repeatedly warned that any NATO troop deployments to Ukraine would be seen as an act of war, potentially triggering nuclear retaliation. Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev reiterated this stance, stating that NATO's escalation risks "global catastrophe."

Meanwhile, European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have debated sending troops to Ukraine under the guise of "post-war security guarantees." French President Emmanuel Macron has spearheaded discussions among a "Coalition of the Willing." Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out deploying American ground forces but offered "air defense support," Brighteon.AI's Enoch notes. (Related: Trump refuses U.S. troops in Ukraine but hints at air support as peace talks stall.)

Russia views NATO's maneuvers as a direct existential threat. Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected any security guarantees involving NATO troops in Ukraine, insisting that Moscow requires its own assurances. The Kremlin has also accused Western leaders of disregarding diplomacy in favor of military brinkmanship, a stance that could push the world closer to nuclear conflict.

The current tensions evoke Cold War-era anxieties, where NATO and Soviet forces stood on the brink of nuclear war. Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 shattered decades of relative stability in Europe, prompting NATO to reassess its defense strategies. The alliance now anticipates that Russia could be capable of a large-scale attack on Western nations by 2029, a timeline that aligns with Germany's military expansion plans.

Germany's push to "supercharge" its intelligence services further underscores the growing sense of urgency. Merz recently warned that hybrid attacks on German infrastructure  allegedly orchestrated by Russia  are now a daily occurrence.

As Germany prepares for its largest military expansion since World War II, the world watches nervously for signs of further escalation. NATO's troop deployments, Russia's nuclear threats and the lack of diplomatic progress create a volatile situation where miscalculation could lead to catastrophe.

Watch this report from Newsmax about President Trump not agreeing to send troops to Ukraine.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Trump blocks Ukraine from using U.S. weapons for long-range strikes into Russia.

Trump pushes Zelensky to end Russia-Ukraine war "immediately," but at what cost?

Trump endorses Ukrainian strikes inside Russia, reversing his earlier position.

Sources include:

TheCradle.co

Reuters.com

English.News.cn

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
New research sounds alarm on marijuanas threat to female fertility and embryo health

A new study directly links THC exposure to severe genetic abnormalities in human eggs, disrupting the critical maturation process and increasing the risk of chromosomal errors (aneuploidy).

This disruption leads to a higher likelihood of non-viable embryos, miscarriages, failed IVF attempts, or genetic conditions like Down syndrome.

The research fills a significant gap, as previous studies focused on pregnancy outcomes and male fertility, not the direct impact on the quality of a woman's eggs themselves.

These findings are especially urgent as self-reported cannabis use among pregnant women has surged, fueled by legalization and a perception of it being a harmless remedy.

Experts emphasize an immediate need for clearer patient education, urging women trying to conceive to avoid cannabis and for doctors to include it in counseling alongside alcohol and tobacco.

A groundbreaking new study is raising significant concerns for women of childbearing age, suggesting that marijuana use could directly damage the quality of a womans eggs and increase the risk of severe genetic abnormalities in embryos. The research, conducted at a Canadian fertility clinic, provides some of the first direct evidence that THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, may interfere with the delicate biological processes of egg maturation, potentially leading to birth defects and failed pregnancies. This discovery arrives at a critical juncture, as societal acceptance and legalization of cannabis surge while scientific understanding of its full health implications lags dangerously behind.

The biological mechanism of disruption

Published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, the study analyzed over 1,000 ovarian fluid samples from women undergoing in vitro fertilization or IVF. Within this group, researchers identified 62 women who tested positive for THC. Their eggs were compared directly to those from non-users. The investigation revealed that eggs exposed to THC had a tendency to mature at an accelerated rate. While this might initially sound beneficial, this rushed development is problematic. It leaves the egg insufficient time to properly organize its internal components, a critical phase known as cytoplasmic maturity. (Related: Thailand to RECRIMINALIZE recreational marijuana following spike in cannabis-related hospitalizations and criminal incidents.)

This precise organization is essential for the egg to be fertilized successfully and to support the early stages of embryonic growth. The study found that this premature maturation often leads to chromosomal errors. Chromosomes are the structures that carry genetic material. For a healthy embryo to form, an egg must contain exactly 23 chromosomes to pair with 23 from the sperm, creating the correct total of 46. When this process is disrupted, the resulting embryo can have too many or too few chromosomes, a condition known as aneuploidy.

Laboratory findings confirm the risk

To solidify their findings, the research team conducted a parallel experiment in a controlled laboratory setting. They obtained very immature human eggs, which were donated by IVF patients and not suitable for treatment, and exposed them to THC. The results were striking. After just 24 hours, the eggs showed significant defects in their spindle apparatus. The spindle is a tiny cellular structure that acts like a machine, carefully pulling chromosomes into the correct positions before the cell divides. When the spindle is defective, chromosomes are pulled unevenly, directly causing the genetic errors observed in the human samples.

This combination of clinical observation and lab experimentation presents a compelling case. The data indicates that THC exposure disrupts fundamental genetic machinery, increasing the likelihood of embryos that are non-viable, that fail to implant in the uterus, or that result in miscarriage or conditions like Down syndrome, which is caused by an extra chromosome.

A growing body of concerning evidence

This new research does not exist in a vacuum. It adds a crucial piece to a growing and alarming puzzle regarding cannabis and reproduction. Just months ago, a large systematic review of 51 studies concluded that cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with higher risks of premature birth, dangerously low birth weight, and even infant death. Furthermore, the impact of cannabis on male fertility has been well-documented for decades. Studies have consistently shown that THC can reduce sperm count, semen volume, and cause sperm to behave erratically, often burning out before they can reach and fertilize an egg.

"Marijuana is a drug made from the dried parts of the Cannabis sativa plant. Its main psychoactive chemical is THC, which is responsible for altering the user's mind," Brighteon.AI's Enoch said. "Regular use can impair cognitive functions like memory and learning, and it also negatively affects driving ability."

A troubling trend in public health

A clear and troubling trend in public health behavior magnifies the urgency of these findings. While the use of known harmful substances like alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy has declined, self-reported cannabis use among pregnant women in the United States more than tripled between 2002 and 2020. This surge coincides with widespread legalization and a cultural shift that often portrays marijuana as a harmless natural remedy, particularly for pregnancy-related nausea. This perception creates a dangerous gap between public opinion and emerging scientific evidence.

Historical context and the path forward

The historical context of this issue is one of profound scientific neglect, particularly concerning women's health. For years, research focused almost exclusively on the effects of cannabis on pregnancy outcomes and male fertility. The direct impact on the female reproductive system itselfon the eggs a woman carries for her entire lifewas a significant blind spot. The Canadian team was inspired to begin this research after Canadas nationwide legalization of cannabis in 2018, when they realized how little was known about its effects on female fertility.

The studys authors and independent experts stress that these findings highlight an immediate need for clearer patient counseling and education. Women attempting to conceive, whether naturally or through assisted reproduction like IVF, are urged to avoid cannabis use. Patients are often reluctant to disclose their cannabis use to doctors, fearing judgment, which prevents them from receiving critical information. Experts recommend that educational materials on reproductive health should explicitly include cannabis alongside other modifiable lifestyle factors such as alcohol, tobacco, and weight.

The conclusion from the scientific community is becoming increasingly clear. As legal access expands, the imperative for rigorous research and honest public dialogue about the potential risks of cannabis, particularly for the next generation, has never been more critical. This study moves the conversation beyond pregnancy and into the very foundation of human creation, suggesting that the choices made long before a pregnancy test turns positive could have profound and lasting consequences.

Your body only knows the effect the drug creates once you have taken it. Watch this video.

This video is from the Drug Free World channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Legal weed dangers: After dealing with multiple contaminants, California has found that, like all crops, marijuana needs to be inspected and tested.

Map reveals multi-billion dollar economic growth potential for states that legalize marijuana, hemp.

State seizes kids from mom who used marijuana, yet no punishment for parents who push ADHD drugs.

Alarming rise in drugged driving deaths alerts U.S. regulators.

U.S. police arrest more people for possession of marijuana than for all violent crimes combined.

Sources include:

Theepochtimes.com

sciencenews.org

Brighteon.ai

Newsweek.com

Brighteon.com
FRAUDULENT FAUCI ordered the ABSOLUTE DESTRUCTION of the covert COVID records and emails, according to Sen. Rand Paul

The most nefarious disease spreader on the planet is still walking and talking, smiling and smirking, thinking he got away with his depopulation scheme that has left billions of people in a world of hurt. Anthony safe and effective Fauci has done everything he can to cover his tracks, but theres just too much evidence, and he may be going to prison for the rest of his sad life.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, has formally accused Dr. Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), of directing the destruction of federal records related to COVID-19. The accusation stems from newly uncovered emails that appear to contradict Faucis sworn testimony before Congress.

Rand Paul accused Dr. Anthony Fauci of directing NIH employees to destroy federal COVID-19 records, citing emails that appear to contradict Faucis sworn congressional testimony.

Emails from 2020 show Fauci asking colleagues to please delete this e-mail after you read it, despite his 2024 testimony denying that he had ever deleted or ordered deletion of official records.

The allegations align with previous reports that NIH officials, including Faucis senior adviser Dr. David Morens, used private accounts and deletion tactics to evade Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.

Paul has demanded Fauci disclose all personal and official communications from 20182023 related to NIH, federal agencies, COVID-19, and research papers, as part of the Senate committees ongoing investigation.

Sen. Rand Paul Accuses Fauci of Ordering Destruction of COVID Records  Emails Contradict Sworn Testimony

In a letter addressed to the nefarious Fauci, Paul stated that the committee had obtained documents revealing that he instructed National Institutes of Health (NIH) employees to delete official communications. Paul argued that such actions suggest Faucis involvement in efforts to conceal information pertinent to ongoing investigations into the origins of COVID-19 and the governments pandemic response. He has invited Fauci to testify again to clarify his statements.

Pauls letter specifically highlights discrepancies between Faucis sworn testimony in June 2024 and the newly uncovered communications. During that testimony before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, Fauci repeatedly denied ever deleting records, obstructing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, or destroying documents related to the Wuhan Institute of Virology or the origins of COVID-19. When directly asked by multiple members of Congressincluding Rep. James Comer, Rep. Debbie Lesko, and Rep. Nicole MalliotakisFauci flatly responded No to all questions about record deletion or obstruction.

However, Paul cited several emails that appear to tell a different story. In a February 2, 2020, email to then-NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins, Fauci wrote: Please delete this e-mail after you read it. Another email dated July 20, 2020, shows Fauci telling an NIH employee: I do not want to engage any more with this nonsense. And so, please delete this e-mail after you read it. Such directives appear to undermine Faucis sworn denials.

These revelations build on earlier reports of questionable practices within the NIH regarding records management. In June 2024, Reuters reported that congressional investigators discovered NIH officials using private email accounts and deleting correspondence to evade FOIA requests. Among those implicated was Dr. David Morens, a longtime senior adviser to Fauci. In a 2021 email disclosed earlier this year, Morens admitted that he had learned from an NIH FOIA officer how to make emails disappear. He further acknowledged forwarding emails to his personal Gmail account and deleting official records.

As part of his investigation, Paul has now demanded that Fauci turn over a comprehensive list of email addresses, phone numbers, and messaging platforms he used between 2018 and 2023. He also requested copies of all communicationsboth personal and officialrelated to NIH, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), intelligence and security agencies, COVID-19 research, and the controversial Proximal Origins paper, which played a role in shaping early narratives about the viruss origins.

The Senate committees probe into COVID-19s origins, federal research oversight, and potential record-keeping violations remains ongoing. Faucis response to Pauls letter, and whether he agrees to appear before the committee, could significantly influence the trajectory of the investigation and determine if he faces further scrutiny for potential contradictions in his congressional testimony.

Bookmark Plague.info to your favorite independent websites for updates on TWO HUNDRED new gain-of-function viruses NIH, CDC and WHO plan to release into the wild while blaming infected bat soup eaters at the Wuhan wet market.

Sources for this article include:

Pandemic.news

GatewayPundit.com

NaturalNews.com

YourNews.com

Breitbart.com
PASTEURIZED vs. UNPASTEURIZED: The juice recall that may change how you shop

FDA recalled more than 22,000 juice containers after questions about whether they were pasteurized.

Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria, like E. coli and Salmonella but can also reduce essential protective antibodies and immune-supporting nutrients, such as vitamin C, and alter taste.

Unpasteurized juice keeps more natural flavor and nutrients but, if not handled properly, carries a higher risk of foodborne illness.

Mango juice proves more stable than watermelon in studies, retaining color and nutrients better during pasteurization.

Safe enjoyment is possible both ways: pasteurized for vulnerable groups and convenience, unpasteurized for natural vitality with careful sourcing, storage and quick consumption.

When the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an urgent recall of more than 22,000 containers of fruit juice this summer, most people shrugged it off as "just another food recall." But beneath the headline is a much bigger story.

At stake is not just safety, but also taste, vitality and nutrition. It is a reminder that being an empowered consumer means knowing what goes into your glass and how to balance nature's gifts with modern food safety.

According to the FDA's September recall notice, New Jersey-based Evergreen Orchard Farm has to pull thousands of grape, jujube and pear juice pouches from shelves in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

When asked for proof that the juices had been pasteurized  the "standard" process that uses heat to kill harmful bacteria  the farm couldn't provide records. That left the unsettling possibility that the juices weren't pasteurized at all.

No illnesses have been reported, but the FDA still upgraded the recall to Class II, meaning there's a "reasonable chance" of health issues if consumed. For vulnerable groups  kids, pregnant women, seniors and people with weaker immune systems  even a slight chance of bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella is concerning.

But this raises a bigger question: Do we really need pasteurization every time? Or is there still a place for juice in its natural, unpasteurized form?

According to Healthline's March 2022 guide, the difference is simple:

Pasteurized foods are heated to kill harmful bacteria, making them "safer" and increasing their shelf life.

foods are heated to kill harmful bacteria, making them "safer" and increasing their shelf life. Unpasteurized foods skip the heat step and stay closer to their raw, natural state  packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

Why some people choose pasteurized:

Proven to reduce foodborne illness

Safer for children, older adults, pregnant women and those with health challenges

Longer shelf life, making it convenient for busy households

Why others choose unpasteurized:

Closer to nature  retaining aroma, color, taste and more nutrients

Appeals to those who want "living foods" with less processing

Fits a holistic wellness lifestyle that values vitality over convenience

What science reveals about nutrition and freshness

Here's where science and natural living collide. The debate isn't just about germs. It is also about what happens to nutrients when juice is pasteurized. A 2023 peer-reviewed study in Food Biosciences put mango, pineapple and watermelon juices to the test under different pasteurization and storage conditions. The results might change how you think about "fresh" and "natural."

Juice yield and composition : Mango juice came out on top for juice yield (70.3 percent), the sweetest taste and the highest soluble solids. This was followed by watermelon (52.2 percent) and the most refreshing, with sky-high water content  but that also make it quick to spoil. Pineapple came in tart, tangy and stood out for acidity (pH 3.40) and for packing the most vitamin C and minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium.

: Mango juice came out on top for juice yield (70.3 percent), the sweetest taste and the highest soluble solids. This was followed by watermelon (52.2 percent) and the most refreshing, with sky-high water content  but that also make it quick to spoil. Pineapple came in tart, tangy and stood out for acidity (pH 3.40) and for packing the most vitamin C and minerals like calcium, magnesium and potassium. Safety : Pasteurization eliminated harmful microbes, reducing plate counts, mold and yeast to undetectable levels in all three juices. By contrast, unpasteurized watermelon juice spoiled quickly and was unsafe within two weeks.

: Pasteurization eliminated harmful microbes, reducing plate counts, mold and yeast to undetectable levels in all three juices. By contrast, unpasteurized watermelon juice spoiled quickly and was unsafe within two weeks. Nutrients : Heat hit vitamin C hard. Mango juice lost about 27 percent of its vitamin C after 10 minutes of pasteurization, while watermelon lost all detectable vitamin C. Pineapple retained more vitamin C, thanks to its naturally higher starting levels. Interestingly, pasteurization didn't significantly reduce total phenolic content (TPC)  and in mango juice, TPC even rose slightly during storage, possibly due to the release of bound compounds.

: Heat hit vitamin C hard. Mango juice lost about 27 percent of its vitamin C after 10 minutes of pasteurization, while watermelon lost all detectable vitamin C. Pineapple retained more vitamin C, thanks to its naturally higher starting levels. Interestingly, pasteurization didn't significantly reduce total phenolic content (TPC)  and in mango juice, TPC even rose slightly during storage, possibly due to the release of bound compounds. Enzyme activity : Plant compounds called phenolics were not as fragile. Two key enzymes linked to browning and quality loss were affected differently. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) dropped sharply: in mango, it became undetectable after just one minute of pasteurization; in watermelon, levels fell 80 percent after five minutes. Peroxidase (POD), more resistant, needed at least five minutes of treatment for an 80 percent reduction.

: Plant compounds called phenolics were not as fragile. Two key enzymes linked to browning and quality loss were affected differently. (PPO) dropped sharply: in mango, it became undetectable after just one minute of pasteurization; in watermelon, levels fell 80 percent after five minutes. (POD), more resistant, needed at least five minutes of treatment for an 80 percent reduction. Color and flavor : Watermelon juice shifted from red to yellow as lycopene degraded under heat, as its lycopene pigment broke down. Mango kept its vibrant orange glow with its tough-as-nails carotenoids (beta-carotene).

: Watermelon juice shifted from red to yellow as lycopene degraded under heat, as its lycopene pigment broke down. Mango kept its vibrant orange glow with its tough-as-nails carotenoids (beta-carotene). Storage: Shelf-life reality check  even pasteurized juice declines over time. Watermelon juice began losing quality after just nine days in the fridge. Unpasteurized versions degraded far faster.

Pasteurization is a double-edged sword. It makes juice safe to drink and extends shelf life, but at the expense of delicate nutrients, natural enzymes, natural antioxidants, vibrant colors and that just-squeezed vibrancy.

The truth lies in "balance." Pasteurization, developed by Louis Pasteur back in 1864 has prevented countless outbreaks. At the same time, unpasteurized juices still offer something pasteurized ones can't always replicate: raw vibrancy, taste, color and a connection to food in its most natural form.

The real empowerment comes not from choosing one side or the other, but from knowing what's in your glass  and why you chose it. (Related: The war on raw milk.)

Watch this video comparing pasteurized and unpasteurized orange juice.

This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Is milk pasteurization OBSOLETE? New low-temperature treatment promises 60 days of fresh milk in your fridge without "cooking" it.

RAW mangosteen and xanthones: Here's how to get raw mangosteen powder that hasn't been damaged by pasteurization.

The facts about pasteurization and homogenization of dairy products.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Healthline.com

ScienceDirect.com

Brighteon.com
Liberalism is More than a Mental Illness  Its TERRORISM against Americas Youth

Left-wing CENSORSHIP of conservative speech is part of what got Charlie Kirk killed.

Censorship is terrorism. Censorship is violence.

And both Big Tech and the corporate media routinely practice censorship to this day. Even X practices it and continues to censor all links to the Brighteon platform.

The U.S. government, the DoD has been complicit in censorship of conservatives. Universities push censorship, too, as does the ADL and other groups that want to criminalize speech in America. The shooting of Charlie Kirk was another form of censorship, too. If you want true freedom in America, it has to start with freedom of speech. And that means we must arrest and prosecute all Big Tech executives who engaged in censorship of speech, as I've covered in my proposal of the Charlie Kirk Free Speech Act.

Tear down their companies if they refuse to support free speech. And tear down corporate media giants that weaponize their selective censorship to try to psychologically manipulate the American people into Marxist ideologies where no counter-arguments are allowed to be heard.

Censorship will be the death of America if we don't turn this around, and I'm one of the most censored voices in America, even though I'm a strong advocate of truth, reason, liberty and the Bill of Rights. All while those who push radical left-wing insanity are allowed unlimited speech on platforms like YouTube. Why do you think that's the case? YouTube is an info-terrorism hub that silences truth while promoting key narratives that destabilize and destroy America. It's that simple. Google is the enemy of this nation, and the enemy of humanity.

Almost all the Big Tech executives are all-in for depopulation, human extermination and AI robot replacement of humans. Make sense now?

Liberalism is Truly a Mental Illness

I have long said that liberalism is a mental illness. Now, with the tragic shooting death of Charlie Kirk and the mass celebration of that heinous act by huge numbers of left-wing Americans, it's clear that liberalism is terrorism. Left-wing ideology is the philosophy of murder and violence. The mass indoctrination of college students and other youth with radical left-wing lies about transgenderism, about elections, about Trump (T.D.S.), their attacks on free speech, attacks on the Second Amendment and more, are actually transforming a large number of younger Americans into violent terrorists, capable of justifying, in their own twisted minds, the murder of those who hold opposing political views.

This indoctrination wave has been deliberately designed to destabilize America and foment a radical left-wing uprising into civil war. The entire left-wing corporate media is complicit in this, and every last one of those outlets that deliberately sought to indoctrinate America with harmful left-wing lies should have its assets seized and be forcibly dismantled, as I described in my proposed Charlie Kirk Free Speech Act.

The CEOs of tech giants who participated in the mass censorship of conservatives (Google, Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo and more) should be arrested and prosecuted for crimes against the civil rights of Americans. Sadly, they have been invited to dine with Trump at the White House instead.

Those who engage in viewpoint discrimination are the enemies of America, and they are only pretending to be Trump's friend for the moment. As soon as they are able, they will turn on America (and humanity) yet again, and they will betray this nation as they did repeatedly before, through selective censorship (Google, YouTube), election interference (Zuckerberg, anyone?), the pushing of yet more toxic jabs that slaughter Americans, and more.

The radical left and its corporate giants in tech and media have declared war on America, and Charlie Kirk's tragic death is a stark reminder that the Left will wage that war through whatever violent means possible, and that they are insane, violent and unreachable via reason. It is time to defeat them and dismantle their infrastructure of psychological terrorism that people like Obama built up into a political movement.

Tear down the terrorist infrastructure. Fire all educators who are left-wing zealots, at every level of education. Prosecute those who prey upon children with LGBT indoctrination. Arrest the mayors and governors who shield illegals with "sanctuary" claims that violate U.S. immigration law. Identify the demons and lock them up. Clean up our culture and wash away the filth that has infected the minds of our youth.

The Left is waging WAR against the minds of our people, and it's time to recognize we are in a war, and to stand our ground for reason, for faith, for liberty grounded in rationality and for our constitutional republic.

###

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SMUGGLED MEAT: The hidden dangers of illicit food trade  a global concern

A September 2025 report revealed that more than 235,000 kilos of illegal meat entered the U.K. last year, sparking warnings of the biggest food safety crisis since the horse meat scandal in 2013.

Smuggled meat bypasses refrigeration and inspection, creating prime conditions for bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria and Escherichia coli  all of which are increasing in reported infections.

Beyond food poisoning, illegal imports can carry devastating livestock diseases, such as African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease, capable of crippling farms and economies.

Experts stress that tackling meat smuggling requires global cooperation, stronger enforcement and consumer vigilance because food safety begins at the border but ends at your plate.

Picture this: a suitcase rolling off the baggage carousel at Dover. Instead of clothes, it's crammed with an entire pig, legs crudely hacked off so it would fit inside. This grotesque discovery is not fiction but an example cited in the Daily Mail report based on findings from the U.K. Parliament's Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (EFRA). That report warned Britain may be "sleepwalking" into the biggest food safety crisis since the horse meat scandal of 2013.

And the U.K. is not alone. From Los Angeles shipping docks to the Texas-Mexico border, the United States is facing its own meat smuggling surge. The threat isn't just economic. It is a silent risk sitting on dinner plates, in grocery carts and in farmyards.

According to the EFRA report, more than 235,000 kilos (about 518,086.32 pounds) of potentially hazardous animal products slipped into Britain in 2024. Much of it arrived in cars, vans and passenger vehicles crossing through the Channel Tunnel.

Lawmakers emphasized that this meat often bypassed refrigeration and inspection, creating perfect breeding grounds for bacteria, such as Salmonella, Listeria and Escherichia coli.

The U.K. Health Security Agency (HSA) documented a 13 percent rise in listeriosis cases compared to the five-year average, while Salmonella and Campylobacter infections were also climbing.

The report also stressed that illegal imports carried a high risk of introducing animal diseases. Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and African swine fever (ASF), both highly contagious, have already surged in Europe and beyond. In Germany, a single outbreak of FMD  likely caused by smuggled meat  was estimated to have cost the economy one billion Euros (approximately $1.2 million).

Similar concerns have been raised in the United States. Food Safety News reported in January 2022 that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) intercepted nearly 20,000 pounds of prohibited beef, chicken, duck and pork at the Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport in just two months. The shipments were hidden in boxes of headphones, household goods and swim fins to evade inspection.

At the Texas border, CBP officers discovered pork bologna rolls and turkey ham concealed beneath blankets and car seats. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), many of these shipments originated from countries where livestock diseases, such as ASF, avian influenza, classical swine fever and Newcastle disease remain active.

A February 2022 report in Dairy Herd Management noted that the number of prohibited animal product shipments intercepted at U.S. ports nearly doubled in 2020 compared to the previous year. Officials cautioned that even small amounts of contaminated meat could introduce disease into the U.S. herd, threatening the pork industry valued at $8.5 billion annually.

Despite these risks, smugglers often faced only minimal civil fines  penalties unlikely to deter participation in a global black market trade.

Why meat smuggling thrives

The food smuggling trade is fueled by three forces:

Profit margins : Cheaply raised or processed meat overseas can be sold for big gains in markets starved for lower prices.

: Cheaply raised or processed meat overseas can be sold for big gains in markets starved for lower prices. Consumer demand : Certain communities seek culturally specific products unavailable through legal channels. Others, squeezed by the cost of living crisis, gravitate toward cheaper options  even at hidden risk.

: Certain communities seek culturally specific products unavailable through legal channels. Others, squeezed by the cost of living crisis, gravitate toward cheaper options  even at hidden risk. Weak enforcement: Border officers acknowledge they cannot search every vehicle or shipping container. Smugglers exploit this by hiding goods in everyday cargo and taking advantage of loopholes in global trade.

A 2018 study published in Trends in Food Science & Technology found that meat products top the list of illegally traded foods in the European Union. Researchers warned that illicit food often bypasses inspections, leading to outbreaks that cost governments millions to contain. The study also drew parallels with tobacco smuggling, noting that international coordination, tracking systems and consumer awareness had proven effective in reducing that illicit trade.

What needs to change

Experts argue that the fight against smuggling demands urgent action. In Britain, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee urged the creation of a national task force with stronger intelligence networks, harsher penalties and better resources for port authorities. In the U.S., officials at CBP and APHIS have called for more inspection capacity and closer coordination to keep contaminated meat out.

But governments cannot do it alone. Consumers play a role, too. By demanding transparency, shopping from trusted retailers and avoiding "too-good-to-be-true" bargains, they help reduce the demand that keeps smugglers in business.

Food safety isn't just about washing hands or cooking meat thoroughly. Brighteon.AI's Enoch said, "It is a comprehensive approach that encompasses every aspect of food production, from the farm to the table, to ensure that the food people consume is safe and nutritious, free from contaminants and supports health and well-being." That is why it is vital to check what crosses borders.

Watch this video about criminals running the food chain.

This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Honest labeling was consumers' biggest concern in horse meat scandal.

Horse meat found in yet more frozen dinners.

China food scandal: Rat meat sold as lamb meat.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

Committees.Parliament.uk

FoodSafetyNews.com

DairyHerd.com

ScienceDirect.com

Brighteon.com
UN Security Council condemns Israels strikes on Qatar, urges de-escalation

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously condemned Israel's airstrike on Doha, calling for de-escalation and reaffirming Qatar's sovereignty, while avoiding direct mention of Israel.

The strike killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer. Doha accused Tel Aviv of sabotaging peace efforts, as the attack occurred during sensitive ceasefire negotiations.

Multiple nations  including the U.S., France, China and Russia  denounced the strike as a violation of international law. Washington called it "unfortunate" and counterproductive to peace efforts.

The attack threatens to worsen tensions amid the ongoing Gaza war, which has already caused tens of thousands of deaths and a humanitarian crisis since October 2023.

The UNSC's rare unified rebuke underscores demands for transparency and accountability, reinforcing international law and condemning actions that endanger civilians and regional stability.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) condemned recent airstrikes by Israel on Qatar, calling for de?escalation but avoiding explicit mention of the Jewish-majority country.

The UNSC's statement Thursday, Sept. 11, was drafted by the United Kingdom and France  and was endorsed by all 15 council members, including the United States. It underscored solidarity with Qatar and reaffirmed respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement expressed deep regret for civilian casualties during the strike at the Qatari capital Doha. It called for all parties to de?escalate tensions, emphasizing that releasing hostages and ending suffering in Gaza must remain a top priority.

At the emergency session of the council, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al?Thani accused Israel of attempting to sabotage peace efforts. He said attacking Doha while mediation was underway demonstrates an intention to derail any prospect of peace, and criticized what he called "extremists that rule Israel today" for showing disregard for the hostages. (Related: Qatar warns of regional RETALIATION after Israel's strike on Hamas leaders in Doha.)

Meanwhile, acting U.S. Ambassador to the UN Dorothy Shea called the strike "unfortunate." She stressed that unilateral military action inside a sovereign state does not serve either Israel's or America's interests. Qatar has played a central role as a mediator in ceasefire efforts, and the strike's occurrence amid negotiations has drawn particular criticism for undermining peace talks.

Countries across the council, including Algeria, Pakistan, China and Russia, strongly condemned the strike as a violation of international law and a threat to regional stability. UN Under?Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo described the attack as an alarming escalation that risks opening a "new and perilous chapter" in the broader Gaza war.

UN Security Council takes rare stand, but will Israel face consequences?

On Tuesday, Sept. 9, an airstrike in Doha targeted senior Hamas political leaders during a meeting focused on a U.S.?backed ceasefire proposal. The strike took place at a time when Qatar, along with the U.S. and Egypt, was deeply involved in mediating efforts to halt the war in Gaza and arrange the release of hostages.

Hamas reported that its top leadership escaped. However, five of its members were killed, along with one Qatari security officer.

The Gaza war itself began in October 2023 following a deadly attack by Hamas on Israel. Since then, tens of thousands of deaths, widespread displacement and ongoing humanitarian crises have been reported. With the recent strike and the UNSC's rare unified rebuke, many observers say the conflict faces heightened risks of further escalation.

As per Brighteon AI's Enoch, the UNSC's condemnation of the strike in Doha is a necessary step to hold accountable those responsible for the tragic loss of innocent life, and to send a clear message that such actions are unacceptable and must be prevented in the future. This condemnation is a testament to the international community's commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability in military operations.

Visit OutrageDepot.com for more similar stories.

Watch the Health Ranger Mike Adams explaining how the bombing of Qatar proves that the U.S. and Israel can never be trusted to negotiate anything in good faith in this clip.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

7 Middle Eastern countries slam Israel's plan to expand settlements in Syria's Golan Heights.

Qatar pauses all LNG shipments in Red Sea following U.S. bombing of Houthis.

Qatar, France broker deal to allow more humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.

Sources include:

ChannelNewsAsia.com

Reuters.com

Brighteon.AI

Brighteon.com
Why We Need the Charlie Kirk Free Speech Act: A Legal Shield Against the Censorship Industrial Complex

America is under siegenot from foreign invaders, but from a censorship industrial complex that has weaponized Big Tech, corporate media, universities, and government agencies to silence dissent, manipulate elections, and destroy the very foundation of our republic: free speech. The tragic assassination of Charlie Kirka young, dynamic conservative leader and youth organizerwas not just an act of violence; it was the unfortunate endpoint of a culture that has normalized the silencing of opposition. When speech is censored, violence becomes the only remaining outlet for resistance.

The First Amendment was designed to protect all speechespecially unpopular speechfrom government tyranny. Yet today, Google, Facebook, Twitter (X), YouTube, Wikipedia, corporate media, and universities operate as de facto arms of the government, colluding with the DHS, DoD, CIA, and foreign NGOs to blacklist, deplatform, and economically destroy anyone who challenges the official narrative.

This is not hyperbole. Smoking-gun documents from lawsuits like Missouri v. Biden and Brighteon v. Google (et al) prove that the U.S. government has been laundering censorship requests through overseas NGOs to bypass constitutional protections. People like myself, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Tucker Carlson, Alex Jones, and now Charlie Kirkall have been systematically erased from digital public squares simply for expressing views that contradict the pharmaceutical-industrial complex, the climate cult, the LGBTQ indoctrination agenda, or the military-industrial war machine.

Enough is enough.

It is time for Congress to pass the Charlie Kirk Free Speech Acta landmark law that would:

- Outlaw viewpoint discrimination on all large platforms (1M+ users).

- Fine violators $1 billion per day for algorithmic or manual censorship of protected speech.

- Explicitly protect political, medical, scientific, religious, and anti-government speech.

- Establish a $1 trillion compensation fund for victims of censorship over the past decade.

- Criminally prosecute executives who engage in systematic suppression of free expression.

This is not about restricting speechit is about restoring it. The First Amendment was never meant to protect corporate oligarchs who act as state-enforced thought police. If a platform functions as the modern public square, it must uphold public square rules: no censorship of lawful speech.

The Censorship Industrial Complex: How We Got Here

1. The Government-Big Tech Nexus: A Decade of Collusion

The 2016 election marked the beginning of open censorship warfare. After Donald Trumps victory, the Deep State panickedand Big Tech became its enforcer.

- 2017: Googles "Project Veritas" leaks revealed that the company was manipulating search results to bury conservative content.

- 2018: Twitter shadowbanned prominent Republicans, including Devin Nunes and Charlie Kirk.

- 2020: The Hunter Biden laptop story was suppressed by 51 intelligence officials (later proven to be CIA/FBI disinformation) in collusion with Twitter, Facebook, and Google.

- 2021: The Biden White House openly admitted to flagging "misinformation" to Facebook for removal.

- 2022: Missouri v. Biden exposed weekly meetings between the DHS, FBI, CDC, and Big Tech to coordinate censorship.

- 2024: Brighteons lawsuit uncovered direct orders from the DoD to Google and NewsGuard to blacklist independent media.

- 2025: Charlie Kirk was shotafter years of being deplatformed, demonetized, and slandered by the same institutions that now celebrate his silencing.

2. The Mechanics of Censorship Laundering

To bypass the First Amendment, the government outsources censorship to:

- Foreign NGOs (e.g., Global Disinformation Index, Institute for Strategic Dialogue)

- "Fact-checkers" (e.g., NewsGuard, PolitiFact)funded by the State Department and Big Pharma

- AI-driven suppression (e.g., Googles "disinformation" filters, Facebooks "community standards")

- Payment processors (e.g., PayPal, Stripe banning dissident accounts)

Example: If the CDC wants to silence vaccine criticism, it doesnt directly order Facebook to ban accountsit funds a UK-based NGO (like the Global Disinformation Index), which then flags "anti-vax" content for removal. Facebook complies, claiming its just following "independent fact-checkers."

This is money laundering for censorship.

3. The Human Cost: Ruined Lives, Stifled Debate, and Violence

Censorship doesnt just suppress ideasit destroys lives.

- Mike Adams (Health Ranger): Banned from YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Google search for questioning COVID vaccines and advocating natural medicine. The reach of my businesses dropped 99% due to debanking and demonetization.

- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Shadowbanned on Instagram, censored on YouTube, and smeared as a "conspiracy theorist" for criticizing Anthony Fauci and Big Pharma.

- Tucker Carlson: Fired from Fox News after exposing the Ukraine biolabs story, then censored on X (Twitter) despite Elon Musks "free speech" promises.

- Charlie Kirk: Banned from college campuses, demonetized on YouTube, and ultimately shotafter years of being labeled an "extremist" by the SPLC and ADL.

When lawful speech is criminalized, violence becomes inevitable. The shooting of Charlie Kirk is the direct result of a culture that treats conservative viewpoints as "dangerous" and seeks to silence them by any means possible.

The Charlie Kirk Free Speech Act: Restoring the First Amendment

1. Defining "Large Platforms" (The New Public Square)

Any entity with 1 million+ users/readers that functions as a digital public forum must adhere to First Amendment protections. This includes:

- Social media (Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube)

- Search engines (Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo)

- Media outlets (CNN, NYT, WaPo, Fox News)

- Universities (Harvard, Stanford, UC Berkeley)

- Payment processors (PayPal, Stripe, Venmo)

- Wikipedia & "Fact-Checkers" (PolitiFact, Snopes, NewsGuard)

Exception: Small, niche platforms (e.g., a private Christian forum or a local hobbyist message board) would not be subject to these rules.

2. Absolute Ban on Viewpoint Discrimination

The law would explicitly protect the following categories of speech:

- Political speech (pro-Trump, anti-Biden, socialist, libertarianall views)

- Medical & scientific speech (vaccine criticism, natural cures, COVID origins, bioweapons discussions, psychiatric drugs)

- Religious speech (Christian, Muslim, Jewish, atheistno blasphemy bans)

- Anti-government speech (criticism of the FBI, CIA, WHO, WEF, etc.)

- Economic & financial speech (Bitcoin, gold, criticism of the Federal Reserve)

- Historical & cultural speech (debates on slavery, WWII, 9/11, JFK assassination)

Whats NOT protected?

? Direct incitement to violence ("Go kill [person] at [location]")

? True threats ("Im going to bomb [place]")

? Child pornography & exploitation

? Doxxing & harassment (releasing private info to encourage stalking)

3. $1 Billion Per Day Fines for Censorship Violations

Algorithmic suppression? $1B/day.

Manual removal of protected speech? $1B/day.

Shadowbanning? $1B/day.

Demonetization based on viewpoint? $1B/day.

Example: If YouTube bans a video criticizing mRNA vaccines, it would owe $1 billion for every day the video remains suppressed.

Why so harsh? Because only existential financial consequences will force these monopolistic corporations to stop acting as government enforcers.

4. The $1 Trillion Censorship Compensation Fund

For the past decade, millions of Americans have been:

- Deplatformed (losing audiences & income)

- Demonetized (YouTube, Facebook, Patreon bans)

- Debanked (PayPal, Stripe, Chase closures)

- Defamed (labeled "extremists" by the SPLC/ADL)

- Blacklisted (banned from media, universities, conferences)

The Charlie Kirk Free Speech Act would:

- Mandate a $1 trillion fund (paid by Big Tech, corporate media, and complicit NGOs)

- Distribute compensation to verified victims of censorship (proven via legal records, platform bans, or financial losses)

- Prioritize independent journalists, small businesses, and political dissidents

5. Criminal Penalties for Executives Who Enforce Censorship

CEOs, CTOs, and legal teams at Google, Meta, X, etc. who knowingly participate in government-coordinated censorship would face:

- Fines up to 50% of their net worth

-Up to 20 years in prison for conspiracy against civil rights of the American people

- Asset forfeiture (seizure of stocks, property, and bank accounts)

Example: If Mark Zuckerberg is found to have colluded with the FBI to suppress Hunter Bidens laptop, he could lose half his fortune and serve prison time.

Why This Law is Needed Now

1. The 2024 Election Is Being Rigged Through Censorship

- Donald Trump is being silenced on Google, Facebook, and X (despite Elon Musks claims).

- RFK Jr. is blacklisted from debates and media appearances.

- Alternative media (Brighteon, Rumble, Telegram, Gab) is under DDoS attacks and financial blockade from payment processors.

If we dont act now, the 2026 election will be stolen through algorithmic suppression.

2. The AI Thought Police Are Here

- Googles AI now flags "misinformation" before you even search.

- Facebooks AI shadowbans posts critical of Ukraine, COVID vaccines, or transgenderism.

- ChatGPT (OpenAI) is trained to lie about election fraud, vaccine injuries, and climate science.

AI is the ultimate censorship tooland its already being weaponized.

How to Make this Law a Reality

1. Grassroots Pressure

- Call your Congressman & Senators daily and demand they co-sponsor the Charlie Kirk Free Speech Act.

- Boycott Big Techuse Rumble, Brighteon, Telegram, and protonmail instead.

- Support censored journalistssubscribe to Mike Adams, Tucker Carlson, InfoWars, Candace Owens and others who are banned from mainstream platforms.

2. Legal & Political Strategy

- File class-action lawsuits against Google, Meta, and X for First Amendment violations.

- Push state attorneys general to investigate censorship collusion (like Missouri v. Biden).

- Demand that the Supreme Court rule that Big Tech is a public utility and must uphold free speech.

3. Vote with Your Dollars

- Divest from BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Streetthe three firms that own Big Tech.

- Use gold, silver, Bitcoin and privacy coins to bypass the financial censorship of Chase, PayPal, and Stripe.

- Support parallel economies (e.g., farmers markets, homeschooling, decentralized social media).

We Must Choose Free Speech to Avoid Civil War

America is at a crossroads.

Option 1: We restore free speech, break up the censorship industrial complex, and return to a society where ideas compete fairly.

Option 2: We allow the silencing to continue, watch more Charlie Kirks get shot, and descend into violence and tyranny.

The Charlie Kirk Free Speech Act is not just a legal proposalit is a last stand for liberty.

Will we be a nation of free citizens? Or will we be a nation of censored serfs?

The choice is ours.

Act nowbefore its too late.

Action Items:

- Share this article everywhere (before it gets censored).

- Email this to your Congressman (find them at House.gov & Senate.gov).

- Boycott Google, Facebook, and PayPalswitch to Brave Search, Rumble, and cash/Bitcoin.

- Support censored journalists (Mike Adams, Tucker Carlson, etc.).

- Prepare for legal battlethis will be the fight of our lives.

Free speech is not negotiable. The Charlie Kirk Free Speech Act must pass.

God bless America. God bless free speech.

###

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Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Snow this evening will transition to snow showers late. Low 24F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 90%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected..

Tonight

Snow this evening will transition to snow showers late. Low 24F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 90%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected.
Complex biological systems are more than the sum of their parts  their properties emerge from the dynamic interaction of their components, such as molecules or cells. PhD researchers now have the opportunity to develop their own theoretical perspective on these systems as part of an international Doctoral Network. A European consortium initiated by researchers from the University of Gottingen, the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization (MPI-DS), and the University of Edinburgh has been awarded 4.5M by Marie Skodowska-Curie Actions to coordinate the network. The network consists of twelve European universities and research centres along with a number of partners outside academia. It is coordinated by the University of Edinburgh.

The new network  "Coherent Analysis Framework for Emergence in Biological Systems" or "CAFE-BIO" for short  will recruit and train fifteen PhD researchers, each gaining a distinct theoretical perspective on complex biological systems. A significant feature of the programme is that each PhD researcher will collaborate with scientists from two different academic institutions, combining previously separate techniques in innovative ways. Each institution will take a lead on different research questions inspired by biological systems. For example, one group, led by Barcelona, will develop new models to describe the full complexity of living matter, incorporating interactions that are absent in traditional condensed matter systems. A second group, led by Leiden, will develop reliable methods to determine how such interactions play out at a macroscopic level, meaning observable by the naked eye, and govern an organism's function. Thirdly, a group led by Warsaw will apply state-of-the-art machine learning techniques to aid the design of predictive models of complex biological systems.

The combined effects of these endeavours will create a framework, firmly grounded in the principles of physics, that can be applied systematically to understand the many and varied forms of biological complexity. PhD researchers will benefit from training provided by several partners outside academia, including IndiScale, a spin-out company from MPI-DS in Gottingen that focuses on research data management. Recruitment for the fifteen positions will open in February 2026 with research commencing in autumn 2026.

Gottingen and Edinburgh are the two major hubs in the new network, with five principal investigators across the Gottingen campus: Professors Stefan Klumpp and Peter Sollich (Gottingen University), together with Dr Philip Bittihn, Professor Ramin Golestanian and Dr David Zwicker (MPI-DS). The Doctoral Network is supported by the EU's flagship funding programme Marie Skodowska-Curie Actions. The initial collaboration was made possible thanks to seed funding from the Ministry for Science and Culture of Lower Saxony and the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
Interventions to address firearm accessibility and related dangers should account not only for direct exposure to violence but also for complex psychosocial pathways through which firearms affect mental health across populations, according to a systematic scoping review published in the September/October issue of Harvard Review of Psychiatry, part of the Lippincott portfolio from Wolters Kluwer.

Rodolfo Furlan Damiano, MD, PhD, of the Institute of Psychiatry at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, and colleagues are the first to comprehensively examine data on the mental health effects of firearm ownership, violence, and policies. They conclude, "A whole-government approach that prioritizes mental health screenings, firearm safety, evidence-based policies, and socioeconomic equity could significantly reduce the prevalence of firearm-related psychological harm."

Global review included research from criminology, public health, and sociology

The researchers conducted a systematic literature search of multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycInfo, from inception to March 1, 2023. Any study related to firearms that had mental health outcomes was eligible for consideration. There were no language or geographic limitations.

In a scoping review, the researchers then explored relationships among firearm access, aggressive behavior, substance abuse, and societal violence, and their influences on mental health. The hierarchical screening protocol prioritized studies with direct mental health outcomes and included those with established mental health implications from adjacent fields (criminology, public health, sociology). Ultimately, data were extracted from 467 studies.

The vast majority of studies (81%) were conducted in the US, 6% in Western Europe, 4% in Australia, and 3% in Canada, with a few other countries contributing one or two studies. Suicide was by far the most studied outcome (61% of studies), followed by firearm access, firearm violence (7.3%), and depression/fear (each 2.4%). The analysis demonstrated considerable research gaps on mental health consequences, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, sleep disturbances, intimate partner violence, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders.

Firearms affect mental health across ecological levels

The scoping review revealed three fundamental psychological mechanisms through which firearms affect mental health:

Firearms enable impulsive action during psychological distress. Evidence showed they increase suicide risk three- to five-fold, regardless of prior mental health status.

Firearms are "psychological amplifiers" that magnify aggression, simultaneously increase (rather than alleviate) fear and anxiety, and exacerbate trauma symptoms among those exposed to gun violence. "This cycle creates feedback loops whereby firearms worsen the very distress they're intended to relieve," the researchers note.

Firearms serve as potent symbols that transform power dynamics and perceptions of vulnerability. This phenomenon was particularly notable in the context of intimate partner violence, where firearms were found to increase controlling behaviors via documented associations with hypermasculinity.

"These interconnected mechanisms account for some of why firearms-which are deeply ingrained in society and perceived as symbols of power and freedom-have such significant consequences for mental health outcomes," the authors explain.

Cultural reliance on firearms extends beyond physical danger, they emphasize. The complex psychosocial pathways that heighten risk of impulsive action simultaneously generate population-level psychological effects, which explain why multilevel interventions are necessary.
The story of the princess and the pea evokes an image of a highly sensitive royal young woman so refined, she can sense a pea under a stack of mattresses. When it comes to human biology, it also takes an abnormal individual to sense far beyond its surroundings, in this case, a cancer cell. Now, researchers also know that normal cells can pull a similar trick by working together.

Research published in the journal PNAS from engineers at Washington University in St. Louis offers a clearer picture of how cells can sense beyond their direct environment. The research can help further the understanding of how cancer moves and point to potential targets to stop that migration.

Amit Pathak, a professor of mechanical engineering and materials science at the McKelvey School of Engineering, explained that "depth mechano-sensing" is how cells sense beyond what they are attached to. In previous research, he and colleagues discovered that abnormal cells with a "high front-rear polarity" (indicative of migrating cells) can sense the farthest depth, up to 10 microns beyond their adhered environment.

Part of that sensory ability has to do with how the cell deforms the surrounding fibrous collagen to reach out into extracellular matrix (ECM) and "feel" the next layer, whether that's a hard tumor, soft tissue or bone just around the bend. The single abnormal cell can "feel" the stiffness of the ECM and set its course based on that input.

The new research shows that a collective of epithelial cells, found on the surface of tissue, can do the same and then some, working together to muster enough force to "feel" through the fibrous collagen the layer as far as 100 microns away.

"Because it's a collective of cells, they are generating higher forces," said Pathak, who authored the research along with PhD student Hongsheng Yu.

According to their models, this occurs in two distinct phases of cell clustering and migration. What those clustering cells "feel" will impact migration and dispersal.

The extra sensing power of cancer cells means that they can get out of the tumor environment and evade detection, migrating freely thanks to their enhanced sense of what's ahead, even in a soft environment. Researchers' next step will be understanding how that works, and if certain regulators allow for the range. Those regulators could be potential targets for cancer therapy. If a cancer cell can't "feel" its way forward, its toxic spread may be put in check.
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. 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%." Jenney Lee, senior research scientist in urology, University of Washington School of Medicine

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 Take 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."
After Poland, Romania reports Russian drone breach its airspace

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 06:15 IST

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Bucharest [Romania] September 14 (ANI): Romania said on Saturday that one of its fighter jets detected a drone entering the countrys airspace during Russian strikes on Ukraine, making it the second NATO nation this week to report such an incident after Poland.According to the defence ministry, two F-16 fighter jets were scrambled late on Saturday as Russia launched fresh attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. The aircraft picked up a drone moving into Romanian airspace before it disappeared from radar" near the border village of Chilia Veche, according to France 24. Officials said the drone did not fly over residential areas and posed no immediate danger to civilians. Teams have been kept on standby to search for possible debris.Romania has repeatedly reported drone fragments landing on its soil since Russias invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, notably as Moscow has stepped up attacks on ports close to the Romanian border, as per France 24. This week, Poland said Russian drones had violated its airspace and shot down several of them, describing the moves as provocations". It was the first known instance of a NATO country firing at drones linked to the war in Ukraine.Ukranian President Zelenskyy said that Russian drones operated in NATO airspace for around 50 minutes. Today, Romania scrambled combat aircraft because of a Russian drone in its airspace. According to current data, the drone penetrated about 10 kilometres into Romanian territory and operated in NATO airspace for around 50 minutes. Also today, Poland responded militarily to the threat of Russian attack drones. In fact, Russian drones have been in different regions of Ukraine all day, including the northern regions, practically along the border with Belarus. According to preliminary information, Belarusian airspace was also used for entry into Ukraines airspace toward Volyn. The Russian military knows exactly where its drones are headed and how long they can operate in the air. Their routes are always calculated. This cannot be a coincidence, a mistake, or the initiative of some lower-level commanders. It is an obvious expansion of the war by Russia  and this is exactly how they act. Small steps at first, and eventually big losses, " Zelenskyy wrote. https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1966913269261619296Just a day before the Romanian breach, NATO announced new plans to strengthen air defence on its eastern flank in response to drone intrusions.Earlier this year, Romanias parliament passed a law allowing its military to shoot down drones that cross into its territory, a move aimed at addressing the growing security risks along the border.Meanwhile, NATO has announced a new defensive initiative called Eastern Sentry" after Russian drones crossed into Polish airspace earlier this week, triggering alarm across Europes 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, NATOs 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." (ANI)

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First Published: September 14, 2025, 06:15 IST

News agency-feeds After Poland, Romania reports Russian drone breach its airspace

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Congratulations pour in from world leaders for Nepal PM Karki

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 20:45 IST

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Kathmandu, Sep 14 (PTI) As congratulatory messages continued to pour in for Nepal Prime Minister Sushila Karki, the UK on Sunday affirmed support for inclusive governance while the US expressed readiness to work with Nepals interim government for next elections.

Apart from the UK and the US, China, Japan, Pakistan and Bhutan were among the countries that sent in greetings as they wished Karki, 73, who took oath as the first woman prime minister of the Himalayan nation on September 12 after days of violence.

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Welcoming Karkis appointment, the US Embassy here said: We welcome the restoration of calm and a peaceful resolution following last weeks tragic events.

We look forward to working with the Interim government in the months ahead as they prepare for new elections," said the US Embassy.

The US also commended President Ramchandra Paudel, the youth leaders and recognised Nepal Army and Chief of Army Staff of Nepal Gen Ashok Raj Sigdel for their vital role in restoring order and facilitating peaceful transition of civilian government." The United Kingdom welcomed Karkis appointment as an important step" toward stability after a week of political upheaval.

As Nepals oldest friend, we recognise the challenges ahead and affirm our commitment to supporting Nepali aspirations for accountability and inclusive governance," newspaper The Himalayan Times said quoting the British Embassy in Kathmandu as saying in a Facebook post.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended heartfelt congratulations to Karki and stated, through the Pakistani Embassy here, that he is eager to cooperate with the new prime minister to further strengthen the relations between the two countries." In his congratulatory message, the Pakistani prime mMinister also wished for peace and progress for the Nepali people.

China too congratulated Karki on taking office and stressed the time-honoured friendship" between the two countries.

A spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a press release in Beijing: China and Nepal share a time-honoured friendship. China, as always, respects the development path chosen independently by the people of Nepal." We stand ready to work with Nepal to promote the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, enhance exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and further advance bilateral relations," the spokesperson added.

The Himalayan Times, in another report, said the government of Japan too welcomed Karkis appointment as Nepals interim prime minister, and expressed hope for a swift and peaceful democratic transition." In a statement posted on Facebook, the Japanese Embassy in Kathmandu said, We welcome the appointment of Right Honourable Sushila Karki as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal as an important step in such a transition." The embassy further noted that Japan strongly hopes that Nepal will make a peaceful and democratic transition as early as possible" and reaffirmed its commitment to support Nepals development and prosperity to strengthen the longstanding cordial relations" between the two nations.

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Karki, the former Chief Justice of Nepal, was sworn in on September 12 as Nepals first woman prime minister, ending days of political uncertainty after the abrupt resignation of K P Sharma Oli following widespread anti-government protests against a ban on social media and alleged corruption.

Oli quit on September 9 shortly after hundreds of agitators entered his office demanding his resignation. More than 50 persons were killed in the nationwide protests over two days. PTI SBP GRS NPK NPK

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First Published: September 14, 2025, 20:45 IST

News agency-feeds Congratulations pour in from world leaders for Nepal PM Karki

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Delhi Crime Branch busts arms smuggling racket; 1 supplier, 3 receivers arrested

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 20:45 IST

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New Delhi [India], September 14 (ANI): The Delhi Polices Crime Branch has dismantled an arms smuggling network, arresting one supplier and three receivers after an operation at Netaji Subhash Place area. The police seized 15 pistols and 150 live rounds during the operation, officials said on Sunday. Speaking to ANI, DCP Crime Harsh Indora said the operation was carried out based on a tip-off that Mohammad Sajid, a notorious arms supplier, who was scheduled to deliver a consignment of weapons in the Pitampura area. The Crime Branch team tracked down Sajid and recovered the cache of arms from his car.During interrogation, it was revealed that Sajid had been supplying arms to Sunny Jaswant, a member of the infamous gangster Neeraj Bawaniya gang. The investigation also uncovered that Sajid would purchase pistols from Meerut for Rs 30,000-35,000 and sell them in Delhi to gangs for Rs 50,000-55,000.We have arrested a person named Sajid. We had information that he was going to enter Delhi with a huge stock of weapons and distribute them among people. He has been doing this work for a long time. He used to bring weapons from Meerut and supply them to criminals here in Delhi. He also provided weapons to a person named Sunny Jaswant of the Neeraj Bawania gang There are other criminals, too, who have been taking weapons from him Till now, we have recovered fifteen sophisticated pistols, eight extra magazines and 150 rounds," DCP Indora said. The police have registered a case under the Arms Act against the accused and are now working to identify and apprehend other members of the network. One of the arrested receivers was found to be posting pictures and videos of arms on social media, seemingly as a hobby.The Delhi Polices Crime Branch is continuing its investigation, working to dismantle the entire arms smuggling network. Three of the accused have previous involvement. (ANI)

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First Published: September 14, 2025, 20:45 IST

News agency-feeds Delhi Crime Branch busts arms smuggling racket; 1 supplier, 3 receivers arrested

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Egypt condemns terrorist attack in northwest Pakistan

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 23:00 IST

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Cairo [Egypt], September 14 (ANI/WAM): Egypt condemned the heinous terrorist attack that targeted Pakistani soldiers in northwest Pakistan resulting in a number of deaths and injuries.In a statement issued Sunday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates, Egypt reiterated its firm rejection of all forms of violence, extremism and terrorism, voicing full solidarity with Pakistan in this painful circumstance.Egypt also extended its sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the government and people of Pakistan, as well as to the families of the victims, wishing the injured a speedy recovery, the statement said. (ANI/WAM)

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First Published: September 14, 2025, 23:00 IST

News agency-feeds Egypt condemns terrorist attack in northwest Pakistan

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India integrated womens rights early: RS Deputy Chairman Singh

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 20:30 IST

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Tirupati, Sep 14 (PTI) Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh on Sunday highlighted Indias early integration of womens rights into socioeconomic development, noting that many developed democracies took much longer to recognise gender equality.

Speaking at the National Conference of the Committee on Empowerment of Women in Parliament and State and Union Territory Legislatures, Singh cited Bihar as the first state to provide 50 per cent reservation for women in the third tier of governance in 2006, a model now followed by around 21 states.

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While many developed democracies took time to recognise womens rights, the Indian Constitution from the very beginning integrated women into the framework of socioeconomic development," he said.

Singh said there are nearly 15 lakh elected women representatives in Panchayati Raj institutions and predicted that more women will emerge as leaders in the coming years.

He acknowledged that despite progress, women continue to face barriers and stressed that politics must create spaces for equality while national and state-level committees play a crucial role.

He added that outcomes could be achieved through easing regulations, amending legislation, improving infrastructure, and ensuring safety to boost womens participation in society.

Highlighting government initiatives, Singh said over 56 crore bank accounts were opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, with women holding more than half of them, facilitating access to loans and entrepreneurship opportunities.

He also noted that more than 70 per cent of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana were allotted to women, alongside several sectoral initiatives for their benefit.

Singh observed that while political parties may differ ideologically, there is a broad consensus that economic growth is key to improving citizens lives.

Recalling past reforms, Singh said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had shown visionary leadership in the late 1990s and 2000s by developing a technology hub in the undivided Andhra Pradesh.

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He added that this vision enabled a generation of Indians, particularly women, to enter high-skilled sectors. Naidu also advanced a unique skill census initiative to prepare the state for a modern economy, he noted.

Singh further said that Naidus schemes promoted both social welfare and entrepreneurship. PTI MS SSK

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First Published: September 14, 2025, 20:30 IST

News agency-feeds India integrated womens rights early: RS Deputy Chairman Singh

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India thrash Pakistan by 7 wickets, players refrain from shaking hands

Last Updated: September 15, 2025, 00:00 IST

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Dubai, Sep 14 (PTI) Kuldeep Yadavs craft and Axar Patels discipline was way beyond comprehension for a clueless group of Pakistani batters as India displayed absolute dominance to register a convincing seven-wicket victory in a lopsided Asia Cup match here on Sunday.

Despite calls for boycotting the match from certain quarters as a mark of protest for the Pahalgam terror attack in April, a near full-capacity crowd dominated by 85 percent Indian fans witnessed a clinical decimation of Pakistan  one ball at a time.

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And to rub it in, neither at the toss nor at the end of the match did the India players shake hands with their counterparts from Pakistan, even as they waited in a queue moments after skipper Suryakumar Yadav sealed the issue with a six.

Spinners Axar (2/18 in 4 overs), Kuldeep (3/18 in 4 overs) and Varun (1/24 in 4 overs) were immaculate in terms of line and length as none of the Pakistani batters showed the wherewithal to play the troika from their hands.

The result was a lowly 127 for nine from Pakistan which was at least 50 runs below the par-score.

In reply, Abhishek Sharma (31 off 13 balls) flayed their biggest bowling hope Shaheen Shah Afridi (0/23 in 2 overs) with utter disdain, while Suryakumar celebrated his 35th birthday with a fine 47 not out off 37 balls in a chase that was completed in 15.5 overs.

Suryakumar finished it off in style and then walked straight back to the dug-out without shaking hands with the Pakistan players on the field.

The match was won in the first innings itself when Axar, Kuldeep and Varun delivered 40 dot balls between them and cumulatively took 6 for 60 in their 12 overs.

Add another 15 dot balls from Jasprit Bumrah (2/28 in 4 overs), and one can understand the plight of the Pakistani batters, who played dot balls worth 10.1 overs.

Bumrahs greatness could be gauged by the fact that on the day he was hit for his first six in a limited overs international (T20Is and ODIs combined) by a Pakistani batter after sending down 400 legal deliveries.

Had Shaheen Shah Afridi (33 not out off 16 balls) not used the long handle, the score wouldnt have gone past 125.

During the chase, Abhishek deflated the Pakistani hopes with a straight boundary and then a couple of sixes to up the ante.

Even after Shubman Gill (10) was quickly dismissed and Abhishek departed inside the fourth over, Suryakumar and Tilak Naidu (31 off 31 balls) didnt look in any hurry while adding 56 runs for the third wicket.

Earlier, Suryakumar lost the toss, didnt shake hands with his counterpart Salman Ali Agha, but never lost the plot as the opposition batters were all at sea from the very first legal delivery, when the highly rated Saim Ayub (0) slashed one off Hardik Pandya (1/34 in 3 overs) to Bumrah at point.

Bumrah in the next over got last matchs top scorer Mohammad Haris (3) who tried a pick-up pull shot, but this time, Pandya returned the favour to Indias lead pacer by taking a well-judged catch in fine leg region.

Sahibzada Farhan (40 of 44 balls) did hit Bumrah for a couple of sixes but largely couldnt read any of the Indian spinners as dot balls accumulated by the dozen.

It was not just poor shot selection but also lack of technique that troubled the Pakistan batters against the worlds top spinners.

Only Fakhar Zaman (17 off 15 balls) could be excused for taking risk against Axar as he has had a good career match-up against slow left-arm orthodox bowlers.

Moments after Axar was brought into the attack, Fakhar went for the jugular and was caught at long-on by Tilak Varma.

Since they were unable to read the Indian wrist spinners from their hands, the Pakistani batters went for the obvious but high-risk option of playing the slog sweep. Both skipper Salman (3 off 12 balls) and the hard-hitting Hasan Nawaz tried to hit out of trouble without gauging the length and extra bounce.

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The left-handed Mohammed Nawaz found Kuldeeps googly too hot to handle.

Farhan, who not for once dominated the spinners, holed out in the deep off Kuldeep as Pakistans woes against India in multilateral events continued. PTI KHS KHS AH AH

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First Published: September 15, 2025, 00:00 IST

News agency-feeds India thrash Pakistan by 7 wickets, players refrain from shaking hands

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UN experts reject Chinas meddling in the Dalai Lamas reincarnation process

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 18:15 IST

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Geneva [Switzerland], September 14 (ANI): In an unprecedented move, five United Nations special rapporteurs and working groups have issued a joint statement denouncing Beijings interference in the Dalai Lamas succession. The experts on freedom of religion or belief, cultural rights, enforced disappearances, freedom of expression, and minority issues stated that the decision about the Dalai Lamas reincarnation belongs exclusively to His Holiness, the Tibetan people, and the Tibetan Buddhist community, as highlighted by International Tibet Network.According to International Tibet Network, this intervention marks a vital affirmation of what Tibetans have always maintained: the process of recognising the Dalai Lamas spiritual successor is a matter of faith, not politics. The group noted that Chinas ongoing attempts to control this centuries-old religious tradition are part of a larger pattern of repression in Tibet.The UN statement highlighted the unresolved case of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, who was abducted by Chinese authorities in 1995 after being recognised by the Dalai Lama. His disappearance remains one of the most glaring examples of Chinas interference in Tibetan Buddhism. The experts demanded information about his fate and expressed deep concern over Chinas regulations on Tibetan Buddhist reincarnations.The International Tibet Network has called on governments worldwide to take decisive steps, including publicly affirming that only the Dalai Lama has authority over his reincarnation, rejecting any candidate imposed by Beijing, and applying targeted sanctions on Chinese officials who attempt to interfere. The organisation emphasised that these measures are essential to safeguarding Tibetans fundamental right to practice their religion without state intrusion.For centuries, Tibetans have protected their religious traditions despite immense pressure. Beijings attempts to impose control over the Dalai Lamas succession are not only an assault on Tibetan identity but also a violation of the universal right to religious freedom. Ensuring Tibetans can carry forward their spiritual heritage is now a test of the international communitys commitment to religious liberty, as stated by the International Tibet Network. (ANI)

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First Published: September 14, 2025, 18:15 IST

News agency-feeds UN experts reject Chinas meddling in the Dalai Lamas reincarnation process

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Mangaluru Authorities To Amp Up NH 66 Repair Work After Womans Shocking Road Accident?

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 08:00 IST

A dangerous stretch of NH 66 near Kulur in Mangaluru will be repaired after an accident took a womans life.

Authorities have advised alternate routes to prevent further mishaps during repair work. (Photo Credit: X)

The death of a woman on National Highway 66 near Kulur in Mangaluru has brought urgent attention to the roads dangerous condition. Madhavi, a hospital employee from Udupi, lost her life when her scooter hit a pothole, causing her to fall and be run over by a lorry. This was the second such accident on this stretch within a month, raising serious concerns over road safety.

Following the incident, Dakshina Kannada MP Brijesh Chowta reportedly called an emergency meeting with officials from the National Highway Authority of India, Mangaluru municipal corporation, the police and local MLAs. He assured that repairing the road would be a top priority.

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He reportedly mentioned that a Rs 28 crore tender was already in place for road maintenance, but the rains had delayed the work.

Fatal Accident That Shocked Many

The accident happened on September 9 around 8:30 AM when Madhavi was on her way to AJ Hospital. Her scooter hit a pothole near the Kulur flyover. She was flung onto the road where a lorry crushed her. The entire incident was caught on CCTV, making the situation more alarming for the public.

Another Accident Occurred Earlier

A similar accident had taken place on the same stretch on August 13. In that case, another rider lost control after hitting a pothole but survived. Residents have long complained about poor road conditions, saying potholes are everywhere and frequently put drivers at risk. Despite repeated complaints, the problem remained unaddressed until now.

Road Repairs Were Planned But Delayed

Road repair work was reportedly planned earlier in July, but could not be completed due to heavy rains. The work was scheduled from July 22 to July 25, from the KIOCL Junction near the old Kuloor bridge to the Ayyappa Temple.

Even traffic was diverted, and motorists were advised to use alternate routes during night hours to avoid congestion. In addition, several alternative routes were shared by the Mangaluru City Police Commissioner to help reduce traffic problems and prevent accidents.

Heavy vehicles, especially gas and petrol tankers serving industries like ONGC, BPCL, IOCL and Total Gas, were also asked to avoid peak hours and use the new Kuloor bridge during non-peak times.

The Push For Long-Term Solutions

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As quoted by NDTV, MP Brijesh Chowta stressed, I have also made a request to the Central minister to upgrade the 33-km stretch of the highway."

The recent tragedy has intensified calls for urgent repairs and proper maintenance to make the road safer for all travellers.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: September 14, 2025, 08:00 IST

News auto Mangaluru Authorities To Amp Up NH 66 Repair Work After Womans Shocking Road Accident?

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Surat Gets Gujarats 1st Town Planning Scheme Linked To Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 09:30 IST

More than 3 lakh square metres of land has been earmarked for roads in Surat.

Five Town Planning schemes are being drawn up to boost housing, business, and economic activity. (Photo Credit: X)

In a move to manage the urban expansion around the bullet train route, Surat will host Gujarats maiden Town Planning Scheme tied to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project.

Over 3 lakh square metres of land have been set aside for the road development. Five Town Planning schemes are being drawn up to boost housing, business and economic activity, while also enhancing connectivity through stronger multimodal infrastructure.

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As per an official press release, senior town planner of the state governments urban development and urban housing department, KD Patel, said, Town Planning Scheme No. 61 (KosmadaChhedchaOviyan) is not just a planning document for the fast-developing city of Surat, but a roadmap for the inclusive and future-ready growth of the region. Covering 909 hectares, a total of five town planning schemes are being designed around the Bullet Train HSR node to strengthen the foundation for the citys economic zones, residential areas, and multimodal connectivity."

The purpose of the town planning initiative is to coordinate infrastructure with residential and commercial expansion, making sure that roads, utilities, and public spaces are developed in line with the requirements of the bullet train corridor.

The state government has cleared Scheme No. 61 as a draft town planning proposal in line with the Gujarat Town Planning and Urban Development Act of 1976.

Patel noted that Indias first town planning scheme, TP Scheme No. 1 (Jamalpur) in Ahmedabad, was introduced on September 1, 1925, under the Town Planning Act of 1915. Exactly a century later, in September 2025, an initial decision was announced for TP Scheme No. 61 in Surat. He further highlighted that this was the first instance of a scheme of this size being approved in such a short span.

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The town planning scheme, spread across nearly 164 hectares and involving about 135 final plots, was approved following hearings that considered applications, objections, and inputs from landowners and other stakeholders.

The five town planning schemes are set to span across seven villages in Surat district: Kosmada, Chhedcha, Antroli, Sabargam, Oviyan, Niyol, and Vankaneda. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor will feature 12 stations in total, with eight located in Gujarat and the remaining four in Maharashtra.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: September 14, 2025, 09:30 IST

News auto Surat Gets Gujarats 1st Town Planning Scheme Linked To Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project

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Kolkata Businessman Allegedly Thrashed For Refusing To Pay Rs 10k Durga Puja Donation

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 16:18 IST

Amit Sarkar, a TMC worker, was allegedly beaten up by the members of a local club in Kolkata for refusing to pay Rs 10,000 as a donation for Durga Puja.

TMC workers allegedly thrashed the businessman for refusing to pay a donation for Durga Puja. (PTI/Representative Image)

A businessman in Kolkata was allegedly thrashed and injured by members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for refusing to pay Rs 10,000 demanded by a local club as a donation for Durga Puja, according to police.

According to a report by The Indian Express, the victim was identified as Amit Sarkar, also a TMC worker. He was assaulted by members of the local Ujjwal Sangha club for refusing to pay money for the Puja, and his family members were also heckled and beaten when they tried to intervene.

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Sarkar filed a complaint at the Tapsia police station, alleging that the club  dominated by TMC workers  had initially asked for Rs 4,000 for the puja at the Gobra Gorosthan Road on Friday, but later increased it to Rs 10,000.

When they came to my house, they first started talking slang to my brother. When I went there, there was a heated conversation. Suddenly, some of them started beating me. When my wife, father, wife and brother tried to stop them, they were also heckled and beaten. We were beaten by bamboo, iron rod, etc," he was quoted as saying.

Sarkar said all the perpetrators were involved with the local TMC unit. I was also involved with this club from 2012 to 2025. I was the club secretary as well as the Durga Puja committee secretary. But I quit the club in 2024. However, I am involved with TMC to date," he added.

Police sources informed The Indian Express that an investigation had been launched on the basis of Sarkars complaint. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was also informed about the incident, and she reportedly asked the cops to take action against the accused.

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TMC leader Debangshu Bhattacharya also expressed regret over the incident and urged the police to take strict action.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemned the incident and called TMC a party of criminals. They are always involved in extortion or corruption. And these miscreants are not afraid of anybody because they know police cant take any action against them," said BJP leader Sajal Ghosh.

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More

First Published: September 14, 2025, 16:18 IST

News kolkata-news Kolkata Businessman Allegedly Thrashed For Refusing To Pay Rs 10k Durga Puja Donation

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Mumbai Metro-3 As Dussehra Gift? Aarey-Cuffe Parade In 1 Hour Could Be Reality Soon, Heres How

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Last Updated: September 15, 2025, 11:21 IST

Mumbai Metro-3: With the third phase operational, the travel from Colaba to Aarey Colony will be completed within 1 hour. Currently, it takes 120-180+ minutes during peak traffic

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Mumbai Metro-3: The Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) on Friday carried out a preliminary inspection of the final phase of the corridor. (File)

If all goes as per plan, Mumbai may soon get to use the entire 33.5-km Metro-3 Aqua Line from Colaba to Seepz by Dussehra (October 2).

The phase one of the Mumbai Metro-3 line  Aarey Colony to Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC)  was thrown open to public on October 7, 2024. The phase two from BKC to Worli was launched on May 9, 2025. The third phase from Worli to Cuffe Parade has been under-construction.

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With the third phase of Mumbai Metro-3 operational, the travel from Colaba to Aarey Colony will be completed within one hour. Currently, it takes 120-180+ minutes to cover the stretch by road during peak traffic.

Is Worli to Cuffe Parade stretch of Mumbai Metro-3 ready?

The phase three of Mumbai Metro-3 has following stations  Science Museum, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai Central, Grant Road, Girgaon, Kalbadevi, CSMT, Hutatma Chowk, Churchgate, Vidhan Bhavan, Cuffe Parade. Its cost is Rs 9,785 crore.

EXPLAINED | Mumbai Metro-3: The Travel Upgrade & Traffic Respite Colaba, BKC, Worli Officegoers Were Waiting For

The Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) on Friday carried out a preliminary inspection of the final phase of the corridor, according to media reports. Considering those findings, the board will return for a final safety review. With the final nod, the entire 33.5-km ColabaAarey line could open by the end of September or early October, the FPJ reported.

CSMT Aqua Line Station is almost ready

News18 had reported recently how the construction of the Mumbai Metro-3 Aqua Lines Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) Metro station looks almost complete. Pictures on X showed the arched entrance, glass design and modern facade.

Mumbai Metro line 3 Aqua CSMT Station pic.twitter.com/xmuANcJXGk DNT (@haldilal) September 10, 2025

Is Mumbai Metro-3 connected to other Metros and modes of transport?

Line 1 at Marol Naka (adjacent station exit; short walk)

Line 2B at BKC/ITO (planned skywalk)

Line 6 (Pink) at Aarey JVLR (under construction)

There are planned interchanges at Dadar, CSMT, Mumbai Central, Churchgate with other metro lines and suburban rail.

Seamless travel made easier! Walk just 100 meters via the new foot over bridge to reach Airport Terminal-2 directly from #CSMIAT2 Metro Station through A1 Lift Entry/Exit. T2   -    ! -        pic.twitter.com/V5fblFRM46 MumbaiMetro3 (@MumbaiMetro3) September 1, 2025

Why Mumbai desperately needs the Metro-3?

Phase 1 of Mumbai Metro-3 alone has cut 650,000 car trips daily. Phase 2A has attracted over 32,000 passengers/day within two days of launch, connecting key business hubs (BKC, Worli, Dadar).

The full line predicted to serve up to 13 lakh passengers.

The Mumbai Metro-3 links major business zones: BKC, Worli, Dadar, plus airport access and SEEPZ tech park.

The line has made easy travel possible:

BKC to Worli: 13-15 minutes by Metro versus 45-60 minutes by road

Andheri to Cuffe Parade: 45-50 minutes by Metro versus 90-120 minutes by road

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CSIA T2 to BKC: 10-12 minutes by Metro versus 30-45 minutes by taxi in traffic

Previously, to go from Andheri to Fort or Cuffe Parade, commuters had to take the Western Express Highway-Mahalaxmi-Peddar Road-Marine Drive or switch between autos, buses, trains, and taxis. So it would mean two-three different modes and 90 minutes.

About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing speci... Read More

First Published: September 14, 2025, 15:00 IST

News mumbai-news Mumbai Metro-3 As Dussehra Gift? Aarey-Cuffe Parade In 1 Hour Could Be Reality Soon, Heres How

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Mumbai Traffic Chaos Begins: Sion-Dadar Now Takes 1 Hour, 11 Buses Rerouted As Elphinstone ROB Shut

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 13:48 IST

Elphinstone ROB shutdown has led to Mumbai's worst traffic nightmare ever -- traffic snarls, bus diversions, bus fare hike to commuters hassles & pressure on Currey Road bridge

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The demolition of the more-than-century-old Elphinstone Road Over Bridge (ROB), a crucial east-west link, begins in Mumbai, late Friday night. (PTI)

Mumbais worst traffic nightmare is here  snarls, delays, bus diversions to commuters hassles, as expected, the shutting of the Elphinstone road overbridge (ROB) from September 12 has brought it all.

The ROB is being demolished to make way for the upcoming Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector, which will connect the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and the under-construction Coastal Road with the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL) or Atal Setu.

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#WATCH Mumbai: Demolition of Elphinstone Bridge at Prabhadevi railway station begins.The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will demolish the Elphinstone Bridge and construct a new Elphinstone flyover and Sewri-Worli elevated connector flyover in its pic.twitter.com/8H6142kEW7  ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2025

Sion-Dadar, Navi Mumbai to Parel: Mumbais traffic nightmare after Elphinstone ROB shutdown

The ROB passes over two railway stations  Prabhadevi (Western Railway) and Parel (Central Railway). It is used by 500,000-700,000 commuters daily. The bridge is in the middle several buildings and offices.

According to commuters on social media, a ride from Sion to Dadar that used to take 15 minutes has stretched to over an hour. The journey from Navi Mumbai to Parel, which used to previously about 45 minutes, takes close to two hours.

Also Read: Mumbais Elphinstone Bridge Shut: Motorists Can Cross Dadar, Parel, Worli Using These Routes

Tilak Bridge, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Road, Currey Road, Chinchpokli, and Gokhale Road are now the new bottlenecks.

The FPJ reported Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Anil Kumbhare as saying that the authorities have assigned 100 traffic wardens across three shifts, 50 extra police personnel, and 25 jawans from the Maharashtra Security Force to try to manage the diversions.

In view of the demolition of the Elphinstone Bridge by @MMRDAOfficial to make way for the new Elphinstone Flyover and the Seweri Worli Elevated Connector Flyover, the following traffic management will be in place from 23.59 hrs on 12th September 2025.#MTPtrafficUpdates pic.twitter.com/QIvzLBp4dZ Mumbai Traffic Police (@MTPHereToHelp) September 12, 2025

Bus routes diverted, bus fares to increase after Elphinstone ROB shutdown

A total of 11 BEST and MSRTC bus routes have either been curtailed or diverted, according to reports.

Most affected routes: A-162, A-168, A-177, and 201, which are bypassing the bridge route or terminating earlier than before, are seeing complaints of lengthier detours online.

Rerouted buses: Buses that previously crossed Currey Road Bridge, including routes 14, 57, 44, 52, 50, 162, and 168, are now rerouted through Chinchpokli Bridge. However, commuters on social media complain of lack of clarity at bus stops and confusion about revised schedules and halts.

The increased distance would also lead to a change in fare structure for MSRTC buses, said reports.

#Mumbai #MumbaiTrafficOne word to Describe DADAR TILAK BRIDGE since yesterday isGRIDLOCK Absolute chaos. Shutting the #ElphinstoneBridge without any viable alternative is absolute Senseless. It was already overburdened after the Sion bridge closure.@MTPHereToHelp pic.twitter.com/hr1RGz476Y   Matters (@mumbaimatterz) September 14, 2025

Double trouble for Currey Road after Elphinstone ROB shutdown

News18 had highlighted how those coming from Parel East to Prabhadevi and Lower Parel, can use the Currey Road Bridge between 7 am and 3pm. Those heading from Prabhadevi and Lower Parel to Parel, TATA Hospital, and KEM Hospital, can use the Currey Road Bridge between 3 pm and 11 pm.

So, effectively, different parts of the bridge are one-way at different times of the day, which will mean more confusion and traffic chaos.

Also Read: Why Elphinstone ROB Shutdown Means Double Trouble For Mumbais Currey Road Bridge Travellers

The bridge is in the middle several buildings and offices. It is surrounded by residential areas and schools, and hospitals like the Tata Memorial Hospital and KEM Hospital, which are frequented by tens of thousands of people daily. All this traffic now comes on to Currey Road bridge.

Parts of Mahadev Palav Road, Sane Guruji Road, and others, have been declared no-parking zones to prevent traffic jams.

Mumbai, Maharashtra: Demolition begins on 100-year-old British-era Elphinstone Bridge, which connects Parel and Prabhadevi. Under the SewriWorli Elevated Connector Project, a new double-decker bridge will be built in its place pic.twitter.com/4F4EZjUfcK IANS (@ians_india) September 13, 2025

What will come in place of Elphinstone ROB?

The existing Elphinstone ROB is 13 metres wide and accommodates only 1.5 lanes of traffic in each direction. The dismantling will make way for a modern double-decker structure that is expected to significantly improve the east-west connectivity in the metropolis. The first level of the new double-decker bridge will feature a 2+2 lane carriageway for traffic between Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Road and Senapati Bapat Road, while the second level will accommodate a 2+2 lane carriageway for traffic heading from the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (Atal Setu) to the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL).

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The Sewri-Worli Elevated Connector will be 4.5-km long, and have four-lane (2+2) carriageways. It will link MTHL with BWSL, which is a key connection between the citys northern and southern coastal roads on the west coast.

With PTI inputs

About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing speci... Read More

First Published: September 14, 2025, 13:45 IST

News mumbai-news Mumbai Traffic Chaos Begins: Sion-Dadar Now Takes 1 Hour, 11 Buses Rerouted As Elphinstone ROB Shut

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Navi Mumbai Airport Set To Open: Take These Mumbai-Thane Roads, Metros, Buses, Trains To Land There

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Last Updated: September 15, 2025, 12:02 IST

Navi Mumbai Airport: It is located in Navi Mumbai near Ulwe and Panvel. This is how fliers from Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Raigad, Konkan can reach using roads, buses, trains and Metros

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An Indigo aircraft after its landing at Navi Mumbai International Airport on December 29, 2024. (PTI)

By the end of this month, Mumbai will get another airport  the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA).

The NMIA comes with many plusses and firsts  The first phase, which includes Terminal 1, can handle 20 million passengers annually. The airport will expand to four terminals in the next few years, reaching a capacity of up to 90 million passengers per year. It will be many times bigger than the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai. By 2032, the airport will be able to accommodate 2.5 million tonnes of cargo. The domestic cargo terminal will be spread over 3,60,000 sq ft and the international cargo terminal will be spread over 2,55,000 sq ft. Once the airport is ready with two runways, it will be able to handle nine crore passengers (annually). Its baggage-handling system is efficient with the barcode being read with 360-degree scanners.

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Final Approach: Navi Mumbai International Airport is Ready to Soar!Visited and inspected the Navi Mumbai International Airport and chaired a meeting with senior officials to review the detailed progress of the ongoing work. With 94% work completed, the vision of the https://t.co/NtwfMRJ4Sc pic.twitter.com/g70ZmNqUrL  Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) July 12, 2025

ROADS, METROS, BUSES & TRAINS THAT WILL TAKE YOU TO NMIA

The NMIA is located in Navi Mumbai near Ulwe and Panvel. This is how those travelling from Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Raigad, Konkan can reach it through various modes of transport:

Roads or highways:

Mumbai-Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) or Atal Setu: The 22-km sea bridge connects Sewri (Mumbai) to Nhava Sheva (Navi Mumbai). It will bring down the travel time to 20 minutes from bridge end to NMIA. It was opened in 2024, and connects to NMIA via Ulwe Coastal Road.

Sion-Panvel Highway, NH 348A, Amra Marg: These existing highways connect Mumbai, Thane, and suburbs to Navi Mumbai and NMIA.

Eastern Freeway: It brings traffic from South Mumbai to Chembur before joining the Sion-Panvel highway.

Ulwe Coastal Road (UCR): A new six-lane road (5.8 km) with a 1.2-km elevated section. It will link Amra Marg/Belapur to MTHL junction for direct NMIA access. It is under construction and expected to be ready by early 2026.

Explained: Navi Mumbai Airport Bigger, Better Than CSMIA: 9 Crore Flier Capacity, Fastest Baggage Claims & More

Thane-NMIA Elevated Corridor: A 26-km corridor has been proposed. It links Patni Chowk in Thane to Vashi and has 9-km connector from Vashi to NMIA. The double-decker design is meant to ease congestion on the Thane-Belapur Road. The DPR is underway, while the construction is yet to begin. It has been approved and will facilitate passengers from the entire metropolitan region. With this elevated corridor, it will take just a few minutes to travel from Mumbai and Thane to Navi Mumbai. This elevated road will be connected to Ulwe Coastal Road. It will be connected to the Navi Mumbai airport terminals by an elevated road.

Kharghar-Belapur Coastal Road: The road is planned between Kharghar Sector-16 and Belapur Sector-11. It aims to ease Sion-Panvel traffic and improve NMIA access. While CRZ clearance has been received, construction is awaited.

Mumbai Metros

Metro Line 8 (Gold Line): This is the route the corridor will take  CSMIA (Andheri) to Kurla to LTT to Mankhurd to Vashi to Nerul to Belapur to NMIA. The line will begin at CSMIA Terminal 2 in Andheri, travel underground till Chhedanagar in Chembur, and then continue as an elevated line until NMIA.

It is expected to be completed by 2029.

Navi Mumbai Metro lines: CIDCO plans to extend Navi Mumbai Metro Lines to connect directly with NMIA. Specific lines and alignments are in planning stages.

Railways

Panvel Railway Station: This station on the harbour line of the CR is close to NMIA. Passengers can use Panvel railway station along with road/metro connections to reach NMIA. Fliers from Pune, Raigad, Nashik and Konkan, too, can arrive here.

Buses and public transport

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Airport Express Buses (Planned): MSRTC and others are planning dedicated airport express buses from Pune, Thane, Dadar, Vashi and Panvel. Some services may be electric.

CIDCO and MMRDA are planning mini-buses, e-rickshaws, auto stands, and shuttles from rail/metro nodes to NMIA terminals.

About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing speci... Read More

First Published: September 14, 2025, 16:45 IST

News mumbai-news Navi Mumbai Airport Set To Open: Take These Mumbai-Thane Roads, Metros, Buses, Trains To Land There

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Car Falls Onto Railway Tracks From Flyover After Losing Control, Train Services Disrupted

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 12:18 IST

The driver of the car got injured in the accident that took place when he was going to Ghaziabad.

Screengrab of the video shared by PTI

A car fell from the Mukarba Chowk flyover and landed on the railway tracks near Haiderpur Metro Station on Sunday. The accident has left the driver of the vehicle injured.

Visuals from the spot shared by PTI show the car heavily damaged, with its roof crushed, wheels in the air, and doors flung open or broken off. Debris can be seen scattered around the crash site.

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The accident happened after the driver reportedly lost control of the car when driving from Peera Garhi to Ghaziabad.

According to an official statement by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outernorth) Hareshwar Swami, a police team was rushed to the spot and found a car lying overturned on the tracks beneath the Ring Road.

VIDEO l Delhi: A car fell from a flyover and landed on the railway track below near Mukarba Chowk injuring the driver of the vehicle.(Full video available on PTI Videos  https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/o9nl1W3MWY  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 14, 2025

The incident also disrupted train movements for at least an hour.

The injured person was rushed to the hospital following the accident and is currently undergoing treatment. He was identified as 35-year-old Sachin Chaudhary, a resident of Pratap Vihar Railway Colony in Ghaziabad.

A team of police rushed to the spot after receiving the information.

Chaudhary told police that he was travelling from Peeragarhi to Ghaziabad when he lost control of the vehicle on the stretch of the flyover crossing the railway lines," the officer said.

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The car hit the pavement, jumped over the railing, rolled down a grassy slope, and landed upside down on the tracks," the officer added.

About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More

First Published: September 14, 2025, 12:13 IST

News new-delhi-news Car Falls Onto Railway Tracks From Flyover After Losing Control, Train Services Disrupted

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Finance Ministry Deputy Secretary Killed, Wife Injured After BMW Hits His Bike In Delhi

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 23:17 IST

According to police, the incident happened on the stretch between Dhaula Kuan and Delhi Cantt metro station

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The victim has been identified as Navjot Singh, Deputy Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance. (Image via X/@CSSforum_)

A senior Finance Ministry official died and his wife was seriously injured after their motorcycle was hit by a BMW car near Delhi Cantonment metro station on Ring Road, police said on Sunday.

The victim has been identified as Navjot Singh, Deputy Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance. He lived in Hari Nagar, west Delhi.

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According to police, the incident happened on the stretch between Dhaula Kuan and Delhi Cantt metro station, close to pillar number 67. Around midday, police received three calls about a traffic jam in the area. When a team reached the spot, they found a BMW lying on its side and a motorcycle near the road divider.

Eyewitnesses told officers that the BMW, driven by a woman, had hit the motorcycle from behind. Singh was riding the bike, while his wife was seated behind him.

After the crash, the woman driver and her husband, who was also in the car, helped take the injured couple to hospital  but not to the nearest facility. Instead, they drove about 17 km to Nuelife Hospital in GTB Nagar, sources told PTI.

Doctors later informed police that Singh had succumbed to his injuries, while his wife was still undergoing treatment.

The BMW driver and her husband, both residents of Gurugram, also sustained injuries and are currently admitted to hospital. Police say their statements are yet to be recorded due to their medical condition.

A case is being registered and a full investigation is underway. A crime team and forensic experts examined the site and both the BMW and motorcycle have been seized, a senior police officer confirmed.

The BMW and the motorcycle involved in the accident have been seized. The accident spot was examined by a crime team and experts from the Forensic Science Laboratory were called in for assistance," the officer said.

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Authorities are working to establish the exact sequence of events that led to the fatal collision. Police said traffic in the area was briefly affected but returned to normal after the damaged vehicles were cleared.

(With inputs from PTI)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

First Published: September 14, 2025, 23:17 IST

News india Finance Ministry Deputy Secretary Killed, Wife Injured After BMW Hits His Bike In Delhi

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IndiGo Pilot Applies Emergency Brakes In Lucknow; Dimple Yadav Among 151 Passengers

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 21:54 IST

The flight reportedly faced a technical glitch and couldn't take off from the runway in Lucknow.

IndiGo flight aborted in Lucknow (PTI File Image)

An IndiGo flight, scheduled to fly from Delhi to Lucknow, couldnt take off on Saturday due to some technical snag. The aircraft had 151 passengers onboard, including Samajwadi Party leader and MP Dimple Yadav.

The incident reportedly took place at nearly 10:30 AM at the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow when flight 6E-2111 failed to take off.

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As the aircraft couldnt lift off properly, the pilots applied emergency brakes to bring the plane to a complete stop.

The passengers were later shifted to a different aircraft.

According to some reports, the plane couldnt move forward on the runway, and thus, the emergency brakes were applied.

The airline reportedly also apologised to the passengers for the inconvenience.

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Recently, on September 6, an IndiGo flight bound for Abu Dhabi had to return to Kochi after facing a technical snag mid-air. The flight was airborne for over two hours, as per the sources cited by PTI.

Flight 6E-1403 (COK-AUH) departed from Kochi at 11:10 PM on September 5 but had to return at around 1:44 AM on September 6 due to the technical snag.

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 14, 2025, 11:32 IST

News india IndiGo Pilot Applies Emergency Brakes In Lucknow; Dimple Yadav Among 151 Passengers

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5.8 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Assam, Tremors Rattle NE Regions; 2 Aftershocks Felt

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 18:09 IST

Earthquake News Today: The epicentre was located in Udalguri district, at latitude 26.78N and longitude 92.33E, with a depth of 5 km

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There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage. (Representative image)

Earthquake News Today: An earthquake of magnitude 5.8 struck Assam on Sunday afternoon, with tremors felt in parts of Meghalaya, Nagaland, and Tripura.

According to the National Center for Seismology (NCS), the quake occurred at 4:41 pm. The epicentre was located in Udalguri district, at latitude 26.78N and longitude 92.33E, with a depth of 5 km.

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There were no immediate reports of any loss of life or damage to property, Assam government officials told PTI.

Shortly after the initial quake, two aftershocks were recorded by the NCS. The first aftershock, measuring magnitude 3.1, struck Udalguri district at 4:58 pm. It was located at latitude 26.80N and longitude 92.33E, also at a depth of 5 km.

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The second aftershock, with a magnitude of 2.9, occurred at 5:21 pm in Sonitpur district. This tremor was recorded at latitude 26.81N and longitude 92.33E, with the same depth of 5 km.

Union Minister and former Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal took to X to express concern, writing, Major earthquake in Assam. My prayers for everyones safety and well-being. Urge all to stay alert!"

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 : Assam, India, India

First Published: September 14, 2025, 17:03 IST

News india 5.8 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Assam, Tremors Rattle NE Regions; 2 Aftershocks Felt

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'Mourn Him Or Suffer Consequences': Americans Lose Jobs For 'Disrespecting' Charlie Kirk Online

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 10:21 IST

Several people have been reportedly subjected to online abuse or seen their offices flooded with calls demanding they be fired.

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)

Mourn him respectfully or suffer the consequences"this is how US Republicans have been warning the citizens after the fatal shooting of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk.

At least 13 people have been reportedly fired or suspended from their jobs for discussing the killing online, including journalists, academic workers, and teachers, reported Reuters, citing a tally based on interviews.

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Several Democratic and Republican leaders have condemned online the fatal shooting of Kirk. However, some people online, including many ordinary people, have been cracking jokes and sometimes celebrating Kirks death over his history of bigoted rhetoric.

Several people have been reportedly subjected to online abuse or seen their offices flooded with calls demanding they be fired.

Prepare to have your whole future professional aspirations ruined if you are sick enough to celebrate his death," said conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, a prominent ally of President Donald Trump.

US lawmaker Clay Higgins said in a post on X that anyone who ran their mouth with their smartass hatred celebrating the heinous murder of that beautiful young man" needed to be banned from ALL PLATFORMS FOREVER."

The US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said on the same site that he had been disgusted to see some on social media praising, rationalising, or making light of the event, and have directed our consular officials to undertake appropriate action."

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However, the Republicans anger after the fatal shooting of Kirk contradicts the mockery some of the same figures  including Kirk  directed at past victims of political violence.

Earlier, when former House Speaker Nancy Pelosis husband Paul, was clubbed over the head by a hammer-wielding conspiracy theorist during a break-in at their San Francisco home, Haggins shared a photo online making fun of him. The post was later deleted.

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 14, 2025, 08:43 IST

News india 'Mourn Him Or Suffer Consequences': Americans Lose Jobs For 'Disrespecting' Charlie Kirk Online

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My Brain Worth 200 Cr: Nitin Gadkari Says Ethanol Push Driven By Farmers Welfare, Not Profit

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 07:28 IST

The Union Minister underlined that his initiatives and experiments are powered by ideas and aimed at benefiting farmers, not by personal financial gain

Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari. (File/PTI)

Amid the ongoing ethanol debate, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday took a veiled dig at his critics, saying that his brain is worth Rs 200 crore a month" and that he wont stoop low" for financial gains.

Gadkaris remarks come against the backdrop of the ongoing ethanol debate, which weighs the advantages of reduced emissions against concerns over food and water security and vehicle compatibility.

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The Union Minister underlined that his initiatives and experiments are powered by ideas and aimed at benefiting farmers, not by personal financial gain.

You think I am doing this for money? I know how to earn with honesty. I am not a wheel-dealer," said Gadkari while addressing an event organised by Agricos Welfare Society in Nagpur.

Gadkari remarked that politicians often exploit divisions for their own benefit, warning that backwardness has become a political tool.

I too have a family and a home. I am not a saintI am a politician. But I have always believed that the nearly 10,000 farmer suicides in Vidarbha are a matter of deep shame. Our efforts will continue until farmers achieve prosperity," he said.

The ministers remarks come in the wake of the Supreme Courts September 1 dismissal of a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking mandatory availability of ethanol-free petrol (E0) at all fuel stations.

The Centre had opposed the plea, calling it an attempt to undermine national policy.

India rolled out 20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol (E20) nationwide in April 2023, meeting its blending target five years ahead of schedule.

The programmepitched as a key step toward lowering carbon emissions and cutting crude oil importshas nonetheless stirred debate.

Critics, including consumers and automobile experts, warn that ethanol-blended fuel could affect vehicle efficiency and durability.

The petition sought directions to ensure ethanol-free petrol was available alongside blended fuel, mandate clear labelling of ethanol content at pumps, and commission a nationwide study on the mechanical impact of blended fuel.

Senior advocate Shadan Farasat, appearing for petitioner Akshay Malhotra, argued that the plea was not against ethanol blending itself but aimed at preserving consumer choice.

He noted that only vehicles manufactured after April 2023 are compliant with E20 petrol, while older models risk mechanical damage and higher maintenance costs in the absence of E0 or E10 options.

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Attorney General R. Venkataramani opposed the plea, describing the petitioner as a name-lender" and suggesting the litigation represented vested interests attempting to derail Indias clean-fuel push.

Dismissing the case, the apex court observed that there was sufficient clarity" on the ethanol policy and no evidence to suggest that E20 fuel harms engines, consumers, or farmers.

Location : Nagpur, India, India

First Published: September 14, 2025, 07:22 IST

News india My Brain Worth 200 Cr: Nitin Gadkari Says Ethanol Push Driven By Farmers Welfare, Not Profit

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Need To Change Perception That India Is Unsafe For Women Tourists: Shashi Tharoor

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News18.com

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 21:53 IST

Shashi Tharoor urges urgent reforms in Indias tourism sector, stressing womens safety and infrastructure gaps amid industry growth projections.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. (PTI file photo)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has called for urgent reforms in Indias tourism sector, highlighting the need to improve safety for women and bridge the gap in the countrys hospitality infrastructure. The Congress leader made the remarks at the Skal India National Congress 2025 event in Mumbai on Saturday.

Tharoor emphasised that Indias image is affected by concerns over womens safety, especially among international travellers.

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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 tourist areas," the Congress MP said while addressing reporters.

#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: On Skal India National Congress 2025, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor says, 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. pic.twitter.com/4WMco4R7Dv ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2025

Underlining the importance of tourism in driving Indias economic growth, he 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," ANI reported.

He also pointed to key gaps in the current tourism ecosystem, saying, We either have high-end 5-star hotels or extremely poor quality; there is nothing in between. We need to construct a lot."

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The Congress leaders comments come amid a positive outlook for Indias tourism and hospitality industry. According to a report by IDBI Capital, the sector is expected to reach nearly $60 billion by 2028, driven mainly by a sharp rise in domestic travel. Domestic tourist numbers are projected to grow from 2.5 billion in 2024 to 5.2 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.4%.

The report further mentioned that overall spending by both domestic and international travellers is expected to almost triple to Rs 33.95 trillion by 2034. Improved air, road, and rail connectivity is seen as a key factor behind this growth. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) also projects strong demand, supported by increased corporate travel and a rise in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) activities.

About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish... Read More

First Published: September 14, 2025, 21:50 IST

News india Need To Change Perception That India Is Unsafe For Women Tourists: Shashi Tharoor

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NIA Arrests Bihar State President Of Banned PFI In Phulwarisharif Conspiracy Case

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 04:47 IST

Mahboob Alam is alleged to have played a key role in the conspiracy, purportedly aimed at spreading religious hatred between communities, disrupting peace, and fomenting unrest

The NIA is India's premier agency investigating all terror cases. (File pic/PTI)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested Mahboob Alam, the Bihar state president of the banned Popular Front of India (PFI), in connection with the 2022 Phulwarisharif criminal conspiracy case. The arrest took place in Kishanganj, Bihar, officials said on Saturday. Alam is the 19th accused to be arrested in the case, which was initially registered by local police in July 2022 against 26 individuals.

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Alam, a resident of the Hasanganj area in Katihar district, is alleged to have played a key role in the conspiracy, which the NIA describes as aimed at spreading religious hatred between communities, disrupting peace, and fomenting unrest. The case involves charges of unlawful and antinational activity under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

One of the central pieces of evidence in the case is a document titled India 2047: Towards Rule of Islam in India (Internal Document: Not for circulation)", which was seized from Ahmad Palace, Phulwarisharif, Patna, on July 11, 2022. The NIA alleges that this vision document outlines plans for imposing Islamic rule as part of a broader conspiracy.

According to investigators, Alam was involved in recruitment, training, meetings, as well as fundraising for PFI activities connected to the Phulwarisharif module. He is said to have provided funds to PFI cadres and coaccused persons.

The Phulwarisharif case came into public view after local police action in July 2022, when three individuals were arrested and incriminating documents were seized. NIA later took over the probe in July 2022, reregistered the FIR under RC31/2022/NIA/DLI, and has since arrested and chargesheeted several persons.

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The arrest of Alam is considered a significant development, as he held a leadership position within PFIs Bihar unit. According to officials, this arrest could yield crucial leads in exposing further operational structure, funding networks, and modus operandi of the PFI as per the Phulwarisharif conspiracy allegations. Investigations remain ongoing.

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, 04:47 IST

News india NIA Arrests Bihar State President Of Banned PFI In Phulwarisharif Conspiracy Case

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'Peace Brings Progress': Back Online With Movement Restored, How Manipur Is Returning To Normalcy

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News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 14:44 IST

Over the past eight months, Manipur -- torn by ethnic violence since May 2023 -- has experienced relative calm that has offered hope to people

A bunker and checkpost created by the Kuki Zo group at the entry point of Manipurs Churachandpur in 2023; (right) a security personnel stands at the same checkpost en route to the strife-torn district two years later. (Image: News18)

Open shops, resumption of transport services, and internet connectivity  these are the three markers of a return to normalcy for Manipur after two years of ethnic strife that began in May 2023.

Over the past eight months, Manipur has experienced relative calm that has offered hope to people. Peace brings progress," said a local resident, and after years of violence, at least we can breathe a little easier now."

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ARMS SURRENDER: THE TURNING POINT

Experts and people on the ground widely agree that one of the key reasons behind the restoration of peace was the large-scale surrender of arms and ammunition.

When the Presidents Rule was imposed, the new governor issued a public appeal setting a deadline for the surrender of looted weapons.

According to sources in administration, the response was overwhelming prompting a deadline extension. During the initial phase of the unrest in May 2023, mobs had stormed police stations and looted large quantities of arms and ammunition.

Official data now shows that nearly 1,200 weapons of different types were recovered in 2025 alone. Since 2023, close to 3,000 weapons and about 10,000 rounds of ammunition have been recovered, along with nearly 500 improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

This data speaks for itself," a senior officer told News18. It can be said that more than 60 percent of the looted arms have been recovered  perhaps even more. People themselves have come forward to surrender. Recovery in both the valley and the hills has been a big reason for peace."

CURBING EXTORTION AND DRUG TRADE

Conflict often fuels extortion, looting, and drug trafficking  and Manipur was no exception.

To counter the menace, the state government launched a special anti-extortion helpline, which officials described as highly effective".

Drug trafficking, another major concern, has also witnessed a significant crackdown. Data of seizures from Churachandpur in January highlight the scale of the operation:

Heroin No 4: 12.938 kg

Brown sugar: 15.358 kg

Opium: 7.109 kg

WIY (methamphetamine) tablets: 4,01,297 tablets

In addition, the authorities destroyed 52.7 acres of illegal poppy cultivation, sending a strong signal against the drug trade.

INVESTIGATIONS BOOST CONFIDENCE

To restore trust, several central agencies have taken up sensitive cases.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) are probing incidents linked to the violence, while a Supreme Court-guided special investigation team (SIT) is also investigating key matters.

The sources said these inquiries have reassured people and brought a sense of accountability to the process.

VISIBLE CHANGE ON THE GROUND, ROAD AHEAD

Perhaps the most visible transformation is along the highway between Imphal and Churachandpur.

During News18s coverage in 2023, this stretch was lined with checkpoints manned by both communities, along with village guard bunkers and makeshift posts.

Today, those community-run checkpoints are gone. Only official posts manned by the BSF and state security forces remain in place. For local residents, this change has deep significance.

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The removal of parallel checkpoints has reduced tension and brought back a sense of state authority. It may look like a small thing," said a villager, but it has changed everything for us."

While challenges remain, the combination of arms recovery, anti-extortion measures, drug crackdowns, and credible investigations has paved the way for cautious optimism. After years of bloodshed and displacement, Manipur is finally experiencing some stability. The road to lasting peace, however, will depend on sustained efforts by both the administration and the communities.

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 : Imphal, India, India

First Published: September 14, 2025, 14:42 IST

News india 'Peace Brings Progress': Back Online With Movement Restored, How Manipur Is Returning To Normalcy

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Puja Khedkar's Family In Trouble After Missing Truck Driver Rescued From Their Pune House

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News18.com

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 23:42 IST

Pralhad Kumar, a truck driver from Mumbai, was rescued from ex-IAS Puja Khedkar's Pune residence. Puja's mother allegedly obstructed police work and created a scene.

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Puja Khedkar, a 2022-batch IAS officer, was dismissed for alleged misuse of privileges. (File)

Suspended IAS officer Puja Khedkars family landed in fresh controversy after a missing truck driver, who was allegedly kidnapped, was rescued from their Pune residence. The vehicle used for the kidnapping was also traced to the house, as per reports

The case came to light on Saturday when a truck driven by a 22-year-old Mumbai resident, identified as Pralhad Kumar, collided with a vehicle on the Mulund-Airoli road. The two men in the vehicle allegedly forced Kumar inside and took him nearly 150 km away to Pune, India Today reported, citing Pune police.

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Kumar later managed to lodge a police complaint, claiming he was locked inside a room. The police registered a case and began an investigation, during which the vehicle was found parked at the residence of Puja Khedkar. The police team managed to rescue Kumar from the premises.

Puja Khedkars Mother Obstructed Police

According to police officials, Pujas mother Manorama allegedly created a scene at the house by refusing to open the door and misbehaving with the cops. Her actions reportedly delayed the rescue and hampered the investigation.

Manorama has been directed to appear before the Rabale Police for questioning. Furthermore, the Chaturshringi Police Station in Pune is set to file a separate case against her for allegedly obstructing government officials in the course of their duties.

The vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser, is registered under Puja Automobile, a business linked to the Khedkar family, India Today reported. This controversy added to the growing troubles of the family after Puja was suspended this year for alleged misuse of privileges.

Meanwhile, the two men who kidnapped Kumar are still at large, and a case has been filed against them under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Who Is Puja Khedkar?

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Puja Khedkar, a 2022-batch IAS officer from Maharashtra, was discharged from service by the central government in August 2024 following a series of serious allegations. The controversy began during her probationary posting in Pune, where she reportedly misused her authority by using a private Audi car with a VIP number plate, red beacon, and a Maharashtra Government labeldespite being unauthorised to do so.

She was also accused of misrepresenting information in her application for the 2022 UPSC civil services examination for availing reservation benefits. She has refuted all the allegations against her. The UPSC initiated a series of actions against Khedkar, including lodging of a criminal case, for availing attempts in the civil services exam by faking her identity.

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More

First Published: September 14, 2025, 23:37 IST

News india Puja Khedkar's Family In Trouble After Missing Truck Driver Rescued From Their Pune House

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Pune Cab Driver Asks Friends To Beat IT Worker, They Attack Another Techie Waiting For Fiancee

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News18.com

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 16:25 IST

Balaji Munde and Siddhartha Daliya ambushed a man in Viman Nagar, Pune, mistaking him for their cab driver friend's rival. The victim filed an FIR at Yerwada police station.

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Three people set up an ambush outside an IT company in Viman Nagar, targeting a staff member, as per the instructions of their cab driver friend, but mistakenly attacked another IT professional who had arrived to pick up his fiancee.

The victim, identified as a 33-year-old man who resides in Mhalunge and is an original resident of West Bengal. He lodged an FIR at the Yerwada police station on Thursday. Two persons have been arrested in the matter and are identified as Balaji Munde (19) and Siddhartha Daliya (19), both residents of the Hadapsar area of Pune city.

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According to the police, the complainant works with an IT company in Hinjewadi. His fiancee works at another IT company at Amar Tech Centre on the Airport Road in Viman Nagar.

As per the FIR, the complainant had gone to the Amar Tech Centre around 1:45 am to pick up his fiancee. While waiting on his two-wheeler, three armed men arrived on a motorcycle, and two of them attacked him with a sharp weapon, leaving him injured and unconscious at the scene, the Indian Express reported.

His fiancee, along with people around the spot, rushed him to a hospital. A video of the incident captured by a CCTV camera installed at the crime scene went viral on social media.

Through the CCTV footage, the police got clues about the suspects. Within a few hours, police arrested two suspects, including Munde and Daliya from Hadapsar. According to the police, Munde has a previous criminal record.

The probe revealed that a friend of the assailants works as a cab driver for the IT company in Viman Nagar. The cab driver believed that an IT professional working at this company was having a love affair with a woman he liked. So, the cab driver had asked the assailants to thrash this IT professional.

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Accordingly, the assailants waited outside the IT company in the early hours of Thursday for their intended target, who never arrived. Frustrated, they allegedly turned on the complainant, who was waiting for his fiancee around 3:15 am.

Assistant police inspector Ravikant Nandanvar said the two accused have been arrested, and the search for the cab driver is on. A court has remanded the two arrested accused to police custody till September 15.

First Published: September 14, 2025, 16:25 IST

News india Pune Cab Driver Asks Friends To Beat IT Worker, They Attack Another Techie Waiting For Fiancee

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Sairang Rajdhanis Weekly Service Starts From September 19: Diwali Tickets From Delhi Sold Out

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News18.com

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 19:49 IST

Flagged off officially on Saturday along with two more trains from Sairang, the Rajdhani will start commercial services from September 19 from Mizoram and September 21 from Delhi

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The Aizawl (Sairang) to New Delhi Rajdhani Express, during its flagging off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Aizawl, Mizoram. (@RailMinIndia/X via PTI)

The Sairang Rajdhani, Mizorams first direct train to Delhi, hasnt even begun its commercial services, but tickets for the Diwali week from the national capital are already gone. The rush, however, is for Patna, not Mizoram.

Flagged off officially on Saturday along with two more trains from Sairang, the Rajdhani will start the commercial services from September 19 from Mizoram and September 21 from Delhi. The other two trains inaugurated on Saturday are  Sairang-Guwahati Express and Sairang-Kolkata Express.

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Speaking to News18, a Ministry official said that as of 6 pm on Sunday, the booking for the Diwali week  October 19  is already completed. Diwali will be celebrated on October 21. While Diwali is not a prominent festival for the state, those studying and working in northern India will get a lot of holidays.

Now, for the first time, Sairang in Mizoram will be connected directly with Delhi by the Rajdhani Express. This is not just a Railway connection; it will revolutionise the lives and livelihoods of the people of Mizoram: Honble PM @narendramodi#RailInfra4NorthEast #Rail2Mizoram pic.twitter.com/dNI3UAzFRn Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) September 13, 2025

The numbers, shared by the officials, show that the waitlist for 3AC is 112, 2AC is 34 and for the 1AC it is Regret"  no seats are available, not even on the waitlist. This status appears when even the waitlist quota is full.

The major rush on this train is between Delhi and Patna as the train shows 384 empty seats on 3AC and 83 seats vacant between Patna and Sairang for the same trip. The rush is also linked to Chhath, another major festival in Bihar, due later in October.

Also, the booking shows there is not much demand for the first few journeys from Delhi. Nearly 500 seats in 3AC remain for September 21, and 400 or more for September 28, October 5 and 12.

There is time and since festivals and vacations are coming mostly in October, we are expecting more booking around that time," the ministry official explained, demanding anonymity.

For the journey from Sairang, there are seats in the 3AC  about 200 seats vacant (as of 6 pm on Sunday) for the next eight weeks till November 7.

Dressed in Mizorams traditional attire, artists radiated pride and joy as they posed before the inaugural Aizawl (Sairang)  Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal) Rajdhani Express.#RailInfra4NorthEast #Rail2Mizoram pic.twitter.com/cUdeYEf4nR Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) September 13, 2025

Route, Timings and Fares

The train, starting from Anand Vihar in Delhi, covers 18 stations in the route, including Kanpur, Mughalsarai, Patna, Malda, and Guwahati.

The train, supporting dynamic pricing, will start from Sairang at 4.30 pm on every Friday from September 19 onwards and will reach Delhi by 10.50 am on Sundays. The 42 hours and 20 minutes journey will cost Rs 3,625 for the Third Class AC, Rs 4,820 for the Second Class AC and Rs 7,890 for the First Class AC.

The train will start from Delhi at 7.50 pm every Sunday, starting September 21, and will reach Sairang  about 20 km from Aizawl  by 3.15 pm on Tuesdays. The stoppage at Patna comes about 8 am on Monday.

#WATCH | Mizoram: A passenger says, "We are thrilled It's an honour for us that the Northeast railways have selected us to have this first train ride" https://t.co/ECtuOm3z2f pic.twitter.com/ChnWevJGl7 ANI (@ANI) September 13, 2025

The train is expected to cover the return journey in 43 hours and 25 minutes. The Third Class AC costs Rs 3,720, the Second Class AC costs Rs 4,915 and the First Class AC costs Rs 7,995.

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With the Rajdhanis debut, Mizoram finally joins the elite club of state capitals with a direct train to Delhi  a milestone that officials say will reshape travel and economic ties for the state.

The Sairang Rajdhani has the potential to be a lifeline for Mizorams growing number of students and professionals living far from home. It will also make the Northeast more accessible for tourists.

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 14, 2025, 19:41 IST

News india Sairang Rajdhanis Weekly Service Starts From September 19: Diwali Tickets From Delhi Sold Out

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Vaishno Devi Yatra Postponed Again Amid Heavy Rain

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News18.com

Last Updated: September 13, 2025, 20:58 IST

Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has been postponed again due to incessant rain.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced the delay, citing safety concerns for devotees amid adverse weather conditions.

The pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, originally scheduled to resume from Sunday, has been further postponed owing to incessant rainfall in the region.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board on Saturday announced the delay, citing safety concerns for devotees amid adverse weather conditions. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and will issue further updates once conditions improve.

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In a statement, the board advised the devotees planning to undertake the pilgrimage to stay informed through official communication channels for the latest update. The Board has urged all pilgrims to exercise patience and prioritise safety during this period.

Due to incessant rain at Bhawan & the track, commencement of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra scheduled from 14th September stands postponed till further order. Devotees are requested to stay updated through official communication channels," the statement read.

The holy pilgrimage to the revered shrine has been on hold for over two weeks now after it was suspended following a landslide on August 26.

Vaishno Devi Landslide

A devastating landslide occurred on the yatra trek on August 26, which claimed lives of 34 people and left 20 others injured. The disaster struck in the afternoon around 3pm when heavy rains triggered a massive landslide near the Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkuwari, about halfway along the 12-kilometre trek from Katra to the holy cave atop Trikuta hills.

Questions were raised about why the Vaishno Devi Yatra was not suspended when there was a warning about heavy rain. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the chairman of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, said that the Yatra was stopped before the cloudburst hit the track at Adhkuwari.

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Vaishno Devi Temple

Vaishno Devi is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites in the country, located in the Trikuta hills of Jammu and Kashmir. The holy cave shrine is dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi. The journey to the shrine is a trek of approximately 13 km from the base camp in Katra.

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 : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India

First Published: September 13, 2025, 20:56 IST

News india Vaishno Devi Yatra Postponed Again Amid Heavy Rain

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Disha Patanis Minimalist Calvin Klein Slip Dress Look Steals Attention At NYFW

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News18.com

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 12:55 IST

Disha Patani was spotted at Calvin Kleins Spring 2026 show in New York. This marks her first appearance after shots were fired outside her Bareilly house.

Disha Patani stuns in a black slip dress at NYFW.

New York Fashion Week is no stranger to star-studded moments, but this season, all eyes turned to Disha Patani as she walked into Calvin Kleins Spring 2026 presentation. Designed by creative director Veronica Leoni, the show drew a glittering guest list: BTSs Jungkook, Emily Ratajkowski, and Lily Collins among them, but it was Dishas understated yet striking appearance that left a lasting impression.

For the evening, Disha Patani turned to a timeless classic: a black slip dress. While she is often spotted in sporty separates and laid-back denim off duty, she elevated her style game with a slinky, satin-inspired number. Featuring delicate spaghetti straps, a plunging neckline, and a daring low back with crisscross detailing, the ensemble offered just the right blend of sensuality and sophistication. From the front, the dress seemed like an exercise in minimalism; from the back, it revealed a sculptural edge that brought drama to the silhouette.

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View this post on Instagram A post shared by Calvin Klein (@calvinklein)

Disha kept her styling refreshingly minimal, allowing the dress to command full attention. A pair of strappy black heels elongated her frame, while dainty stud earrings served as her only jewellery choice  proof that less is more when the outfit speaks volumes. With sleek, straight hair, soft bronzed makeup, smoky eyeliner, and glossy nude lips, she struck the perfect balance between polished and effortless.

The star, who also serves as a brand ambassador for Calvin Klein, later shared glimpses of her look on Instagram, captioning it simply with the details of the show. Fans and fashion watchers quickly amplified the moment, praising her ease and confidence.

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Firing Incident Outside Disha Patanis Bareilly House

Her presence in New York was notable for another reason. The appearance came just a day after reports surfaced of a firing incident outside her familys residence in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. Police confirmed that multiple shots were fired outside the actors residence in Bareilly earlier this week, including two rounds of aerial firing around 4:30 am. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The incident was later claimed by Virendra and Mahendra Dhelana, who, through a social media post, took responsibility and issued a warning directed at the film industry. The controversy stems from remarks made by Dishas sister, Khushboo Patani, a former army officer. She had criticised spiritual preacher Aniruddhacharya Maharaj for his statements on live-in relationships.

Location : Delhi, India, India

First Published: September 14, 2025, 12:55 IST

News lifestyle Disha Patanis Minimalist Calvin Klein Slip Dress Look Steals Attention At NYFW
Navratri Wishes 2025: Ghatasthapana Muhurat, Rituals, Facts And Celebrations

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 09:15 IST

Shardiya Navratri 2025 begins on September 22 and ends on October 2 with Vijayadashami. Celebrate the divine nine days with fasting, devotion, and vibrant Garba nights.

Navratri will be celebrated from September 22 to October 2. (Image: Shutterstock)

Navratri Date Wishes Rituals 2025: The most auspicious Hindu festival, Shardiya Navratri, is round the corner. The inauspicious period of Pitru Paksha comes to an end with the Mahalaya Amavasya, as per the Hindu calendar. The festival of Navratri generally starts from the next day of Mahalaya.

The Navratri festival is dedicated to nine forms of Goddess Durga, known as Navdurga. The festival is celebrated for nine days with unmatched enthusiasm across India. The nine-day festive period symbolises spiritual well-being and the victory of good over evil.

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ALSO READ: Navratri Calendar 2025: Dates, Rituals, Colours, Significance, And Fasting Rules

Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a specific form of Goddess Durga. During these nine days, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga while observing a fast daily. They also mark the occasion with Navratri Ghatsthapana, Durga Chalisa, Durga Saptashathi Path, Durga Aarti and Kanya Pujan.

Heres a detailed look at the shubh muhurat, history, significance, celebrations and lesser-known facts about Shardiya Navratri.

Shardiya Navratri 2025: Start and End Date

Sharadiya Navratri is celebrated from Pratipada to Navami Tithi in the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month, as per the Hindu calendar. This year, Navratri is scheduled to begin on September 22. The nine-day festival will conclude with Vijayadashami on October 2, as per Drik Panchang.

Shardiya Navratri 2025 Dates

September 22 (Monday): Ghatasthapana, Maa Shailputri Puja

September 23 (Tuesday): Maa Brahmacharini Puja

September 24 (Wednesday): Maa Chandraghanta Puja

September 25 (Thursday): Vinayaka Chaturthi

September 26 (Friday): Maa Kushmanda Puja

September 27 (Saturday): Skandamata Puja

September 28 (Sunday): Maa Katyayani Puja

September 29 (Monday): Saraswati Avahan, Maa Kaalratri Puja

September 30 (Tuesday): Saraswati Puja, Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja

October 1 (Wednesday): Maha Navami

October 2 (Thursday): Navratri Paran, Vijayadashami

Shardiya Navratri 2025: Ghatasthapana Shubh Muhurat

The auspicious time for Ghatasthapana is from 06:27 AM to 08:16 AM, while the Ghatasthapana Abhijit Muhurat is from 12:07 PM to 12:55 PM, as per Drik Panchang.

The Pratipada tithi begins at 01:23 AM on September 22 and ends at 02:55 AM on September 23, as per Drik Panchang.

Shardiya Navratri 2025: History and Significance

The roots of Shardiya Navratri can be traced back to ancient Hindu texts and mythology. Falling in the lunar month of Ashwin during Sharad Ritu, the auspicious occasion is believed to mark the period when Goddess Durga battled and defeated the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.

The nine incarnations of Goddess Durga include Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. These nine forms are worshipped during the festival, with each day representing a distinct characteristic of feminine power.

Shardiya Navratri 2025: 5 Interesting Facts

The Power of Sankalp: Taking a vow (Sankalp) before beginning a fast or prayer isnt just a ritual. By taking the pledge to follow austerity and discipline during the nine days, devotees are believed to strengthen their mystical bond that elevates the spiritual journey. Fasting Rules: More than abstaining from food, observing fast during Navratri encourages spiritual discipline and self-purification. It helps devotees master virtues like truthfulness, forgiveness, compassion and contentment. Navratri Colours: Each day of Navratri is associated with a unique colour. From the joy-filled yellow to the powerful red, these colours represent the different energies of each form of Goddess Durga. Donning the specific-coloured attire helps you connect to the divine attributes like harmony, power and prosperity. Navratri and the Harvest: While Navratri is known for its devotion and dance, its roots also celebrate natures bounty. The festival marks the post-monsoon harvest season and honours the goddess as the nurturer of the earth. Ayudha Puja: On the ninth day, devotees worship their work tools, machines. From ploughs and vehicles to laptops and codebooks, everything that supports our work could be a part of rituals, depending on local traditions. Its a symbol of gratitude towards the things that help us thrive. In many states, its also a tradition to worship weapons.

Shardiya Navratri 2025: Celebrations

The evenings during Navratri come alive with energetic Garba and Dandiya Raas dances. People gather in large groups, dressed in colourful traditional attire, to celebrate and dance on the rhythmic beats of Garba in honour of the goddess.

From Gujarat to Mumbai, these vibrant dance forms celebrate the joyous spirit of the festival and symbolise the circle of life, unity and devotion.

During this time, pandals are also set up with statues or images of Goddess Durga. Thousands of devotees hop these pandals to offer prayers, chant hymns and seek blessings.

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Happy Navratri Wishes 2025

Wishing you a vibrant Navratri filled with devotion, dance, and divine blessings. May Maa Durga bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to your life.

May the nine nights of Navratri bring you strength, courage, and grace. Lets celebrate the divine feminine energy that empowers us all. Happy Navratri!

On this holy occasion of Shardiya Navratri, may your prayers be answered and your heart be filled with joy and devotion. Jai Mata Di!

Celebrate this Navratri with colors of joy, lights of hope, and blessings of Maa Durga. May your home be filled with positivity and peace. Happy Navratri!

Lets welcome the goddess with full devotion and celebrate her nine forms with fasting, dance, and prayers. Wishing you a blessed and joyful Navratri 2025!

About the Author Nibandh Vinod Nibandh Vinod is a seasoned journalist with nearly three decades of experience, known for his in-depth coverage of events and festivals, as well as his expertise in SEO-driven content at News18.com. A... Read More

First Published: September 14, 2025, 09:15 IST

News lifestyle Navratri Wishes 2025: Ghatasthapana Muhurat, Rituals, Facts And Celebrations
Solar Eclipse 2025: Why India Will Miss The Final Event In The Sky?

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Local18

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 15:48 IST

The final solar eclipse of 2025 falls on Sept 21, visible in parts of the Southern Hemisphere but not in India.

Negativity is believed to rise during an eclipse, affecting peoples mood, mental state, and overall well-being.

The second and final solar eclipse of 2025 will occur on September 21. This partial solar eclipse is an important astronomical event for sky-watchers and astrology enthusiasts alike. However, it will not be visible in India, so it will have no direct effect here.

According to NASA, the eclipse will be visible in parts of Australia, New Zealand, Antarctica, the South Pacific Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean.

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Will It Be Visible in India?

During the eclipse the Moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun. Since the eclipse will begin at 10:59 PM on September 21 (IST), peak at 1:13 AM (Moon covers about 85% of the Sun) on September 22 and end at 3:23 AM, it will not be visible in India.

The eclipse coincides with the last day of Pitru Paksha, a time dedicated to honouring ancestors. Even though it wont be visible in India, it carries cultural and spiritual interest for many.

Since the eclipse wont be visible in India, the sutak period (ritual restrictions observed during eclipses) does not apply. This means the Pitru Paksha rituals like tarpan, pind daan, and prayers for ancestors can continue without interruption.

Astrologers, however, advise pregnant women to stay cautious about sun exposure, though this is more a general guideline than a necessity since the eclipse will not be seen in India.

Astrological Impact

The eclipse will occur in the Virgo zodiac sign under the Uttara Phalguni nakshatra. Astrologers believe it may affect certain signs, especially Aries and Aquarius, who could face challenges in career, health, or relationships.

To reduce negative effects, priests recommend chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra or the Surya Mantra: Om Adityaya Vidmahe Divakaraya Dhimahi Tanno Surya Prachodayat."

How to Watch Safely

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In regions where it is visible, people are advised not to look directly at the Sun. Instead, use protective eclipse glasses or pinhole projectors. NASA and other observatories will also livestream the event, allowing people in India to watch it online.

(Disclaimer: The astrological details mentioned are based on beliefs and publicly available information. News18 does not confirm or endorse them.)

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First Published: September 14, 2025, 15:48 IST

News lifestyle Solar Eclipse 2025: Why India Will Miss The Final Event In The Sky?

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Hands Off Our Grandma: Protests In US After Elderly Punjabi Woman Held In Immigration Raid

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News18.com

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 19:53 IST

Harjit Kaur was taken into custody by ICE on September 8 in San Francisco and transferred the next day to the Mesa Verde ICE Processing Center in Bakersfield

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Harjit Kaur, a long-time resident of Hercules in Californias East Bay, has lived in the United States for over 30 years. (Image via X)

A 73-year-old Indian-origin woman has become the focus of growing protests in California after she was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during what her family believed would be a routine check-in.

Harjit Kaur, a long-time resident of Hercules in Californias East Bay, has lived in the United States for over 30 years. She was taken into custody by ICE on September 8 in San Francisco and transferred the next day to the Mesa Verde ICE Processing Center in Bakersfield, according to her family.

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Kaur, who immigrated from India in 1992 as a single mother with two sons, has no criminal record. Her asylum claim was denied in 2012, after which she remained under ICE supervision. Her family said she was repeatedly told she could stay in the US until travel documents were arranged by Indian authorities, The Indian Express reported.

The sudden detention has sparked widespread anger and calls for her release. On Friday, around 200 people gathered in El Sobrante, waving signs that read Hands Off Our Grandma" and Bring Grandma Home." The protest was organised by her family, the Sikh Center, and local advocacy group Indivisible West Contra Costa.

Shes not a criminal. And shes not only my grandma. She is everyones grandma," said her granddaughter, Sukhdeep Kaur, speaking to Richmondside. Everyone looks up to her as a mother figure. She is independent, selfless, hard-working."

Support also came from local leaders. A representative from Congressman John Garamendis office attended the protest, along with Hercules City Council member Dilli Bhattarai.

She is not doing any harm to the community. She is an abiding constituent just like us," Bhattarai said.

Kaur worked for over 20 years as a seamstress at a family-owned store in Berkeley. Her daughter-in-law, Manjit Kaur, said during the protest that Harjit had always cooperated with immigration authorities and had made multiple efforts to secure travel documents from the Indian Consulate.

ICE has been trying for the past 13 years to get her a travel document. If ICE cant get it in 13 years, how are we supposed to get it?" Manjit asked the crowd.

The family is also concerned about Kaurs health. She suffers from thyroid issues, chronic knee pain, migraines and anxiety. They claim she is not receiving proper access to her medication while in detention.

When we did hear from her, she was crying and begging us for help," the family said in a statement to ABC7 News.

Congressman Garamendi has criticised the detention as misplaced priorities," urging ICE to focus on high-risk individuals rather than elderly residents with long-standing ties to the community. His office has submitted an inquiry to ICE.

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California Assembly member Alex Lee also voiced support for Kaur, saying she had done everything right and should not be treated this way.

The family has launched a campaign website, bringharjithome.com, urging people to contact elected officials and demand her release.

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Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 14, 2025, 19:53 IST

News nri Hands Off Our Grandma: Protests In US After Elderly Punjabi Woman Held In Immigration Raid

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Opinion: Modis India Is Europes Preferred Partner In Turbulent Times

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 17:49 IST

As the Modi government and EU officials accelerate negotiations for a 135-billion free trade agreement, New Delhi's approach is proving exceptionally prescient

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Modis foreign policy marks a clear shift from Indias old non-alignment approach to what Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar calls "multi-alignment". (File)

The day after Donald Trump was elected as the President of the United States, the euro fell by 3%, reflecting immediate anxiety among Americas European allies. Trumps previous stint as POTUS had already strained transatlantic ties, and his return sparked fears of deeper divisions. With a war in Eastern Europe supported by the biggest economy across six out of seven continents under the control of an authoritarian leader, the geopolitical stakes have intensified.

That is why Indias position as a democratic counterweight to China has never been more crucial for European policymakers. As the Modi government and EU officials accelerate negotiations for a 135-billion free trade agreement while navigating mounting American pressures and geopolitical realignments, New Delhis approach is proving exceptionally prescient.

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The acceleration of these negotiations reflects what Metternich might have recognised as a fundamental realignment of the European balance, wherein Indias democratic credentials and economic dynamism offer the continent a strategic alternative to the Faustian bargains of authoritarian dependency.

Europe needs India as a Democratic Alternative

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyens unprecedented visit to New Delhi with commissioners from 21 countries in February 2025 was a sign. It was the blocs recognition of India as an indispensable strategic partner. The high-level diplomatic engagement occurred precisely as Trumps return to the White House introduced fresh uncertainties regarding transatlantic relations and global trade stability.

Indias appeal to European policymakers extends beyond traditional economic metrics. As a vibrant democracy with robust institutions and a commitment to a rules-based international order, India offers the EU a reliable partner that shares fundamental values while maintaining strategic autonomy. It is in contrast with Chinas authoritarian trajectory and coercive economic practices.

The geopolitical context has altered the calculus surrounding the India-EU relationship. While Chinas tacit support for Russias invasion of Ukraine, its assertiveness in the South China Sea, and human rights violations have crystallized European perceptions of Beijing as a systemic rival, it is crucial to acknowledge the complexity of EU-China relations.

Despite these tensions, Europe remains economically interdependent with China, given the significant trade volumes and investments that connect them. The acknowledgment of dual dynamics demonstrates a realistic assessment of the geopolitical landscape. Simultaneously, Indias careful navigation of the Ukraine crisis testifies to its pragmatism, characteristic of Modis multi-alignment strategy.

Modis Multi-Alignment Strategy: Redefining Non-Alignment for the 21st Century

Modis foreign policy marks a clear shift from Indias old non-alignment approach to what Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar calls multi-alignment". In the past, non-alignment meant staying neutral and not joining big power blocs. Now, multi-alignment means working with several global powers at once, keeping Indias independence while looking out for its interests.

Unlike the passive stance of Cold War-era non-alignment, Indias multi-partner strategy actively leverages its democratic credentials and economic potential to secure advantageous partnerships.

Modis ability to balance seemingly contradictory relationships, supporting Israel while engaging Iran, purchasing Russian energy while collaborating with Western allies, shows the pragmatic approach that has elevated Indias global standing.

The multi-alignment strategy has proven particularly valuable in the context of US-China strategic competition. Rather than being forced into binary choices between Washington and Beijing, India has positioned itself as a pivotal power in an emerging multipolar order through strategic partnerships with multiple blocs simultaneously.

The 135-Billion Trade Imperative

The India-EU economic relationship has shown remarkable resilience and growth even as geopolitical winds shift one way or the other. Bilateral trade has reached 135 billion in 2023-24, establishing the EU as Indias largest trading partner. European investments in India exceed 100 billion, with approximately 6,000 European companies maintaining operations across the subcontinent.

The FTA negotiations have gained unprecedented momentum following Trumps imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian goods. Even though its the American citizens who bear the tariff burden, external pressure has paradoxically strengthened India-EU collaboration. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has asserted that 60-65% of FTA chapters have been completed. It actually just shows the serious commitment from both sides to finalise the agreement by year-end.

Eleven critical chapters have already been concluded, encompassing customs facilitation, digital trade, capital movements, and competition frameworks. The remaining negotiations focus primarily on market access provisions, rules of origin, and sensitive agricultural products, particularly dairy and wine.

Strategic Sectors: Unlocking Innovation and Investment

The 117 billion in European investments spans automotive manufacturing, electronics, financial services, and renewable energy sectors. Companies such as Volkswagen, Siemens, and Unilever have established substantial Indian operations that serve both domestic markets and export platforms for regional expansion.

Indian investments in Europe are valued at approximately 40 billion. Indian IT companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and renewable energy firms have acquired significant European assets while establishing research and development centres that leverage European technological capabilities.

The proposed FTA promises substantial benefits across multiple strategic sectors that align with both Indias development priorities and Europes technological capabilities. In the automotive sector, European manufacturers seek reduced tariffs on vehicles whilst Indian component suppliers anticipate enhanced access to sophisticated European supply chains.

Pharmaceutical cooperation represents another cornerstone of the emerging partnership. Indian pharmaceutical companies, already significant suppliers to European markets, anticipate streamlined regulatory approvals and reduced non-tariff barriers that currently impede market access.

Information technology services constitute perhaps the most promising area for immediate expansion. The EUs consideration of granting India data secure" status would represent a transformative development for the Indian IT sector, enabling access to sensitive European data processing contracts that currently remain off-limits.

For India, agriculture and dairy are the off-limits sector, which the government has iterated multiple times that it will protect its farmers at all costs. India has consistently maintained that import duties represent essential tools for supporting millions of small-scale farmers and milk producers. It follows the same logic that guides European Common Agricultural Policy; the understanding that economic integration cannot ignore social and political stability.

However, thats not all the trouble. Beginning January 2026, the EUs Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will impose additional duties of 20-35% on carbon-intensive imports, potentially affecting Indian steel, aluminium, cement, and fertilizer exports. Indian officials have characterised CBAM as discriminatory and arbitrary, threatening retaliatory measures if European climate policies undermine Indian industrial competitiveness. Similarly, the EU Deforestation Regulation poses compliance challenges for Indian exporters of coffee, leather, and wood products worth approximately $1.3 billion annually.

Russia Factor and Strategic Autonomy

Indias continued energy imports from Russia have created diplomatic tensions with both the United States and the European Union, yet these pressures have inadvertently strengthened the India-EU partnership. Trumps 50% tariffs on Indian goods, explicitly linked to Russian oil purchases, have prompted New Delhi to accelerate alternative trade relationships while maintaining energy security.

Trumps explicit linkage of tariffs to Russian energy purchases reflects a zero-sum approach to alliance management that contrasts sharply with European diplomatic restraint. The EUs largely symbolic sanctions on Nayara Energy demonstrate Brussels understanding that effective pressure on Russia must be balanced against the preservation of partnerships with democratic powers.

Indias position within BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation provides additional leverage in negotiations with European partners, as European policymakers increasingly recognise Indias role as a moderating influence within these organisations, preventing their evolution into explicitly anti-Western coalitions.

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Modis India has successfully positioned itself as Europes preferred strategic partner through a combination of democratic values, economic dynamism, and pragmatic diplomacy. The 135 billion trade relationship provides the economic foundation for a strategic partnership that extends far beyond commercial considerations.

The successful conclusion of this FTA by year-end would represent more than a commercial agreement; it would establish a template for democratic cooperation in an era of great power competition. As global trade architecture fragments and traditional alliances face unprecedented pressures, the India-EU partnership demonstrates that shared values, complementary capabilities, and mutual respect for sovereignty can create durable foundations for prosperity and security in an uncertain world.

About the Author Sohil Sinha Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects.

First Published: September 14, 2025, 17:49 IST

News opinion Opinion: Modis India Is Europes Preferred Partner In Turbulent Times

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Opinion | Scholarly Intervention Necessary For Manuscript Mission To Fructify

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 19:27 IST

Can the National Mission for Manuscripts lead to "discoveries of new Harappa, Mohenjo-daro and Dwarka" as hoped by Vajpayee?

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The palmleaf grantha. (Website: www.namami.gov.in)

In his recent Independence Day Speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned about his governments Gyan Bharatam Mission" that aims to preserve, document, digitise and disseminate Indias rich heritage of antique hand-written manuscripts. Gyan Bharatam Mission is a restructured form of the National Mission for Manuscripts (estd. 2003).

The Minister of Culture and Tourism viz. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat had informed the Lok Sabha (vide Unstarred Question No. 3905) on March 24, 2025 that under the National Mission for Manuscripts, 5.2 million manuscripts have been documented across India, approximately 3.5 lakh manuscripts containing over 3.5 crore folios had already been digitized. Over 1,35,000 manuscripts have been uploaded on the Missions web portal namami.gov.in out of which 76,000 manuscripts were available for free. An allocation of Rs. 482.85 crores has been made for the period of 2024-31.

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The National Manuscript Mission (NMM), which is administered by Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA) has grown over the last two decades since its inception by the Vajpayee government. The government has identified 15 major manuscript repositories holding between 12,000 manuscripts (Oriental Research Library, J&K) and 250,000 manuscripts (Acharya Shri Kailashsuri Jnanmandir, Koba, Gujarat) with which it works closely. The minor manuscript repositories are 3851 in number, which include foreign institutions like Bibliotheque Nationale de France (Paris) and India Office Library collection now incorporated in British Library, London etc. The Mission publishes a bi-annual journal viz. Kriti Rakshana, though its periodicity has been somewhat irregular of late.

While launching the National Mission for Manuscripts on February 7, 2003 in New Delhi the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had provided an estimate of 35 lakh manuscripts in the country, most of these being in Sanskrit. It was naturally an underestimation, as 5.2 million (or 52 lakh) manuscripts have already been documented. He had hoped the Mission would bring to light several Harappas, Mohenjo-daros and Dwarkas in the future in the field of manuscripts".

Two decades later we are yet to witness the rediscovery of any Harappa, Mohenjo-daro or Dwarka" through the manuscripts. No groundbreaking discoveries known to the public have been made. Is it because the time span allowed is too short, during which we are able to digitize only 7 (seven) percent of the estimated number of manuscripts? In the same period thousands of palm leaf manuscripts, mostly in private hands, might have also perished from sheer neglect and ravages of nature. No public awareness campaign was launched for their collection. That is, however, not the real reason.

Harappa and Mohenjadaro were discovered because there were men like Rakhaldas Banerji (1885-1930) and John Marshall (1876-1958) who could see the ruins as part of Indias history as poet laureate Kalidas could describe a mass of wood kept in front of him as lifeless tree (Nirasa tarubara purata bhage").

II

Preserving manuscripts and digitising them is the preliminary step. However, they could not broaden our mental horizons, unless they are made a part of the knowledge ecosystem. This requires proper publication of critical editions/translations of the works. Such ventures are laborious and call for scholarly intervention and supervision. Though the government says that editing, translating and publishing rare and unpublished manuscripts to promote scholarly research is part of the Gyan Bharatam Mission, no particulars or actual figures are provided in this regard.

Critical editions are important. For example, when the play Mudrarakshasa by Visakhadatta was published by Tukaram Javaji Dadajis Nirnay Sagar" Press (Bombay) we are told that nine different copies of manuscripts sourced from different locations had been consulted and compared to prepare the printed text. It was edited with critical and explanatory notes by illustrious Kashinath Trimbak Telang (1850-1893), the Indologist and Judge of Bombay High Court.

Discoveries of Sanskrit manuscripts followed by the publication of their critical edition/translation have played major role in redefining ancient Indian history. H.H. Wilson, an Orientalist associated with Asiatic Society was the first to partially translate Kalhanas Rajtarangini in 1825. In the 1850s, the first American Indologist, Professor Fitz-Edward Hall, discovered Banas Harsha Charit, which was subsequently published from Jammu & Kashmir in 1879, and Bombay in 1892, before E.B. Cowell and F.W. Thomas published its translation with the sponsorship of Oriental Translation Fund of Britain.

Bilhanas Vikramankadevacharita, a life of 11th century Chalukya monarch Vikramaditya-Tribhuna Malla of Kalyan, was spotted by German Indologist Georg Buhler in a Jain Bhandar (manuscript depository) in Jaisalmer. Buhler edited and published it under the Bombay Sanskrit Series (No. XIV) in 1875.

The French scholar Eugene Burnouf (1801-52) in his 647-page long Introduction a lhistorie du Buddhism indien (1844) was the first to provide accurate information and insight into Buddhist religion and philosophy from Sanskrit sources. He did it on the dint of the Sanskrit manuscripts sent to him in Paris by Brian Houghton Hodgson (1800-94), who was posted as the representative of East India Company in Kathmandu. The bulk of these manuscripts must have carried to Nepal by Indian Buddhist Pandits on their heads, while they escaped to the Himalayan kingdom in the wake of the Turk invasions at the end of the 12th century. The great centres of Buddhism like Nalanda, Jagaddal, Vikramshila and Odantipur had been laid to waste by Turk invasions. Hodgson had evinced an interest in the Buddhist legacy of Nepal since 1821 when he was first posted in Nepal as Assistant Resident. He sent the acquired manuscripts in multiple bundles to various oriental institutions of the world including. R.C. Dutt, I.C.S. informs 85 bundles were sent to Asiatic Society of Bengal, 85 to Royal Asiatic Society London, 30 to India Office Library in London, 7 to Bodleian Library in Oxford and 174 to Societe Asiatique in Paris to Monsieur Burnouf personally (A History of Civilization in Ancient India, 1891, P.344)

The fortuitous acquiring of a manuscript by R. Shama Sastry, librarian of Mysore Government Oriental Library, led to the discovery of Kautilyas Arthasastra. The manuscript had been deposited to the Library by a Pandit of Tanjore district. If Shama Sastry were only a graduate in library science, the best he could have done was to catalogue the manuscript. Shama Sastry, a Sanskrit expert, perused the text, to realize the value of treasure he was holding in his hand. Initially he wrote a few essays on it for the journal Indian Antiquary in 1905. Subsequently, he published the complete translation of the text, with sponsorship from the Mysore Durbar in 1909. The rest was history. It was re-published in 1915 with an introduction by Dr. J.F. Fleet, ICS (Retd) and Indologist.

The rest was history. The appearance of Kautilya Arthasastra revolutionized the worlds understanding of Indian ancient history, and advancement achieved by the ancient Hindus in political science. In 1960, the University of Bombay produced a critical edition of Kautilya Arthasastra by R.P. Kangle. The Arthasastra could become part of the discourse, because it was not merely preserved but also acted upon. We need scholars like Shama Sastry and Kangle could lead to knowledge accrual from the manuscripts.

III

The existence of a large number of antique manuscripts reveals a rich knowledge culture in the pre-colonial era. However, it simultaneously underscores the effect of the delayed advent of printing press in India. Whereas the movable type printing press was invented in Germany in the 1450s, and introduced in England in 1476 by William Caxton, it was not another three hundred years afterwards that printing press became available in India on a permanent basis. Nathaniel Brassey Halheds A Grammar of the Bengal Language (1778), which used both English and Bengali scripts, is believed to be the first book printed in India. The manuscript culture could have ended much sooner as in Europe had printing press become available earlier.

Many manuscripts being in private hands reveal an intricate pattern of knowledge production and dissemination in the pre-print era in India. There was a very limited public sphere", and knowledge was transmitted through grooves of Guru-Shishya Parampara. The exclusive possession of a manuscript was considered a matter of pride as much as possession of knowledge. Only worthy pupils were allowed to copy the manuscripts, who in turn allowed their pupils to copy them.

Instead of producing a succession of freelance thinkers" says Surendranath Dasgupta (1922), having their own systems to propound and establish, India brought forth pupils who carried traditionary views of particular systems from generation to generation, who explained and expounded them, and defended them against the attacks of other rival schools and which they constantly attacked in order to establish their superiority of the system they adhered" (A History of Indian Philosophy Vol-1, P.63).

IV

Since palm leaves and Himalayan birch are perishable commodities, every manuscript had to be copied and recopied after one or few generations. A manuscript could enjoy greater longevity in dry climatic regions like Rajasthan or Gujarat than damp regions like Bengal or Assam. This recopying process was possibly discontinued by the late nineteenth century, when even children of Sanskrit pundits began to migrate to the modern education system.

However, the repository of manuscripts did not migrate to print format as easily. Sadly, they became unwanted heirlooms within a generation or two in many families. This experience was not confined to Sanskrit alone, whose predominance got eclipsed. Say, manuscripts in Tamil, which is a living and growing language, besides being supported by a strong Dravidian ideology, have fared little better. This was revealed at a three-day national seminar on Palm Leaves and Other Manuscripts in India (January 11-13, 1995) held in Pondicherry University in collaboration with Institute of Asian Studies, Chennai. Even in those pre-internet CD-ROM days the Institute of Asian Studies was involved in preservation of manuscripts through microfilming etc.

Director G. John Samuel informed in the seminar that they had compiled a list of 80,000 Tamil palm leaf manuscripts, out of which 25 percent had ever been put to print, whereas 75 percent were perishing in remote corners of villages or in a number of manuscript repositories. Worse, they were set ablaze during various festivals and thrown into rivers to appease deities during the time of flood. They were sometimes used as fuel to prepare hot waters for horses and human beings.

Proper cataloguing of manuscripts that can act as a ready reckoner for scholars is very important. Raja Rajendralal Mitra (1822-91), the first Indian Secretary of Asiatic Society, devised a method for descriptive catalogue of Sanskrit manuscripts. The tradition of collecting, cataloguing and preserving Sanskrit manuscripts goes back to the British times. Though Asiatic Society (Calcutta), Saraswathi Mahal Library (Tanjore), and the libraries of Maharajas of Jaipur and Nepal were already possessed large collection of Sanskrit manuscripts, it was in 1868 that the administration of Lord Lawrence, Governor General of India, undertook a project for cataloguing and possible collection of Sanskrit manuscripts in private hands at a reasonable price. Orientalists like George Buhler, Rajendralal Mitra, Sridhar R. Bhandarkar, Haraprasad Sastri etc. undertook tours in various parts of India in search of Sanskrit manuscripts. During the 19th century several Oriental institutes were set up in India like at Pune, Mysore, Adyar (Chennai), Baroda etc. There was addition to their numbers in the 20th century.

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A proper synergy between critical scholarship and manuscript preservation is required for the Gyan Bharatam Mission to be successful. Are our Sanskrit universities and departments doing enough?

The writer is author of the book The Microphone Men: How Orators Created a Modern India (2019) and an independent researcher based in New Delhi. 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, 19:27 IST

News opinion Opinion | Scholarly Intervention Necessary For Manuscript Mission To Fructify

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Can Do Better: Satya Nadella Says Microsoft Must Rebuild Employee Trust Amid Layoffs, RTO Mandate

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 22:01 IST

Nadella's remarks came during an internal meeting with staff on Thursday, where concerns about company culture and employee morale were raised

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Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. (File Photo)

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has acknowledged the need to rebuild trust with employees, following a series of job cuts and the companys recent return-to-office (RTO) policy. His remarks came during an internal meeting with staff on Thursday, where concerns about company culture and employee morale were raised.

An audio recording of the meeting, obtained by CNBC, revealed Nadella responding directly to an employees question about a perceived lack of empathy within the company

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I deeply appreciate that, the question and the sentiment behind it," he said in the recording. I take it as feedback for me and everyone in the leadership team, because at the end of the day, I think we can do better, and we will do better."

The meeting comes just days after Microsoft announced that employees living near its headquarters in Redmond, Washington, will be required to work from the office at least three days a week starting in February next year.

Earlier in July, Microsoft laid off 9,000 employees, following smaller rounds of job cuts earlier in the year. The layoffs, combined with the RTO mandate, have sparked unease within the company, particularly around transparency, autonomy, and leadership empathy.

Amy Coleman, Microsofts head of human resources, acknowledged during the meeting that the response to the RTO decision has been mixed. Some employees feel they are losing flexibility, while others have already returned to a hybrid routine. According to internal data, workers in the Seattle area are currently averaging 2.4 days in the office per week.

Nadella also pointed out that remote work, while useful, poses challenges  especially for younger employees and new hires. He expressed concern that a lack of in-person interaction may hinder mentorship and development.

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Management is just mostly all remote, but the interns are all, you know, in one location," he noted. And so those are things that just will break a social contract."

While Microsoft had been slower than some other tech giants in issuing a return-to-office policy, the shift aligns it more closely with companies like Amazon, which brought workers back five days a week earlier this year.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 14, 2025, 21:17 IST

News tech Can Do Better: Satya Nadella Says Microsoft Must Rebuild Employee Trust Amid Layoffs, RTO Mandate

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Antisemitic, Anti-Israel Theories Circulate Online Hours After Charlie Kirk's Assassination

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 17:56 IST

According to a report by the Anti-Defamation League's Center on Extremism, a wave of "false narratives" began circulating shortly after Kirk was fatally shot

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The ADL said it had tracked more than 10,000 posts on X, containing the phrase Israel killed Charlie Kirk in the immediate aftermath of the murder.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk has given rise to a surge of antisemitic and anti-Israel conspiracy theories online, with social media users spreading unfounded claims within hours of the shooting.

According to a report by the Anti-Defamation Leagues (ADL) Center on Extremism, a wave of false narratives" began circulating shortly after Kirk, 31, was fatally shot while speaking with students at Utah Valley University on September 10.

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Within hours, and before a suspect had been identified, antisemites and promoters of false narratives seized the moment to attribute the incident to Israel or to blame Jews generally," the ADL wrote in its report. A common example of how bad actors take advantage of breaking news events and tragedies to advance their own hateful agendas."

The ADL said it had tracked more than 10,000 posts on X, containing the phrase Israel killed Charlie Kirk" in the immediate aftermath of the murder.

One widely shared post read, Yesterday was a turning point for Israel-U.S. relations. Less than 24 hours and the internet already figured out who the most likely culprit was. He was their friend. He basically dedicated his life to them. And they murdered him in front of his family. Israel just shot themselves."

Yesterday was a turning point for Israel US relations.Les than 24 hours and the internet already figured out who the most likely culprit was. He was their friend. He basically dedicated his life to them. And they murdered him in front of his family. Israel just shot  Ian Carroll (@IanCarrollShow) September 11, 2025

Another viral post, cited in the ADL report, claimed Kirk had believed Israel would kill him if he turns against them". The post, viewed more than 10 million times, offered no evidence.

Some users pointed to Kirks recent decision to host comedian Dave Smith, known for his criticism of Israel, as supposed motivation for the killing.

In another example cited by the ADL, a user claimed, He started mildly criticising Israel and now hes dead. Just think about that." The post received more than 200,000 likes.

Others went further, suggesting that Israel and the US government collaborated to assassinate Kirk and frame Muslims, referencing the proximity of the shooting to the anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

Online vitriol and grassroots persecution have exploded in the wake of the killing of the right-wing figure, further deepening political divisions in the US.

Kirk, a vocal supporter of US President Donald Trump and a controversial figure known for his hardline conservative stances, was both praised and condemned across the political spectrum. His death was quickly politicised.

Authorities have since arrested Tyler Robinson, the shooting suspect, who allegedly engraved anti-fascist messages on bullet casings. The American right has labelled him a far-left" killer.

Kirks murder has been condemned by political leaders on both sides, but Trump swiftly blamed the radical left" before police had identified a suspect.

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Trump called Kirk a giant of his generation" and led official tributes, including ordering flags flown at half-staff. Kirks body was transported aboard Air Force Two to Phoenix, Arizona, escorted by Vice President JD Vance.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : Israel

First Published: September 14, 2025, 16:56 IST

News world Antisemitic, Anti-Israel Theories Circulate Online Hours After Charlie Kirk's Assassination

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'Attempts To Harm Ties With India Will Fail,' Says Russia Amid Trump's Tariff Charge

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 19:18 IST

The Russian Foreign Ministry praised India for continuing its cooperation with Moscow despite pressure from US President Donald Trump via tariffs.

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PM Narendra Modi hugs Russian President Vladimir Putin at the SCO Summit.

The Russian Foreign Ministry praised India for continuing its cooperation with Moscow despite pressure from US President Donald Trump to cut ties by applying tariffs on Indian imports, asserting that any attempt to harm ties with New Delhi will fail.

While responding to questions from RT, the Russian ministry said it welcomed that India was showing its commitment to continue and expand multi-faceted cooperation with Russia, despite pressure and threats. Officials said that frankly, anything else would be hard to imagine."

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Relations between India and Russia are steadily and confidently advancing," the ministry said, adding, Any attempt to obstruct this process is destined to fail."

The remarks came after relations between India and the United States became acrimonious after Trump imposed 25 per cent reciprocal duties on Indian goods along with an additional 25 per cent levy tied to New Delhis imports of discounted Russian crude  bringing the total tariff burden to 50 per cent, among the steepest in the world.

India-Russia Ties

Trump has repeatedly accused India of fueling Russias deadly attacks on Ukraine" by buying Russian oil, even while his administration has stopped short of imposing tougher sanctions directly on Moscow. India has condemned the tariffs as unfair and unreasonable" and pointed out the US and Europes own purchases from Russia.

Despite pressure from Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi moved to solidify ties with China and Russia by attending the SCO Summit in Tianjin, where he held talks with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. The Russian foreign ministry said Indias approach to its ties with Russia reflected the spirit and traditions of long-standing friendship" and New Delhis strategic autonomy in international affairs."

The partnership between India and Russia is based on the highest value of sovereignty and the primacy of national interests" and the relationship has been reliable, predictable and truly strategic in nature," it added.

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Officials stated that the two countries are collaborating on large-scale joint projects across multiple sectors, including civilian and military production, manned space missions, nuclear energy, and Indian investments in Russian oil exploration initiatives.

Meanwhile, Trump recently acknowledged that his decision to impose steep tariffs on India for its purchase of Russian oil strained ties with New Delhi, even as he struck an optimistic note about ongoing trade negotiations. However, reports in international media suggested that the US has urged the G7 bloc and the European Union to impose 100% tariffs on imports from India and China.

About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More

Location : Moscow, Russia

First Published: September 14, 2025, 19:18 IST

News world 'Attempts To Harm Ties With India Will Fail,' Says Russia Amid Trump's Tariff Charge

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Charlie Kirk Shooters Transgender Roommate Now Helping FBI In Probe: Report

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News18.com

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 14:25 IST

The 22-year-old suspect was arrested after his father turned him in. His roommate, who is transgender and is currently undergoing surgery for gender transformation.

Robinson was apprehended approximately 250 miles from Utah Valley University (Reuters)

Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old accused of shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk and killing him, used to live with a transgender partner, according to law enforcement sources.

Robinsons partner was reportedly undergoing a gender transition from male to female and is now fully cooperating with the FBI amid the ongoing probe.

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According to a report by the New York Times, citing a relative of Twiggs, They were roommates." The relative, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, referred to Twiggs as the black sheep" of the family, also adding that she was not sure about the political views of Twiggs or if Twiggs and Robinson were in a romantic relationship.

Speaking about the gender transition surgery, she said, it wouldnt surprise me."

ALSO READ: Charlie Kirks Widow Erika Weeps Over His Casket In Heart-Wrenching Moment: No Idea What

Meanwhile, Tyler Robinson was arrested after his father turned him in seeing the pictures and videos of person of interest" released by the FBI. In the visuals, the suspect was seen wearing a black T-shirt plastered with an eagle and American flag, jumping off the roof of a Utah university building.

After seeing the visuals, Tylers father asked his son about the same, who later confessed to the crime and was subsequently arrested.

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."

Earlier on Saturday, Trump appreciated Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel over the arrest of the suspect of Charlie Kirk.

I am very proud of the FBI. Kashand everyone elsethey have done a great job," Trump told Fox News Digital.

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About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 14, 2025, 14:23 IST

News world Charlie Kirk Shooters Transgender Roommate Now Helping FBI In Probe: Report

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Charlie Kirk's Assassin Silent On Motive, Refusing To Cooperative With Probe

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 21:08 IST

Utah Governor Cox said Tyler Robinson, suspect in Charlie Kirk's killing, had left-leaning views and was influenced by radical online content.

Robinson was apprehended approximately 250 miles from Utah Valley University (Reuters photo)

Utah Governor Spencer Cox said on Sunday that investigators are not yet ready to discuss what motivated the killing of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump. However, he said the suspect, Tyler Robinson (22), had left-leaning political views, did not like Kirk, and had not been cooperating with police.

Clearly a leftist ideology," Cox told NBCs Meet the Press." On CNNs State of the Union," he said, That information comes from the people around him, his family members and friends."

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The Utah Governor said Robinson had been influenced by radical content online. Friends have confirmed that there was kind of that deep, dark internet, the Reddit culture, and these other dark places of the internet where this person was going deep," he said on NBC.

He added, I really dont have a dog in this fight. If this was a radicalized MAGA person, Id be saying that as well." The governor said more information may be revealed once the suspect appears in court on Tuesday.

Kirk was killed during an event at Utah Valley University on September 10. Cox urged against political finger-pointing, saying, I really dont have a dog in this fight. If this was a radicalized MAGA person, Id be saying that as well."

The governor also confirmed that Robinsons romantic partner is a transgender woman. The roommate was a romantic partner, a male transitioning to female," Cox said, adding, I can say that he has been incredibly cooperative, this partner has been very cooperative, had no idea that this was happening."

Investigators carried out a search warrant at Robinsons family home in Washington. According to state records, Robinson is a registered but inactive voter with no party affiliation. His parents are registered Republicans, news agency AP reported.

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Court records indicate the ammunition used in the shooting included anti-fascist and meme-style messages, including a casing that read, Hey, fascist! Catch!"

Robinson, once an honor roll student and academic scholar, is currently enrolled in an electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College.

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 : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 14, 2025, 21:08 IST

News world Charlie Kirk's Assassin Silent On Motive, Refusing To Cooperative With Probe

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Charlie Kirks Suspected Killer Joked 'Doppelganger Did It' On Social Media Hours Before Arrest

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 10:21 IST

Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested as a suspect in Charlie Kirk's killing. Hours before arrest, Tyler reacted to the images of "person of interest" shared by FBI.

Images of Tyler Robinson, the suspect in Charlie Kirk's shooting, were shared by FBI

Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old college dropout, was arrested as a suspect for killing Charlie Kirk. Hours before getting arrested, Tyler reacted to the images of person of interest" shared by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Talking to his friends on social media, Robinson said that his doppelganger" was the one who gunned down the conservative activist. As per a report by The New York Times, Robinson was chatting with his friends on Discord.

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Tyler Robinsons Chat With Friends

The report also shared the excerpt of Robinsons chat with friends and quoted the messages by his friends.

One of his friends noticed the similarity between Robinson and the image of the man shared by FBI. He tagged Robinson in a post with the FBI images, and wrote wya  short for where you at?  alongside a skull emoji.

Tyler killed Charlie!!!" another user wrote, NYT reported.

Ironically, the group also joked about the $100,000 reward that was on offer. Tyler Robinson replied that he is up for it if he gets a cut" of the $100,000 reward.

Whatever you do, dont go to a McDonalds anytime soon," one friend said in a nod to where Manhattan CEO killer Luigi Mangione was arrested.

Tyler replied to the conversations and said that his doppelganger" shot and killed Charlie Kirk. He also claimed that his doppelganger purportedly wanted to get Robinson in trouble."

How Was Tyler Robinson Nabbed?

A fathers intuition led to the arrest of Tyler Robinson. When the FBI shared images and videos of person of interest" involved in Charlie Kirks murder, Tylers father recognized his son.

The visuals showed a man wearing a black T-shirt plastered with an eagle and American flag, jumping off the roof of a Utah university building.

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Tylers father, a former sheriff department staffer, asked him if this man was him. As per a report by CNN, Tyler allegedly confessed to his father that he shot Kirk.

His father turned him in to law enforcement.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 14, 2025, 10:21 IST

News world Charlie Kirks Suspected Killer Joked 'Doppelganger Did It' On Social Media Hours Before Arrest

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'Best Peace, Security Record': China On Trump's 100% Tariff Call, Says It 'Doesn't Plan Wars'

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News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 11:31 IST

During a state visit to Slovenia, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said war cannot solve problems and sanctions will only complicate them

Responding to US President Donald Trump's (L) tariff call, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said his country has the "best peace and security record". (Image: AFP/File)

Ahead of a new round of trade talks with the United States in Spain, China has given a strong response to President Donald Trumps call to impose 100 percent tariffs on it over Beijings purchase of Russian crude oil.

China said it has the best peace and security record" and it does not participate in or plan wars". Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a state visit to Slovenia, said war cannot solve problems and sanctions will only complicate them.

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China is a responsible major country and also a country with the best record on peace and security issues," Wang was quoted in a report by Global Times. War cannot solve problems, and sanctions will only complicate them. China does not participate in or plan wars, and what China does is to encourage peace talks and promote political settlement of hotspot issues through dialogue."

On Saturday (September 13), Trump called on NATO countries to impose 50 to 100 percent tariffs on China and stop buying oil from Russia to help end the Ukraine conflict. His post on Truth Social came a day after the US asked the G7 to impose tariffs on countries  including China and India  purchasing oil from Russia.

India and US relations have already been negatively impacted from the Trump administrations imposition of a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods as a punishment" over New Delhis purchase of Russian oil.

Trump has 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. He said NATOs commitment to win has been far less than 100%, and the purchase of Russian oil, by some, has been shocking!".

He said the 50 percent to 100 percent 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 further said the Ukraine war is not his conflict" and it would never have started if he were president. It is Bidens and Zelenskyys 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.

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The US has imposed an additional 30 percent tax on imports from China while Beijing has responded with a 10 percent tax on imports from Washington. At one point, Trump raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 145 percent before the two countries agreed in May to end the tit-for-tat tariff war.

(With agency inputs)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : Ljubljana, Slovenia

First Published: September 14, 2025, 08:22 IST

News world 'Best Peace, Security Record': China On Trump's 100% Tariff Call, Says It 'Doesn't Plan Wars'

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China Warns Philippines Over South China Sea Provocations As US Vows Support

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 09:23 IST

The PLA added that its troops would continue to defend Chinas sovereignty in the region and dismissed outside involvement as pointless

South China Sea dispute grows | Image: Representative

China warned the Philippines to halt what it described as provocations in the South China Sea, even as Washington reaffirmed its support for Manila in the face of growing tensions over contested waters.

Senior Colonel Tian Junli, spokesperson for the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command, said on Sunday that Chinese forces had carried out routine" patrols in the South China Sea.

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He cautioned Manila against escalating disputes, saying: We sternly warn the Philippines to immediately stop provoking incidents and escalating tensions in the South China Sea."

The PLA added that its troops would continue to defend Chinas sovereignty in the region and dismissed outside involvement as pointless.

Bringing in external backing is doomed to be futile," Tian said, in an apparent reference to US support for the Philippines.

China lays claim to nearly the entire South China Sea, a strategic waterway that handles over $3 trillion in annual trade.

Its expansive claim overlaps with those of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei, and has long been a source of regional friction.

The latest warning comes after the United States voiced concern over Beijings reported plan to designate Scarborough Shoala rich fishing groundas a nature reserve.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday accused China of using coercive tactics to advance its territorial ambitions.

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 neighbours," Rubio said.

Rubio also criticised Beijings actions as destabilising and urged it to respect the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which found that China had unlawfully blocked Filipino fishermen from accessing Scarborough Shoal.

Despite that decision, Beijing has maintained control of the atoll since 2012 and continues to station vessels there.

Filipino fishermen, meanwhile, fear that the proposed nature reserve designation could further curtail their ability to operate in the area.

Scarborough Shoal lies well within the Philippines exclusive economic zone but remains under constant Chinese surveillance.

China has consistently rejected the 2016 tribunal ruling, while Manila has leaned heavily on its alliance with Washington for support.

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The US has repeatedly reiterated that its mutual defence treaty with the Philippines applies to attacks on Philippine vessels in the South China Sea.

With both sides hardening their positions, the long-running maritime dispute remains one of the most volatile flashpoints in the Asia-Pacific region, heightening the risk of confrontation between China and its Southeast Asian neighboursbacked by the US.

About the Author Ronit Singh Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (De... Read More

Location : China

First Published: September 14, 2025, 09:23 IST

News world China Warns Philippines Over South China Sea Provocations As US Vows Support

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'Completely Safe': Nepal Assures Safety, Urges Tourists To Return After Days Of Unrest

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 07:48 IST

Days after Gen Z protests in Nepal, the country is now urging tourists to return.

Nepal Army personnel patrol during a curfew in the aftermath of anti-government protests, in Kathmandu, Nepal. (PTI Photo)

Days after Gen Z protests in Nepal, the country is now urging tourists to return. Nepals interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki is also trying to regain normalcy in the country. She visited the civil hospital on Saturday to meet the injured Gen Z protestors.

Several social media platforms regulated by Nepalese citizens are appealing to the tourists to return and visit the beautiful country". One of the posts also claimed that Nepal is completely safe for travellers".

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Nepal Tourism Board has already declared that it would renew tourists visa for free if the documents got expired during the time of protests.

Nepal Back To Normal

One of the X handles, Routine Of Nepal Banda, with over one million followers, shared a picture of tourists in Nepal and wrote, Appeal to Tourists: Nepal is back to Normal. Please Visit our beautiful Country! Perfect season to do so! We request people abroad to promote our tourism at this time."

Appeal to Tourists: Nepal is back to Normal. Please Visit our beautiful Country! Perfect season to do so! We request people abroad to promote our tourism at this time. pic.twitter.com/MrsbTE0FOO Routine of Nepal banda (@RONBupdates) September 13, 2025

Nepal Protests

Nepal witnessed massive protests by Gen Zs over the social media ban and alleged corruption. The previous government of KP Sharma Oli had to resign following the unrest.

However, 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.

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Situation on the India-Nepal border is also getting back to normal as traffic movement resumed at Rupaidiha border. Traffic for passenger vehicles, cars, motorcycles, pedestrians, and cargo trucks resumed. A large number of commercial cargo vehicles also crossed the border.

Commandant of the 42nd Battalion of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Ganga Singh Udawat told PTI, With the formation of the new government in Nepal, conditions have started to become normal. Therefore, we did not stop anyone today, although we allowed people to enter the country only after ensuring their identity." He added that border outposts were actively monitoring citizens and vehicles.

Location : Kathmandu, Nepal

First Published: September 14, 2025, 07:20 IST

News world 'Completely Safe': Nepal Assures Safety, Urges Tourists To Return After Days Of Unrest

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Elon Musk Calls For Fightback At London Anti-Immigration Rally: 'Violence Is Coming To You'

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 09:27 IST

Elon Musk called for the ouster of the British government, saying that the destruction of Britain is now rapidly accelerating with massive uncontrolled migration.

Tesla owner Elon Musk

Tesla owner Elon Musk, in a virtual address to an anti-immigration rally in London, warned that the country was on the edge of destruction, adding that it has already begun with a slow erosion".

He further asserted that the British are left with only two optionseither fighting back or dying".

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Theres something beautiful about being British, and what I see happening here is the destruction of Britain. It began with a slow erosion, but it is now rapidly accelerating with massive uncontrolled migration," Musk said.

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," he said.

He directly demanded the ouster of Keir Starmers Labour government, stating-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."

Further speaking about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, he took a swipe at the left wing for celebrating it.

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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 said.

Meanwhile, the rally, which was being addressed by Musk, was organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson. It saw a participation of over 1,10,000 people, and also included other speakers, including Katie Hopkins and French far-right politician Eric Zemmour.

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 14, 2025, 09:27 IST

News world Elon Musk Calls For Fightback At London Anti-Immigration Rally: 'Violence Is Coming To You'

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'Forgive The Inexcusable': Charlie Kirk's Old X Post Resurfaces After Tyler Robinson's Arrest

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 08:26 IST

22-year-old Tyler Robinson was arrested by FBI for allegedly killing conservative activist and Trump's ally Charlie Kirk.

Charlie Kirk's Old X Post Resurfaces After Tyler Robinson's Arrest

Tyler Robinson, suspect who allegedly killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk, was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Now, Kirks followers are demanding the death penalty for him. Amid the chaos, an old X post of Charlie Kirk is doing rounds on the internet.

31-year-old conservative political activist, Charlie Kirk, was assassinated on September 10. He was attending an event at the Utah Valley University, when a bullet hit the side of his neck, and he succumbed to his injuries.

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Now, a post by Kirk from 2014 on forgiveness is being reshared. He had written, To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you."

Sharing a screenshot of the same post, one X user questioned how Charlie Kirk would respond to Tyler Robinson. This ignited a lot of chatter on social media. Check the post here.

Charlie Kirks Old X Post

How would Charlie Kirk respond to Tyler Robinson? pic.twitter.com/c7tD78CFiC Christian Tweets (@JesusSavesUs777) September 13, 2025

Social Media Reaction

The post gained thousands of impressions and views. Netizens commented their opinions on the post.

One of the X users wrote, Forgiveness doesnt come without consequences. Consequences are a repeating theme in the Bible. So yes, we should forgive but not just let it go. If you take a life your own life should also be taken."

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We know how Charlie would respond to Tyler Robinson, with the grace and forgiveness of the Holy Spirit, he would pray for his repentance and salvation through Jesus Christ; however, Charlie would also want justice for his murder," another comment reads.

Another user commented, Charlie Kirk would forgive his killer just like Christ did while hanging on the cross. Believers are commanded to forgive our enemies. However, government was instituted for the purpose of justice, and justice demands accountability. The blood of Charlie Kirk deserves justice."

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 14, 2025, 08:26 IST

News world 'Forgive The Inexcusable': Charlie Kirk's Old X Post Resurfaces After Tyler Robinson's Arrest

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Haryana Man Dies In US Truck Explosion, Family Awaits DNA Confirmation

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 22:52 IST

Amit Kumar from Karnal died in Arkansas after his truck exploded. DNA confirmation is pending.

Authorities believe the body recovered from the crash site is Amits.(Representative Image)

In a tragic incident, a 24-year-old man from Haryana was killed after the truck he was driving caught fire and exploded in Arkansas, US, earlier this week. The deceased has been identified as Amit Kumar, a resident of Mangal Colony in Karnal town.

His family has claimed that the accident occurred on September 11 when Amit was returning to California after a delivery.

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According to his family, an overloaded vehicle suddenly changed lanes in front of the victims truck.

Harpal Singh, Amits maternal uncle, told The Indian Express that Amit tried to apply the brakes but lost control, and the truck veered off the road, crashing into trees.

The diesel tank in the cabin exploded. The blast was so intense that the entire cabin in which Amit was sitting melted," Harpal said.

Authorities believe the body found at the crash site is Amits, but are awaiting DNA confirmation. A sample has been taken from his brother, Ankit, to verify the identity.

Harpal also revealed that Amit and Ankit lost their father nearly 15 years ago and had migrated to the US seeking better financial opportunities. While Ankit moved to the US in 2016, Amit reached the US in 2023 using the dunki route"  an illegal immigration path.

We sold two acres and gave nearly Rs 60 lakh to travel agents to send Amit to the US via the dunki route," Harpal said.

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Initially working at a store, Amit later obtained a truck drivers license and began long-haul trips, his uncle stated. On the day of the incident, Amit had gone to Arkansas for a delivery and was driving back to California when the accident occurred.

Harpal added that the victim had just spoken to his brother 15 minutes before the crash when he stopped at a gas station.

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 14, 2025, 22:50 IST

News world Haryana Man Dies In US Truck Explosion, Family Awaits DNA Confirmation

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'Horrific, Time To Restore Rule Of Law': Vivek Ramaswamy On Beheading Of Motel Manager In Texas

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 08:04 IST

Ramaswamy mentioned that the accused, who is a Cuban citizen, was released despite having a criminal history.

Vivek Ramaswamy

Republican leader Vivek Ramaswamy reacted to the murder of an Indian-origin motel manager, Chandra Nagamallaiah, in Texas on Saturday. His remark came after the 50-year-old man, originally from Karnataka, was beheaded in front of his wife and son.

An innocent Dallas hotel manager was brutally beheaded in front of his wife & son by an illegal migrant who had a final order of removal & such a bad criminal history that Cuba refused to accept him," Ramaswamy wrote on X.

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Ramaswamy further added that despite having a criminal history, the accused was released on January 13, before former President Joe Biden left office.

This is horrific. Its time to restore the rule of law, said Ramaswamy.

An innocent Dallas hotel manager was brutally beheaded in front of his wife & son, by an illegal migrant who had a final order of removal & such a bad criminal history that Cuba refused to accept him. He was released on Jan 13, right before Biden left office. This is horrific. https://t.co/cwzhSXUDBO Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) September 13, 2025

In another post, Ramaswamy said that while Cuba did not accept its citizen because of his criminal history, he continued to live in America.

Its unconscionable. The murderers violent criminal history was so bad that Cuba refused to accept him, yet he remained in the U.S. despite a final court order of removal. The fact that this isnt a bigger story shows how numb weve become to preventable violence. This has to end," he wrote.

Its unconscionable. The murderers violent criminal history was so bad that Cuba refused to accept him, yet he remained in the U.S. despite a final court order of removal. The fact this isnt a bigger story shows how numb weve become to preventable violence. This has to end. https://t.co/7sGBxAXSNX Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) September 13, 2025

Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, the accused in the case, who was arrested for beheading his colleague, is a Cuban citizen. He has a prior criminal record in the Dallas County Jail. He was recently released from jail in January.

Horrific CCTV videos of the incident making the rounds on the internet show Cobos-Martinez retrieving a machete and attacking Nagamallaiah.

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Earlier, Indian-origin Congressman Ro Khanna, while reacting to the incident, had said it was horrific."

The brutal beheading of a hardworking Indian American immigrant in front of his wife & son is horrific. The murderer had multiple prior arrests for violent theft and child endangerment and was undocumented. He should not have been free on American streets," read his post on X.

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 14, 2025, 08:04 IST

News world 'Horrific, Time To Restore Rule Of Law': Vivek Ramaswamy On Beheading Of Motel Manager In Texas

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'Depraved Criminal, Illegal Alien': ICE Wants To Remove Cuban Accused Of Beheading Indian-Origin Man

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News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 11:32 IST

The Cuban national accused of killing his co-worker at a motel in Dallas, Texas, is reportedly in the US illegally and has admitted to using a machete to kill the victim

Chandra Mouli 'Bob' Nagamallaiah (R) was allegedly killed by his co-worker Yordanis Cobos-Martinez (L) at a motel Dallas, Texas, in the US. (Image: @AhmadRehanKhan/X)

American immigration has called for the federal arrest and removal of a Cuban national accused of beheading his co-worker, an Indian-origin motel manager in Dallas.

The funeral of the victim, Chandra Mouli Bob Nagamallaiah (50), took place on Saturday afternoon (September 13) at Flower Mound in Texas. It was followed by the cremation.

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Nagamallaiah was killed at the Downtown Suites motel by 37-year-old Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, who has a violent criminal history and released from the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) earlier this year after Cuba refused to accept his deportation due to his criminal record.

According to a report by CNN, ICE has announced a detainer for the federal arrest and removal of Cobos-Martinez. The agency called him a depraved criminal illegal alien from Cuba".

CNN said Cobos-Martinez was previously held in ICE Dallas custody but was released on an order of supervision on January 13 because Cuba would not accept him because of his criminal history". ICE said his criminal history includes child sex abuse, grand theft of a motor vehicle, false imprisonment and carjacking".

The Cuban national is reportedly in the US illegally and has admitted to using a machete to kill Nagamallaiah. Police said he was cleaning a room with an unnamed witness as the incident unfolded.

The witness told police he became upset when Nagamallaiah did not directly address him to not use a broken washing machine. Surveillance video shows him leaving the motel room, pulling out a machete and attacking the victim, who ran, and the attack continued outside  in front of the victims wife and son  both of whom attempted to intervene. After he beheaded the victim, he allegedly placed the head in a dumpster.

This incident comes as the Trump administration continues to highlight crimes committed by undocumented people as the reason behind the recent immigration crackdowns across the US.

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This is exactly why we are removing criminal illegal aliens to third countries. President Trump and Secretary Noem are no longer allowing barbaric criminals to indefinitely remain in America," Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin told CNN.

(With agency inputs)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 14, 2025, 11:32 IST

News world 'Depraved Criminal, Illegal Alien': ICE Wants To Remove Cuban Accused Of Beheading Indian-Origin Man

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Kid Bolts For Safety As Israel Levels Gaza Tower Amid US Secy Of State Rubio's Visit | Watch

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 22:40 IST

Israeli airstrikes hit Gaza City as IDF intensifies attacks. Marco Rubio visits Israel for talks with PM Netanyahu amid rising conflict and humanitarian crisis.

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Screengrab of the viral video. (X/@RT_com)

Israeli airstrikes struck a multi-storey building in Gaza City on Sunday, footage from the scene showed, as the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) intensified attacks on northern Gaza. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the targeted structure as emergency workers and residents scrambled for safety.

The strikes came just hours after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel for talks with senior officials.

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His visit coincides with a sharp escalation in fighting, with Israel increasing bombardments and urging civilians in northern Gaza to evacuate.

Kid bolts, ears covered, as Israeli bomb tears into Gaza tower in new slow-motion video https://t.co/Opb8OLUNWO pic.twitter.com/dUn9MVDzYa RT (@RT_com) September 14, 2025

Rubios visit comes as Israeli forces intensify operations in Gaza City, aiming to eliminate Hamas. Palestinian officials report that at least 30 residential buildings were destroyed and thousands were displaced.

Meanwhile, Arab states will convene an emergency summit in Qatar tomorrow to address the crisis.

In the West Bank, Netanyahu signed an agreement to expand settlements, prompting warnings from the UAE that it could endanger the Abraham Accords. Aid organisations caution that a full Israeli takeover of Gaza City could further deepen the humanitarian crisis.

Earlier on Saturday, Rubio said that the United States was unhappy about the attack on Doha, adding that it would not fundamentally alter the close relationship between the two countries.

Obviously were not happy about it," Rubio told reporters. The president was not happy about it. Now we need to move forward and figure out what comes next."

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He said he would discuss what the future holds" during his two-day visit to Israel, where he met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials in Jerusalem.

Location : Israel

First Published: September 14, 2025, 22:40 IST

News world Kid Bolts For Safety As Israel Levels Gaza Tower Amid US Secy Of State Rubio's Visit | Watch

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NATO Allies Scramble Jets After Romania Reports Russian Drone Violation Over Its Airspace

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 19:17 IST

Alongside Romania, Poland on Saturday also deployed helicopters and aircraft as Russian drones struck areas close to its border

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A French Air Force Dassault Rafale B fighter jet configured for air-to-air weaponry deployed at an unspecified location in the Polish airspace during an exercise as part of NATO operation. (AFP photo)

Romania became the latest NATO member to report a Russian drone incursion into its airspace on Saturday. In response, the country scrambled two F-16 fighter jets to monitor and track the drone during a Russian attack on infrastructure in neighbouring Ukraine.

Romanias Defence Ministry Ionut Mosteanu said the jets detected the drone over Romanian territory near the village of Chilia Veche and tracked it until it disappeared from radar.

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Alongside Romania, Poland on Saturday also deployed helicopters and aircraft as Russian drones struck areas close to its border. Poland raised its air defence alert to the highest level, though the alert was lifted later that day, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk stressing that vigilance remains key.

The latest developments come just days after nearly 20 Russian drones reportedly crossed into Polish airspace between Tuesday and Wednesday. While Russia has denied targeting NATO countries, Poland and its allies have been on high alert.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the drone incursions, warning that Russia was deliberately expanding its drone operations as part of the ongoing conflict.

Today, Romania scrambled combat aircraft because of a Russian drone in its airspace," Zelenskyy said. Poland also responded militarily to the threat of Russian attack drones active in Ukraine."

The Ukrainian President called for stronger Western sanctions against Russia and closer defence cooperation, urging leaders not to delay action until further attacks occur.

Do not wait for dozens of shaheds and ballistic missiles before finally making decisions," he Zelenskyy, referring to the Iranian-made Shahed drones Russia is using.

Meanwhile in Washington, US President Donald Trump expressed readiness to impose major sanctions on Russia, but only after all NATO nations agreed to take similar measures and stopped buying Russian oil.

On his social media platform on Saturday, 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."

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Romania, which shares a long border with Ukraine, has repeatedly seen fragments of Russian drones fall onto its territory since the conflict began in 2022. Defence Minister Ionut Mosteanu said Romanian jets nearly intercepted the drone as it flew low before it exited the countrys airspace.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : Romania

First Published: September 14, 2025, 19:17 IST

News world NATO Allies Scramble Jets After Romania Reports Russian Drone Violation Over Its Airspace

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'People Honk, Throw Bottles': Sikh Truckers In US Face Abuse After Fatal Florida Crash

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 19:29 IST

The Florida crash, involving Harjinder Singh, has led to increased scrutiny and harassment of Sikh truck drivers in the US, sparking fears of a driver shortage.

AI-generated image used for representational purpose only

The deadly Florida crash, involving an Indian-origin truck driver, has had a ripple effect on Sikh truck drivers in the United States, including in California.

The crash has reportedly sparked backlash against Sikh drivers. Two weeks following the deadly crash, Secretary of State Marco Rubio paused work visas for foreign commercial drivers. Further, reports of harassment against Sikh drivers have increased lately, industry insiders told the BBC.

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Highway 99 in California is a major freight route, often driven by Sikh truckers.

Gurpratap Singh Sandhu, who runs a trucking company in Sacramento, said his cousin, a US citizen and truck driver, was harassed last week in Florida because of his ethnicity.

People honk at Sikh truckers or throw water bottles at truck stops. Theyre being ridiculed and harassed. Theyre being called by racial slurs, like diaper-head and towel-head, referring to their turbans," BBC quoted Gurpratap as saying. He worries about his drivers security.

Arjun Sethi, a law professor at George Washington University, said that netizens in the US and India, along with some politicians, have used this tragic event to unfairly blame the whole Sikh community. This episode should be treated as a singular, tragic event and not be weaponized to target the entire Sikh community," Arjun told the BBC. He also worries that rhetoric may lead to violence.

Sikhs play a significant role in the US trucking industry, transporting goods across the country.

According to a report in the BBC, around 150,000 of the 750,000 Sikhs in the US work in the trucking industry, mainly as drivers. In parts of the West Coast, Sikhs make up about 40% of the trucking workforce, according to the North American Punjabi Trucking Association. Many have years of driving experience but limited English skills.

Recent changes under the Trump administration to tighten English language requirements for commercial licenses have created challenges for these Sikh truckers. In response, Sikh temples in California have started offering language classes to help drivers meet the new standards.

Tejpaul Singh Bainiwal, a volunteer at a Sikh temple in Stockton, said some drivers stopped working out of fear. Many drivers stayed home out of fear of the new laws. We started the class in mid-July to help them return to work," he said.

Drivers are now learning basic English and traffic signs to stay compliant.

Tensions grew after a crash in Florida claimed three lives on August 12. Harjinder Singh faces three counts of vehicular homicide after allegedly making an illegal U-turn with his tractor-trailer in Fort Pierce on August 12, leading to a collision with a minivan.

The Department of Homeland Security claims he entered the US illegally in 2018 and failed an English test before getting a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) in California. State officials say he held a valid work permit.

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The accused truck driver has been denied bail.

Industry leaders fear that stricter rules and growing hostility may lead to serious driver shortage in the US.

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 : California, USA

First Published: September 14, 2025, 19:28 IST

News world 'People Honk, Throw Bottles': Sikh Truckers In US Face Abuse After Fatal Florida Crash

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Not Here To Savour Power: Nepals Interim PM Sushila Karki Pledges 6-Month Tenure, Seeks Cooperation

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 12:31 IST

Soon after taking charge, Karki convened a meeting with the Chief Secretary and secretaries of all ministries, where she is expected to issue directives on restoring civil services

Sushila Karki, the new Prime Minister of Nepal. (Photo: X)

Nepals interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki formally assumed office at Singha Durbar on Sunday, stepping into the new role at a time of political turbulence in the country.

After formally assuming charge, Karki vowed to ensure accountability for recent violence and noted that her governments mandate was only temporary.

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Those involved in the barbaric incident will be investigated. My team and I havent come here to savor power. We wont stay longer than six months. Well hand over responsibility to the new parliament. We wont succeed without your cooperation," Karki told officials.

Karki reached her new workplace at 11 am and took charge inside the Home Ministry premises, which has been designated as the Prime Ministers office.

Soon after, she convened a meeting with the Chief Secretary and secretaries of all ministries, where she is expected to issue directives on restoring civil services.

Talks are also underway regarding the first expansion of her cabinet, with announcements on ministerial appointments likely to be made later in the day.

Karkis Rise Amid Gen Z Protests

Karkis appointment as Nepals interim Prime Minister comes on the heels of weeks of large-scale protests spearheaded by the countrys Gen Z population, triggered by corruption allegations against former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and his cabinet.

The demonstrations culminated in the dissolution of Parliament, a decision endorsed by President Ram Chandra Paudel on September 12.

Fresh parliamentary elections have been scheduled for March 5, 2026.

The move has drawn sharp backlash from major political forces and legal circles. The Nepali Congress (NC) accused the government of undermining constitutional values and democratic gains, calling the dissolution completely unconstitutional."

NC General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma warned that any breach of the Constitution raised serious concerns."

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While facing mounting criticism at home, Karkis interim government has gained support abroad. The US ambassador to Nepal welcomed her appointment, applauding efforts to restore calm after last weeks violence.

The envoy commended President Paudel, youth leaders, and the Nepali Army, led by Chief of Army Staff General Ashok Raj Sigdel, for ensuring a smooth transition, and affirmed Washingtons readiness to cooperate with the interim administration.

Location : Nepal

First Published: September 14, 2025, 11:54 IST

News world Not Here To Savour Power: Nepals Interim PM Sushila Karki Pledges 6-Month Tenure, Seeks Cooperation

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Those Killed In Gen Z Protests Will Be Honoured As Martyrs, Nepal PM Sushila Karki Declares

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 13:38 IST

Karki, a 73-year-old former Chief Justice and Nepals first woman Prime Minister, assumed office just days after a massive youth-led revolt forced the resignation of KP Sharma Oli

The protest has left over 70 dead (IMAGE: REUTERS

Newly appointed Nepal Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Sunday announced that those killed during the recent Gen Z-led uprising will be officially honoured as martyrs.

Making the declaration in her first national address after taking charge, Karki said her interim government would support the victims families and recognise the sacrifice of young protesters who lost their lives.

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I am deeply pained by the loss suffered by families, especially those who lost school- and college-going children. Those killed in the crackdown on the Gen Z Revolution will be declared martyrs. Their families will receive financial aid of Rs 10 lakh, and assistance will also be extended to the injured," she said.

Karki, a 73-year-old former Chief Justice and Nepals first woman Prime Minister, assumed office just days after a massive youth-led revolt forced the resignation of KP Sharma Oli.

She stressed that her administration was not formed to cling to power but to stabilise the nation during a volatile transition.

My team and I are not here to taste power. We will not stay beyond six months. We will hand over responsibility to the new parliament. We wont succeed without your support," Karki told the nation, urging unity to address Nepals political and economic crises.

The protests, which erupted in Kathmandu on September 8 following a controversial social media ban, quickly snowballed into wider demonstrations against corruption, unemployment, and inequality.

At least 51 people were killed and over 1,300 were injured as clashes broke out between demonstrators and police.

Olis resignation the following day marked the collapse of his Communist Party of Nepal (UML)-led government.

Calling the movement unprecedented, Karki noted: Twenty-seven hours of continuous protest is a first in Nepal. The demand is for economic equality and the eradication of corruption. Those involved in vandalism will be investigated."

Her comments also highlighted the deep financial challenges ahead. All stakeholders must come together to rebuild Nepal. We will not give up. We will work to restore our nation," she said.

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On Saturday, President Ram Chandra Poudel dissolved parliament on the interim governments recommendation and announced fresh parliamentary elections for March 5 next year.

Karki is expected to finalise her cabinet today, as her government begins the difficult task of restoring stability, rebuilding trust, and preparing the country for elections.

Location : Nepal

First Published: September 14, 2025, 12:58 IST

News world Those Killed In Gen Z Protests Will Be Honoured As Martyrs, Nepal PM Sushila Karki Declares

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US Must Lead, Tariffs Key To Bringing Putin to Table for Peace: Republican Senator Lindsey Graham

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 12:52 IST

Through a joint statement released on social media, Graham said he was very pleased with Trump's strong call for coordinated economic action

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Republican Senator Lindsey Graham argued that China was propping up Putin's war machine by purchasing discounted Russian oil and gas. (AP File)

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham on Saturday said that Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick and he will move forward with legislation to authorise US President Donald Trump to impose major tariffs on countries supporting Russias war in Ukraine. He said that the free world must act, and America must lead".

Through a joint statement released on social media, Graham said he was very pleased" with Trumps strong call for coordinated economic action.

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For months, weve worked together on legislation that would back up this strategy, authorizing the President to levy significant tariffs on countries like China, India and Brazil that continue to finance Putin by buying his cheap oil and gasWe strongly support President Trumps call for joint action with Europe, and believe this is the right approach to bring maximum economic pressure to bear," Graham and Fitzpatrick said.

The free world must act, and America must lead.My statement with @RepBrianFitz: pic.twitter.com/bjdpe1ln2K  Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) September 13, 2025

He argued that China was propping up Putins war machine" by purchasing discounted Russian oil and gas, and therefore must face punitive tariffs from the United States and its NATO allies, said an ANI report.

They added that they would push colleagues from both parties in Congress to attach the proposed legislation to the upcoming Continuing Resolution (CR), calling it a test of resolve" for America and its allies.

Their endorsement follows Trumps direct appeal to NATO earlier this week, where he pressed member states to stop buying Russian oil and agree to major sanctions. In his letter, Trump said he was ready to act if the alliance moved collectively.

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. He also accused some NATO members of weakening the alliances negotiating position by continuing to import Russian energy.

We firmly believe the combination of sanctions and tariffs, along with the sale of high-end American weapons to Ukraine, is the key to bringing Putin to the table for a just and honorable peace," the statement said, adding, This is more than a matter of policy, it is a test of resolve. The free world must act, and America must lead."

Speaking to Fox News, Trump admitted his patience with Moscow was running out fast" and said the United States was prepared to move to a second phase" of sanctions if the war dragged on.

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The push for tariffs on China also comes after Trumps earlier decision to raise tariffs on Indian goods over its continued purchase of Russian oil, although similar measures have not yet been taken against Beijing.

With ANI Inputs

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

First Published: September 14, 2025, 12:49 IST

News world US Must Lead, Tariffs Key To Bringing Putin to Table for Peace: Republican Senator Lindsey Graham

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'Very Proud': Trump Appreciates Kash Patel After FBI Arrests Charlie Kirk's Murder Suspect

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 07:20 IST

Kirk was shot dead on Wednesday while addressing an open debate at Utah Valley University.

FBI Director Kash Patel bid farewell to Charlie Kirk in Utah. (Reuters)

US President Donald Trump on Saturday appreciated Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel over the arrest of the suspect of Charlie Kirk. This comes as Patel faced backlash for announcing the arrest hours before it was actually made.

I am very proud of the FBI. Kashand everyone elsethey have done a great job," Trump told Fox News Digital.

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A 22-year-old youth, identified as Robinson, was arrested in his hometown in Washington, Utah, only 33 hours after he allegedly shot Charlie Kirk.

On Friday, FBI director Kash Patel had said that the FBI made historic progress" in the investigation concerning conservative activist Charlie Kirk, expressing visible relief during a news conference.

In less than 36 hours33 to be precisethanks 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," Patel had said.

He also thanked Trump for providing the agency with the resources, which enabled the bureau to bring justice at this speed."

Giving tribute to his late friend, he addressed the conference and said, To my friend, Charlie Kirk: Rest now, brother. We have the watch. And Ill see you in Valhalla."

Donald Trump Says Charlie Kirk Was Like A Son

Earlier Donald Trump, in an interview with Fox & Friends on Fox News expressed his hope that the shooter receives the death penalty.

I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him in custody. Essentially, somebody that was very close to him turned him in," Trump told Fox News.

I hope he gets the death penalty," he added.

Trump further said that Kirk was like a son to him.

[Kirk] was like a son. He started this really during what would normally be college and its become a movement Ive never seen young people, or any group, go to one person like they did to Charlie," he said.

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About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ... Read More

Location : United States of America (USA)

First Published: September 14, 2025, 07:06 IST

News world 'Very Proud': Trump Appreciates Kash Patel After FBI Arrests Charlie Kirk's Murder Suspect

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'Won't Let Leaders Leave Their Homes': Nepal Gen Z Leader Sudan Gurung In Heated Presser

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Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 18:29 IST

Sudan Gurung, 36, was addressing the press while seated with the family of a deceased protester when tensions flared

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Gen Z leader Sudan Gurung, left, talks to family members of victims of the anti-government protests in Kathmandu, Nepal. (PTI photo)

A press conference by protest leader Sudan Gurung turned tense on Sunday after a heated exchange between Gurung and attendees, including journalists and activists, at the Reporters Club.

Gurung, 36, was addressing the press while seated with the family of a deceased protester when tensions flared. During the session, an unidentified individual from outside the venue interrupted with sharp criticism, questioning Gurungs claim that the recent political change marked significant progress.

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You said there has been a big change, the Prime Minister has taken office today," the man said.

He further went on asking, Is this change brought about by killing 51 people for a 6-month interim government? Where have you been able to implement the issue of direct executive? You dissolved the House, where has its impact reached you?"

Gurung responded firmly, saying, How far has it reached, Sir, you dont even have to say."

When the critic claimed that nothing would change and the same leaders would return in six months, Gurung shot back, We will protest again. We will not let them come. We will not let the leaders leave their homes."

As tensions escalated, Gurung added, I didnt kill anyone. This has changed in 80 years of history, isnt this a change? We started the fire, we didnt start it, we ended it."

The press conference quickly descended into chaos, with raised voices and confusion in the room. Gurung left the podium without completing his remarks.

The press conference after a deadly week of unrest in Nepal. Protests led by young adults  many in their 20s and loosely identified as part of a Gen Z" movement  erupted in Kathmandu on Monday over a now-reversed government ban on social media and allegations of corruption.

The protests quickly spread nationwide. At least 72 people have been killed and more than 1,300 injured, according to Reuters.

Government buildings, including a Hilton Hotel, were set on fire, and more than 13,500 prisoners escaped from jails across the country. Only about 250 have been recaptured so far.

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Sudan Gurung, president of the youth-led NGO Hami Nepal, has emerged as a key figure in the movement. Although not a Gen Z himself, Gurung has been leading thousands of young protesters demanding reform. He and his team have said they will not take any cabinet positions but aim to play a role in shaping the countrys future governance.

(With inputs from agencies)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More

Location : Nepal

First Published: September 14, 2025, 18:29 IST

News world 'Won't Let Leaders Leave Their Homes': Nepal Gen Z Leader Sudan Gurung In Heated Presser

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Tom Pelphrey felt "a sense of home" during the making of Task thanks to visits from his family.

Tom Pelphrey was grateful for visits from fiancee Kaley Cuoco during the making of Task

The 43-year-old actor has recalled how he got to regularly spend time with his fiancee Kaley Cuoco and their daughter Matilda, two, during production on the HBO crime drama in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.

Tom told People: "This was one of the great things about the job - where we were filming, I rented a house and Kaley and Matilda were with me, but also my family's so close that they could come and visit."

The Ozark star added: "My mom came at least once a week. Grandma got to see Matilda, Matilda loves her grandma. My grandmother got to come, so Matilda got to spend time with her great-grandma."

Pelphrey even revealed that some of his close friends visited during the making of the show.

He said: "I'm still close with a lot of the guys I've known since I was three years old. It was a very special job in that sense. I really felt a sense of home."

Tom recently revealed that he and The Big Bang Theory actress Kaley, 39, are finding it difficult to "juggle" the responsibility of raising their daughter with their acting careers.

He told The Independent newspaper: "[It can be] a little hard to juggle ... but any of the negatives are far outweighed by the positives...

"Weve both been doing this [taking turns on jobs] for a while, weve lived a certain amount of life, and our priority is our family."

Quizzed on the challenges of bringing up a child in the modern world, Pelphrey said: "Im sure every generation feels this way.

"The way that technology is growing and advancing, its like, who the hell knows what its doing? I still dont think we fully understand what having the internet has done to our brains, let alone social media, and now were getting into AI.

"What I feel pulled towards is more connection, like the desire for time spent with my daughter, connecting."

Tom and Kaley announced their engagement in August 2024 but The Flight Attendant star previously revealed that she may want to wait until they have a second child before walking down the aisle.

She said at the time: "We're gonna go way out of order. Thats our plan. I have four dogs now, and a [1-year-old baby], and a Tom - its a lot."
The Government has temporarily shelved implementation of the wealth tax pending the completion of administrative and legislative refinements, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Deputy Minister Kudakwashe Mnangagwa has said.

The tax, which was introduced to compel high-net-worth individuals to contribute more towards the fiscus, was expected to widen Zimbabwes revenue base and address wealth inequalities.

However, Deputy Minister Mnangagwa told the National Assembly during Wednesdays question-and-answer session that collection had not yet started.

Since the introduction of legislation requiring selected wealthy individuals to contribute to the fiscus through a wealth tax, our Government temporarily shelved the implementation thereof, pending conclusion of requisite administrative modalities informed by the concerns raised by some stakeholders, he said.

The tax, he added, could only be enforced once clear mechanisms were in place to assess, monitor and collect contributions from targeted individuals and entities.

The additional administrative modalities and legislative amendments thereof will thus be tabled before Parliament for approval, paving way for implementation of the tax.

Revenue collection will thus commence after the refinement of the implementation modalities.

Wealth taxes are levies charged on the market value of assets owned by individuals or households, including real estate, shares and investments.

Globally, they are often used to reduce income and wealth disparities while providing additional funding for social services, infrastructure and other public programmes.

Zimbabwes wealth tax was unveiled as part of wide-ranging fiscal reforms aimed at expanding the countrys revenue streams beyond traditional income and consumption taxes.

Treasury argues that the tax would ensure that the countrys richest citizens make a fairer contribution towards national development.

But concerns were raised over how the tax would be administered.

Experts questioned whether the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority has the capacity to properly identify and evaluate wealth holdings, warning that loopholes could undermine both compliance and revenue targets.

Emakhandeni-Luveve Member of Parliament Collins Bajila quizzed Deputy Minister Mnangagwa on whether the Government would consider repealing the measure altogether, given that no revenue had been realised so far.

However, the Deputy Minister indicated that repealing the law was unnecessary and would only prolong the process.

We have temporarily shelved it until the administrative modalities have been sorted out and figured out, he said.

The honourable member (Bajila) would have us repeal the legislation and then bring it back again before this august House. I would think that amendments would still need to come before this same House. It is a matter of process . . . but the intention is the same.

He said once consultations are completed and Parliament has approved the required changes, the tax would be enforced. Sunday Mail
Nancy Jones, widow of country legend George Jones, found heartbreak long after losing her famous husbandthis time not from grief, but allegedly from fraud. Nancy, now 78, had met Kirk West shortly after her famous husband's 2013 death, a vulnerable moment she now believes "wasn't a coincidence," writes Cheyenne Roundtree in her deep dive for Rolling Stone . The former Kirk Leipzighe'd changed his name in 2015 because it was "too hard" to spellbuilt trust by posing as a successful real estate investor and "spiritual mentor," gradually moving into Nancy's life and business. Their relationship, which began as friendship and blossomed into romance, eventually put West at the center of managing George Jones' estate and helping run the George Jones Museum. But West's past, detailed in lawsuits and interviews, told a shadier story.

Ex-associates describe a pattern: West would use his charm and false promises to convince vulnerable women to hand over money for investment schemes. He's been tied to defaulted loans and unpaid child support and has been accused of running Ponzi schemes. Even his own exes and stepdaughter recall a man who could be both charismatic and controlling, with accusations ranging from harassment to emotional abuse. Twelve years into their relationship, Nancy finally began to suspect West had been cheating on herand one day in July discovered $400,000 in cash and $11.6 million in cryptocurrency gone. West, clad in a flashy designer shirt, was arrested at Nashville International Airport, with a one-way ticket to the Philippines in his hand and a new woman at his side. He has pleaded not guilty to felony theft and faces decades in prison if convicted. More here.
Albania's prime minister has tapped an artificial intelligence-generated minister to tackle corruption and promote transparency and innovation in his new cabinet. Officially named Diellathe female form of the word for sun in the Albanian languagethe new AI minister is a virtual entity. Diella will be a "member of the Cabinet who is not present physically but has been created virtually," Prime Minister Edi Rama said Friday in a post on Facebook. Rama said the AI-generated bot would help ensure that "public tenders will be 100% free of corruption," the AP reports, and will help the government work faster and with full transparency.

Diella uses AI's models and techniques to guarantee accuracy in offering the duties it is charged with, according to the website of Albania's National Agency for Information Society. Depicted as a figure in a traditional Albanian folk costume, Diella was created earlier this year, in cooperation with Microsoft, as a virtual assistant on the e-Albania public service platform, where she has helped users navigate the site and gain access to about 1 million digital inquiries and documents. Rama's Socialist Party secured a fourth consecutive term after winning 83 of the 140 Assembly seats on May 11. The party can govern alone and pass most legislation, but it needs a two-thirds majority, or 93 seats, to change the Constitution.

President Bajram Begaj has mandated Rama with forming the new government. Analysts said that gives the prime minister authority "for the creation and functioning" of AI-generated Diella. Asked by journalists whether that violates the constitution, Begaj stopped short on Friday of describing Diella's role as a ministerial post. The opposition Democratic Party-led coalition, which won 50 seats, has not accepted the official election results, claiming irregularities. Lawmakers will vote on the new Cabinet, but it was unclear whether Rama will ask for a vote on Diella's virtual post. Legal experts say more work may be needed to establish Diella's official status. The Democrats' parliamentary group leader said he considered Diella's ministerial status unconstitutional. "Prime minister's buffoonery cannot be turned into legal acts of the Albanian state," Gazmend Bardhi posted on Facebook.
Since the assassination of Charlie Kirk , it's become clear that there's "no way to talk about this issue without upsetting somebody," an expert on political and social interaction on online platforms said. Among the Americans who have learned that is Kristin Chenoweth. The Broadway star added a comment to an Instagram post by the activist, saying Kirk is in heaven now and adding a broken-heart emoji, the New York Times reports. "I'm. So. Upset," she wrote. "Didn't always agree but appreciated some perspectives." That upset and confused some of her fans, especially because Chenoweth had urged them to vote for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris last year.

Criticism followed on Chenoweth's Instagram page, with comments pointing out the disparaging remarks Kirk had made about gay, Black, and Jewish people; the actress has built a large following of LGBTQ+ fans. Chenoweth's remarks about Kirk made Quinnsleigh Raines, 26, question the sincerity of her past statements: "Was she being inauthentic because she knew her fan base was mostly comprised people who would align with the things she was saying?" Actors Chris Pratt and Selma Blair also faced a backlash for online praise of Kirk.

You don't have to be famous to be at risk over posts about Kirk. Teachers and a Marines recruiter were among those fired over their comments, as was an MSNBC analyst. An account on X is keeping a running total of people who have lost their jobs for saying the wrong thing, per CNN. A US House member wants lifetime social media bans imposed on any poster who has "belittled the assassination of Charlie Kirk," per the Times. Republican Rep. Clay Higgins said he'll move to cancel business licenses and driver's licenses of offenders. "I'm basically going to cancel with extreme prejudice these evil, sick animals who celebrated Charlie Kirk's assassination," Higgins said.

The comments about news events can take on importance as politically revelatory disclosures. "Social media is a place of identity signaling," said Alice Marwick, the social media researcher for the nonprofit Data & Society, per the Times. Marwick said similar reactions have followed comments that angered or surprised followers in response to events such as the pandemic, major Supreme Court decisions, and Black Lives Matter protests. Kristyn Little, 43, said she's a fan of Chenoweth and Blair and was let down by their comments. For actors, at least, she suggested a way for fans who disagree to deal with that disappointment. "You just have to kind of distance yourself and understand that they're not the people they play on television and in movies," Little said.
As international pressure mounts over Israel's latest offensive in Gaza, Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Jerusalem to reaffirm "unbreakable" ties with Israeleven as both allies face global criticism and a humanitarian crisis deepens. After their visit to the site on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called US-Israeli relations "as durable as the stones in the Western Wall," the BBC reports. Rubio didn't argue that, but he told reporters as he left the US on Saturday that President Trump remains unhappy with Israel over its strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar.

The two-day visit is a demonstration of US support for the increasingly isolated Israel before the UN debates the creation of a Palestinian state, per the AP, which is fiercely opposed by Israel's government. Hospitals in Gaza said Israeli strikes killed at least 13 Palestinians and wounded dozens more on Sunday. The Israel Defense Forces reported carrying out multiple waves of airstrikes in Gaza City over the past week and said more than 500 targets were hit, per the BBC. Rubio said Saturday that he would stress in his talks Trump's impatience for the war in Gaza to end, per the New York Times.
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.
MPs to Reconvene for Final Session Ahead of Next Years Elections

MPs to Reconvene for Final Session Ahead of Next Years Elections

The Council of Representatives will return from its summer recess on 12 October for a final session packed with bills and decree-laws, as MPs prepare for elections scheduled for next year.

Under Article 71 of the Constitution, the National Assemblywhich comprises the Council of Representatives (Parliament) and the Shura Councilconvenes on the second Saturday of October unless His Majesty the King calls it earlier. If that day falls on a public holiday, the session moves to the next working day, setting Sunday, 12 October, as the start of the new term.

A senior parliamentary source said the government is expected to refer a large batch of bills to MPs during the session.

Key Measures on the Agenda

MPs plan to address several measures that remain under committee review, including the draft Lawyering Law, a Public Debt Management bill, and legislation to increase pensioners benefits. Currently, five parliamentary committees are studying 78 legislative instruments.

Decree-laws issued during the recess will take precedence, in line with Parliaments Rules of Procedure.

Decree-Laws Expected for Review

The government is likely to submit the following for parliamentary review:

Decree-Law No. 30 of 2025  Amending the Traffic Law (Law No. 23 of 2014)

Decree-Law No. 31 of 2025  Amending the Penal Code (Decree-Law No. 15 of 1976)

Decree-Law No. 32 of 2025  Amending the Code of Criminal Procedure (Decree-Law No. 46 of 2002)

Decree-Law No. 33 of 2025  Approving the concession agreement for the Jubah and Pre-Tawil reservoirs in the Bahrain Field

Decree-Law No. 34 of 2025  Amending Law No. 74 of 2006 on care, rehabilitation, and employment of persons with disabilities

Decree-Law No. 35 of 2025  Approving the unified GCC law for international road transport

Decree-Law No. 36 of 2025  Amending Decree-Law No. 4 of 2001 on combating money laundering and terrorist financing

Decree-Law No. 37 of 2025  Amending Article 161 of the Central Bank of Bahrain and Financial Institutions Law (Law No. 64 of 2006)

Decree-Law No. 38 of 2025  Amending the Commercial Companies Law (Decree-Law No. 21 of 2001)

Decree-Law No. 39 of 2025  Amending Decree-Law No. 21 of 2013 on regulating the collection of funds for public purposes

Decree-Law No. 40 of 2025  Amending Law No. 8 of 2021 on professional sports

Decree-Law No. 58 of 2025  Amending Decree No. 50 of 2020 on the committee to combat extremism, terrorism financing, and money laundering

Committees Resume Work

Despite the upcoming session, parliamentary committees have not resumed meetings following almost four months of recess. The break allowed members to prepare for the new term, review pending issues, and draft laws and regulations in the public interest.

This final session of the sixth legislative term comes ahead of next years parliamentary and municipal elections. Lawmaking and oversight activities are expected to intensify, aiming to complete outstanding files before the term concludes.
His Excellency Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam, Speaker of the Council of Representatives, affirmed that the High Royal Patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has significantly strengthened the role of constitutional institutions and national participation, supporting Bahrains comprehensive development journey.

He highlighted that Bahrains commitment to democratic values forms a cornerstone of the reform project led by His Majesty. The rule of law and strong institutional foundations have facilitated effective decision-making and enabled remarkable civilizational and developmental achievements.

The Speaker praised the efforts of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in consolidating institutional democratic practices through innovative projects, initiatives, and programs across various sectors. He emphasized the Crown Princes continuous attention to all avenues of progress and development, in line with the aspirations of the High Royal Patronage.

On the occasion of International Democracy Day, celebrated globally on September 15, Al-Musallam pointed to the fruitful cooperation between the legislative and executive authorities, which has enriched democratic work, served the nation and its citizens, and elevated the status of the democratic process in Bahrain. He noted that democracy has become both a societal culture and a fundamental right, reflected in all practices and actions.

He further explained that Bahrains active public participation, responsible freedom of opinion and expression, exercise of legislative powers, strengthening of judicial independence, establishment of independent national mechanisms to protect human rights, promotion of peace, tolerance, and coexistence, and the pivotal role of national media together form a distinguished system of sustainable national and social values.

Al-Musallam affirmed the Council of Representatives dedication to continuing democratic work, fulfilling its duties in accordance with the principles of the National Action Charter, the Constitution, and the law, with full commitment to safeguarding the interests of the nation and its citizens, upholding the countrys higher interests, enhancing national unity and social cohesion, and preserving Bahrains achievements and resources. He also highlighted the Councils role in reinforcing parliamentary diplomacy.

He concluded by extending his congratulations to state institutions and civil society organizations, emphasizing ongoing cooperation and valuing their role in achieving the nations goals for the prosperity and future of Bahrain and its people, under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
HIROSHIMA, Sep 14 (News On Japan) - The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) announced it will provide up to 536 billion yen in subsidies to support mass production of next-generation semiconductor memory by Micron Technology, a major U.S. chipmaker, at its plant in Hiroshima.

Micron plans to invest 1.5 trillion yen at its Higashihiroshima facility to manufacture high-speed, large-capacity memory, with commercial rollout scheduled to begin in 2028. METI will cover one-third of the total capital investment, aiming to leverage the production for Japans development of generative AI and autonomous driving technologies.

With the latest funding, total government support for Micron will rise to as much as 774.5 billion yen. This ranks third in scale, after subsidies provided to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Companys (TSMC) Kumamoto plant and to Rapidus Corporations new facility in Hokkaido.

Source: BIZ
TOKYO, Sep 14 (News On Japan) - More than half of new employees now say they prefer a seniority-based pay system, reflecting a growing desire for stability among younger generations. Surveys show a sharp increase in those favoring traditional frameworks such as lifetime employment and seniority-based promotion, signaling a shift in mindset among workers once considered open to frequent job changes.

The trend was discussed with Miyuki Takeishi, a researcher at Recruit Management Solutions, who specializes in employee training.

A recent survey of 2025 recruits found that for the first time, over 50 percent said they wanted seniority-based pay and promotion. On the streets, young people echoed that sentiment. One respondent said, "I just had a child, so this is not the time to take big risks. Having guaranteed income growth makes it easier to raise a family." Another added, "If salaries increase simply with years of service, that is the ultimate form of stability."

Yet not all young employees share the same view. Some say they want to work hard and take on challenges under performance-based systems. "For me, growth and contribution matter more than just stability. I want to keep pushing myself," one worker explained.

Takeishi pointed to a background of uncertainty fueling the change: "In todays unpredictable environment, many want assurance as early as possible. Seniority-based systems give a sense that salary and career progression are predictable." At the same time, social media and constant exposure to unsettling news may also be heightening young peoples anxieties, pushing them toward security.

The picture, however, is polarized. Some choose stability, while others pursue growth through job changes. Transfer activity is especially high among employees aged 25 to 34. Takeishi noted, "With job mobility normalized, many use career moves to accelerate personal growth. Its part of a strategy to become someone more quickly."

Data also shows that what new hires value most at work is the sense of growth. They want to feel their skills and careers are advancing, more than competing with colleagues or maximizing salary. In fact, only 11 percent of respondents cited money as their top priority.

Changes are also seen in views of the workplace and managers. Compared with a decade ago, more new employees now expect workplaces where colleagues help each other. They also want managers who guide carefully and provide constructive feedback. Conversely, the idea of being "strictly instructed" has declined sharply. Takeishi explained: "Companies sometimes worry this may result in leniency. But many young workers simply want calm, clear explanations of what was wrong and why, so they can feel secure in their place."

The survey highlights a generational shift in work values, where stability, growth, and supportive guidance are prioritized over harsh discipline or pure competition. For companies, the challenge will be balancing these expectations with the need to foster resilience and performance in an increasingly competitive environment.

Source: BIZ
NAHA, Sep 15 (News On Japan) - MRO Japan, which handles aircraft maintenance at Naha Airport, marked its 10th anniversary on September 12th with a commemorative ceremony.

Established in 2015 with ANA Holdings as the main sponsor, MRO Japan is the only company in Japan specializing exclusively in aircraft maintenance and repair.

The company relocated its base from Osakas Itami Airport to Naha Airport in 2019, expanding operations to include servicing large cargo aircraft. Alongside business growth, it has focused on creating jobs and developing skilled personnel within Okinawa.

MRO Japan President Takashi Yukawa said: "It is a great honor to celebrate our 10th anniversary with all of you today. We will continue to uphold safety and quality in aircraft maintenance, delivering with advanced technology and assured standards."

Leveraging Okinawas geographic advantage, the company aims to establish itself as a leading aircraft maintenance provider in Asia.

Source: OTV
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6th anniversary of the disappearance of Dulce Maria Alavez

Each September, a Cumberland County community observes a heartbreaking tradition that everyone involved would happily end.

But they cant end it, because their mission involves a missing child.

The people who come to Bridgeton City Park and gather around a tree near the playground every September are there to remind the world that Dulce Maria Alavez still hasnt come home.

In September 2023, authorities released a new age progression rendering (left) of how Dulce Maria Alavez would appear as a 9-year-old. Dulce was 5 (right) when she vanished from a park in Bridgeton in 2019. Her 11th birthday was in April.

The 5-year-old was reported missing during a family outing to the park on the afternoon of Sept. 16, 2019.

Her disappearance triggered a massive search and a six-year investigation that has yet to find her.

Family and supporters came to the park Saturday afternoon to mark six years since Dulce vanished.

Soon after Dulces disappearance, police released witness descriptions and a sketch of a person of interest, though that individual was never located or identified, officials said.

In 2019, investigators released this image of someone they wanted to speak with in connection with the disappearance of Dulce Maria Alavez.

An unclaimed reward for information about the case stands at $75,000.

In 2020, an FBI agent on the case told NJ Advance Media the child was likely abducted by someone in a crime of opportunity. The agency has remained publicly silent on the case since then, referring questions to local investigators.

Dulce would be 11 years old now and investigators remain hopeful that shes still alive.

Anyone with information about Dulces disappearance is asked to contact authorities through any of these options:

Bridgeton Police: 856-451-0033

Cumberland County Prosecutors Office: 856-453-0486

New Jersey State Police: 609-882-2000, ext. 2554

Anonymous tips may be sent to Bridgeton Police at bpdops.com/tips or to the prosecutors office at njccpo.gov/tips

Information may also be submitted to the Anti-Predator Project, by calling 305-796-4859 or emailing info@antipredatorproject.org.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.
There were several food, product and car recalls for the week of Sept. 8-14, 2025, that you need to know about. Canva

Have you ever had to throw away or return a product because of a recall?

Believe it or not, it is more common than you might think, and sometimes, it can be more than a minor inconvenience.

Whether its a snack, your vehicle or even a household product  recalls can not only affect your day-to-day life, but they can also raise serious safety issues.

Here are seven recalls on food, consumer products and vehicles that you need to hear about.

7 food, car and product recalls between Sept. 8 and Sept. 14

Item Detail Start Date Week of Sept 8-14 Whos affected? People who bought Dubai chocolate from Costco, mini beauty fridges, frozen food from Target and personal care products, such as shampoo and soap, were impacted by the recalls. Owners of certain Mazda and Ford models were also affected. Whats changing? See each specific food, car or product recall for more information. What will happen? People will have to stop consuming or using the products, return them to their place of purchase, and/or throw the products out.

Costco recalls popular chocolate due to allergy risk: Return for refund ASAP

Costco recalled its Rolling Pin brand of Dubai-style chocolate due to an allergen mixup on the label, according to a company announcement.

The chocolates packaging incorrectly stated gluten as an allergy instead of wheat.

The affected chocolates were sold between May 1, 2025, and Aug. 29, 2025, at select Costco locations and have the number #1932972 above the bar code on each package, according to the recall notice.

People who have wheat allergies should contact their local Costco store to obtain a refund.

For more information about this recall, you can check out our article on the subject.

Jeep recalls 91K SUVs: If you have one of these models, bring it to your dealer ASAP

Jeep is recalling 91,000 of its Jeep Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrid vehicles due to the potential loss of drive power.

The recall covers all 20222026 model Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrid SUVs, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall affects 91,787 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs because the vehicles may have a software defect that could malfunction, increasing the risk of a crash.

The defective software was produced between July 23, 2021, and Aug. 29, 2025, according to the recall report.

Owners will begin to receive letters in the mail about the recall by Oct. 23.

Jeep is still working on a fix for the issue and has not yet issued a warning to avoid driving the SUVs.

To find out more about this recall, you can read our article here.

110K Paris Hilton mini fridges sold on Amazon recalled due to burn, fire risks

Epoca International is recalling 110,000 Paris Hilton mini fridges due to the possibility they can overheat and catch fire.

The fridges were sold in a 4-liter model in pink, white, aqua and hot pink and in a 10-liter model in pink and white. A label with the model number and serial number is located on the back of the unit for the 4-liter model and on the bottom of the unit for the 10-liter model, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

There were 27 reports of the mini fridges overheating and catching on fire.

No injuries have been reported, but there were several instances of property damage.

The affected models were sold at Walmart, Ross and Amazon from November 2022 through July 2025.

The 4-liter model sold for $30, and the 10-liter model sold for $60.

The CPSC is warning consumers to stop using the mini fridges, unplug the units and register for the recall at this website.

To get a refund, consumers will have to fill out the online form and submit three photos of the fridge.

For details on how to take the photos and get the refund, you can read the CPSC notice here.

More than 100K Mazda vehicles recalled due to this safety defect

More than 100,000 Mazda vehicles have been recalled due to a safety defect.

The 104,854 affected vehicles could run out of fuel and stall because of an inaccurate fuel gauge, according to the NHTSA.

The following models are affected by the recall:

Mazda CX-70 2025 (16,056): Produced between Dec. 5, 2023, and April 24, 2025

Mazda CX-90 2024-2025 (88,798): Produced between Dec. 27, 2022, and April 25, 2025

Owners can visit their dealers to get an updated body control module software at no cost.

Notification letters about the recall will be sent out by Nov. 1, 2025.

Target recalls frozen food product nationwide due to undeclared allergen

One Frozen, which produces frozen food items for Target, issued a nationwide recall for one of its products due to an undeclared allergen, according to the FDA.

The product in question is the 12-ounce frozen Good & Gather Southwest-Style Burrito Bowl Blend, which may contain shrimp, even though the packaging doesnt say it contains the ingredient.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

About 57,420 units of the Good & Gather Southwest-Style Burrito Bowl Blend products were distributed to retailers across the U.S. beginning April 17, 2025.

The affected products have a sell-by date of Aug. 24, 2026, and a UPC of 085239931356.

Lot codes include L5055-1, L5055-2, L5055-3, L5055-4, L5055-5 and L5055-6.

Consumers are advised not to consume the product and to contact Target at 800-444-0680 for a full refund.

Ford recalling 1.9M vehicles due to rearview camera defect

Ford is recalling 1.9 million vehicles worldwide due to a defective rearview camera that could display distorted images.

Eighteen accidents occurred due to this defect, according to the NHTSA.

However, no injuries have been reported to date.

The recall covers Ford and Lincoln models made between 2015 and 2019, including the following:

Ford Mustang (2015-2019)

Ford Edge (2015-2018)

Ford Ranger (2019)

Ford Super Duty trucks, including F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 (2015-2019)

Ford Transit and Transit Connect vans (2015-2019)

Ford Expedition (2015-2017)

Ford Econoline vans (2017-2019)

Lincoln MKC (2015-2019)

Lincoln Navigator (2015-2017)

Ford and Lincoln owners can go to their local dealers, where the dealers will inspect the cameras and replace them if necessary at no charge.

Ford will notify its owners by phone or mail about the recall.

Soap recall expands to more than 30 personal care products due to potential contamination

DermaRite industries has expanded a recall on soap products to include more than 30 personal care products, from shampoos to lotions.

The company expanded the recall because of the potential microbial contamination by Burkholderia cepacia complex, according to the FDA.

Burkholderia cepacia complex can cause serious and life-threatening infections if the products in immunosuppressed individuals or by people attending to immunosuppressed individuals.

Healthy people with minor skin lesions may get local infections, if they use the contaminated products. However, the infection could spread into the bloodstream and potentially lead to life-threatening sepsis in immunocompromised individuals, the FDA says.

The following products were distributed nationwide and in Puerto Rico:

3-N-1: a thick foaming, rinse-free, body wash, shampoo and perineal cleanser

4-N-1: a no-rinse wash cream intended to temporarily protect and help relieve chafed or cracked skin

Clean-N-Free: a mild, rinse-free, body wash, shampoo and perineal cleanser that cleans and refreshes without water

DermaCerin: a skin protectant moisturizing cream indicated to temporarily protect and help relieve dry, chapped or cracked skin

DemaDaily: a moisturizing lotion that soothes dry, sensitive skin

DermaFungal: an OTC antifungal cream intended for the treatment and prevention of most athletes foot, jock itch and ringworm

DermaKleen: an OTC healthcare antiseptic lotion soap with Vitamin E indicated for handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin

DemaKlenz: a mild, non-irritating wound cleanser. Gentle on sensitive wounds

DermaMed: an OTC skin protectant intended to dry the oozing and weeping of poison ivy, oak, or sumac or other skin irritations

DermaRain: an extra mild body wash and shampoo that is pH balanced and dye free

DermaSarra: an OTC external analgesic indicated for temporary relief of itching associated with minor skin irritations due to dry skin, insect bites, detergents or sunburn

DermaSyn: a hydrogel wound dressing that provides and helps maintain a moist wound environment

DermaVantage: a moisturizing lotion that soothes and moisturizes dry, sensitive skin

DermaVera: a full-body cleanser suitable for skin and hair

Gel Rite: an OTC instant gel hand sanitizer with vitamin E used to decrease bacteria on the skin

Hand E Foam: an OTC foaming hand sanitizer with vitamin E used for handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin

KleenFoam: an OTC 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: an OTC skin protectant indicated to temporarily protect minor cuts, scrapes and burns.

LubriSilk: a lotion that soothes, lubricates and softens rough, dry skin

PeriGiene: an OTC antiseptic cleanser indicated for use in the perineal area

PeriGuard: an OTC skin protectant indicated to help relieve and prevent rashes and irritation due to wetness from incontinence

PeriFresh: a mild cleanser spray designed for incontinence use

Renew Hair and Body Wash

Renew Dimethicone: an OTC 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: an OTC 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: an OTC Skin cream indicated to temporarily protect and help relieve chapped or cracked skin

UltraSure: an OTC anti-perspirant and deodorant indicated to reduce underarm wetness

Renew Full Body Wash & Shampoo: a mildly formulated bodywash and shampoo, suitable for hands, body, hair and perineal care

San-E-Foam: a foaming hand sanitizer with vitamin E use for handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin

TotalBath: a head-to-toe body wash and shampoo, enriched with vitamin E

TotalFoam: a mildly formulated body wash & shampoo, suitable for hands, body, hair and perineal care

WhirlBath: a head-to-toe body wash and shampoo, specially formulated with mild cleansers and conditioners for whirlpool and tub use

Consumers are urged to destroy the products, if they have them in their households.

Those with questions about the recall can contact Sedgwick at 888-943-5190 or via email at dermarite5186@sedgwick.com Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET.
Rowan University students living off-campus in Glassboro have filed a lawsuit against borough officials, claiming they were given tickets for violating a nearly 50-year-old noise ordinance that was never approved by the state.

The students, mostly renters in the community, say in court papers they were given summonses that required them to pay a fine of $200 to $2,000, $33 in court costs and perform 20 hours of community service.

The lawsuit was filed Aug. 27 in Gloucester County Superior Court on behalf of 22 current university students.

Residents not affiliated with the university may be also eligible to join the lawsuit. The students attorneys are seeking class-action status, which could expand the case to include anyone charged or convicted of noise violations in Glassboro since about 1976, when the law was first passed.

Its such a broad ordinance. If it (the noise) is offensive to anybody, the person is ticketed, said attorney Michael J. Deem, who filed the suit against the borough, mayor and police chief.

Thats not how the law is supposed to work, he said.

Deem said Glassboro submitted its noise ordinance for approval to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection on Sept. 30, 1976, as required by state law.

But the NJDEP never approved the request, according to the lawsuit. In fact, they issued a disapproval, he said.

Deem said prosecuting residents for noise offenses in Glassboro violates New Jerseys Noise Control Act of 1971, which authorized the NJDEP to promulgate codes, rules and regulations relating to the control and abatement of noise.

If the current legal filing is certified as class-action in court, hundreds or perhaps thousands of people who were prosecuted since the 1970s could join in the suit, Deem said.

Deem said the lawsuit was filed after several of the students received one or more tickets, most of which occurred with music playing during parties or loud noises during other gatherings.

Glassboro officials did not immediately respond on Thursday to a request for comment on the lawsuit.

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com.
The North Tower is shown burning after American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the tower at 8:45 a.m. (AP Photo/Aurora, Robert Clark) AP AP

By Jane Holl Lute

September 11, 2001, remains a defining moment in American history.

Those of us who experienced the events of that day will always remember where we were and what we were doing when the Twin Towers and Pentagon were attacked.

Yet, despite an earnest commitment to never forget the horror of what happened, many important lessons of that experience are in danger of being lost to the passage of time.

Just the phrase 9/11 evokes multiple memories for me: a former teacher of mine was killed that day, and other members of my extended family had relatives who perished.

I was in a cab entering the Midtown Tunnel that connects Queens to Manhattan as the attacks unfolded, while our daughters school bus passed by the Pentagons Mall entrance mere minutes before the plane hit. My husband, who worked at the Pentagon, was traveling abroad with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs. They were rerouted back to Washington that afternoon and were escorted by fighter jets directly over Ground Zero while heading to the Pentagon crash site.

These events, and the profound ways they have shaped our lives since, are forever imprinted in our memory.

The devastation of that clear day revealed extraordinary acts of heroism by first responders, survivors, and ordinary citizens who showed unparalleled strength and American grit at its finest. But it also made clear that there were those around the world who woke up every day thinking about how to kill Americans.

Necessarily, 9/11 inalterably reshaped the ways we think about and act to protect our safety and security.

Each year since the attacks, we have remembered and honored the victims and heroes of 9/11: Some 750 New Jerseyans died that day out of the nearly 3,000 who were killed.

Yet as the 25th anniversary of 9/11 approaches in 2026, important lessons regarding American resilience, vigilance, and, especially, unity seem to be fading.

One reason, perhaps, is that more than 100 million Americans have been born since 2001 or are too young to hold personal memories of the attacks. Yet, more consequential perhaps are the facts that

A 2017 audit revealed that barely more than half of the 50 states include 9/11 lessons in their high school curricula while only nine states address the long-term impacts of the Global War on Terror.

A 2022 poll found that many young people dont recognize the connection between 9/11 and the meaning of Never Forget. This disconnect was amplified when TikTok videos sympathetic to Osama bin Ladens Letter to America amassed more than 14 million views while a 2023 poll showed that nearly one-fifth of American adults under 29 held a positive view of bin Laden.

Over the past decades, our Countrys growing deep political divisions have threatened Americans sense of unity and common purpose so evident in the immediate aftermath of 9/11.

These facts underscore a dangerous and growing detachment from history and from each other.

These realities, including the need to ensure that the events and far-reaching consequences of 9/11 are never lost to history, have fueled the formation of the 9/11 Legacy Foundation with the mission to honor those we lost, uplift the heroes who emerged, and inspire a renewed commitment to service and unity. Today, education, remembrance, and unity are needed more than ever.

The foundation exists to uphold six pillars:

Foster deeper connections between Americans and the events of September 11, 2001.

Instill unity and patriotism by highlighting our shared history and collective strength.

Educate and raise awareness about the long-lasting impacts of 9/11 on our daily lives.

Commemorate milestones, with particular emphasis on the 25th anniversary, ensuring they are marked with the gravity they deserve.

Define We Remember as more than a slogan, committing to a tangible effort to educate future generations about the true meaning of this remembrance.

Curate stories of heroism and resilience from those who perished, survivors, and their families, ensuring their experiences are never forgotten.

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum (911memorial.org) does an outstanding job each year of commemorating that tragic day, but the 25th anniversary deserves a nationwide remembrance that unites every American in reflection, action, and commitment to the future.

The 9/11 Legacy Foundation is dedicated to being an umbrella organization to enhance and amplify the individual commemorations and initiatives planned by the various attack sites and other locations.

The 9/11 attacks are a somber reminder of the ever-present threats to America. We cannot afford to ignore the dangers posed by adversaries who continue to challenge our democracy or the high cost of inaction. We must remain ever vigilant and prepared to defend the liberty, values and principles that define us.

September 11, 2026, will be much more than another date on the calendar. It will be a date to reaffirm our commitment to the lessons of that day. It must also be a day to ensure that those who are too young to remember 9/11, as well as future generations, carry that commitment forward.

It is time to turn Never Forget into We Remember, a tangible and positive call to action for all generations that extends beyond words into meaningful efforts in education, service, and unity so that the legacy of 9/11 lives on in every American heart.

Jane Holl Lute is a retired U.S. Army officer and served as the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security from 2009 to 2013. She is a member of the organizing committee of the 9/11 Legacy Foundation.
Patty Ryan is the widow of John J. Ryan who was killed in the South Tower on September 11, 2001. Photo take at their Princeton Junction home. (Photo courtesy of Patty Ryan) Courtesy

By Patty Ryan

As we mark the 24th anniversary of 9/11, I feel compelled to speak not only from my heart as a widow, but also from my experience after years of advocating for the widows and children of those murdered that day.

Nearly 3,000 lives were stolen on September 11, 2001  more than 700 of them from New Jersey. Husbands, fathers, mothers, wives  mostly men who went to work or first responders who ran toward danger  never came home.

Left behind were women and children, suddenly tasked with holding shattered families together.

For us, 9/11 has never been a date in history. It is a daily reality. Our children grew up without parents. Many have struggled with depression, mental health issues, or worse. Childrens grief is lifelong. It does not disappear with time.

And yet, 24 years later, justice has still not been delivered. The murder of nearly 3,000 people on U.S. soil remains an unsolved homicide in the Southern District of New York.

The court opened the door  its time for the executive to close it with resolution

A recent ruling in federal court (Doc. 11182) made clear that litigation against Saudi Arabia will now proceed. That means years  even decades  of depositions, motions, and appeals lie ahead. Every day of delay keeps widows and children in limbo while attorneys and process consume precious resources. The courts have opened the door. Now the Trump administration must step in to facilitate a global settlement so families are not trapped in endless litigation.

Justice should not be a generational struggle

We are entering the 25th year since 9/11. Without leadership, families could spend another decade or more in court before seeing even the possibility of restitution. That is unconscionable. Widows and children deserve closure and security in their lifetimes, not in a generational struggle that passes unresolved pain to the next.

Settlement strengthens U.S. interests and honors victims  not lawyers

A negotiated global resolution serves more than just the families. It also strengthens U.S. foreign policy by avoiding adversarial litigation with a strategic ally, reduces exposure to unpredictable court rulings, and ensures compensation flows directly to victims. Prolonged litigation siphons money into attorneys fees and process, rather than to the widows and children who have already paid the highest price.

U.S. failures enabled 9/11  accountability must start at home

It is not enough to demand accountability abroad without confronting failures here at home. The 9/11 Commission and Joint Inquiry documented how U.S. intelligence and security agencies ignored repeated warnings, failed to share information, and violated their own protocols. These lapses enabled the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. Accountability must begin with an honest reckoning of our own governments role.

Credibility abroad requires truth at home

The United States undermines its credibility by aggressively pursuing justice against foreign governments while refusing to fully acknowledge domestic failures. Selective justice  truth abroad, silence at home  erodes trust. If America is to stand for justice, it must apply that principle universally, not only when it is geopolitically convenient.

Justice for families means full truth, not convenient truth

For 9/11 widows and children, justice has always meant more than financial restitution. It means knowing the full truth about how and why our loved ones were murdered. Instead, we have endured stonewalling, classification, and cover-ups that compound our trauma. Until the U.S. confronts its own failures as fully as it pursues Saudi accountability, justice will remain partial, inadequate, and morally compromised.

The 25th anniversary cannot be hollow

As we approach the 25th anniversary next year, I feel both heartbreak and determination. Heartbreak for the lives stolen and families shattered. Determination that our loved ones will not be reduced to slogans, ceremonies, or flag waving. 9/11 is not a celebration. It is an open wound  for families and for the nation.

Our loved ones deserve truth. They deserve accountability. They deserve justice. And without justice, there can be no peace.

Calling your elected representative in the U.S. House Of Representatives or U.S. Senate is the most effective way to influence policy. To find your representative and senator to voice your position, go to the House website and the Senate website.

Patty Ryan, a Princeton Junction resident, is the widow of John J. Ryan who was killed in the South Tower on September 11, 2001. She has spent the past decade advocating for 9/11 widows and children in Washington, D.C.
A pair of ICE agents arrested an unidentified immigrant in an undated video posted Feb. 2 on X by the agency's New Jersey enforcement and removal operations, or ERO, field office in Newark. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

By Sharman Apt Russell

One of the most well-known political quotes begins with a list of undesirables who are being taken away by an authoritarian regime while the rest of society watches and does nothing. The regime comes for one group, then another, and another, until finally no one is left to protest.

Today, as masked ICE agents shackle and literally drag people  some of them our neighbors  from American streets, the history and message of these words is pertinent.

In the 1920s and early 1930s, Pastor Martin Niemoller was a big fan of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi movement in Germany. He believed Hitler would help his country, still struggling after World War I, become powerful and respected again.

Meanwhile the Communists in Germany, who envisioned a classless society that shared all resources, were at bitter odds with the Nazis. As the fascists grew in power, many Communists were arrested, beaten, and imprisoned or killed. The concentration camp Dachau was built specifically for political prisoners. Its first hundred inmates were German Communists.

First they came for the Communists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist.

By 1933, the Social Democratic Party was the only opposition on the ballot against the Nazis. Hitler became Chancellor of Germany that January and in July banned all political parties but his own. Now Social Democrats, too, were hunted down, arrested, beaten, and imprisoned or killed.

Then they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Socialist.

Martin Niemoller would later admit to a friend, I hated the growing atheist movement, which was fostered and promoted by the Social Democrats and Communists. Their hostility toward the Church made me pin my hopes on Hitler for a while.

In 1933, after Pastor Niemoller voted for the Nazis, he praised Hitler publicly for his role in reviving the nation.

Hitler recognized that Germanys seven million union members were a threat to his total control. He outlawed real and free trade unions, forcing workers to join the labor union of the Nazi party. Any dissidents were again arrested and murdered or sent to Dachau.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist.

Of course, Hitler mainly used the Jewish people as his scapegoat for all the problems in Germany and as a way to whip up fear, hatred, and support. After 1938, most Jews were arrested for their religion rather than their politics. Eventually Hitler would devise his Final Solution, a deliberate genocide in which some 2.7 million Jewsmen, women, and childrenwere herded into gas chambers and killed. Overall, some six million Jews died in prisons, camps, ghettos, and mass killings.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.

In 1934, with the Nazis harassing Jewish converts to Christianity, Pastor Martin Niemoller finally took a stand. What was the role of baptism if Christian converts were not really Christian? He joined with other Protestant leaders to protest the growing Nazi interference in their churches, as well as the discrimination against Christians with a Jewish background.

Three years later, Niemoller was arrested. He spent eight months in jail without trial before going before a Special Court for crimes against the state. Fined and released, he was immediately arrested again by the Gestapo, the states secret police, and interned in Sachsenhausen and Dachau concentration camps from 1938 to 1945.

Then they came for me, and there was no left to speak out for me.

After the end of World War II, Martin Niemoller openly acknowledged his culpability and guilt for not opposing Nazi policies. He regretted his earlier anti-Semitic statements and views. He became a pacifist, a campaigner for nuclear disarmament, and an active member of the World Council of Churches. In 1967 he was awarded the Lenin Peace Prize.

He often began his speeches with versions of what would be his lasting legacy, First they came

The Trump administration has set a target on New Jersey as a Democrat-majority state. Will we stand by as undesirables who dont look like us get taken away by masked men? Will we wait until they come for us? Or will we resist now, while we can?

Sharman Apt Russell is a nature and science writer based in New Mexico. She has written fourteen books, her latest "What Walks This Way: Discovering the Wildlife Around Us Through Their Tracks and Signs." (Columbia University Press, 2024)
Julie Roginsky, a Democrat, and Mike DuHaime, a Republican, are consultants who have worked on opposite teams for their entire careers yet have remained friends. Here, they discuss the weeks political events with Star-Ledger editor Enrique Lavin.

Q: Authoritarian watch: New York Times columnist Ezra Klein made a case for a government shutdown, which Congress faces if lawmakers cannot pass a budget by Sept. 30. While acknowledging there will be short-term economic pain, he argues that Democrats should not help pass a spending bill that would fund Trumps autocratic agenda. His belief is the federal government is being weaponized to hound Trumps enemies, enrich Trump and his friends and entrench authoritarian control over American institutions. Help us unpack this remarkable position by one of Americas leading political journalists.

Julie: Ummm I said it first? And so did so many other Democrats who watched aghast as Chuck Schumer caved in March, when he bailed Republicans out. If Democrats are afraid of being blamed for a shutdown, they should learn how to communicate better but they should take heart from poll after poll showing that voters will blame Republicans, who run every branch of government. At the very least, we have said from Day One that no Democrat of good conscience should be funding an increasingly authoritarian state. Welcome to the party, Ezra. Glad you finally got here.

Mike: Not many Democrats ask me for political advice, but if they did, I would echo Julies comments here. Republicans control the White House, the Senate and House. Democrats should force them to pass the spending bill, withholding all Democratic votes without dramatic concessions. Just because your party is in the minority doesnt mean it ceases to have any role in government.

Q: War Department: In response to Russias incursion into Polish airspace, the U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, posted stated on X/Twitter: We stand by our NATO Allies in the face of these airspace violations and will defend every inch of NATO territory. Trumps only response so far has been on social media, where he said, here we go! Whats your reading?

Julie: Just as Vladimir Putin was meeting with Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi, Kim Jung-Un and Masoud Pezeshkian in China, the United States was abdicating its decades-long commitment to European security. The Trump administration signaled last week that it is ending several longstanding U.S. security assistance programs in Europe  most notably the Baltic Security Initiative, which has supported Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in countering Russian aggression. In short, Trump is phasing out security assistance for countries bordering Russia.

This should come as no surprise. Almost as soon as Trump was back in the White House, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told European leaders that the United States was no longer primarily focused on European security and that Ukraine was largely Europes problem. At the Munich Security Conference earlier this year, Vice President JD Vance claimed that the biggest danger to Europe was not Russia or China, but rather the threat from within including issues like migration, policies to fight disinformation, multiculturalism, what he termed globalism, gay rights and other matters anathema to the Trump administration.

So, it stands to reason that just as the Trump Administration was making good on its promise to cut Europe off, Putin chose this week to test NATOs resolve.

Mike: Test is an interesting word Julie uses here. Putin is testing Trump and the West. He wouldnt test Canadas airspace, but maybe Poland. Who is really worth defending? Do we really mean it? Tweets wont stop Putin.

Q: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer made a surprise move to force a vote on releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files, but his Republicans colleagues (save for two) blocked the effort in a narrow 5149 vote. The late Charlie Kirk, by the way, advocated for transparency. If theres nothing to hide, why do Republicans continue aiding this coverup?

Julie: Charlie Kirk demanded that the Epstein files be released many, many times. Come on, Republicans. Do it for Charlie. But there is your answer about the coverup. Most MAGA supporters are worried about whether Trump is named in the files, so nothing else matters. For the record, I strongly suspect that there are prominent Democrats in those files, as well, which means there will likely be trouble on both sides of the aisle. But only Democrats are consistently calling for the release of all the files, regardless of who is in them. What should matter is justice for the survivors, nothing else.

Mike: Republicans should not walk a political plank to coverup anything in these files. Putting suspected rich and powerful pedophiles above their victims is wrong  and it will also come back to haunt them politically.

Q: Trump recently criticized mail-in voting while discussing the relocation of the Space Command program, saying Colorados use of mail-in ballots contributed to his decision because that means they want dishonest elections. New Jersey has embraced mail-in voting since the pandemic, and its become a regular part of how elections are run here. Whats his endgame here?

Julie: Trumps endgame is very clear: in a story that received virtually no coverage after it dropped, Trumps Justice Department is demanding that 22 states  and eventually all 50 states  turn over their voter files. This is all under the guise of voter fraud but is really an attempt to federalize the election by purging voters who they have modeled are anathema to them. Mail-in ballots, which Democrats have used more successfully than Republicans in recent years  are part of the scheme. You may think it cannot happen because it never has before but think of all the other things that you thought could not happen and already have.

Mike: Mail-in voting and early voting are here to stay. Voter participation is much higher in states that have great convenience voting. We must stop sewing doubt on elections. Are elections perfect? No, because they are run by humans. But elections in this country are safe, secure and valid. We should make some changes to get the votes counted more quickly and continue to improve transparency, but our elections are valid. The elections wasnt stolen when Trump won in 2016. Or when he lost in 2020. Or when he won again in 2024.

Q: Mail-in ballots for New Jersey go out next weekend, Sept. 20. The first gubernatorial debate is Sept. 21. Even as Republicans have outpaced Democrats registering new voters in recent months, mail-in ballots could be a deciding factor in New Jersey. Republican candidate for governor Jack Ciattarelli supports mail-in voting. Will Trumps statements and actions hurt the GOP here?

Julie: Trumps statements about mail-in ballots certainly dont help Ciattarelli, who I am sure understands how important they are because they were a big part of the reason he lost to Phil Murphy in a squeaker four years ago. As for the debate, come on. I have said over and over that these debates are a waste of time. I understand that they are mandated in order to receive public matching funds but they will be watched by tens of undecided voters. Rather than spending their time relentlessly prepping for pithy debate zingers that very few voters who are not on their payroll will actually see, these candidates should be cutting TikTok videos and Instagram reels or hitting up places where voters actually are.

Mike: I dont think Trumps comments on mail-in voting will hurt Jack. Jacks voters are hungry for change. They will vote early, vote by mail, or vote election day, but they are voting. I am not worried that this rhetoric costs Jacks campaign.

Q: Ciattarelli appears to be closing in Democrat Mikie Sherrill, with polling in her favor by single digits. With so many variables in play, largely dominated by national politics, what do you expect to see from each campaign in the next 50 or so days before Election Day?

Julie: The news cycle moves so quickly that it is nearly impossible to predict what is going to happen next week, never mind next month. If this election is decided on the fundamentals, it is going to be challenging for Sherrill to succeed Murphy after two consecutive Democratic gubernatorial terms, especially when voters are unhappy with the cost of living under the current regime. But these days, the fundamentals are deeply skewed by the behavior of Donald Trump and by the events he and the Republican majority in Washington unleash. Democrats and undeclared voters who might otherwise have voted for a Republican might not want to give Trump the satisfaction of crowing about a win. All of this is to say, its anyones game.

Mike: The campaign has just started for the average voters as TV ads hit full swing just this week. This race is going to be close right to election day. While the national mood always plays a role (just ask Gov. Murphy how different his two races were), voters in New Jersey will vote on state issues. The state constitution purposely put the election in the off year to remove it from the passions of national politics. Last year, 4.3 million people voted in New Jersey for president. Only 2.6 million voted for governor in 2021.

Those 2.6 million are well-informed voters who know the difference between Trenton and Washington, between state issues and federal issues. The national mood matters, but New Jersey voters get it. The national mood will not carry anyone to victory or be the cause of anyones defeat. Phil Murphy won in 2021 despite Joe Biden starting to crater in popularity. And Chris Christe won in 2009 when Barack Obama had won New Jersey by 15 points about 359 days prior. State issues will matter most.

Political consultants Julie Roginsky and Mike DuHaime Photo by Stephanie Cowan

A note to readers: Can Americans still have a sensible and friendly political discussion across the partisan divide? The answer is yes, and we prove it every week with this Friendly Fire conversation.

Mike and Julie are deeply engaged in politics and commercial advocacy in New Jersey, so both have connections to many players discussed in this column. DuHaime, the founder of MAD Global Strategy, has worked for Chris Christie, Rudy Giuliani, John McCain, and George W. Bush. Roginsky, a principal of Comprehensive Communications Group and author of the Salty Politics column in Substack, has served as senior advisor to campaigns of Cory Booker, Frank Lautenberg, and Phil Murphy.
New Jersey is home to one of the fastest-growing aging populations in the country and over 1.28 million Medicare beneficiaries. Daniel - stock.adobe.com

By Christopher Rinn

Every week, I meet families trying to do the right thing for their loved ones: keeping them safe, comfortable, and cared for at home. For many, home health services make that possible. But a newly proposed Medicare rule threatens to put that care out of reach.

On June 30, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule that would reduce Medicare payment rates for home health services by 9% in 2026. That amounts to more than $1.1 billion in reduced payments to home health agencies nationwide, putting essential care out of reach for many seniors and people with disabilities.

By law, CMS must adjust payments to keep the Medicare home health system budget-neutral. But the proposed rule goes too far. It relies on outdated projections from before the pandemic and, in doing so, could destabilize the very system that has allowed so many New Jersey patients to recover safely at home. That system also remains one of the most cost-effective forms of care by reducing hospital readmissions, preventing complications, and keeping patients out of costly institutional settings.

This is not an abstract budget issue. New Jersey is home to one of the fastest-growing aging populations in the country and over 1.28 million Medicare beneficiaries. And of those who rely on home health care, nearly 90% live with three or more chronic conditions. These patients rely on regular, skilled support to manage complex medical needs and maintain their independence.

The proposed cuts could jeopardize that support, leading to fewer visits from nurses and aides, reduced access to services like wound care and physical therapy, and longer delays in starting care after a hospital discharge. Agencies may have to shorten or cancel visits and, in some cases, shut down expensive but essential programs. Nonprofit providers like VNA Health Group are already stretched thin by staffing shortages and rising costs, and a cut of this magnitude would only make matters worse.

A new national poll shows just how out of step this proposal is with public opinion. Seven in 10 Americans oppose the proposed Medicare home health cuts, including large majorities of Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike, and 91% of voters consider it essential that home health services be available when Medicare patients require extra support.

Thankfully, there are signs of progress. Last week, Representatives Kevin Hern of Oklahoma and Terri Sewell of Alabama introduced the bipartisan Home Health Stabilization Act. Their bill would pause the proposed funding reductions and give Congress time to work with providers on a fairer, more sustainable payment system. Its a commonsense step that would protect patients while ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely.

New Jerseys congressional delegation should support this legislation.

Our states seniors cannot afford to wait while Washington debates whether they deserve the chance to recover at home.

I know patients who credit home health with saving their lives and preserving their dignity, and caregivers who go beyond medical support to bring comfort and stability. For many families, home health is the lifeline that keeps them together.

At a time when so many older adults want nothing more than to heal at home, we need to strengthen this promise, not weaken it. Now is the time for Congress to act and prevent these cuts from taking place.

Calling your elected representative in the U.S. House Of Representatives or U.S. Senate is the most effective way to influence policy. To find your representative and senator to voice your position, go to the House website and the Senate website.

Christopher Rinn is the president and CEO of VNA Health Group, New Jerseys largest nonprofit provider of home health, hospice, and community-based care. He is the former Acting Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health.
NEW YORK  On Friday, a nurse filed suit against Englewood Health hospital, claiming she was suspended without pay for criticizing a doctor over his alleged comments regarding the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Following the assassination and murder of the Christian Conservative founder of Turning Point USA on September 10, 2025, there were candlelight vigils across the country, wrote attorneys for Lexi Kuenzle. Sadly, there were also cheers from the dark corners of this country where people celebrated his murder.

In the days following the fatal shooting of Kirk, numerous workers have been fired for their comments on his death, among them MSNBC political analyst Matthew Dowd.

Its far from the first time workers have lost their jobs over things they say publicly  including in social media posts. In the U.S., laws can vary across states, but overall, theres very little legal protection for employees who are punished for speech made both in and out of private workplaces.

Most people think they have a right to free speechbut that doesnt necessarily apply in the workplace, said Vanessa Matsis-McCready, associate general counsel and vice president of HR Services for Engage PEO. Most employees in the private sector do not have any protections for that type of speech at work.

Add to that the prevalence of social media, which has made it increasingly common to track employees conduct outside of work and to dox people, or publish information about them online with the intent of harming or harassing them.

Employers have a lot of leeway

Protections for workers vary from one state to the next. For example, in New York, if an employee is participating in a weekend political protest, but not associating themselves with the organization that employs them, their employer cannot fire them for that activity when they return to work. But if that same employee is at a company event on a weekend and talks about their political viewpoints in a way that makes others feel unsafe or the target of discrimination or harassment, then they could face consequences at work, Matsis-McCready said.

Most of the U.S. defaults to at-will employment law, which essentially means employers can choose to hire and fire as they see fit, including over employees speech.

The First Amendment does not apply in private workplaces to protect employees speech, said Andrew Kragie, an attorney who specializes in employment and labor law at Maynard Nexsen. It actually does protect employers right to make decisions about employees, based on employees speech.

Kragie said there are pockets of protection around the U.S. under various state laws, such as statutes that forbid punishing workers for their political views. But the interpretation of how that gets enforced changes, he notes, making the waters murky.

Steven T. Collis, a law professor at the University of Texas at Austin and faculty director of the schools Bech-Loughlin First Amendment Center, also points to some state laws that say employers cant fire their workers for legal off-duty conduct. But theres often an exception for conduct seen as disruptive to an employers business or reputation, which could be grounds to fire someone over public comments or social media posts.

In this scenario, if somebody feels like one of their employees has done something that suggests they are glorifying or celebrating a murder, an employer might still be able to fire them even with one of those laws on the books, Collis said.

For public employees, who can range from schoolteachers and postal workers to elected officials, the process is a bit different. Thats because the First Amendment plays a unique role when the government is the employer, Collis explains  and the Supreme Court has ruled that if an employee is acting in a private capacity but speaking on a matter of public concern, theyre protected.

However, that has yet to stop the public sector from restricting speech in the aftermath of Kirks death. For instance, leaders at the Pentagon unveiled a zero tolerance policy for any posts or comments from troops that make light of or celebrate the killing of Kirk.

The policy, announced by the Pentagons top spokesman Sean Parnell on social media Thursday, came hours after numerous conservative military influencers and activists began forwarding posts they considered problematic to Parnell and his boss, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

It is unacceptable for military personnel and Department of War civilians to celebrate or mock the assassination of a fellow American, Parnell wrote Thursday.

A surge of political debate

The ubiquity of social media is making it easier than ever to share opinions about politics and major news events as theyre unfolding. But posting on social media leaves a record, and in times of escalating political polarization, those declarations can be seen as damaging to the reputation of an individual or their employer.

People dont realize when theyre on social media, it is the town square, said Amy Dufrane, CEO of the Human Resource Certification Institute. Theyre not having a private conversation with the neighbor over the fence. Theyre really broadcasting their views.

Political debates are certainly not limited to social media and are increasingly making their way into the workplace as well.

The gamification of the way we communicate in the workplace, Slack and Teams, chat and all these things, theyre very similar to how you might interact on Instagram or other social media, so I do think that makes it feel a little less formal and somebody might be more inclined to take a step and say, Oh, I cant believe this happened, Matsis-McCready said.

Employers are not ready

In the tense, divided climate of the U.S., many human resource professionals have expressed that theyre unprepared to address politically charged discussions in the workplace, according to the Human Resource Certification Institute. But those conversations are going to happen, so employers need to set policies about what is acceptable or unacceptable workplace conduct, Dufrane said.

HR has got to really drill down and make sure that theyre super clear on their policies and practices and communicating to their employees on what are their responsibilities as an employee of the organization, Dufrane said.

Many employers are reviewing their policies on political speech and providing training about what appropriate conduct looks like, both inside and outside the organization, she said. And the brutal nature of Kirks killing may have led some of them to react more strongly in the days that followed his death.

Because of the violent nature of what some political discussion is now about, I think there is a real concern from employers that they want to keep the workplace safe and that theyre being extra vigilant about anything that could be viewed as a threat, which is their duty, Matsis-McCreedy said.

Employees can also be seen as ambassadors of a companys brand, and their political speech can dilute that brand and hurt its reputation, depending on what is being said and how it is being received. That is leading more companies to act on what employees are saying online, she said.

Some of the individuals that had posted and their posts went viral, all of a sudden the phone lines of their employers were just nonstop calls complaining, Matsis-McCready said.

Still, experts like Collis dont anticipate a significant change in how employers monitor their workers speech, noting that online activity has come under the spotlight for at least the last 15 years.

Employers are already and have been for a very long time vetting employees based on what theyre posting on social media, he said.

NJ Advance Media contributed to this report.
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Emmys Red Carpet Photos: See Looks From Sydney Sweeney, Jenna Ortega, Adam Brody and More See all the looks from TVs biggest night. Tap the to choose your favorites. Jenna Ortega, a presenter, in Givenchy by Sarah Burton.Jordan Strauss/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Stars have begun arriving at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles for the 2025 Emmy Awards.

Although the Creative Arts Emmys were held on last weekend, the biggest awards are yet to be given out during a live, prime-time ceremony hosted by the comedian Nate Bargatze. With 27 nominations  the most of any show this year  Severance is entering in a strong position, but HBO favorites like The Pitt and The White Lotus, as well as the Star Wars spinoff series Andor, are also strong contenders for recognition.

But before that gets underway, heres what stars from the years buzziest shows wore to walk the red carpet on Sunday.

See 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 My Favorite Emmys Look s Download Clear

Swipe for more  Colman Domingo, nominated for The Four Seasons. The Television Academy, via Reuters 0 Colman Domingo, nominated for The Four Seasons. Amy Sussman/Getty Images 0 Patrick T. Fallon/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images 0 Patrick T. Fallon/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images 0

Selena Gomez of Only Murders in the Building in Louis Vuitton.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Swipe for more  Jenna Ortega, a presenter, in Givenchy by Sarah Burton. The Television Academy, via Reuters 0 Jenna Ortega, a presenter. Amy Sussman/Getty Images 0 Patrick T. Fallon/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images 0 Jae C. Hong/Invision, via Associated Press 0 Patrick T. Fallon/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images 0 Daniel Cole/Reuters 0

Michelle Williams, nominated for Dying for Sex, in Chanel.Richard Shotwell/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Readers Top Looks

Swipe for more  Sydney Sweeney, a presenter. The Television Academy, via Reuters 0 Sydney Sweeney, a presenter. Amy Sussman/Getty Images 0 Daniel Cole/Reuters 0 Patrick T. Fallon/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images 0 Sydney Sweeney, a presenter. Jae C. Hong/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Noah Wyle, nominated for The Pitt, in a custom Figs tuxedo.Jordan Strauss/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Sarah Paulson, a presenter, in Marc Jacobs.Danny Moloshok/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Swipe for more  Pedro Pascal, nominated for The Last of Us, in Celine. The Television Academy, via Reuters 0 Pedro Pascal, nominated for The Last of Us. Daniel Cole/Reuters 0 Patrick T. Fallon/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images 0 Pedro Pascal, nominated for The Last of Us. Amy Sussman/Getty Images 0 Jae C. Hong/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Hunter SchaferPatrick T. Fallon/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images 0

Javier Bardem, nominated for Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.Daniel Cole/Reuters 0

Cate Blanchett, nominated for Disclaimer.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Swipe for more  Lisa of The White Lotus. The Television Academy, via Reuters 0 Swipe for more  Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0 Richard Shotwell/Invision, via Associated Press 0 Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0 Lisa Richard Shotwell/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Leighton Meester in Prada.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Adam Brody, nominated for Nobody Wants This, in Prada.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Leslie Bibb of The White Lotus in Giorgio Armani Prive.Richard Shotwell/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Bowen Yang, nominated for Saturday Night Live, in Ami Paris.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Jude Law, a presenter.Patrick T. Fallon/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images 0

Megan Stalter of Hacks.Patrick T. Fallon/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images 0

Harrison Ford, nominated for Shrinking, and Calista Flockhart, in Giorgio Armani.Richard Shotwell/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Scarlett Johansson in Prada.Amy Sussman/Getty Images 0

Ben Stiller, nominated for his direction of Severance.Richard Shotwell/Invision, via Associated Press 0

James Marsden, nominated for Paradise, in Ralph Lauren Purple Label.Richard Shotwell/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Swipe for more  Parker Posey, nominated for The White Lotus. Jae C. Hong/Invision, via Associated Press 0 Jae C. Hong/Invision, via Associated Press 0 Patrick T. Fallon/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images 0 Jordan Strauss/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Jake Gyllenhaal, nominated for Presumed Innocent, in Prada.Jae C. Hong/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Hannah Einbinder, nominated for Hacks, in Louis Vuitton.Richard Shotwell/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Seth Rogen, nominated for The Studio.Savion Washington/Getty Images 0

Britt Lower, nominated for Severance, in Calvin Klein Collection.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Colin Farrell (right), nominated for The Penguin, and his son Henry Farrell.Patrick T. Fallon/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images 0

Sam Rockwell, nominated for The White Lotus, in Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Chloe Sevigny, nominated for Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, in Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Swipe for more  Walton Goggins, nominated for The White Lotus, in Louis Vuitton. Associated Press 0 Walton Goggins, nominated for The White Lotus. Amy Sussman/Getty Images 0 Patrick T. Fallon/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images 0 Amy Sussman/Getty Images 0 Patrick T. Fallon/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images 0

Colin Jost in Prada.Jae C. Hong/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Kristen Bell, nominated for Nobody Wants This, in Giorgio Armani Prive.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Adam Scott, nominated for Severance.Amy Sussman/Getty Images 0

Rashida Jones, nominated for Black Mirror, in Dior.Richard Shotwell/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Sheryl Lee Ralph, nominated for Abbott Elementary.Amy Sussman/Getty Images 0

Jenny Slate, nominated for Dying for Sex.Jordan Strauss/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Mariska Hargitay, a presenter, in Elie Saab.Savion Washington/Getty Images 0

Nate Bargatze, host of the 77th Emmy Awards and a nominee for best variety special, in Canali.Jae C. Hong/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Brittany SnowPatrick T. Fallon/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images 0

Elizabeth Banks, a presenter, in Rabanne.Jae C. Hong/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Swipe for more  Rita Ora in Miu Miu. The Television Academy, via Reuters 0 Savion Washington/Getty Images 0 Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0 Richard Shotwell/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Kathryn Hahn, nominated for The Studio.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Ashley Walters, nominated for Adolescence.David Swanson/Reuters 0

Catherine Zeta-Jones, a presenter, in Yara Shoemaker.Jordan Strauss/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Aimee Lou Wood, nominated for The White Lotus.Amy Sussman/Getty Images 0

Swipe for more  Quinta Brunson, nominated for Abbott Elementary, in Louis Vuitton. Associated Press 0 Quinta Brunson, nominated for Abbott Elementary. Amy Sussman/Getty Images 0 Patrick T. Fallon/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images 0 Daniel Cole/Reuters 0

Sharon Horgan, nominated for Bad Sisters.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Meghann Fahy, nominated for Sirens.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Stephen Colbert of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, a nominee for best variety talk series.Amy Sussman/Getty Images 0

Swipe for more  Jennifer Coolidge, a presenter. The Television Academy, via Reuters 0 Jennifer Coolidge, a presenter. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0 Richard Shotwell/Invision, via Associated Press 0 Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Jason Isaacs, nominated for The White Lotus, in Giorgio Armani.Amy Sussman/Getty Images 0

Jean Smart, nominated for Hacks.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Jason Segel, nominated for Shrinking.Amy Sussman/Getty Images 0

Alexis Bledel in Marmar Halim.Patrick T. Fallon/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images 0

Swipe for more  Kristen Kish, nominated for Top Chef. Associated Press 0 Kristen Kish Amy Sussman/Getty Images 0 Daniel Cole/Reuters 0 Jae C. Hong/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Ebon Moss-Bachrach (right), nominated for The Bear and wearing Prada, and Yelena Yemchuk.Jae C. Hong/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Tramell Tillman, nominated for Severance.Richard Shotwell/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Nathan Fielder, nominated for The Rehearsal.Daniel Cole/Reuters 0

Ruth Negga, nominated for Presumed Innocent, in Prada.David Swanson/Reuters 0

Tyler James Williams of Abbott Elementary in Prada.Richard Shotwell/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Swipe for more  Anna Sawai, a presenter, in Giorgio Armani Prive. The Television Academy, via Reuters 0 Anna Sawai, a presenter, in Giorgio Armani Prive. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0 Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0 Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Brian Tyree Henry, nominated for Dope Thief.Patrick T. Fallon/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images 0

Leanne Morgan, a presenter.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Ted DansonRichard Shotwell/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Janelle James, nominated for Abbott Elementary.Savion Washington/Getty Images 0

Zach Cherry, nominated for Severance.Daniel Cole/Reuters 0

Jessica Williams, nominated for Shrinking.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Rob Delaney, nominated for Dying for Sex.Danny Moloshok/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Abby Elliott of The Bear in Honor.Danny Moloshok/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Shawn Hatosy, nominated for The Pitt.Danny Moloshok/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Michelle Monaghan of The White Lotus in Rabanne.Daniel Cole/Reuters 0

Jesse Williams, a presenter, in Giorgio Armani.Danny Moloshok/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Natasha Rothwell, nominated for The White Lotus.Patrick T. Fallon/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images 0

Liza Colon-Zayas, nominated for The Bear.Daniel Cole/Reuters 0

Swipe for more  Kaitlyn Dever, nominated for The Last of Us, in Michael Kors Collection. The Television Academy, via Reuters 0 Kaitlyn Dever, nominated for The Last of Us, in Michael Kors Collection. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0 Savion Washington/Getty Images 0 Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0 Richard Shotwell/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Cooper Koch, nominated for Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, in Calvin Klein Collection.Jordan Strauss/Invision, via Associated Press 0

HalseyFrazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Evan Peters, a presenter, in Dior.Jordan Strauss/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Lisa Ann Walter of Abbott Elementary.Jae C. Hong/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Jeff Probst, nominated for Survivor.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Gayle KingDanny Moloshok/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Stephen Graham, nominated for Adolescence.Danny Moloshok/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Bridget Everett of Somebody Somewhere.Savion Washington/Getty Images 0

Swipe for more  Alan Cumming, nominated for The Traitors. Daniel Cole/Reuters 0 Daniel Cole/Reuters 0 Jordan Strauss/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Julianne Nicholson, nominated for both Hacks and Paradise.Amy Sussman/Getty Images 0

Harry JowseyFrazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Hiroyuki Sanada, a presenter, in Giorgio Armani.Jae C. Hong/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Carrie Coon, nominated for The White Lotus, in Chanel.Richard Shotwell/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Justin Hartley, a presenter, in Giorgio Armani.Jordan Strauss/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Jen Statsky, nominated for Hacks.Jordan Strauss/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Swipe for more  Jeff Hiller, nominated for Somebody Somewhere. The Television Academy, via Reuters 0 Jeff Hiller, nominated for Somebody Somewhere. David Swanson/Reuters 0 Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0 Danny Moloshok/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Sarah Bock of Severance.Amy Sussman/Getty Images 0

Kathy Bates, nominated for Matlock.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Gwendoline Christie, nominated for Severance, in Haider Ackermanns Tom Ford.Frederic J. Brown/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images 0

Lauren Graham, a presenter.Amy Sussman/Getty Images 0

Lorne Michaels, nominated for Saturday Night Live.Danny Moloshok/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Michael Urie, nominated for Shrinking.Daniel Cole/Reuters 0

Matty Matheson of The Bear.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Chase Sui Wonders of The Studio in Thom Browne.Jordan Strauss/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Chris Perfetti of Abbott Elementary in Tanner Fletcher.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Lucia Aniello, nominated for her direction of Hacks.Jordan Strauss/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Katherine LaNasa, nominated for The Pitt.Jordan Strauss/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Paul W. Downs, nominated for Hacks, in Wales Bonner.Daniel Cole/Reuters 0

Keri Russell, nominated for The Diplomat, in Giorgio Armani Prive.Patrick T. Fallon/Agence France-Presse  Getty Images 0

Jon Gries of The White Lotus.Savion Washington/Getty Images 0

Phaedra Parks of The Traitors.Daniel Cole/Reuters 0

Owen Cooper, nominated for Adolescence, in GapStudio.Savion Washington/Getty Images 0

Keyla Monterroso Mejia of The Studio.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Gary Oldman (left), nominated for Slow Horses, and Gisele Schmidt.Frazer Harrison/Getty Images 0

Andrew Law, nominated for Hacks.Amy Sussman/Getty Images 0

Charlotte Le Bon of The White Lotus.Richard Shotwell/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Tayme Thapthimthong of The White Lotus.Danny Moloshok/Invision, via Associated Press 0

Sam Nivola of The White Lotus, in Dior.Daniel Cole/Reuters 0

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Brain damage Muscle and bone waste away Organs shrink and later fail

This Is What Malnutrition Does to Childrens Bodies Why Gazas young are especially vulnerable.

When children are deprived of sufficient food, a cascade of health failures can quickly follow. Critical illness and death threaten, and even those who survive may face a lifetime of health challenges.

Young Palestinians, particularly those under age 5, are especially vulnerable in the Gaza Strip, where Israel has imposed restrictions on the entry of aid throughout the war, at times shutting crossings entirely. The highest levels of malnutrition since the war began were reported this summer, and its largest city has been officially declared under famine by a panel of food-security experts.

A rising share of young children screened in Gaza City were malnourished. Many more children in Gaza were treated for malnutrition this summer. 10,000 children 16% of screened children Moderate acute malnutrition 5,000 8% First half of month Severe acute malnutrition Second half Jan. 2024 May June July June Jan. 2025 Aug. A rising share of young children screened in Gaza City were malnourished. Many more children in Gaza were treated for malnutrition this summer. 10,000 children 16% of screened children Moderate acute malnutrition 5,000 8% First half of month Severe acute malnutrition Second half Jan. 2024 May June July June Jan. 2025 Aug. Many more children in Gaza were treated for malnutrition this summer. A rising share of young children screened in Gaza City were malnourished. 16% of screened children 10,000 children Moderate acute malnutrition 8% 5,000 First half of month Severe acute malnutrition Second half Jan. 2024 June Jan. 2025 Aug. May June July A rising share of young children screened in Gaza City were malnourished. 16% of screened children 8% First half of month Second half May June July Many more children in Gaza were treated for malnutrition this summer. 10,000 children Moderate acute malnutrition 5,000 Severe acute malnutrition Jan. 2024 June Jan. 2025 Aug. Sources: Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (I.P.C.); SoP Nutrition Cluster Note: Children were between the ages of 6 months and 5 years and were screened by a group of aid agencies coordinated by UNICEF called the Nutrition Cluster. The I.P.C. analyzed that data. Data for Gaza City includes its surrounding region. More children may have malnutrition than are treated for it because of limited screening and treatment capacity.

Food and other critically needed supplies began trickling back into Gaza in May after an 11-week blockade imposed by Israel. It wasnt enough. In July, food consumption hit its lowest point since the war began, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a U.N.-backed group of experts who monitor world hunger.

More aid has gone into Gaza since then. But food shortages remain widespread, and for some of the most vulnerable Gazans, the damage may already have been done.

When children are severely malnourished, their bodies draw on reserves to wage a last-ditch battle for survival. Eventually, their organs begin to break down.

Sometimes they become skeletally thin. Other times they swell up. They can be lethargic to the point of motionlessness, and stop eating even if there is food, because eating takes energy they dont have. As their defense systems begin to fail, they may die suddenly from common diseases that a healthier child might withstand.

This is what happens to a malnourished body.

Fat stores are burned When food intake stops, the body first burns its fat reserves to maintain basic functions. A lack of glucose means the brain loses energy, and thinking becomes foggy. Body with fat reserves Body with no fat With no food, the body first uses stored glucose in the liver, then turns to fat reserves for energy to keep the brain and body functioning. Muscles become fuel After fat is depleted, the body begins breaking down muscle to stay alive. Physical strength declines rapidly. Children have been screened for malnutrition using a mid-upper arm circumference test. Muscle atrophy Bone mass loss Arms under 4.9 inches signal malnutrition. In Gaza City, 16% of children screened had arms that thin in late July. About 6 inches is the median for a 2-year-old according to the W.H.O. child growth standards. Note: This arm circumference test is used on children between 6 months and 5 years. Systems start to collapse The body begins to break down vital organs in a final effort to stay alive. The immune system is badly weakened. Minor infections become dangerous. Child becomes listless and stops engaging. The heart, liver and other vital organs are reduced in size. Rashes or wounds may not heal. The intestinal barrier collapses, making it hard to fight infections. Organs fail Any movement not necessary for survival stops. Temperature control collapses, breathing slows and blood pressure drops. Brain damage Body temperature becomes harder to regulate, especially in extreme heat or cold. Shallow breathing Heart arrhythmia Graying skin tone Inability to absorb nutrients or water causes diarrhea Fat stores are burned When food intake stops, the body first burns its fat reserves to maintain basic functions. A lack of glucose means the brain loses energy, and thinking becomes foggy. Body with fat reserves Body with no fat With no food, the body first uses stored glucose in the liver, then turns to fat reserves for energy to keep the brain and body functioning. Muscles become fuel After fat is depleted, the body begins breaking down muscle to stay alive. Physical strength declines rapidly. Children have been screened for malnutrition using a mid-upper arm circumference test. Muscle atrophy Bone mass loss Arms under 4.9 inches signal malnutrition. In Gaza City, 16% of children screened had arms that thin in late July. About 6 inches is the median for a 2-year-old according to the W.H.O. child growth standards. Note: This arm circumference test is used on children between 6 months and 5 years. Systems start to collapse The body begins to break down vital organs in a final effort to stay alive. The immune system is badly weakened. Minor infections become dangerous. Child becomes listless and stops engaging. The heart, liver and other vital organs are reduced in size. Rashes or wounds may not heal. The intestinal barrier collapses, making it hard to fight infections. Organs fail Any movement not necessary for survival stops. Temperature control collapses, breathing slows and blood pressure drops. Brain damage Body temperature becomes harder to regulate, especially in extreme heat or cold. Shallow breathing Heart arrhythmia Graying skin tone Inability to absorb nutrients or water causes diarrhea Fat stores are burned When food intake stops, the body first burns its fat reserves to maintain basic functions. A lack of glucose means the brain loses energy, and thinking becomes foggy. Body with fat reserves Body with no fat With no food, the body first uses stored glucose in the liver, then turns to fat reserves for energy to keep the brain and body functioning. Muscles become fuel After fat is depleted, the body begins breaking down muscle to stay alive. Physical strength declines rapidly. Muscle atrophy Bone mass loss Children have been screened for malnutrition using a mid-upper arm circumference test. Arms under 4.9 inches signal malnutrition. In Gaza City, 16% of children screened had arms that thin in late July. About 6 inches is the median for a 2-year-old according to the W.H.O. child growth standards. Note: This arm circumference test is used on children between 6 months and 5 years. Systems start to collapse The body begins to break down vital organs in a final effort to stay alive. The immune system is badly weakened. Minor infections become dangerous. Child becomes listless and stops engaging. The heart, liver and other vital organs are reduced in size. The intestinal barrier collapses, making it hard to fight infections. Rashes or wounds may not heal. Organs fail Any movement not necessary for survival stops. Temperature control collapses, breathing slows and blood pressure drops. Brain damage Body temperature becomes harder to regulate, especially in extreme heat or cold. Shallow breathing Heart arrhythmia Graying skin tone Inability to absorb nutrients or water causes diarrhea Fat stores are burned When food intake stops, the body first burns its fat reserves to maintain basic functions. Body with no fat Body with fat reserves A lack of glucose means the brain loses energy, and thinking becomes foggy. With no food, the body first uses stored glucose in the liver, then turns to fat reserves for energy to keep the brain and body functioning. Muscles become fuel After fat is depleted, the body begins breaking down muscle to stay alive. Physical strength declines rapidly. Muscle atrophy Bone mass loss Children have been screened for malnutrition using a mid-upper arm circumference test. Arms under 4.9 inches signal malnutrition. In Gaza City, 16% of children screened had arms that thin in late July. About 6 inches is the median for a 2-year-old according to the W.H.O. child growth standards. Note: This arm circumference test is used on children between 6 months and 5 years. Systems start to collapse The body begins to break down vital organs in a final effort to stay alive. The immune system is badly weakened. Minor infections become dangerous. Child becomes listless and stops engaging. The heart, liver and other vital organs are reduced in size. The intestinal barrier collapses, making it hard to fight infections. Rashes or wounds may not heal. Organs fail Any movement not necessary for survival stops. Temperature control collapses, breathing slows and blood pressure drops. Brain damage Body temperature becomes harder to regulate, especially in extreme heat or cold. Shallow breathing Heart arrhythmia Graying skin tone Inability to absorb nutrients or water causes diarrhea Fat stores are burned When food intake stops, the body first burns its fat reserves to maintain basic functions. Body with no fat Body with fat reserves A lack of glucose means the brain loses energy, and thinking becomes foggy. With no food, the body first uses stored glucose in the liver, then turns to fat reserves for energy to keep the brain and body functioning. Muscles become fuel After fat is depleted, the body begins breaking down muscle to stay alive. Physical strength declines rapidly. Muscle atrophy Bone mass loss Children have been screened for malnutrition using a mid-upper arm circumference test. Arms under 4.9 inches signal malnutrition. In Gaza City, 16% of children screened had arms that thin in late July. About 6 inches is the median for a 2-year-old according to the W.H.O. child growth standards. Note: This arm circumference test is used on children between 6 months and 5 years. Systems start to collapse The body begins to break down vital organs in a final effort to stay alive. The immune system is badly weakened. Minor infections become dangerous. Child becomes listless and stops engaging. The heart, liver and other vital organs are reduced in size. The intestinal barrier collapses, making it hard to fight infections. Rashes or wounds may not heal. Organs fail Any movement not necessary for survival stops. Temperature control collapses, breathing slows and blood pressure drops. Brain damage Body temperature becomes harder to regulate, especially in extreme heat or cold. Shallow breathing Heart arrhythmia Graying skin tone Inability to absorb nutrients or water causes diarrhea

When children are experiencing acute malnutrition, most regular foods wont reverse the process.

The World Health Organization recommends that acutely malnourished children be fed energy-dense foods, such as nut butters and sweet potatoes, and sometimes these can be found locally.

But they are not always readily available in Gaza, where markets and farms have been destroyed. Children there need a specially formulated therapeutic food: an enriched milk, for very young children, or a peanut-based product packed with calories, vitamins and nutrients. The W.H.O. also recommends a broad-spectrum antibiotic to treat infections.

The most seriously malnourished children need to be treated in a hospital, in part because they have no appetite and their bodies are trying to conserve energy. These children are fed specially formulated milk, often through a nasal-gastric tube.

Sharif Matar, a pediatrician at al-Rantisi Childrens Hospital in northern Gaza, said doctors were struggling to cope with a shortage of that enriched milk. While more is available now than even a month ago, health workers still find themselves rationing it to make sure the most severe cases have enough, he said in an interview in late August.

We are trying to do our best with what we can, Dr. Matar said. But in terms of the quality or quantity of whats available, its not enough.

A child being treated for malnutrition at al-Rantisi Childrens Hospital. Saher Alghorra for The New York Times

Throughout the war, Israeli officials have consistently played down the severity of hunger in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office called the recent Gaza City famine declaration an outright lie, and said the experts behind the famine report had overlooked Israeli efforts since late July to bring more food into the territory.

Aid officials, however, say those measures fall short of what is needed. During the first two weeks of August, the U.N. said nearly 6,000 children out of more than 58,000 screened were found to be acutely malnourished.

Gazas doctors are not used to handling such acute malnutrition, said Dr. Matar, as the enclave has never faced a crisis this severe. Some clinicians at his hospital have been taking emergency classes organized by the W.H.O., while others were trying to read whatever they could on how to treat it, he said.

Health officials in Gaza say dozens of children have died of malnutrition since June, but it is not clear how many of them were suffering from both malnutrition and other illnesses or preexisting conditions. Children suffering from malnutrition can be more susceptible to contracting other illnesses, and children with preexisting conditions can be more vulnerable to becoming malnourished, experts say.

Some of the children who get treatment have recovered, including one critically ill 5-year-old girl who was saved with therapeutic milk, Dr. Matar said.

For a child, food is not just energy for the day at hand. Its the essential building block for a life ahead, needed for the development of muscle, bone and brain.

A nurse examining a child for malnutrition at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Ramadan Abed/Reuters

Even if children experiencing severe malnutrition receive effective treatment and survive, they may suffer from stunted growth, soft bones, liver and kidney problems and cognitive issues. Over the longer term, there may be increased risk of stroke, diabetes and heart disease.

Given the widespread lack of food in Gaza, treating even a single child can at times feel Sisyphean, said Jamil Suleiman, the director of al-Rantisi Childrens Hospital. Some have been released from care to tent encampments where their parents are still struggling to find enough food, Dr. Suleiman said.

Some of the children we release come back with the same problems a week later, he said.
The Government should include restrictions on the trade of services within the Occupied Territories Bill, according to a report by scores of human rights groups.

The coalition committed to passing a ban on goods from illegal settlements in occupied Palestinian territories in its programme for government completed in January.

The Trading with Illegal Settlements report, published on Monday, said the Government should also include services in that legislation.

It follows a similar recommendation from a cross-party Oireachtas committee in July as well as repeated calls from activists and opposition parties.

Mondays report expands on that recommendation and calls for an EU-wide end of trade with goods and services originating from the settlements.

It says such trade directly contributes to the dispossession and impoverishment of Palestinians in the region.

The report is signed by more than 80 humanitarian and faith-based organisations, including Christian Aid, Oxfam and Trocaire.

The publication comes days before the return sitting of the Dail following the summer recess.

Senator Frances Black, who tabled the original Occupied Territories Bill which included services, said: We have been debating this legislation for seven long years, and in that time the situation in Palestine has rapidly deteriorated.

Were now facing into the devastating reality of a live-streamed genocide in Gaza. The time for talk is over. EU states, including Ireland, must finally act.

Tanaiste Simon Harris, who is also Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, has previously said he is open to including services and that he expects a decision on the matter early in the Dail term.

Last year saw an increase in settlement expansion and settler violence, according to a report from the UN High Commissioner for Human rights.

Other studies from the UN have calculated that restrictions on Palestinians in the occupied territories cost the Palestinian economy billions of dollars per year.

Jim Clarken, chief executive of Oxfam Ireland, said: This report lays bare the brutality of life under Israels illegal occupation since 1967: settler violence, the theft of over 2,000 sq km of land, control of water, and the suffocation of the Palestinian economy.

The relentless expansion of settlements erodes the very possibility of the Palestinian state recognised by Ireland last year.

The EU must find the unity this moment demands and fully suspend its trade agreement with Israel. The Irish people refuse to be complicit in illegal occupation. If ever there was a time for human life and survival to outweigh short-term economic considerations, it is now.

Conor ONeill, head of policy and advocacy at Christian Aid Ireland and spokesman for the Campaign to Pass the Occupied Territories Bill, said: We have a crucial opportunity to get this right and ensure that an emerging new EU standard is effective.

In June, Ireland and eight other EU member states formally wrote to the European Commission about the urgent need for proposals at EU level to effectively discontinue trade with Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

In August, Slovenia became the first EU member state to implement a ban on trade of goods with the illegal settlements.

Spain has also announced a ban on trade from illegal Israeli settlements, while legislation has been tabled in the Belgian parliament covering both goods and services.

The report states the EU is Israels largest trading partner  accounting for 32% of overall trade and amounting to 42 billion euro per year.

It calculates that European market may continue to import as much as 350 million euro worth of products from settlement-based Israeli corporations per year.

The report also recommends the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement until Israel fully complies with the human rights obligations of the deal.
Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator

Iraq and the Iraqi Kurdistan Region are experiencing upheaval and crisis. In order to fully understand the issues faced, Steven Sahiounie of MidEastDiscourse interviewed Dr. Mahmoud Al-Hashemi, the Director of the Union Center for Strategic Studies, of Iraq

1. Steven Sahiounie (SS): With the halt in oil exports from the Kurdistan Region costing Iraq over $28 billion and recent drone attacks prompting U.S. intervention, how are Erbil-Baghdad tensions reshaping the region's political and economic stability?

Dr. Mahmoud Al-Hashemi (MAH): The persistent tendency among the political class in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq toward independence has created two major crises. The first affects the region itself in its relationship with Baghdad and neighboring countries, leaving an impact on most political, social, and economic activities. The regional governments strive to establish a model Kurdish state that draws the attention of Kurds worldwide - an ambition that is unacceptable to all parties, including the United States, as it generates regional tensions, especially with neighboring countries. These tendencies among the leaders of the Kurdistan Region have remained unchanged even after more than two decades since the fall of the former regime. One such tendency is economic independence - an attempt to control the region's economy without referring to the central government, taking advantage of political disputes among parties and blocs in other parts of Iraq, often visible within the Iraqi Parliament. Until March 2023, the regional governments exported oil located within the region (northern Iraq) through contracts with production and export companies via Turkish ports, seizing the revenues without transferring them to the central treasury. This includes revenues from border crossings and other sources, while still receiving salaries for their employees from the central budget. Although there were many objections from Iraqi political circles regarding this issue, what triggered the central government's demand for oil exports to be conducted through SOMO (State Organization for Marketing of Oil) rather than independently was due to several reasons: 1. Laws mandate that oil exports must go through SOMO, with revenues returned to the central government. The region should receive its share through the federal budget like other parts of Iraq.

2. After the central government requested that salaries be disbursed through a banking system ("salary localization") to identify the actual number of employees, complaints emerged about a large number of fictitious names.

3. A power struggle between the ruling families in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah over oil revenues, which end up in politicians' pockets rather than benefiting citizens. This has led to protests within the region demanding rights and confronting administrative and financial corruption.

4. A large number of citizens from the region have fled Iraq illegally, facing dangers in search of livelihood and due to restricted freedoms.

5. Oil contracts between the regional governments and extraction/export companies were made without the knowledge of the central government's Ministry of Oil. These contracts are disproportionate, with companies receiving $16 per barrel in the region compared to $6 per barrel in central and southern Iraq.

6. The central government filed a complaint with the International Chamber of Commerces arbitration panel in Paris against Ankara regarding the export of crude oil from the Kurdistan Region via the Turkish port of Ceyhan, arguing that the region was exporting outside Iraq's legal framework, and won the case. As of now, delegations continue to shuttle between Baghdad and the region to resolve the oil export crisis, but without success. This is due to the regional government's refusal to allow any party to review its revenue streams or impose spending mechanisms. Additionally, the companies contracted by the region for production and export have figures and contracts that differ from those recognized by the central government's Ministry of Oil. Turkey also prefers contracts that allow it to gain more profit. Finally, the internal dispute between the Erbil and Sulaymaniyah governments contributes to skepticism about revenues and other matters. No specific party has claimed responsibility for targeting oil sites in the region. Accusations directed at Iraqi resistance factions are unfounded, as these groups are aware of the reputational risks and potential crises such actions could cause with the central government. Moreover, they know that the presence of coalition forces in Erbil and other parts of Iraq would inevitably expose the origin of the drones, leading to reactions and complications with no benefit. It is certain that there are parties with vested interests in targeting oil sites in the region. It is likely that these parties are internal, as many citizens of the region have confirmed they have not benefited from oil revenues. The internal power struggle within the region undoubtedly plays a role in this.

2. SS: As U.S. troops withdraw from key bases in Baghdad and Anbar, relocating to Erbil and Syria, what are the strategic implications for Iraq's security architecture and its relationship with Iran-backed militias?

MAH: The general sentiment among the Iraqi public favors the departure of foreign forces from Iraq. The Iraqi Parliament has issued a resolution obligating the government to expel all foreign troops - not just American forces, but also Turkish troops occupying parts of northern Iraq under the pretext of pursuing the opposition Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). At the same time, there is an agreement between the Iraqi government and the United States for the withdrawal of American forces from Iraq by mid-September of this year. While some political blocs from western regions and the Kurdistan Region view the presence of these forces as a form of balance against the dominance of the Shiite majority in governance, the United States ultimately prioritizes its own interests and chooses what best serves its national agenda. The relocation of U.S. forces to Erbil means they remain within Iraqi territory. Therefore, parties advocating for their complete withdrawal still consider their presence a violation of the agreement between Iraq and the U.S. Moreover, they argue that the continued presence of these forces in Erbil represents a strategic depth for Israel in any potential confrontation with Iraq or Iran. This raises concerns and is seen as a violation of the Iraqi constitution, which prohibits the use of Iraqi territory to launch attacks against neighboring countries. Iraqi resistance factions firmly reject the presence of U.S. forces not only within Iraq's borders but across the region. These factions continue to issue statements urging the Iraqi government to maintain pressure for the complete withdrawal of these forces from all Iraqi territory. The number of personnel in Iraq's security forces has exceeded one million - a significant figure relative to Iraq's population and geographic size. These forces have gained extensive experience in combating terrorism, as Iraq has fought more battles against terrorism than any other country. Given that terrorist organizations lack long-range missiles and fighter jets, Iraq's security forces are capable of effectively managing counterterrorism operations without the need for foreign troops, especially since groups like ISIS are now fragmented and no longer pose a significant threat.

3. SS: With over 600 candidates barred from Iraq's upcoming November elections, many due to alleged ties to the Baath regime, how is this shaping public trust in the electoral process and the future of democratic governance?

MAH: The exclusion of these candidates from Iraq's upcoming elections stems from several reasons: 1. The political shift in Syria has amplified rhetoric among certain Sunni factions both within and outside the political process, claiming that Iraq is ripe for similar change. Some Ba'athist figures are allegedly working to restore the former regime's authority.

2. Iraqi security forces have arrested cells affiliated with Ba'athist organizations that were actively supporting Ba'athist candidates intending to run in the upcoming elections.

3. Authorities have also apprehended Ba'athist figures who returned to Iraq months ago with plans to orchestrate regime change. 4. The Iraqi electoral law explicitly prohibits members of the dissolved Ba'ath Party from participating in elections. These and other factors have led to the disqualification of a large number of candidates from the upcoming electoral race. As for the impact on public trust, it's worth noting that Iraqis have witnessed similar exclusions in previous parliamentary elections, albeit in smaller numbers. There has always been controversy surrounding the participation of former Ba'ath Party members in the political process. Moreover, many of the disqualified candidates were exposed by politicians from western regions of Iraq who viewed them as electoral rivals. Iraq's democratic experience is still relatively young, and political upheavals and crises have become part of its daily reality - something the Iraqi public has grown accustomed to. The dissolved Ba'ath Party no longer holds significant influence among Iraqis, who largely blame it for the country's history of occupation, destruction, and wars.

4. SS: Recent U.S. sanctions reveal networks smuggling Iranian oil disguised as Iraqi crude sold to Western buyers. What role do Iraqi institutions play in this scheme, and how might it affect Iraq's international standing?

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A Clackamas County judge on Friday sentenced a Gladstone man to more than 6 years in prison for kidnapping a 13-year-old Canadian girl and bringing her to Oregon in 2022 so that he could sexually abuse her.

Judge Susie Norby handed down the 75-month sentence to Noah Whitefield Madrano, 43, after he pleaded guilty to second-degree rape, second-degree kidnapping and first-degree sexual abuse, court records show.

In January, Madrano pleaded guilty to federal charges of sexually exploiting a child and transporting a child with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity as part of the same case; he received a 50 year sentence for the federal convictions.

His 6-year-sentence in Clackamas County will run concurrently with his federal sentence. The District Attorneys Office said they opted not to pursue a longer sentence in Clackamas County because of the 50-year federal sentence and because the family of the victim was ready to resolve the case.

Madrano started grooming the girl online in 2021, posing as a 17-year-old boy while he gained her trust, officials said.

After corresponding with her for more than a year, he traveled to Edmonton, Alberta, in May 2022 and took her to a motel where he recorded himself abusing her, officials said.

In June 2022 he went to Edmonton again, where he picked her up at school, hid her in the trunk of his car, and kidnapped her, crossing the border and bringing her down to Oregon City, officials said.

He told her to dye and cut her hair to conceal her appearance, officials say, and told her to use a false name. The girl wrote in a journal that she kept at the time that Madrano made repeated threats to rape her or kill her and have sex with her corpse, officials said.

Oregon City police and the FBI tracked Madrano and the teenager to an Oregon City hotel room on July 2, 2022, and arrested him.

He has no prior criminal convictions in Oregon.
Students congregate in Portland State Universitys Pacific Islander Asian & Asian American Student Center in the campuss student union building on Mon., Nov. 20, 2023. Dave Killen / The Oregonian

With some fanfare this spring, Western Oregon University became the states first public university designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

The distinction, which requires Hispanic or Latino student enrollment to hit at least 25%, typically allows such institutions to qualify for federal grants to better serve their students.

But Western Oregon University wont get that aid. The U.S. Department of Education announced last week that it was canceling 2025 grants to designated minority-serving institutions, arguing that the grants discriminate by benefiting colleges and universities that have met a particular quota of minority student enrollment.

The federal government will stop funding about $350 million worth of grants for institutions that serve large populations of Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students, Black students, Asian American and Pacific Islander students, Native American students and Hispanic or Latino students.

Western Oregon University had not yet received any grants as a Hispanic-Serving Institution because its designation was so recent, spokesperson Maureen Brakke said last week. Grants to Hispanic-Serving Institutions help colleges and universities boost student retention and graduation rates, she said. At Western, more than 50% of the students are among the first in their families to attend college.

The loss of HSI programs and the opportunity to apply for grants related to this will not change the high-quality student services we provide to our entire student body, Brakke said, Or our commitment to maintaining a diverse learning environment where our students feel a sense of belonging and pride.

A 2024 report from the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association found that minority-serving institutions have a track record of being engines of upward mobility that lift college students from lower income distributions at higher rates.

Portland State University, which was Oregons first public university designated as an Asian American and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, got word last week that the federal government is canceling the remainder of its $1.9 million grant, which the university expected to be paid out in installments over several more years, spokesperson Katy Swordfisk said.

Betty Izumi, who directs projects funded by the grant, said the money helped the university hire a Pacific Islander studies scholar to craft new courses and launched a support program for first-generation Pacific Islander students.

The university is looking for ways to keep funding the initiatives in the coming year to avoid disrupting vital student services, she said.

These initiatives empowered our Pacific Islander and Asian American students and had a positive impact on our entire campus community, Izumi said in a written statement. We remain committed to our mission of serving students and fostering equitable opportunities through education and community building.

This story has been updated to reflect that Portland State University was Oregons first public university named as an Asian American and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution. An Oregon private university also received that designation.

Sami Edge covers higher education and politics for The Oregonian. You can reach her at sedge@oregonian.com or (503) 260-3430.
Perhaps the most disconcerting part of the news that three Oregon Democratic lawmakers were the targets of bomb scares last week is how unsurprising the news is.

After last weeks horrific murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, social media and the airwaves quickly filled with accusations lobbed at Democrats as well as grossly celebratory comments by those who reviled Kirks views. Harassment followed with threats sent to the Democratic National Committee, historically Black colleges and others who dont appear to have a single connection with the suspect in Kirks murder. That harassment included emailed bomb threats to Oregon Democratic Sens. Rob Wagner, Kayse Jama and James Manning. Thankfully, police concluded they were hoaxes.

But the killing and its aftermath have been alarming, to put it mildly. How have we come to a point where a persons murder, captured on video and shared extensively online, becomes a vehicle to spew more vitriol rather than to step back from the divide and ask, What is happening to us?

The severe political division and anger polluting the country has spilled out into deadly violence against Democrats as well as Republicans. Kirks killing follows the murders of a Minnesota Democratic state representative and her husband earlier this summer. Those came after the firebombing of Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiros house, two assassination attempts on President Donald Trump last year, a 2020 foiled plot to kidnap Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and the 2017 shooting of Republican Rep. Steve Scalise.

Any attempts to claim that the fault lies with one ideology versus another are factually, intellectually and morally bankrupt. Extremists come from all points of the political spectrum.

And thats why the statements issued by our elected officials  the Democratic governor, Republican legislative leaders and others  that have denounced the violence while emphasizing the need for continued public dialogue are so welcome and important. Debate and disagreement can be emphatic, specific and blunt without demonizing or hatemongering. Extremism flourishes in the absence of humanity.

If people cant share viewpoints without fear that some will see that as a call to arms it isnt politics anymore, Rep. Jeff Helfrich, R-Hood River, aptly noted. Its terrorism. We might disagree on taxes, housing, or how to run our schools but we settle our differences with votes, not bullets. Thats the Oregon way, and that should be the American way.

Those principles should inform the candidates Oregonians elect to lead them, from the local level up to the presidency. Candidates who rely on anger, vilification and threats for political advantage only help cement an environment of polarization that makes us less safe and less capable of solving the many challenges we face.

People can mourn Kirk without dehumanizing the left. Others can argue their criticisms of Kirks views without celebrating his murder. As Jama, the Democratic Senate majority leader who received one of the bomb threats said in a statement, everyone has a part in maintaining peaceful political systems and I challenge all Oregonians to strengthen their commitment to that ideal.

That should not require more than demonstrating common decency and exercising sound judgment. But it requires people to choose to do so.

-The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board
Liz Hamilton

For The Oregonian/OregonLive

Hamilton is policy director of the Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association, which is one of the coalition organizations advocating for salmon and steelhead restoration.

Last week, a coalition of conservation, fishing and clean energy groups, along with the states of Oregon and Washington and four Lower Columbia River Treaty Tribes, requested that a federal judge in Oregon lift a stay of long-running litigation to protect Columbia Basin salmon and steelhead.

Yes, this 30-plus year-old legal battle over how to save imperiled wild salmon and steelhead is back on.

Were not relishing returning to court, but unfortunately, its what we must do after the Trump administration in June unilaterally and abruptly withdrew from the historic Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement. That win-win agreement, reached in 2023, was starting to implement a comprehensive plan to not only restore salmon and steelhead within the Columbia Basin but to also address our regions energy needs, which are fed in part by the dams that have strangled salmon populations. The pact called for investing more than $1 billion of federal funding for habitat restoration, tribally-led clean energy projects and planning to replace services, like irrigation and transportation, provided by the four lower Snake River dams.

But with that agreement now torn up by the Trump administration, we must use every tool at our disposal to keep fighting for these iconic fish that are intertwined with our health and well-being, economy, promises to tribes and our ways of life.

In addition to our request to lift the stay, we also plan to ask the court next month to order the federal agencies that manage the federal Columbia Basin dams to make immediate changes to their operations to prevent salmon extinction.

Its too soon to talk precisely about the relief were seeking, and whether others might join us. But weve previously requested  and were granted  measures like requiring dam operators to increase how much water is spilled over the dams.

Because the federal government has never come up with an adequate plan to mitigate or prevent the harm the federal dams within the Columbia Basin cause to listed salmon species, we keep returning to court  and winning. Over the history of litigation that spans three decades, three different federal district court judges have declared six different federal dam management plans illegal.

The most recent dam management plan  the 2020 plan  is no better. It continues this pattern of failure by putting the needs of endangered salmon last. We challenged that plan in 2021  but paused that litigation when we entered into the Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement in 2023.

Years of work went into developing that agreement, but the blueprint that underpins it, is still in place. The Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative was developed by the states of Oregon and Washington and four lower Columbia treaty tribes  the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and the Nez Perce Tribe. And it continues to guide our actions today and for the future. Even with Trumps withdrawal from the agreement, the parties involved in the effort continue to work together on short-term goals as well as long-range planning for future opportunities.

Dont forget that the governors of Oregon and Washington in 2024 both signed executive orders pledging to take all actions necessary, in cooperation with the tribes, to fulfill commitments to the restoration initiative. In Oregon, this includes monthly cabinet meetings to address coordination of salmon recovery efforts.

The states, tribes and non-governmental organizations are now working together to prioritize federal funding requests to restore the Columbia Basin and make the most of limited federal funding that is still available. Were also engaging in fish and energy planning processes with the Northwest Power and Conservation Council to ensure restoring fisheries remains a top priority for the Council, which is responsible for developing plans that balance both energy and fish and wildlife in the Columbia Basin.

Essentially, were continuing with the parts of the agreement that we can, even without federal support. That includes completing studies on how to update and modernize the irrigation and transportation services provided by the four lower Snake River dams in the event Congress authorizes their removal. We also hope to finish a study on the economic benefits of recreation opportunities created by a free-flowing river.

Without federal support, its less likely we can continue a study on how to replace the energy now provided by the dams, but experts are working on ideas for that too. Breaching the four lower Snake River dams remains a key centerpiece action needed for wild salmon and steelhead recovery  and we can continue planning and working toward that vision even now.

Though were returning to court, we arent giving up on these comprehensive plans for Columbia Restoration that solve multiple problems simultaneously and make common sense for the region. Fortunately, we have strong regional leadership from our states, Pacific Northwest tribes and many others  who also wont let that happen.

We wont give up on these fish  and no one else should either.
A vehicle marked with messages written on its windows in tribute to Turning Point USA CEO and co-founder Charlie Kirk and carrying an American flag, drive past at Utah Valley University, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Orem, Utah. AP

Family and friends of the 22-year-old accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk described his politics as veering left in recent years as he spent large amounts of time scrolling the dark corners of the internet, Utah Gov. Spencer Spencer Cox said Sunday.

Investigators were still piecing together information about the suspect, Tyler Robinson, and not yet ready to discuss a potential motive. But Cox noted that Robinson, who is not cooperating with law enforcement, disliked Kirk and may have been radicalized online.

There clearly was a leftist ideology, Cox said on NBCs Meet the Press, citing interviews with Robinsons relatives and acquaintances. Friends have confirmed that there was kind of that deep, dark internet, the Reddit culture, and these other dark places of the internet where this person was going deep.

He pointed to references found engraved on the ammunition used to kill Kirk, which included anti-fascist and meme-culture language. Court records show that one bullet casing had the message, Hey, fascist! Catch!

A Republican who has called on all partisans to tone down their rhetoric following the attack, the governor added: I really dont have a dog in this fight. If this was a radicalized MAGA person, Id be saying that as well.

Cox stressed on several Sunday morning news shows that investigators are still trying to pin down a motive for the attack on Kirk, a father of two and Trump confidant who was killed Wednesday while on one of his signature college speaking tours at Utah Valley University. The governor said more information may come out once Robinson appears in court Tuesday.

Cox said the suspects partner was transgender, which some politicians have pointed to as a sign Robinson was targeting Kirk, the founder of Turning Points USA, for his anti-trans views. But authorities have not said whether it is relevant as they investigate Robinsons motive.

The roommate was a romantic partner, a male transitioning to female, Cox said. I can say that ... this partner has been very cooperative, had no idea that this was happening.

Investigators have spoken to Robinsons relatives and carried out a search warrant at his familys home in Washington, about 240 miles southwest of Utah Valley University, where the shooting took place.

State records show Robinson is registered to vote but not affiliated with a political party and is listed as inactive, meaning he did not vote in the two most recent general elections. His parents are registered Republicans.

Robinson grew up around St. George, in the southwestern corner of Utah between Las Vegas and natural landmarks including Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.

He became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known widely as the Mormon church, at a young age, church spokesperson Doug Andersen said.

Online activity by Robinsons mother reflects an active family that traveled widely. In one photo, a young Robinson can be seen smiling as he grips the handles of a .50-caliber heavy machine gun outside a military facility.

A high school honor roll student 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 that was posted to a family members social media account.

But he attended for only one semester, according to the university. He is currently enrolled as a third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College in St. George.

Meanwhile, Kirk was memorialized with candle-lit vigils and other events Sunday.
Sunday Parkways kicked off in May with an event in Southwest Portland. The downtown Portland event on Sept. 14 is the final event of 2025. Matthew Kish | The Oregonian/OregonLive

Kaiser Permanentes Sunday Parkways block party will close several streets along a 2.3 mile stretch of downtown Portland between noon and 5 p.m. Sunday.

The event, which aims to give Portlanders a chance to stroll or bike through downtown Portland car-free, will run between Southwest Broadway Street and Southwest Park Avenue, between Southwest Oak and Southwest Harrison streets. It will also close the area between Southwest Harrison and Southwest Mill streets from the Portland State University Park Blocks to Southwest 2nd Avenue.

Cars will only be allowed to cross the Sunday Parkways event on Sept. 14 at intersections designated with a red circle on this closure map. Courtesy of Kaiser Permanente's Sunday Parkways

People living along the route will have limited driving access, event organizers say, and cars will only be allowed to cross through the event at specific intersections. Those include: Southwest Washington Street, Southwest Alder Street, Southwest Taylor Street, Southwest Jefferson Street, Southwest Clay Street, Southwest Market Street, Southwest 4th Avenue, Southwest 5th Avenue and Southwest 6th Avenue.

TriMets MAX lines and the Portland Streetcar will run their normal Sunday routes. Some buses will be detoured starting at 11 a.m., but schedules should be back on track by 5:30 p.m.

Bus riders can check here to see if if their trip will be rerouted because of the event.

Free programming at the event will include everything from circus demonstrations to live music and free admission to the Oregon Historical Society.

Find a full schedule of the activities here.
A 75-year-old Lancaster County man was sentenced to 100 years in prison after a jury found him guilty earlier this year of sexually abusing two girls over the course of seven years, the county district attorneys office said.

On Sept. 3, Judge Jeffrey Conrad handed down the sentence to Nathan W. Smith, of Salisbury Township.

During a two-day trial in March, the two victims testified Smiths repeated sexual abuse started around 2004 and took place at his residence and in his car.

Both victims, now 25 years old, said Smiths abuse started when they were 5. One victim said the abuse ended when she was 9, while the other said she was 11.

While the abuse was ongoing, Smith told the victims not to tell anyone about the assaults.

Police launched an investigation into Smith in August 2021 after one of the victims reported the abuse to authorities.

A jury found Smith guilty of two counts each of the following charges: rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, unlawful contact with a minor, aggravated indecent assault and corruption of minors.

Smith was also found guilty of five counts of indecent assault of a person less than 13.

Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Ponessa prosecuted the case and Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Amos Glick filed the charges.
South Lebanon Township police are looking for a man with a warrant who they say escaped from the Wellspan Philhaven Hospital.

Police say Forrest James Pierce, 31, left the hospital at around 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12. Pierce is a 5-foot-11, 173-pound white man. He was last seen wearing a cream-colored shirt, glasses, and a black beanie-style hat.

He was last seen in a residential area near Fox Run Road.

Police said people should call 911 immediately if they see Pierce and should not approach him.

Police did not say what specific charges they are seeking Pierce on, but he has outstanding trespassing-related charges out of Cumberland County.

South Lebanon Township police are being assisted by the Pennsylvania State Police Helicopter and other county police agencies.
By CATHY BUSSEWITZ and WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS, The Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP)  In the days following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, numerous workers have been fired for their comments on his death, among them MSNBC political analyst Matthew Dowd.

Several conservative activists have sought to identify social media users whose posts about Kirk they viewed as offensive or celebratory, targeting everyone from journalists to teachers. Right-wing influencer Laura Loomer said she would try to ruin the professional aspirations of anyone who celebrated Kirks death.

Its far from the first time workers have lost their jobs over things they say publicly  including in social media posts. But the speed at which the firings have been happening raises questions about worker rights versus employer rights.

In the U.S., laws can vary across states, but overall, theres very little legal protection for employees who are punished for speech made both in and out of private workplaces.

Most people think they have a right to free speechbut that doesnt necessarily apply in the workplace, said Vanessa Matsis-McCready, associate general counsel and vice president of HR Services for Engage PEO. Most employees in the private sector do not have any protections for that type of speech at work.

Add to that the prevalence of social media, which has made it increasingly common to track employees conduct outside of work and to dox people, or publish information about them online with the intent of harming or harassing them.

Employers have a lot of leeway

Protections for workers vary from one state to the next. For example, in New York, if an employee is participating in a weekend political protest, but not associating themselves with the organization that employs them, their employer cannot fire them for that activity when they return to work. But if that same employee is at a company event on a weekend and talks about their political viewpoints in a way that makes others feel unsafe or the target of discrimination or harassment, then they could face consequences at work, Matsis-McCready said.

Most of the U.S. defaults to at-will employment law  which essentially means employers can choose to hire and fire as they see fit, including over employees speech.

Here, people take photos after the American flag on the North Lawn at the White House in Washington, is lowered to half-staff after Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was killed at an event in Orem, Utah, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. Flags in New York and New Jersey were not lowered. (Associated Press/Mark Schiefelbein) (Associated Press/Mark Schiefelbein)

The First Amendment does not apply in private workplaces to protect employees speech, said Andrew Kragie, an attorney who specializes in employment and labor law at Maynard Nexsen. It actually does protect employers right to make decisions about employees, based on employees speech.

Kragie said there are pockets of protection around the U.S. under various state laws, such as statues that forbid punishing workers for their political views. But the interpretation of how that gets enforced changes, he notes, making the waters murky.

Steven T. Collis, a law professor at the University of Texas at Austin and faculty director of the schools Bech-Loughlin First Amendment Center, also points to some state laws that say employers cant fire their workers for legal off duty conduct. But theres often an exception for conduct seen as disruptive to an employers business or reputation, which could be grounds to fire someone over public comments or social media posts.

In this scenario, if somebody feels like one of their employees has done something that suggests they are glorifying or celebrating a murder, an employer might still be able to fire them even with one of those laws on the books, Collis said.

For public employees, which can range from school teachers and postal workers to elected officials, the process is a bit different. Thats because the First Amendment plays a unique role when the government is the employer, Collis explains. The Supreme Court has ruled that if an employee is acting in a private capacity but speaking on a matter of public concern, they could be protected. Still, he noted that government employers can discipline a worker if they determine such conduct will interfere with the governments ability to do its job.

Some in the public sector have already worked to restrict speech in the aftermath of Kirks death. For instance, leaders at the Pentagon unveiled a zero tolerance policy for any posts or comments from troops that make light of or celebrate the killing of Kirk.

The policy, announced by the Pentagons top spokesman Sean Parnell on social media Thursday, came hours after numerous conservative military influencers and activists began forwarding posts they considered problematic to Parnell and his boss, defense secretary Pete Hegseth.

It is unacceptable for military personnel and Department of War civilians to celebrate or mock the assassination of a fellow American, Parnell wrote Thursday.

A surge of political debate

The ubiquity of social media is making it easier than ever to share opinions about politics and major news events as theyre unfolding. But posting on social media leaves a record, and in times of escalating political polarization, those declarations can be seen as damaging to the reputation of an individual or their employer.

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

People dont realize when theyre on social media, it is the town square, said Amy Dufrane, CEO of the Human Resource Certification Institute. Theyre not having a private conversation with the neighbor over the fence. Theyre really broadcasting their views.

Political debates are certainly not limited to social media and are increasingly making their way into the workplace as well.

The gamification of the way we communicate in the workplace, Slack and Teams, chat and all these things, theyre very similar to how you might interact on Instagram or other social media, so I do think that makes it feel a little less formal and somebody might be more inclined to take to take a step and say, Oh, I cant believe this happened, Matsis-McCready said.

Employers are not ready

In the tense, divided climate of the U.S., many human resource professionals have expressed that theyre unprepared to address politically charged discussions in the workplace, according to the Human Resource Certification Institute. But those conversations are going to happen, so employers need to set policies about what is acceptable or unacceptable workplace conduct, Dufrane said.

HR has got to really drill down and make sure that theyre super clear on their policies and practices and communicating to their employees on what are their responsibilities as an employee of the organization, Dufrane said.

Many employers are reviewing their policies on political speech and providing training about what appropriate conduct looks like, both inside and outside the organization, she said. And the brutal nature of Kirks killing may have led some of them to react more strongly in the days that followed his death.

Because of the violent nature of what some political discussion is now about, I think there is a real concern from employers that they want to keep the workplace safe and that theyre being extra vigilant about anything that could be viewed as a threat, which is their duty, Matsis-McCreedy said.

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)

Employees can also be seen as ambassadors of a companys brand, and their political speech can dilute that brand and hurt its reputation, depending on what is being said and how it is being received. That is leading more companies to act on what employees are saying online, she said.

Some of the individuals that had posted and their posts went viral, all of a sudden the phone lines of their employers were just nonstop calls complaining, Matsis-McCready said.

Still, experts like Collis dont anticipate a significant change in how employers monitor their workers speech  noting that online activity has come under the spotlight for at least the last 15 years.

Employers are already and have been for a very long time, vetting employees based on what theyre posting on social media, he said.

Associated Press Staff Writer Konstantin Toropin in Washington contributed to this report.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visit the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in the Old City of Jerusalem Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) AP

By MATTHEW LEE and SAMY MAGDY Associated Press

JERUSALEM (AP)  U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in Israel on Sunday as its military intensified attacks on northern Gaza, flattening multiple high-rise building and killing at least 13 Palestinians.

Rubio said ahead of the trip that he will be seeking answers from Israeli officials about how they see the way forward in Gaza following Israels attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar last week that upended efforts to broker an end to the conflict.

His two-day visit is also a show of support for the increasingly isolated Israel as the United Nations holds what is expected to be a contentious debate next week on commitment to the creation of a Palestinian state. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly opposes the recognition of a Palestinian state.

Rubio visits Israel despite anger over Qatar attack

Rubios visit went ahead despite President Donald Trumps anger at Netanyahu over the Israeli strike in Doha, which he said the United States was not notified of beforehand.

On Sunday, Netanyahu, Rubio and their wives, along with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and his wife, toured the Western Wall and the excavated tunnels near it.

I think his (Rubios) visit here is a testament to the durability, the strength of the Israeli-American alliance. Its as strong and as durable as the stones of the Western Wall we just touched, Netanyahu said.

On Friday, Rubio and Trump met with Qatars prime minister to discuss the fallout from the Israeli operation. The dual, back-to-back meetings with Israel and Qatar illustrate how Trump administration is trying to balance relations between key Middle East allies despite the attacks widespread international condemnation.

The Doha attack, which killed at least six people, also appears to have ended attempts to secure an Israel-Hamas ceasefire and the release of hostages ahead of the upcoming U.N. General Assembly session, at which the Gaza war is expected to be a primary focus.

Palestinians carry the body of Aliya Abu Ouda, 37, killed in an Israeli airstrike on the Gaza Strip, in Deir al-Balah, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025.(AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana) AP

Meanwhile, foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic nations were to meet in Doha on Sunday to forge a united front about the Israeli attack ahead of a summit in Qatar on Monday that will bring together leaders from their nations for top-level talks.

Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar were also set to address Monday a large bipartisan delegation of American legislators visiting Israel for meetings and political discussions.

Deadly airstrikes mount

On Sunday, at least 13 Palestinians were killed and dozens were wounded in multiple Israeli strikes across Gaza, according to local hospitals.

Local hospitals said Israeli strikes targeted a vehicle near Shifa hospital and a roundabout in Gaza City, and a tent in the city of Deir al-Balah that killed at least six members of the same family.

Two parents, their three children and the childrens aunt were killed in that strike, according to the Al-Aqsa hospital. The family was from the northern town of Beit Hanoun, and arrived in Deir al-Balah last week after fleeing their shelter in Gaza City

The Israeli military did not have immediate comment on the strikes.

As part of its expanding operation in Gaza City, the military destroyed multiple high-rise buildings Sunday, after warning residents to evacuate. Some were destroyed less than an hour after an evacuation order was posted online by the military spokesman Avichay Adraee.

The military said that Hamas had positioned observation posts and ways to gather intelligence about troop movement in the area, and that Hamas militants were poised to strike Israeli troops, though it provided no evidence to support those claims. The military also said that, in addition to advance warnings, it used precise munitions and aerial surveillance to reduce the chance of harm to civilians.

The terrorist organizations in the Gaza Strip systematically violate international law, brutally exploiting civilian infrastructure and the Gazan population as human shields for terrorist activities.

The IDF will continue to operate against the terrorist organizations

Residents said the Kauther tower in the Rimal neighborhood was flattened to the ground. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

This is part of the genocidal measures the (Israeli) occupation is carrying out in Gaza City, said Abed Ismail, a Gaza City resident. They want to turn the whole city into rubble, and force the transfer and another Nakba.

The word Nakba is Arabic for catastrophe and refers to when some 700,000 Palestinians were expelled by Israeli forces or fled their homes in what is now Israel, before and during the 1948 war that surrounded its creation.

Israeli strongly denies accusations of genocide in Gaza.

The skyline of Gaza is changing, Defense Minister Israel Katz wrote on X along with footage of the strikes that destroyed one of the buildings.

Starvation in Gaza

Separately, two Palestinian adults died of causes related to malnutrition and starvation in the Gaza Strip over the last 24 hours, the territorys health ministry reported Sunday.

That has brought the death toll from malnutrition-related causes to 277 since late June, when the ministry started to count fatalities among this age category, while another 145 children died of malnutrition-related causes since the start of the war in October 2023, the ministry said.

Smoke and flames rise after an Israeli military strike on a building in Gaza City, Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Yousef Al Zanoun) AP

The Israeli defense body overseeing humanitarian aid in Gaza said that over 1,200 trucks carrying aid, primarily food, entered into Gaza over the past week.

Aid workers say the aid that does get into Gaza is far too little and insufficient for the territorys enormous needs. Much of it is also looted before it can reach the Palestinians in desperate need.

International teams also finished repair work on a water line from Israel to Gaza, one of three water lines from Israel to Gaza, increasing the daily amount of water coming into Gaza from Israel to 14,000 cubic meters (3.7 million gallons).

Over the 23 months since Israel launched its offensive, Gazas water access has been progressively limited and the strip is now enduring a second scorching summer in wartime. Parents and children often chase down water trucks that come every two or three days, filling bottles, canisters and buckets and then hauling them home.

The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, abducting 251 people and killing some 1,200, mostly civilians. There are still 48 hostages remaining in Gaza, of whom 20 Israel believes are still alive.

Israels retaliatory offensive has killed at least 64,871 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not say how many were civilians or combatants. It says around half of those killed were women and children. Large parts of major cities have been completely destroyed and around 90% of some 2 million Palestinians have been displaced.

Magdy reported from Cairo. Associated Press writer Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates contributed to this report.
The International Space Station will fly over Pennsylvania tonight, the National Weather Service (NWS) announced.

The station will be visible around 8:08 p.m. and will travel from west to northeast, the State College office of the NWS noted in a post on X. It will look like a star racing across the sky.

The 8:08 p.m. start time is for State College, so it might vary slightly based on where you are in the state.

The space station will also be visible on Monday and Tuesday night. It will be seen flying northwest to northeast around 8:58 p.m. on Monday and west-northwest to northeast around 8:09 p.m. on Tuesday.

Updates can be found on the National Weather Service State College X page.

Grab a blanket, go outside and enjoy the view!
Youve probably noticed a distinct increase in spotted lanternflies over the past month or so. Thats not your imagination.

The proliferation of the invasive species of plant-hoppers, discovered in Pennsylvanias Berk County in 2014, has grown to the point that they have started to show up on weather radar.

The Weather Channel last week reported in a video that so many of the bugs are flying around the mid-Atlantic region that theyre appearing on their radar screens. Radar beams are going out to pick up weather, but the sheer volume of the bugs is causing the beams to bounce back to the radar site.

It looks like static, similar to a rainstorm.

In a video, the Weather Channel showed the northern edge of the storm of bugs around the Chambersburg and York areas, and continuing across Maryland, West Virginia and Virginia.

Gross!

Native to Asia, the spotted lanternfly is an invasive species that can cause oozing sap, wilting, leaf curling and dieback in trees, vines and crops.

Most at risk in Pennsylvania are the grape, apple, hops and hardwood industries. A 2019 economic impact study estimates that, uncontrolled, this insect could cost the state $324 million annually and more than 2,800 jobs.

The Pa. Department of Agriculture has said for several years now that theres one way to fight back: If you see one, squash it.

Penn State Extension also offers residents a reporting tool on this website, or call its hotline at 1-888-422-3359.
Brian Kilmeade's suggestion for dealing with the homless has social media calling for him to be fired. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images) Getty Images

Fox and Friends co-host Brian Kilmeade floated a stunning suggestion on the show this weekfor dealing with homeless people who refuse to get help for mental health issues.

Kilmeades idea? Kill them.

He entered that into the discussion with co-hosts Ainsley Earhart and Lawrence Jones while discussing the tragic fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukranian refugee, on a North Carolina train recently.

The trio discussed the incident and made the case that the suspect, who had a long list of arrests and was reportedly diagnosed with schizophrenia, should have been taken off the streets a long time ago.

This is happening all across the country, and its a money issue, Jones said before adding that a lot of homeless people dont want help.

You cant give em a chance, he added. Either you take the resources that were going to give you, or you decide that you gotta be locked up in jail. Thats the way it has to be now.

Kilmeade then floated his idea.

Or uh, involuntary lethal injection. Or something, he said. Just kill em.

Kilmeades comment, which was given on Wednesdays show, drew rebuke across social media.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) shared it and wrote, Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.

Billy Baldwin shared the clip and wrote, Brian Kilmeade must apologize or be fired.

What Brian Kilmeade said about the homeless on national TV was abhorrent, Silvia Ramirez wrote. Brian Kilmeade sees the homeless as the enemy. He sees people who have lost it all as lesser than. He views the homeless as yesterdays trash. The inhumanity of his words. Brian Kilmeade should be fired.

Americas homeless population includes over a million children and tens of thousands of veterans, many of whom served in Iraq or Afghanistan, Virginia Rep. Don Beyer (D) wrote on X. Nobody deserves to be murdered for mental illness or poverty. These Fox hosts are calling for mass murder  its sick.

You can see the clip here.

Kilmeade has yet to address the uproar and the calls for him to be fired.
As political depravity sinks to new lows at every whim of our president, we are yet again having to witness the vindictive, reprehensible behavior of this person.

In a recent news article, Tom Hanks was slated to receive the Sylvanus Thayer Award from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. It is the institutions most prestigious recognition of that citizen who best exemplifies the personal devotion to the ideals expressed in the West Point motto, Duty, Honor, Country.

Mr. Hanks is widely acclaimed for his enduring support of the U.S. Military through his films and associations. He is an honorary member of the U.S. Armys Ranger Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Those who lead West Point are themselves, derelict toward their motto by kowtowing to President Trump, who applauded the decision to rescind the award.

Trump took five deferments during the Vietnam War and disparaged the remarkable military career of U.S. Sen. John McCain. In this dystopian America, we live, the manacles of such egregious behavior have tightened another notch, and the very well-being of our nation is sorely in need of our vigilance.

William G. Davies Jr., Elliottsburg, Pa.
Whoopi Goldbergs offer to play Doctor Who was rejected.

Whoopi Goldbergs Doctor Who dream

The Oscar-winning American actress revealed she has been desperate to play the Time Lord for years but her request was turned down because she is not British.

She told The Sun on Sunday: I wanted to be Doctor Who. But Doctor Who is particular.

There was a very specific reason because its created, specifically, for the English telling, from the very beginning.

I understand because there are certain things that you all just would never have here. And I get it, but man oh man, I love me some Doctor Who.

I love Tom Baker as Who and his scarf.

Meanwhile, Ncuti Gatwa recently quit his role as the Doctor, which he has played since 2023, after admitting it left him burnt out.

The 32-year-old actor exited the beloved show after just two seasons as the 15th Doctor and he explained he "wrestled" with making the decision to leave because he "loved" the programme so much, but ultimately felt he needed time to rest.

He told the Telegraph magazine: "I was tired and burnt out at the end of series two. It was exhausting. But it was a magical time, magical.

There was never an opportunity to recoup the energy  its just go, go, go. I was doing seven-day weeks for eight months, and I found it hard being away from home and family. Id already been shooting in Cardiff for five years (on and off) prior to that with Sex Education, and we started shooting Doctor Who while I was still doing Season four of Sex Ed.

I had to wrestle with myself  I fell in love with that show. Ill miss it, but I was ready to move on.
John McDermott has been the business editor of The Post and Courier since 2006. He's written about all facets of the South Carolina economy, served in the U.S. Air Force and is a graduate of the University of Hawaii-Manoa journalism program.
Teri Errico Griffis is the senior business reporter and assistant editor at The Post and Courier, focusing on retail and real estate. An award-winning journalist, she previously worked as a Southeast commerce reporter for the Journal of Commerce and a reporter for the Charleston Regional Business Journal where she covered all facets of business in the Charleston region. Raised in Connecticut and New York, she has called South Carolina home since 2012.
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / September 14, 2025 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is investigating potential claims on behalf of purchasers of Freeport-McMoran Inc. ("Freeport" or "the Company") (NYSE:FCX). Investors who purchased Freeport securities are encouraged to obtain additional information and assist the investigation by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/FCX Investigation DetailsOn September 9, 2025, Freeport issued a press release announcing the suspension of mining activities at its Grasberg Block Cave operation in Indonesia, after "a large flow of wet material from a production drawpoint . . . blocked access to certain areas within the mine," trapping seven workers. On this news, Freeport's stock price fell $2.80 per share, or 5.99%, to close at $43.87 per share on September 9, 2025.What's Next?If you are aware of any facts relating to this investigation or purchased Freeport securities, you can assist this investigation by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/FCX . You can also contact Peretz Bronstein or his client relations manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC: 332-239-2660There is No Cost to YouWe represent investors in class actions on a contingency fee basis. That means we will ask the court to reimburse us for out-of-pocket expenses and attorneys' fees, usually a percentage of the total recovery, only if we are successful.Why Bronstein, Gewirtz & GrossmanBronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC is a nationally recognized firm that represents investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors nationwide.Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, or Instagram.Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.ContactBronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLCPeretz Bronstein or Nathan Miller332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC
In a bid to curb the growing trend of violent incidents targeting airport staff and airline crew, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has intensified its campaign efforts across the country. The move follows a series of confrontations involving passengers, including high-profile cases that have raised fresh concerns about safety in the

In recent months, multiple reports of aggression at terminals and aboard aircraft have surfaced.

From the ValueJet incident involving Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall to an altercation on Ibom Air involving passenger, Comfort Emmanson, the frequency of such encounters has unsettled industry stakeholders.

Though unruly passenger behaviour is not new to global aviation, the NCAA insists that the Nigerian industry cannot afford to normalise hostility against its frontline workers.

This follows the directive issued by the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (DGCA), Chris Najomo, to airlines.

He warned pilots not to commence flights until unruly passengers are either removed from the aircraft or their disputes resolved. He also pledged to embark on a nationwide passenger awareness campaign to educate Nigerians on their rights and responsibilities when travelling.

A Campaign for Safer Travel

To stem the tide, the authority has launched a nationwide passenger sensitisation campaign aimed at educating travellers on the dangers of verbal and physical assault within airports and in-flight.

Michael Achimugu, NCAAs Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, led the exercise at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

He disclosed that the awareness drive will be extended to other airports across the country.

Today, I led a team of NCAA Consumer Protection and Public Relations officers to educate passengers about the dangers of verbal and physical assault in terminals and aboard aircraft. This is to enable us to arrest the rising tide of violence in the industry, Mr Achimugu explained.

He further stressed that aviation staff must not be viewed as adversaries.

Cabin crew are not the enemy. They dont make the rules. They ensure your safety and assist your journey, he said.

Global Context

Similar initiatives have been adopted in other countries.

In the United States, for instance, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stepped up passenger education following a spike in unruly behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reports of violent incidents dropped significantly afterwards, underscoring the impact of sustained awareness campaigns.

For Nigeria, experts believe the NCAAs effort is timely. With passenger traffic expected to rise steadily, tensions at airports may also increase. Authorities argue that proactive measures, rather than punitive ones alone, are vital to preventing violence.

By placing emphasis on respect and cooperation, the NCAA says it is working to protect both aviation professionals and the travelling public. The authority has also reiterated that violent conduct will not be tolerated, warning that offenders risk sanctions in line with aviation laws.

Be you passenger, cabin crew, or ground staff, we are all partners in this ecosystem, and we must not hurt one another, Mr Achimugu added.

With global passenger numbers projected to rise in the coming years, aviation regulators say the industry must prioritise harmony and discipline.
A young entrepreneur openly peddles ancient spiritual charms on TikTok, promising success to internet fraudsters. DUBAWA investigates the truth behind this illicit trade, its impact on Nigerias global reputation, and the urgent need for law enforcement to break the spell.

A dark-skinned boy, probably in his early twenties, began an unusual advert in Yoruba on TikTok. Raising a covered calabash with his right hand, he began, When its not as if you have a family that will challenge you, you better do Oshole. Dont come to my [inbox] to ask for update because Im freely giving you one now.

Oshole is a spiritual charm that internet fraudsters in Nigeria rely on to boost their nefarious trade. Asking for updates, as the advert says, is a slang term, meaning the process of seeking spiritual fortifications to aid their illicit activities.

This is the update, and OlaXash just delivered it, he said enthusiastically. The rest of the one-minute 15-second video hyped the efficacy of OlaXashs services for internet fraudsters, also called Yahoo boys or G-guys.

This is not the only video online hyping OlaXash, a vendor of spiritual products. Another video on her Instagram page showed a similarly aged boy advertising OlaXashs products, including charms for internet fraudsters.

DUBAWA found numerous videos on one of her TikTok pages, which boasts 8,308 followers and over 102,400 reactions as of 7 July. OlaXashs Instagram page is filled with screenshots of reviews from her clients.

OlaXash also severely warned online vendors from messaging her, stating that her Oshole charms are strictly for people pressing phones. The statement is an evasive reference to internet fraudsters, whom she also described as Hustle guys.

In another review she uploaded on Instagram, OlaXash labelled her product Yahoo soap. The buyer revealed that they had just defrauded a victim of bitcoin worth over N264,000 ($175).

Oshole is deeply rooted in Yoruba spiritual traditions. It is designed to attract wealth and improve the users business success. The progenitors were the Osho sect, a sorcerer cult that traditionally combines specific herbs, roots, and sometimes animal parts to make charms. When combined and properly invoked, Oshole is believed to influence the spiritual forces that govern prosperity and luck in the users favour.

Oshole is not considered malevolent or harmful, as it is believed to harmonise the users spiritual energy with cosmic balance. However, many spiritualists now indiscriminately sell the charms and other spiritual products to perpetrators of evil, like internet fraudsters, to boost their businesses. Meanwhile, Ifayemi Elebuibon, the Araba of Osogbo land, revealed in an interview that users must be above 40 years old at first, and 70 years old at the second usage.

Christiana Longe, a legal practitioner, said offering spiritual services becomes an offence when it aids criminal activities.

In this context, the provider is offering spiritual solutions to individuals, particularly those involved in online crimes like Yahoo fraud. By doing so, she is providing spiritual services and enabling others who receive these services, she said.

This sinister support from self-acclaimed spiritualists like OlaXash fuels Nigerias relentless battle against internet fraud. In 2024, the World Cybercrime Index, compiled by Oxford University and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Canberra, ranked Nigeria fifth among countries with the highest number of cybercriminals globally, behind Russia, Ukraine, China, and the United States.

Between December 2024 and January 2025 alone, officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested over 897 fraudsters on different occasions, including 197 foreigners.

Interpols Operation Red Card, which led to the arrest of 306 suspects in seven African countries between November 2024 and February 2025, saw Nigeria lead with 130 arrests, surpassing Rwandas 45, South Africas 40, and Zambias 14 combined.

Meanwhile, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) revealed that over 54,000 Americans reported being sextortion victims linked to Nigerian perpetrators in 2024 alone, up from 34,000 the previous year. Between 2023 and 2025, American teenagers also coughed up about $65 million to the international perpetrators in Nigeria.

The reputation of our country is at an all-time low across the world, said Dele Oyewale, the EFCCs spokesperson. If you look at how other Nigerians are treated at airports, immigration, and customs, people are wary at various borders and airports. They subject us to extra scrutiny.

He also revealed that the menace contributed to the countrys low direct foreign investment inflow.

He identified damage to the youths future development capacity as a consequence of internet fraud in Nigeria. We have a lot of convictions. In 2024, the Commission secured 4,111 convictions, the highest so far, he said.

Who is OlaXash?

Originally a sex enhancement products vendor, Aphrodisiacs by OlaXash is a small-scale enterprise registered under the Corporate Affairs Commission with number 7102881 on 18 August 2023.

The brand, owned by Ogunsona Olaitan Victoria, who hails from Ondo town, recently celebrated its fourth anniversary in January 2025.

Ms Ogunsona began her entrepreneurial journey in 2021 while she was still an undergraduate at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko. DUBAWA uncovered this fact after analysing a video she posted on her oldest TikTok account on Sept. 23, 2021.

She made the video at the universitys New Relaxation Centre (RC). Behind her is the universitys Exams and Records building.

To validate our findings about her alma mater, we searched through the old account and found a video made inside one of the lecture halls in the universitys 30CQ premises.

Her earliest shop was at 2, First Molac, opposite Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo. At the time, she only focused on selling aphrodisiacs, and her CAC certificate indicates that she deals in all kinds of spiritual products, body enhancement, sex enhancement, and infection products.

She opened a unisex salon in Akure in December 2024 after joining the National Youth Service Corps in Ondo State four months earlier. In June 2025, she celebrated her passing-out parade (POP), marking the completion of her mandatory one-year national service.

Despite multiple attempts during our investigation, OlaXash repeatedly gave conflicting excuses to prevent DUBAWA from accessing her location.

She said she doesnt do physical consultations, and her salesgirls family member died. At another time, she said she went for fortification at Saki, Oyo state.

We inquired about her location from her dispatch rider, but he provided evasive responses. A further search through OlaXashs posts showed he has been a trusted hand for her product delivery. Using Truecaller, we identified his name as Okoli Oyekanmi.

DUBAWA analysed videos on her social media and combined the findings with evidence from other reliable sources. We found her aphrodisiac shop at 40, Odige Street, Akure.

On 30 April, she posted on her TikTok page that she was on the verge of opening another shop. Analyses of her Instagram posts revealed that she started actively posting the spiritual charms in 2023.

Within the period, OlaXash recently bought a 2013 Hyundai Sonata, which she revealed costs N18 million ($11,250).

This differed from her second, a Toyota Venza (2008-2015 model), priced between N6.5 million ($4,062.50) and N13 million ($8,125), and her first, a 2010 Toyota Camry, which costs about N5 million ($3,125) to N12.5 million ($7,812.50).

How to use Oshole

Following up on her TikTok adverts, DUBAWA went the extra mile to purchase the charm and understand the process thoroughly. We messaged OlaXash on her WhatsApp number to negotiate the charms costs. She revealed that Osholes price varies from N110,000 ($68.75) to N250,000 ($156.25).

Some of the Oshole variants we discovered she sells blue, 7-in-1 white, ebu, yellow, and the most prominent, black. Ghost Client Soap is another charm, more advanced than Oshole, and is created explicitly for internet fraudsters.

This charm helps them attract and secure wealthier clients. It costs between N320,000 ($200) and N400,000 ($250).

Among fraudsters, client is a code word devised to avoid suspicion. It signifies the potential wealthy victim they are trying to defraud, not a real customer or business partner.

First-time users must use the curse-breaker soap, which costs N13,000. It purges the users spirit against any hindrance that can prevent the efficacy of the main charms.

If Oshole or Ghost Client Soap is beyond a first-time users budget, they can buy a starter kit, which costs between N43,000 ($26.88)and N68,000 ($42.5).

We bought the curse-breaker soap and the black Oshole for N160,000 ($100).

The Oshole was a medium-sized calabash half-filled with locally made black soap. Six small white cowries were pressed into the calabash contents around a larger brown cowry.

OlaXash revealed that a user must start with the curse-breaker soap to purge them of any hindrance to the Osholes efficacy. Such a user must avoid sex for seven days and nights without a break.

If the user is a woman, she should use it after completing her menstrual period, as menstruation can tamper with the charms efficacy. The user should use the charm at night and avoid leaving home after usage.

DUBAWA waited seven days before messaging her for instructions on using the Oshole charm. She said it is advisable to have sex before usage commences, as any sexual activity during usage is an abomination.

She provided further instructions, including that the user should bathe with it for seven days, preferably at 6 a.m. or at night between 11 p.m. and 12 a.m.

She said, Whatever [the buyer] also desires should be claimed while bathing with it: Wealth far and beyond, goodness left and right, demons carrying fortune should bring it to me, and well-paying clients should come my way.

If [the user] already has client(s), they can say: May my client always heed my desires. It must be used every day apart from Wednesday, she said in a WhatsApp voice note that DUBAWA obtained.

Client is a common term among Nigerian internet fraudsters, musicians who glorify them, and others who associate with them to describe unsuspecting victims of internet fraud, usually foreigners.

They dont work users counter

Despite these elaborate instructions and assurances on her social media page, not all users are convinced. DUBAWA found many TikTok users who challenged her charms efficacy in comment sections.

In one of her pinned TikTok posts, she advertised the Ghost Client soap, which costs N330,000 ($206.25). Only seven comments out of 284 indicated interest in the charm, while the rest were hostile reactions.

DUBAWA messaged some followers who indicated interest in verifying the efficacy of her products, but none replied. One TikToker who replied vouched for her services, though he has not used her products personally.

Traders close to her shop also reacted with hostility when we attempted to speak with them.

However, we found sources who shared their experience as affiliates in the dark world.

Dolapo* dated a fraudster who tried various spiritualists while in school, but none worked as expected. His friends also joined him in the futile search that often never seemed to end.

At some point, I started thinking that if he had gathered the money he regularly spent on these charms, it would be more profitable if he had started an enterprise instead of these futile efforts, she said.

She revealed that some of his friends fared better than he did, but their sources could be more questionable. These factors, among others, made her fear for her life, which led to the relationships demise.

I began fearing for my safety, because I cant guarantee my safety with a person who can go to all these lengths, bathing at midnight and rubbing charms on his body just to defraud a white victim, she said.

Jaiyeola*, another former fraudster, spent more than N100,000 ($62.5) on three occasions for two spiritualists after subtle peer pressure. The allure was undeniable as he observed them from the sidelines during his undergraduate days in 2012.

He said he started asking for updates on how his hustle could become a success story, too. They told me it was just to speed up my money-making prospects, that Id be able to do things with less effort and get plenty of rewards, he said, while his face betrayed the anger he tried to suppress.

The first charm he tried cost N40,000 ($25), a significant sum for a student, but one he was willing to sacrifice. After receiving the items and following the instructions precisely, he bathed at night for three days, waiting for his fortunes to change, but nothing happened.

When he reported his lack of results, his friend suggested he needed a more spiritually compatible charm. This time, he needed a sum of N60,000 ($37.5). Desperate, he borrowed the money from a relative, convinced by his friends assurances that the investment would pay off.

Yet again, after faithfully following the ritual, there were no results. Like the first time, nothing happened. My friends were supportive, though. I felt maybe it just wasnt meant for me.

He gave up and refrained from patronising them until he graduated. However, he was forced back to the old ways after experiencing hardship after school. This time, he found a different spiritualist to help unlock the promised prosperity.

He said, I went to him and said I needed help, as long as it didnt involve anything evil. He recommended another preparation, and I used it as instructed, but somewhere along the line, I lost interest in proceeding. That was the end of it.

Since then, he has focused on personal improvement with Gods help. It has been slow progress, but he said hes content.

While users like Jaiyeola express disappointment, spiritual practitioners offer a different perspective. Oluwo Akintomide, a spiritualist and lawyer, dispelled common misconceptions about Oshole as a magical shortcut to wealth for the idle or unemployed.

Oshole works alongside the work of your hand. You cannot be jobless and be doing Oshole. You wont see anything, he said.

In a TikTok post, he likened Oshole to a signal booster that expands ones circumference of possibilities, but only for those already engaged in productive work.

He said, It will cooperate with the work of your hand. Whether you are a trader, an entrepreneur, a business person, a contractor, or work online.

You must have something you are doing before you have something to boost it. Its not for people who sleep and wake up. Oshole will only help you boost the work of your hands.

He also addressed concerns about the morality and safety of such spiritual practices, stating that harmless charms hold no repercussions after usage.

We have universal rights over plants, animals, roots, and herbs. The only thing we dont have rights over is the life of another human being, he said.

As long as what you are doing does not involve taking another human beings life or destroying another human beings life, it will work for you well and there will be no repercussions.

He asserted that Oshole is a spiritual enhancement for those already striving, not a replacement for hard work. If somebody used to make N500,000, you can start making N5 million with Oshole. That is how it works. So you need to have something to do before you can boost it with spiritual fortifications.

TikTok, home for Oshole vendors

Among Nigerian youths, TikTok is a prime space for vendors and marketers targeting a youthful audience and digital natives. As of early 2025, data from DataReportal revealed that TikTok boasted 37.4 million users in Nigeria, accounting for 15.8% of the national population and 35% of the countrys internet user base, who are mostly youth.

The data reflect the global trend where 36% of users worldwide are aged 1824, 20% are in their teenage years, and another 25% in the 2534 bracket. Users 35 years and above complete the numbers.

As of 2025, only Indonesia (+22%) and Brazil (+18%) beat Nigerias 17% growth rate, making it the African country with the highest growth rate. Egypt, the nearest African country, occupied fifth position with a 14% surge.

While Instagram and YouTube have seen their user numbers decline, TikTok continues to grow, thanks in part to its short-form video format and viral content culture.

Spiritual product sellers, including Oshole vendors, leverage TikToks algorithm and massive youth audience for advertising, often through trending videos, testimonials, and influencer partnerships.

Numerous accounts now openly promote Oshole and similar charms on TikTok, using hashtags and visually engaging content to attract the attention of the most receptive audiences.

Using keywords on DorkGPT, DUBAWA identified more than 22 TikTok accounts selling Oshole, even to audiences beyond Nigerian shores.

One such TikTok user, Ifa Adeleke, has over 42,500 followers, and his posts have received over 201,400 reactions as of May 18, 2025. Another, identified as Ifayomi247, has over 51,200 followers and 179,600 reactions.

Advertising the charm for fraudsters violates TikToks community principles on regulated goods and commercial activities. The principle states that TikTok does not allow the trade or marketing of regulated, prohibited, or high-risk goods and services. Such goods enjoy illegal traffic on unofficial markets (black or grey markets) and are regulated for a reason.

As a control mechanism, the platform deployed diverse efforts against defaulters, including automated detection. Between July and September 2024, the platform removed over two million videos uploaded by Nigerian users for violating its community guidelines. Also, OlaXash disclosed on Feb.27, 2025, that her main TikTok page has been banned permanently.

Data from the platforms 2024 Q3 Community Guidelines Enforcement Report revealed that 99.1% of the removals occur within 24 hours. The platform also removed 92.1% of the videos before any community member reported them.

However, vendors exploit some fundamental weaknesses to ply their trade. Using slang or disguising harmful charms, such as Oshole, as harmless spiritual services, they evade the platforms automated detection. Also, they quickly adapt to takedowns by reposting content through new accounts or tweaking their language just enough to slip past the filters.

Moreover, the platforms inability to understand local contexts hinders it from automatically identifying such dangerous posts, despite claiming a 98.2% proactive detection rate globally.

Vendors selling harmful products successfully exploit the limitation when appealing their account ban.

Exploiting these regulatory gaps poses real consequences for the platforms users. Such charms are now normalised on TikTok, increasing vendors sales and access to a larger audience interested in online fraud.

The products widespread presence legitimises them to vulnerable youth and helps accelerate demand and use.

These regulatory lapses compromise TikToks community safety and broader societal well-being. As such products gain fame on the platform, impressionable young Nigerians become more vulnerable.

These cast a doubt on TikToks commitment to curbing illegal activities on its site. As long as TikTok fails to understand and act on local, cultural, and linguistic realities, it will remain a key avenue through which fraud-related charms spread and thrive in Nigeria.

What does the law say?

OlaXash and other sellers promotion of Oshole charms to internet fraudsters on TikTok raises significant legal questions under Nigerian law. While no statute explicitly prohibits advertising spiritual products, her activities violate several regulatory frameworks.

Section 210 of the Nigerian Criminal Code criminalises possessing juju or charms intended for harmful purposes, such as aiding fraud. Subsection C particularly says,

Any person who makes or sells or uses, or assists or takes part in making or selling or using or has in his possession or represents himself to be in possession of any juju, drug or charm which is intended to be used or reported to possess the power to prevent or delay any person from doing an act which such person has a legal right to do, or to compel any person to do an act which such person has a legal right to refrain from doing, or which is alleged or reported to possess the power of causing any natural phenomenon or any disease or epidemic; is guilty of misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for two years.

Her actions also contravene Section 213(a) of the Criminal Code, which says,

Anyone who makes, sells or keeps for sale or for hire or reward, any fetish or charm which is pretended or reputed to possess power to protect burglars, robbers, thieves or other malefactors, or to aid or assist in any way in the perpetration of any burglary, housebreaking, robbery or theft, or in the perpetration of any offence whatsoever, or to prevent, hinder or delay the detection of or conviction for any offence whatsoever; is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for five years.

Based on available evidence on her Instagram page, authorities could argue that marketing Oshole as a tool for enabling cybercrime contravenes the Cybercrimes (Prohibition) Act, which penalises aiding fraud through any means.

Though she is not a principal offender under Sections 22 (identity theft/impersonation) and 14 (computer-related fraud), her services support internet fraudsters activities in the country, thereby violating Section 27(b), which says,

Any person who aids, abets, conspires, counsels, or procures another person(s) to commit any offence under this Act; commits an offence and shall be liable on conviction to the punishment provided for the principal offence under this Act.

By interpretation, OlaXash conspires, aids, and abets the violation of Sections 22 and 14 of the Cybercrime Act. Under the Cybercrime Act, she is liable on conviction to not less than 14 years imprisonment cumulatively, a fine of not less than N29 million, or both fine and imprisonment.

Ignorantia juris non excusat, said Victor Giwa, a legal practitioner and the national coordinator of Advocates for Peoples Rights and Justice. The expression is a legal term coined from Latin, which means ignorance of the law is not excusable.

He explained that the law targets possession, promotion, and sale of such items with the intent to facilitate crime.

He distinguished between the lawful use of charms for personal protection and their unlawful use to aid criminal activities.

He said, Carrying a charm for self-defence against theft or armed robbery does not constitute a crime under Section 213 of the Criminal Code. However, when such items are used or sold to enable or conceal criminal acts, the law unequivocally deems this illegal.

Despite the laws clarity, Mr Giwa expressed concern over the inadequate enforcement of these provisions. He pointed out that agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have the authority to prosecute offences related to charms but have not sufficiently prioritised this area.

He called on security agencies, including the police, to establish specialised units dedicated to investigating the production and sale of these charms, monitoring their promotion online, and identifying traditional practitioners involved in these activities.

Security agencies, particularly the police and other relevant authorities, should establish a dedicated unit responsible for investigating why people are making these charms, monitoring their activities on the internet, and identifying traditional or native doctors involved in such practices, he said.

While practising traditional medicine is not illegal, practitioners must be held accountable if their activities contribute to crime.

Giwa called for the proper registration of the traditional herbalists. He said, There should be a unit within the Nigerian Police Force responsible for registering anyone who wishes to engage in traditional medicine. Many of these practitioners have contributed to the rising crime rate, especially among young people.

Finally, he urged authorities to take decisive action against the charms online advertising. He recommended leveraging social media platforms to shut down accounts that openly promote these products, as such advertisements fuel criminal behaviour and worsen the problem.

EFCC sounds a warning to spiritualists

When we presented our findings to Mr Oyewale, the EFCCs spokesperson, he revealed that the Commission will commence its independent investigation.

He further warned spiritualists that the Commission would prosecute culprits who provided such support under the Cybercrime Act.

He said, If it can be established that there is criminal support, our laws provide for punishment for such people.

He stated that the Commission will equally punish culprits aiding and abetting internet fraudsters under the relevant sections of the Nigerian law.

READ ALSO: NCAA commences awareness campaign to curb rising violence against aviation workers

The EFCC will not hesitate to invoke any relevant section of our law to deal with anyone aiding, abetting, or supporting Internet fraudsters to ply their trade. As long as it can be established, theyll be treated like the major culprits, and society will be better for it.

Ms Longe, citing the Cybercrime Act, urged the EFCC to take legal action against OlaXash and other vendors in the trade.

In this scenario, the spiritual provider is using her services to boost young peoples confidence to commit fraud, she said.

After reviewing the messages and screenshots provided, it is evident that she is operating with impunity, despite the provisions of the Cybercrime Act. Law enforcement agencies should take action based on this evidence, she added.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has provided clarity on its decision to reinstate the co-pilot of an Air Peace flight involved in a runway excursion incident, despite earlier reports linking some crew members to alcohol and drug use.

Air Peace aircraft had a runway excursion on Sunday, 13 June, after landing at Port Harcourt International Airport, though no damage was reported.

The Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) later revealed that the plane touched down 2,264 metres from the runway threshold, well beyond the recommended zone and came to a stop 209 metres into the clearway.

Also, medical tests conducted on the crew reportedly detected traces of alcohol and cannabis in some members.

The airline later disputed these findings, arguing that not all crew members were at fault.

Reacting to the claim, NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, during an X Space discussion on Saturday, said the regulatory body acted according to due process, based on both the available facts and its internal investigation.

He noted that the co-pilot was not implicated in either the NCAAs review or the NSIB preliminary report, explaining his clearance and return to duty.

I learnt yesterday that the NCAA was being blamed for giving clearance to the first officer. But based on the NCAA internal findings and the NSIB preliminary report, the co-pilot was not found culpable, Mr Achimugu said.

In fact, he advised the captain to go around, which the captain did not follow. It would be unfair to ground someone for a year while an investigation continues if there is no evidence of wrongdoing, he added.

Mr Achimugu also highlighted that regulations are sometimes tested in real-life situations, which is why the NCAA continuously reviews its rules. He added that airlines are expected to maintain their internal compliance policies and report them to the authority.

No matter how thorough regulations appear on paper, their effectiveness is proven only when incidents occur. That is why rules are regularly reviewed and updated, he said.

The director explained that further actions would be handled by the Director General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo, who has resumed investigations.

He reiterated that the NCAA follows internationally recognised procedures for post-incident assessments, including the use of approved testing centres.

Despite these clarifications, some concerns were raised particularly regarding the NSIB, which is the statutory body responsible for accident and incident investigations.

I have contacted the NSIB and discussed the matter, but I am still waiting for full feedback. I flagged inconsistencies that need urgent attention. The DG has just returned and is expected to provide a formal statement tonight, Mr Achimugu explained.

Aviation expert Bamidele Badmos raised concerns over the airlines public communication.

The image of Air Peace is at stake. The airline flies international routes, and treating incidents lightly could put Nigerias Bilateral Air Services Agreements at risk, he said.

Mr Badmus emphasised that aviation rules must be applied consistently.

This sector has high standards. Operations cannot be treated like a regular business. Any infraction must be addressed immediately. The rules are clear and non-negotiable. Defending someone publicly without facts only complicates the situation, he said.

He further advised airline personnel against giving informal media interviews, warning that such actions could exacerbate public confusion.

Staff should leave sensitive matters to official channels and professionals, he added.
President Bola Tinubu came into office promising that Nigeria is back, then framed his foreign policy around the now-familiar 4Ds: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora. Two years on, his record shows meaningful movement on economic statecraft and regional crisis management, but also costly execution gaps that have blunted Nigerias leverage. The next two years can still be decisive, if Abuja converts headline-grabbing announcements into bankable projects, repairs its regional coalition, and fixes the machinery of Nigerian diplomacy.

What Tinubu Has Tangibly Gained

1) A revived pipeline for large economic deals

Tinubu has put presidential weight behind high-value commercial diplomacy:

GermanySiemens Presidential Power Initiative. Abuja and Berlin re-upped the power-sector overhaul at COP28, and Nigeria has since moved into Phase 2, an attempt to translate an oft-stalled project into grid upgrades that ease Nigerias energy bottleneck. If delivered, that is the single most growth-relevant diplomatic win on the table.

Saudi Arabia engagement. Riyadh pledged refinery investment and support for Nigerias foreign-exchange reforms; Abuja later sought a multibillion-dollar trade facility. The Saudi track gives Nigeria options beyond Western lenders and, if structured well, can crowd in private capital for energy and logistics.

Brazil re-set. Petrobras return and five new MoUs, with an air link to Sao Paulo. point to a more purposeful South-South corridor in oil, agriculture, and aviation.

G20 channel. Nigeria leveraged its 2023 invitation to the G20 Leaders Summit to court investment and has stayed plugged into South Africas 2025 presidency (including an invitation to host a G20-linked event). Even without membership, that platform expands Nigerias convening power.

Why this matters: Nigerias growth constraint is not ideas but execution capital, stable power, logistics, and FX depth. Using summitry to unlock those inputs is precisely what economic diplomacy should do.

2) Recalibrating ECOWAS crisis management

Mr Tinubus early red line against coups collided with political reality, but the shift from coercion to engagement was ultimately pragmatic: ECOWAS lifted most sanctions on Niger (and some on other junta-ruled states) in February 2024, opening channels for security cooperation and humanitarian relief. Abuja then pursued a security MoU with Niamey. These moves preserved residual influence even as three Sahel states (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) proceeded with formal withdrawal from ECOWAS in January 2025.

Why this matters: Nigerias strategic depth rests on a functioning near-abroad. The pivot from maximal sanctions to selective engagement kept de-escalation options alive and limited spillovers on trade and cross-border security.

3) A coherent (and communicable) doctrine

The 4Ds have given Abuja a short, exportable story about its foreign policy. Whatever one thinks of the branding, it has helped align ministerial talking points and signal priorities (diaspora finance, youth demography, democratic norms).

Where the Gains Fell Short

1) Promises outpaced inflows

Nigerian officials touted tens of billions in investment commitments, yet measured FDI remains weak and several flagship pledges are still at the MoU or feasibility stage. The credibility gap between announcements and disbursements has fed scepticism among investors.

2) Regional leadership dented

Despite Abujas efforts, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) formalised its exit from ECOWAS in 2025. That is a structural hit to Nigerias integration agenda (trade, mobility, security). Rebuilding an architecture that works with or around the AES is now unavoidable statecraft, not optional idealism.

3) UAE channel unresolved

Reports and counter-reports about visa normalisation and shifting rules have left Nigerians and airlines in limbo. For a travel, remittance, and aviation corridor as consequential as the UAE, ambiguity has costs.

The Strategic To-Do List: How Tinubu Can Maximise Diplomatic Dividends

A. Convert MoUs to megawatts, cargo, and jobs (1224-month delivery agenda)

1. Power: Ring-fence Siemens Phase 2 with a sovereign-backed completion account and independent project monitoring; publish a quarterly scorecard with sub-targets (substations commissioned, ATC&C loss cuts, grid uptime). Tie disbursements to verifiable milestones.

2. Energy/industry: Package the Saudi refinery and Petrobras tracks as bankable projects, clear permitting timelines, FX access rules, and local-content requirements that dont scare off EPC contractors. Use a fast-track One-Stop Investment Room in Abuja to cut land, port, and offtake bottlenecks.

3. Trade corridors: Leverage the new LagosSao Paulo air link for perishables and pharma supply chains; negotiate mutual recognition for standards and green lanes at customs to turn flights into freight value, not just passenger volumes.

B. Rebuild West Africas security-economy compact, with flexible geometry

4. Security compacts that coexist with politics: Institutionalise NigeriaNiger joint operations against ISWAP and bandit networks irrespective of ECOWAS politics; expand intelligence fusion cells along the SokotoKebbiZamfara and Lake Chad axes.

5. Variable-geometry ECOWAS: Offer AES states a-la-carte participationtrade facilitation, cross-border payments, power poolingeven if political integration pauses. Pair this with a Sahel Stabilisation Facility (arms-length from ECOWAS) to finance roads, fibre, and border markets that make exit economically costly over time.

6. People-first sanctions doctrine: Codify a rule that any future ECOWAS sanctions include automatic humanitarian carve-outs and time-bound reviews; Nigeria should champion this after learning from the Niger episode.

C. Fix the diplomatic machine that must deliver all of the above

7. Appoint, empower, and fund: Conclude ambassadorial appointments with a competency-first slate (deal-makers to the G20 and Gulf posts; protection-of-nationals experts to migration hotspots). Front-load Q4/Q1 operating funds to missions to end arrears and reputational damage.

8. Create an Investment Delivery Unit (IDU) in State House, co-chaired by Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Power, with a 10-project mandate (Siemens grid nodes, refinery rehab, Lagos logistics parks, gas processing). Publish monthly dashboards; let ambassadors escalate blockages straight to the IDU. (Nigerias problem is not attractit is execute.)

D. Turn Diaspora from slogan to balance-of-payments instrument

9. Diaspora finance: Issue rolling diaspora bonds (short tenors, quarterly windows) and digitise KYC via remittance apps. Earmark proceeds to power and airport modernisation; publish use-of-proceeds audits to beat the trust deficit.

10. Consular reform: Standardise five-day passport renewals at high-volume missions with service-level guarantees; publish wait-time dashboards. Strong consular service is soft power, and investment due diligence runs through embassies first.

E. Use climate and food security to widen coalition partners

11. Climate-for-growth diplomacy: At COP30-31 and the G20 Johannesburg cycle, spearhead a Baseload for Africa initiative (gas-to-power + grid finance labelled as transition-compatible). Offer credible methane-leak abatement at home to unlock concessional climate funds for grid upgrades.

12. BrazilNigeria food corridor: Turn the Brazil opening into a bilateral on mechanisation, tropical seeds, and cargo cold-chain, where both countries are complementary. Tie it to AfCFTA export targets to make it regionally scaling, not bilateral silo.

F. De-risk the UAE and aviation file

13. UAE detente: Table a technical working group (Aviation/Interior/Foreign Affairs) with a 60-day deliverable: reciprocal visa categories, airline slots, and data-sharing on travel fraud. Signal certainty with a joint communique and updated travel advisories. Ambiguity is expensive for households and carriers alike.

The Bottom Line

President Tinubu has rebuilt access to capital, to summits, and to counterparts, and he steered ECOWAS away from an escalation spiral in 2024. Those are non-trivial gains. But access is not the same as influence. Influence comes when projects switch on, planes take off, borders stay open, and citizens feel it. That is why the next phase must be about delivery discipline at home and coalition management abroad.

If Abuja locks the Siemens schedule, closes two or three Saudi/Brazil deals to financial close, restores an ambassadorial corps fit for purpose, and re-invents ECOWAS around practical cooperation, Nigerias claim to regional leadership will no longer rest on slogans. It will rest on infrastructure humming, food moving, and borders secured, the quiet proofs of diplomacy that works.

Victor LIMAN is the former Chief Trade Negotiator and Acting Director General of the Nigerian Office for Trade Negotiations. Mr. LIMAN is also the former Head and Commissioner, Nigeria Regional Investment and Trade Office, China, with the concurrent mandate to oversee Nigerias trade and investment relations with South Eastern Asian Countries. [email protected] (+234 7011276040).
New Zealand telco Spark has released a spate of announcements, including its new five year plan spanning the period up to FY30, and two new partnership agreements.

Spark's new five-year business strategy, SPK-30, focuses on "core connectivity" - mobile, broadband, and business connectivity - which the company says contribute 80% of Sparks gross margin and will be the priority for capital allocation.

The new strategy announcement, which was flagged in August, follows on the heels of a horror set of FY25 results, which prompted the telco to promise a five-year turnaround strategy and capital management reset.

Earlier, Spark announced the signing a long-term partnership agreement with Maori Spectrum and Telecommunications service, Tu Atea, to secure the rights to use 20MHz of Tu Ateas C-band (3.5GHz) spectrum.

Tu Atea delivers internet and communication solutions, particularly to rural and underserved areas.

The additional 20MHz of spectrum will be deployed across all of Sparks C-band 5G cell sites nationwide for an agreed period of 18 years, increasing the total C-band spectrum Spark can deploy to 100MHz, and overall available spectrum to 350MHz.

As we activate this additional spectrum through our 770 C-band 5G cell sites nationwide by the end of October, we expect 5G speeds to increase by up to 25% and we will be able to support up to 20% more traffic on our 5G network," said Sparks Network and Operations Director Renee Mateparae.

This partnership complements the significant investment we make in our network each year to deliver both 4G and high-speed 5G services to our customers across the country.

Over the past year, 5G mobile data usage has grown by 79% and our 5G network now reaches over half the population. Todays announcement ensures we are well positioned to meet future demand, as technology continues to play a growing role in our customers lives.

Spark and Tu Atea are looking to expand their partnership by deploying rural and regional small cells through Tu Atea to improve coverage in hard-to-reach areas, support for marae-based civil defence connectivity solutions, and collaborating on workforce development initiatives designed to create pathways for Maori into the telecommunications and digital sectors.

Through this agreement we are creating new pathways for Maori to enter and thrive in the telecommunications sector," said Tu Ateas Chief Executive Antony Royal.

"It strengthens our focus on rural connectivity and will come to ensure marae have the digital tools they need to stand strong in times of civil defence emergencies.

Spark also announced a "New Zealand first" partnership with global API platform aggregator Aduna, enabling the development of new commercial models that monetise Sparks network investment.

Aduna, the global aggregator of network APIs and a joint venture between 13 global telecom operators and Ericsson, enables businesses and developers to directly access and customise telecommunications networks using globally standardised network APIs.

Spark says the partnership enables the telco to explore new Network as a Service (NaaS) commercial models, with an initial focus on developing SIM Swap detection and Number Verification APIs.

One of the first API solutions we will be focusing on is fraud prevention," said Spark Network and Operations Director, Renee Mateparae.

"SIM swap fraud occurs when a mobile number is transferred to a new SIM card without the account holders consent.

"By providing a timestamp indicating when the SIM card associated with a phone number was last changed, the API allows businesses to identify recent SIM swaps which could suggest unauthorised access and enables businesses to take action - such as blocking transactions - to protect the end user.
(By Mariam Ileyemi, Qosim Suleimon, Chinagorom Ugwu, Fortune Eromonsele, Oluwakemi Adelagun, Saviour Imukudo, Anas Dansalma, and Pascal Ibe)

The nationwide five-day warning strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has crippled services in public hospitals across the country, leaving patients stranded and in some cases, desperate for care.

At the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, and the Wuse District Hospital, Abuja, patients seeking medical care were left stranded on Saturday as the nationwide strike by resident doctors entered its second day.

PREMIUM TIMES observed a labouring woman being wheeled out of FMC Jabi to another hospital after she was denied care. The two women accompanying her lamented about the strike as they left.

A senior doctor, who asked not to be named, saw them depart and admitted he could not intervene. The doctor said he was in another ward and didnt even know the strike had gotten this serious.

He explained that the withdrawal of resident doctors, the foot soldiers of the hospital, would inevitably cripple services.

Another woman in a burqa said she was attended to by a student doctor but was told her test results would not be ready until the next day.

The situation was no different at the Wuse District Hospital. The atmosphere was quieter, with only a few staff and patients around. The Radiology Unit was also locked, leaving patients stranded.

The emergency ward had only a few nurses and no doctors on duty. The waiting area was deserted except for a man lying across a seat, too tired to leave.

Strike shuts down key services

NARD began a five-day nationwide warning strike on Friday after the expiration of several ultimatums to the federal government.

The association is demanding the release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), payment of five months arrears from the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and settlement of outstanding allowances.

NARD also criticised the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for downgrading membership certificates from the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons.

Resident doctors make up the bulk of medical personnel in Nigerias tertiary hospitals. Previous strikes have often crippled services nationwide.

Patients in distress in Enugu

Activities were paralysed at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu State, where patients said their lives now depend on luck.

Nebechi Emmanuel, who suffered a fracture in a road accident, said doctors stopped treating him and other patients on Friday.

I am usually treated daily by doctors. But since yesterday (Friday), doctors have stopped attending to patients here. They said they will resume after the strike, he said.

My condition is worsening due to lack of treatment, he lamented.

Chinwe Agozie, who had been looking after her mother, said the womans condition worsened on Friday night, but a doctor who had been attending to her refused to respond to a distress call.

My mother developed another condition yesterday night. We reported to nurses on duty who phoned the doctor, but he said he would not come because of the strike, she said.

I thought my mum would die last night. She just survived by luck and because of God.

She added that another patient beside her mothers bed had been bleeding heavily without attention.

Even yesterday, the blood from her leg filled the whole ward, she said, appealing to the government to quickly settle the doctors demands.

Doctors are part of our lives. Theyre lifesavers after God. The government should attend to their demands urgently.

Another patient, Chigozie Nnamani, said: Doctors have abandoned us. We dont get treated anymore patients with critical conditions are in danger.

Hospital officials confirmed that no new patients were being accepted, not even in the emergency unit.

The situation was different at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, which did not join the strike.

Overstretched consultants in Kano

At the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, senior doctors stepped in to fill the void left by striking residents.

I have been working here today, and since yesterday, when the strike began, nothing has changed. We attend to patients with emergency needs, said a staff member at the Accident and Emergency Department.

She explained that consultants had taken over. The senior doctors have taken over. So no single patient is unattended, as you can see for yourself, she said.

But the General Outpatient Department told a different story. With residents absent, patients were fewer but waited longer.

On a normal day, we usually have up to five doctors on a shift. But today we only have two doctors for the morning shift and another two for the evening, another staff member said.

A consultant described the strain: You see, I started my shift by 2 p.m., but the number of patients I am expected to attend to is overwhelming. By then, she already had about 50 patients on her list.

Patients gave mixed views: some said they were still being seen without much delay, while others admitted waiting times were longer.

Uyo hospital turns back new cases

The strike has also crippled activities at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Akwa Ibom State.

A nurse at the accident and emergency unit told PREMIUM TIMES that heads of departments have begun discharging patients because there were no doctors to attend to them.

If you check, some corners are empty. That is because we are not accepting new cases. After all, there is no doctor to cater to them, the nurse said.

Relatives expressed frustration. No doctor has seen her since morning, Monday Okon said of his sick mother.

Kufre Sunday, caring for his father, added: I pray the strike is called off because I cannot afford medical bills at a private clinic.

The Chief Medical Director, Ememabasi Bassey, said the hospital could not accept new patients.

Any new patients admitted now will be put at risk because there will be nobody to take care of them. The consultants are not that many, he said.

We are managing the patients who are already in the ward and will not be able to cope with new patients for now.

Patients abandoned in Owerri

At the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, activities were crippled.

A woman identified as Esther said her brother, who was scheduled for abdominal surgery, had to be transferred to another hospital where the bill was N700,000. Her family had managed to gather only N200,000.

She pointed to a man lying in the ward who, she said, had not been attended to.

Even if patients are transferred or discharged, there is no doctor to sign the papers, she said.

After visiting several wards including Accident and Emergency, no consultations or surgeries were taking place. Only the Casualty Department was treating patients with a few doctors on duty.

More impacts in Abuja

At Karshi General Hospital, Abuja, the impact of the strike was visible. The normally busy wards had no patients, only a few staff.

A pharmacist at the hospital explained that patient turnout has drastically reduced since the strike began.

The strike has affected many of our activities. You can even check the records; very few people have been coming since it started. The only unit still receiving people is the Accident and Emergency ward, she said.

A nurse identified as NJ said the Accident and Emergency (A&E) unit now runs skeletal services.

Normally, we would admit or take patients to the theatre. Now we only assess, stabilise, and refer them to private hospitals. We do not keep patients, he said.

According to him, corps members, locum doctors and a handful of consultants were managing emergencies.

Here we have only two or three consultants, mostly in surgical units. They handle cases like caesarean sections or deliveries, but they are available only on weekdays, he explained.

He said for severe malaria that requires two or three days admission they provide an immediate injection to reduce fever and a start dose of antimalarial medication, then advise the patient to continue treatment elsewhere.

For accident victims, they suture the wounds or do initial wound care, but they will not keep patients for admission.

Despite the shutdown, antenatal and some laboratory services continued, largely under consultants.

Mixed compliance in Lagos

In Lagos, some resident doctors across hospitals showed full compliance with the strike.

A visit to some health institutions including the Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Yaba, Lagos and the University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) showed full compliance, as resident doctors were not working.

At LUTH, the president of the Association of Resident Doctors, Benjamin Uyi, said the doctors demands were long overdue and should have been addressed earlier.

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.

However, at the Alimosho General Hospital, activity continued. A security guard said: If there was a strike, they wouldnt be working. The association gave FG five-day warning strike, I am aware of the strike.

READ ALSO: NARD fumes as Kaduna govt hospital sacks resident doctors

A parent, Adeleye Isiaka, whose toddler was recently discharged from the pediatric section, corroborated this.

He told PREMIUM TIMES that the doctors and nurses have been attending to us very well since his arrival on Thursday around 4 a.m.

I dont know of other sections but here at the pediatric section, they attended to us and other people that came after us very well.

He further said that they have a scheduled appointment next Monday for follow up and observation.

What next?

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that NARD scheduled an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting for Saturday night to review the strike.

The doctors say they remain open to negotiation but insist the government must resolve outstanding issues to avert a deeper crisis.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its warning strike, two days after it began, following commitments by the federal government to address key demands.

The strike, which started on Friday morning, was called off on Saturday night, with members instructed to resume work on Sunday.

The associations president, Tope Osundara, confirmed the development to PREMIUM TIMES in a telephone interview on Sunday.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that NARD held an extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Saturday night to review the strike and the governments response.

The association said the suspension was to give the government a two-week window to fully implement its demands. Mr Osundara emphasised that while negotiations remain open, unresolved issues could escalate tensions.

The strike had disrupted services in public tertiary hospitals nationwide, where resident doctors form a majority of the doctors working there. With resident doctors on strike, consultants and other health workers were left to manage heavy patient loads, straining hospital services and causing delays in care.

NARD had embarked on the strike to press for several outstanding demands, including the immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund and the settlement of five months arrears under the 2535 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review.

Other demands included payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, and restoration of recognition for West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

The association also called on the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue membership certificates to all qualified candidates, implement the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, resolve welfare issues in Kaduna State, and address challenges faced by resident doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.

More details

In a statement released after the strike, NARD said the decision to suspend the action followed the commitment of the federal government to address the issues outlined in our strike communique, as well as the commencement of payment of the 2025 MRTF to members who were previously owed.

It added that the suspension was also guided by concern for Nigerians facing health challenges amid the current harsh economic conditions.

The association urged the Oyo State Government to comply with the 15-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Oyo State branch, to resolve outstanding issues at LAUTECH.

NARD warned that failure to do so could lead to an indefinite solidarity strike in the state.

State governments were also called on to promptly address welfare challenges affecting resident doctors.

The statement clarified that members in state tertiary hospitals would continue industrial action until their respective governments demonstrated genuine commitment to resolving the issues.

NARD concluded by reaffirming its dedication to working with all levels of government to ensure a healthy Nigeria for all.
Naija Times, an independent online newspaper in Nigeria, proudly celebrates its 5th anniversary.

To mark this milestone, the management is excited to announce the launch of Naija Times Journalism Foundation, its nonprofit arm, reinforcing its commitment to quality journalism and social impact.

Founded on September 15, 2020, by Ehi Braimah, a notable PR expert and media personality in Nigeria, Naija Times has delivered high-quality, unbiased, and informative content to its readers. Akpandem James and Jahman Anikulapo  two senior and highly respected journalists  are Braimahs co-founding partners of Naija Times.

The newspaper covers politics, business, health, education, culture, and sports, while its regularly published editorials provide sharp insights into Nigerias pressing issues. The newly launched website, www.ntm.ng to mark the anniversary, offers a seamless, user-friendly experience, making it easier for readers to navigate the website and access Naija Times diverse content.

On its 3rd anniversary two years ago, Naija Times launched the book, For a Better Society, a compilation of editorials published from September 2020 to July 2023 in Abuja, further solidifying its role in shaping public discourse.

Naija Times Journalism Foundation, accessible at www.ntjfoundation.org, expands the organisations mission by supporting investigative journalism on critical social issues, promoting media literacy to educate the public on evaluating information and combating misinformation, and empowering community development through initiatives that foster social cohesion and economic empowerment.

We are proud to celebrate five years of delivering credible journalism to our readers, said Braimah, founder and publisher/editor-in-chief of Naija Times.

Five years ago, we launched Naija Times with the following goals in mind: build strong institutions, promote transparency and accountability in public spending, uphold the rule of law, and defend the public interest.

Together with my colleagues, we remain committed to building an egalitarian society that is founded on equity, justice and respect for fundamental human rights. The launch of Naija Times Journalism Foundation represents a bold step forward in our mission to drive social impact and elevate journalism practice in Nigeria.

Naija Times Journalism Foundation is a knowledge production and journalism innovation hub dedicated to strengthening democratic governance and promoting inclusive development and accountability by empowering a vibrant and free press in Nigeria, Africa and Black Diaspora.

The Foundations Programmes Officer is Hart Onoboh, a seasoned programmes and communications professional with over five years experience, driving impactful development projects in Nigeria.

Hart has a robust background in strengthening democratic governance, combating misinformation, and facilitating community-based interventions.

Previously a fact-checker and visual communications officer at the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa), he led initiatives to counter misinformation and promote electoral integrity, training over 25 fact-checkers across four states in Nigeria.

Hart is currently pursuing a Masters degree in Information Management at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and he brings technical expertise, creative communication, and field experience to the Foundations advocacy and governance initiatives.

Signed by

EHI BRAIMAH

Publisher/Editor-in Chief, Naija Times

+2348033017348 | [email protected]
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to identify politicians and political parties blatantly violating constitutional and statutory legal provisions and international standards which prohibit early election campaigns and to ensure the prosecution of perpetrators and their sponsors.

SERAP urged him to closely monitor political parties breaching the constitutional and statutory provisions and international standards which prohibit early election campaigns and to develop clear regulations to govern the conduct of parties and politicians regarding premature election campaigns in Nigeria.

INEC last week expressed concerns about early election campaigns by political parties, stating that the campaigns have undermined its ability to track campaign finance limits. INEC also claimed there is no sanction for early election campaigns.

But in the letter dated 13 September 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: INEC is not helpless when political parties, candidates and other politicians contravene the legally prescribed period for election campaigns. Early election campaigns are unconstitutional and illegal.

SERAP said, INEC constitutional and statutory mandates extend to sanctioning or penalising electoral offences, including early election campaigns.

According to SERAP, INEC should not be seen to be encouraging or giving legitimacy to political parties, candidates and other politicians carrying out early election campaigns outside the legally prescribed campaign period.

The letter, read in part: Early election campaigns have adverse effects on economic development due to prolonged electioneering frenzy.

As INEC is yet to publish the timetable and schedule of activities for elections, early election campaigns are inconsistent and incompatible with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], Electoral Act and the countrys international human rights obligations.

Several state governors seem to be using fuel subsidy windfall for early election campaigns. Several state governors are grossly failing to invest in social and economic development and provide essential services to their residents despite a significant increase in revenue since the removal of fuel subsidies.

Enforcing the prohibition against early election campaigns would be reasonable, justifiable and proportionate, as it would serve to achieve human dignity, equality, and freedom. INEC has broad constitutional and legal obligations to promote, protect, uphold the rule of law and defend the public interest.

Any failure by INEC to fairly enforce constitutional and statutory prohibitions of early election campaigns and the countrys international human rights obligations would create a culture of impunity of perpetrators and their sponsors.

By failing to act against or sanction political parties, candidates and other politicians for engaging in early election campaigns, INEC is implicitly condoning the violations of the Nigerian Constitution, the Electoral Act and the countrys international human rights obligations.

We would therefore be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and INEC to comply with our request in the public interest.

Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) in 2024 FAAC shared N28.78 trillion to the three tiers of government, a 79 percent increase from the N16.28 trillion disbursed in 2023. In 2024, Nigeria ranked 130th out of 141 countries for infrastructure quality.

According to a joint report by the World Bank and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 129 million Nigerians live in extreme poverty.

While the minimum wage has been increased from N30,000 to N70,000 many state governors are failing to pay the new wage.

SERAP is concerned that political parties and politicians commenced campaigns almost immediately after the 2023 general elections instead of complying with the legal requirement that campaigns begin 150 days before the 2027 general elections.

Rather than prioritising delivering good governance to their people, state governors and other politicians are hoisting campaign banners across the country soliciting for votes.

INEC can rely on section 83 of the Electoral Act to seek information or clarification from political parties on how they are complying with the constitutional prohibition of early election campaigns and to direct the parties to immediately end the practice which is clearly contrary to the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act.

INEC should impose sanction on political parties and candidates who fail to comply with its directive, as prescribed under section 83(4) of the Nigerian Constitution.

INEC should also use section 225 of the Nigerian Constitution to demand from political parties the source(s) of funding by the parties and candidates for early election campaigns.

Several political parties, candidates and other politicians are promoting themselves and canvassing for votes before the 150 days prescribed by the Electoral Act. Political parties, candidates and other politicians cannot elevate themselves above the law.

Early election campaigns undermine under the provisions of chapters 2 and 4 of the Nigerian Constitution covering fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policy and fundamental rights.

Specifically, early election campaigns violate economic and social rights, right to equality and equal protection of the law, sustainable development, and the right to free and fair elections as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and the countrys international human rights obligations.

INEC would be deemed to have violated these rights if the commission continues to fail to prevent early election campaigns or punish those conducting them, as it would be creating conditions unfavourable to the effective realization of these fundamental human rights.

150 days before the election date is sufficient time for political parties, candidates and other politicians to prepare themselves to seek the votes of Nigerians and to meet their fate at the election box.

The drafters of the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act never contemplated that political season would be a continuous exercise. Public officers ought to comply with the constitutional Code of Conduct for Public Officers and face the legal consequences if they fail to do that.

Several candidates and other elected public officials have abandoned their constitutional oath of office including to act in the interest of the well-being and prosperity of Nigeria, and to preserve, protect and defend the Nigerian Constitution.

Politicians including several state governors are prioritising election campaigns rather than focusing on achieving socio-economic well-being of Nigerians especially the marginalized and disadvantaged sectors of the population.

Early election campaigns facilitate diversion of public resources and disruption of public services as well as undermine citizens access to public goods and services, as they give unfair advantage to well-resourced or incumbent candidates, thus eroding transparency, fairness and impartiality.

The failure to punish political parties, candidates and other politicians for engaging in early election campaigns would continue to allow elected officers to use public resources for political purposes, and violate the rule of law.

It would also compromise the neutrality of public offices, violate the principles of public service and create conflict of interests.

According to our information, you recently expressed concerns about early election campaigns by political parties and candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

You also expressed concern that These actions and activities undermine the commissions ability to track campaign finance limits as politicians, prospective candidates and third-party agents expend large amount of money that cannot be effectively monitored before the official commencement of campaigns.

However, you claimed that there is no sanction for early election campaigns by political parties and politicians.

SERAP notes that Section 94(1) of the Nigerian Constitution provides that the period of campaigning in public by every political party shall commence 150 days before polling day and end 24 hours prior to that day.

Section 94(2) also provides that, any political party during the 24 hours before polling day (a) advertises on the facilities of any broadcasting undertaking to promote or oppose a particular candidate, commits an offence under this Act and is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of N 500,000.

Paragraph F Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the Nigerian Constitution empowers INEC in section 15(f) to monitor political campaigns and provide rules and regulations which shall govern the political parties.
The federal government says it is working to expand the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) to 50 million primary school pupils in 2026.

The National Programme Manager, National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), Aderemi Adebowale, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

We are working to include early years  primary 1 to 3, primary 4 to 6  in the school feeding programme, and also out-of-school children, which we are handling step by step to integrate.

So, by the year 2026, we are looking at feeding close to 50 million pupils in primary school in Nigeria.

Ideally, school feeding should be between N500 to N1,000 per child.

Even at N500 per child, you should be able to still give the children a nutritious and delicious meal on a daily basis, she said.

Mrs Adebowale added that the agency controlled the price through the formation of an alignment of small-holder farmers, aggregators, supply chain and developing partners.

With this alignment, well be able to control price from the rock bottom. We are not going to be doing market prices.

So, we have to agree on prices from our suppliers, agri-vendors and farmers to arrive at a reasonable cost per plate.

Once we do that, we will follow up on the payment and service delivery, she said.

NAN recalls that on 27 May 2025, the federal government inaugurated the Alternate Education and Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Project, aiming to provide meals for 20 million out-of-school and underserved children by 2026.

The initiative was inaugurated in Abuja by the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Nentawe Yilwatda.

Mr Yilwatda is the current National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The programme was rolled out through the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (RH-NHGSFP), in partnership with the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education and the National Identity Management Commission.

Mr Yilwatda had highlighted the programme as one of the key components of the National Social Investment Programme Agency (NSIPA), introduced to mark President Bola Tinubus second year in office.

(NAN)
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says it will engage aggrieved members but will not appease those with ulterior motives to destabilise the party.

The ADC interim National Publicity Secretary (NPS), Bolaji Abdullahi, stated this while addressing journalists on Saturday in Abuja.

Mr Abdullahi alleged that some political agents were attempting to destabilise the opposition, similar to what happened to the PDP, Labour Party, and Social Democratic Party (SDP).

We have people, even within leadership ranks, who voluntarily resigned their positions. Some have also expressed grievances against the party, Mr Abdullahi said.

He noted that the party had recognised legitimate grievances and addressed them satisfactorily.

But when people act belligerently, with clear ulterior motives to destabilise the party, we cannot continue appeasing such individuals, he warned.

Mr Abdullahi stressed that the ADC is united and not factionalised in any way, adding that the new leadership emerged from the 99th National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

He explained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) observed the meeting, in line with legal requirements.

Mr Abdullahi dismissed claims that a recent court order restrained the partys leadership from functioning, describing such reports as false and misleading.

He said those spreading the misinformation were agents of destabilisation determined to undermine the ADCs new coalition.

The court only rejected the prayer and requested our appearance on 15 September. INEC has already recognised our leadership, Mr Abdullahi clarified.

The party spokesman insisted the ADC leadership was unmoved by such distractions.

Weve taken our decisions, moved on, and are focused on building our party, he said.

He noted that with INECs recognition of the new leaders, the party had crossed a major hurdle.

Now, Senator David Mark and Mr Rauf Aregbesola can legitimately sign and issue membership cards, Mr Abdullahi said.

He also dismissed claims by the partys 2023 presidential candidate, Dumebi Kachikwu, that the new leadership was an assemblage of retired politicians.

Mr Abdullahi argued that Mr Kachikwu, not being a member of ADC, had no authority to make such pronouncements about the party.

READ ALSO: Labour Party senatorial candidate joins ADC

He urged observers not to judge the party by its performance in the recent by-election, which occurred shortly after its leadership restructuring.

For us, the by-election outcome is not a true measure of our strength. The ruling party will be shocked in future contests, Mr Abdullahi said.

On assessing the governments performance, Mr Abdullahi advised the ruling party to be honest with statistics on appointments, projects, and programmes nationwide.

Responding to whether four years was enough to assess the current administration, he said the real issue was the governments direction, not just the timeframe.

He noted that some elected leaders had delivered sterling performances within their first term in office.

(NAN)
A Nigerian law firm, F.K. Nnadi and Co., has threatened to sue the University of Lagos (UNILAG), and the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, over alleged irregularities in their 2025 Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (Post-UTME).

In separate pre-action notices signed by Kene Nnadi and addressed to the two universities, the firm accused them of awarding unjustifiably low scores and withholding the results of some candidates without explanation.

It warned that such actions jeopardise the admission chances of many applicants.

The law firm has also written petitions to the House of Representatives and the National Universities Commission (NUC), demanding intervention.

The notices and petitions were shared by Alex Onyia, the chief executive officer of Educare, a software solution for schools, who himself has repeatedly threatened to sue the universities for the alleged infractions.

UNILAG has denied the allegations, insisting all cases flagged for malpractice followed clear violations of established examination guidelines.

The spokesperson for OAU, Abiodun Olarewaju, has yet to respond to PREMIUM TIMES enquiry and request for comments on whether the university is aware of the concerns and if it has received the pre-action notice.

Post-UTME concerns

In a series of tweets, Mr Onyia accused both institutions of using the same software for the Post-UTME and that it had a major bug that wrongly flagged candidates for malpractice and mismatched scores for others.

UNILAG, OAU and UI are toiling with the destinies of young Nigerians, he wrote in one tweet. If nothing is done quickly, we will take up legal action against them. There was a major bug and glitch with the Web Test software that affected the students.

Mr Onyia said he had compiled 752 reports from candidates allegedly affected by the glitch.

He has also proposed a free and independent audit for any of the willing universities.

Earlier this year, Mr Onyia raised similar concerns after the UTME results were released.

He was proven right after the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), which administers the UTME, bowed to public pressure to review the results and found there were glitches, prompting an apology and rescheduling of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) for affected candidates.

Pre-action notice, petitions

In the pre-action notice dated 11 September and sent separately to the universities, the law firm is requesting that the candidates or an independent third party be granted access to their Post-UTME answer scripts and the marking scheme used, to verify the assessment.

It is also requesting the release of the withheld Post-UTME results.

It also requested that candidates flagged for malpractice be afforded a proper, fair hearing, with the opportunity to defend themselves before any punitive decision is taken against them.

While the law firm issued a three-month notice for OAU to comply with its request, it issued 30 days to UNILAG.

If the universities fail to meet the requests within the time frame, the law firm said it would institute legal actions against the institutions at a Federal High Court to enforce our clients fundamental rights and seek appropriate remedies, including but not limited to declaratory reliefs, order of mandamus, injunctions and damages, without further recourse to you.

However, UNILAG has denied that a system or technical glitch affected the candidates flagged for malpractice.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem, the university said the cases flagged were the result of clear violations of established examination guidelines.

These detections followed the use of multiple monitoring mechanisms, including secure video surveillance, deployed to ensure the integrity of the screening process, the statement said.

Call for intervention

The law firm has also petitioned the Executive Secretary of the NUC, Abdullahi Ribadu, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, through the Chairperson of the House Committee on Tertiary Education and Services, Miriam Onuoha.

In the petitions, the law firm called for an investigation into the conduct of the 2025 Post-UTME examinations at UNILAG and OAU.

It requested that the universities be mandated to accord fair hearing to all students flagged for malpractice before any punitive action is taken against them.

It also asked that the NUC issue clear policy guidelines to all Nigerian universities to ensure that Post-UTME examinations are conducted with fairness, accountability and due process.

Direct both universities to release the withheld results of students who have not been accused of any wrongdoing.

Ensure that affected students are granted access to their answer scripts and the marking scheme used, in the interest of transparency, the petition reads.

A trying year for national examinations

This year, two national examinations have suffered glitches that affected the results of Nigerian students, inadvertently eroding trust in the examination bodies.

When JAMB released the 2025 UTME results in May, it was instantly met with grumblings as some candidates insisted that they performed better than what their scores revealed.

After initially maintaining that their scores reflected their performance, JAMB bowed to pressure and reviewed the results.

The review showed that a glitch affected over 370,000 candidates, prompting JAMB to reschedule the UTME for them.

However, discontent lingers as other candidates in the regions JAMB said were unaffected also claimed to have performed better than their allotted scores.

Later in the year, days after it released the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) briefly suspended the result checker and asked candidates to recheck their results after it discovered technical issues in the result.

WAECs review of the WASSCE results and subsequent release of the corrected results pushed performance from 38 per cent to 62 per cent.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has announced a full transition of the Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) to CBT.
Nigerias sudden ban on raw shea nut exports is hurting farmers, exporters and investors, according to a new policy brief from the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), which urged the government to adopt a phased approach.

According to the brief released on Sunday by the CPPE chief executive, Muda Yusuf, the ban was introduced without consultation and has triggered sharp disruptions in the supply chain.

Shea nut prices have fallen more than 30 per cent since the measure took effect, eroding the incomes of farmers and aggregators. Exporters are facing possible defaults on contracts and looming loan repayments, while thousands of jobs in cultivation, logistics and trade are under threat.

President Bola Tinubu, on 26 August, announced the temporary suspension of the export of shea nuts. The ban, which is with immediate effect, is subject to review on expiration and specifically aimed at boosting Nigerias shea value chain to generate around $300 million annually in the short term.

Nigeria accounts for about 40 per cent of global shea nut output, and officials argue that value addition at home could generate jobs, foreign exchange and industrial growth.

Sudden bans on exports with immediate effect introduce uncertainty, heighten risk, and undermine investor confidence, said Mr Yusuf. The policy effectively penalises primary producers to benefit processors, creating a zero-sum scenario rather than a shared-growth model.

The think tank warned that abrupt policy shifts send negative signals to investors and could reverse gains in non-oil exports, which exceeded $3 billion in the first quarter of 2025.

CPPE recommended that the government allow companies to honour existing export contracts, introduce clear timelines for phasing out raw exports, and address structural constraints such as power supply, logistics and financing that make local processors less competitive.

It also urged the government to Introduce clear timelines for phasing out raw exports, allowing businesses to adjust operations; Permit fulfilment of existing export contracts to prevent defaults and maintain Nigerias credibility; address structural challenges, power supply, logistics, infrastructure, and financing, to enable processors to purchase raw materials at market prices and still compete internationally.

It also recommended safeguarding farmers incomes by ensuring they receive fair market value for their produce, while avoiding policies that shift costs onto them. CPPE urged regular consultation with farmers, processors, exporters and financiers to improve transparency and build investor trust.

Nigeria has long struggled to balance the push for industrialisation with the need to protect smallholder farmers who dominate the countrys agricultural sector. Previous sudden restrictions, such as bans on maize and rice imports, have drawn criticism for destabilising markets and deterring investment.

Mr Yusuf said Nigerias industrial policy should be strategic, inclusive, and market-friendly, adding that processors should thrive on competitiveness rather than on a regime of subsidised raw materials.

The CPPE brief called for regular engagement with farmers, exporters and financiers to build trust and policy stability.
The people of Isanlu-Isin in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State have expressed fear for their lives after an encounter with bandits led to the killing of some vigilante members and the destruction of their motorcycles.

For more than two years, the people have lived under the shadow of rising insecurity.

What began as isolated kidnappings along major roads has, in recent months, spiralled into a wave of abductions, killings, and displacement.

Between June and September, residents said the situation had gotten out of hand, leaving their once peaceful community gripped by fear and uncertainty.

According to Jacob Ayanda, the vice president of the Isanlu-Isin Development Association, the attacks have devastated farmers and herders in the area.

He said several farmers have been kidnapped while working in their fields, forcing many others to abandon their farms altogether.

Two years ago, we began to see increased kidnappings on major roads in and around Isanlu-Isin. Farmers were targeted; many fled their farms. But between June and this moment, things have gotten out of hand, he told PREMIUM TIMES.

In addition to farmers and long-established Fulani residents of the community have also been severely affected.

Mr Ayanda recalled an incident that occurred about two months ago when bandits attacked Fulani settlements during prayers.

They came when the Fulani were praying, so they shot and killed some before kidnapping others, he recounted.

He further revealed that the abductors demanded N100 million as ransom.

The Fulani bargained and paid N20 million, only for the bandits to say the payment was for one person. Up to this moment, the Fulani are still with the bandits.

As a result, Fulani families who had lived in the community for generations have abandoned their villages and taken refuge in uncompleted buildings in Isanlu-Isin town.

The crisis intensified days ago when local vigilantes received intelligence that bandits were preparing to invade the community.

In response, vigilante groups from Isanlu-Isin, supported by their counterparts from neighbouring towns such as Omu-Aran, Oko, and Olla, mobilised to confront the threat.

However, the effort ended in tragedy.

Each community lost more than one person while some are still missing, Mr. Ayanda said, his voice heavy with grief.

Just two days ago, we found one of my brothers bodies, but we are still searching for another who remains missing.

Although the vigilantes fought bravely, the bandits struck back with devastating force.

More than 27 motorcycles belonging to the defenders were destroyed, two men were killed, and six others remain unaccounted for.

These losses have left the communitys only line of defence demoralised and stripped of mobility, unable to respond effectively to distress calls.

If the vigilantes are trying their best, why dont some security officers join them and help us? Mr. Ayanda asked.

In the face of these relentless attacks and the absence of state protection, on Friday, the residents blocked the IlorinLokoja highway to call attention to their plight

According to Mr Ayanda, this was not an act of lawlessness but a desperate attempt to draw national attention to their plight.

We have made efforts to reach the authorities but it was not successful, he said. We blocked the road to show the world our pain and the insensitivity of those in authority.

The Isanlu-Isin Community Development Association has since appealed to the federal and state governments, as well as the police and the Nigerian Army, to urgently intervene.

Their demands include the immediate search-and-rescue operations for missing persons, the combing of forests and bushes around the community now believed to be hideouts for armed bandits, and the replacement of the vigilantes destroyed motorcycles

The blood of our people cries out for justice, and the safety of our women, children, and elders hangs in the balance, a statement by the association read.

The desperation of residents is echoed in the voices of ordinary community members. Buhari Adeniyi urged both government intervention and self-defence.

The government at the various levels should come to the rescue of the people of Isanlu-Isin land promptly, he said.

Another resident, Aderonke Janet, expressed sorrow at what she described as government neglect. Its so sad that our government is not saying anything while its people are being slaughtered like chickens, she lamented.

Similarly, Jimoh Kareem voiced concern over the growing insecurity across Kwara State.

No place is safe in Kwara these days. If the government is not responding, I think people should defend themselves in ways that do not break the law, he said.

Kwara used to be very peaceful; I dont know how we arrived at this level. But more importantly, anybody who sees something in the community must say something.

Police React

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, alongside other security agencies, were working to restore peace in the affected communities.

According to her, the operation in Isanlu-Isin was not carried out by vigilantes alone but was a joint security effort.

Its not just the police. These are joint operations, because insecurity is not limited to Kwara South. Even in Kwara North, we are facing kidnapping challenges. We are working alongside the military and local vigilantes, she explained.

Ms Ejire-Adeyemi added that the command also received special interventions from the Office of the National Security Adviser to help curb insecurity across the state. She stressed that the police recorded no casualties in the incident.

There is no operation of this nature where vigilantes act on their own. They usually inform us, and we work together, she said.

On claims by residents that bandits had collected ransom from the community, Ms Ejire-Adeyemi denied any knowledge of such payments.

The Kwara State Police Command does not negotiate with bandits or criminals. We are not aware of any ransom payments, she insisted.

She, however, assured that the police remain committed to the safety of residents.

Were doing our best to keep Kwara people safe in their communities, she said, while urging citizens to support the security agencies with timely intelligence.

If you see something or hear something, say something. The support we need most is accurate and prompt information, always passed to the appropriate authorities.
The Tinubu administration on 11 and 12 August played host to an Israeli delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel, with its hawkish ambassador in Nigeria, Michael Freeman, as part of the delegation. In official talks with the Nigerian State led by Minister of State Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Haskel said Israel was in the country to share perspectives on how to handle terrorism. It was an insult for a terrorist entity to claim it is sharing perspectives with us. It is like the Islamic State being given a red carpet reception.

Israel, under the Netanyahu regime, and shielded from international sanctions by countries like the United States (US) and Britain, has become like a rabid dog. Just on Wednesday, 10 September, it carried out a second attack, within 24 hours, on a flotilla in the Tunisian port, which is planning to break its aid blockade in Gaza.

The day before, Israel had attacked Doha, the very capital of Qatar, which plays host to ongoing peace talks on Palestine and is a key negotiator in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas. By the way, this may be a warning to the Gulf States sitting on the fence as Israel seeks to obliterate the Palestinians and seize Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon and, possibly, Yemen.

Israel, a rogue state terrorising humanity, does not differentiate between enemies and friends. For instance, it is carrying out diplomatic sanctions against Spain just because that country has decided to stop supplying it weapons which it is using against defenceless peoples.

This is nothing strange; the Israeli dog can also militarily attack the USA, one of its main owners, which really feeds it. It actually did on 8 June 1967 when it deliberately bombed the US warship, Liberty. A total of 34 American crew men were killed in those attacks, which also saw 174 injured. The US merely made excuses and licked its wounds.

Israel is now taking on some of its Western allies. On 8 September, one of them, Spain, decided to impose some sanctions against Israel in order to stop the genocide in Gaza. Its Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, announced an arms embargo, stopped Israeli-bound ships and aircraft carrying weapons from docking in Spanish ports or entering its airspace, and banned the importation of goods from West Bank settlements.

Intemperate Israel accused Spain of carrying out anti-Semitic programmes. Its Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, announced sanctions on two Spanish ministers for allegedly crossing every red line. He referred to the Spanish government as Sanchez and his twisted ministers and claimed thus: The government of Spain is leading a hostile, anti-Israeli line, marked by wild, hate-filled rhetoric. Spain, in reaction to these verbal attacks, recalled its ambassador from Tel Aviv.

The method used in this pattern of killing is unheard of in human history: starving people are lured out into the streets, like setting a trap for rats; once they go for the bait, they are killed. The Israeli military deliberately targets journalists for elimination, making Gaza the most dangerous place in the world to practise the profession. In the first 22 months of the Gaza War, 270 journalists and media workers were eliminated. These included journalists from Western media like AP and Reuters.

Meanwhile, Israel is continuing its genocide. It gleefully announced that it has now blasted over 50 high rise buildings in Gaza. Its weaponisation of hunger, as at 11 September, led to 464 Palestinians, including 141 children, dying of starvation. This excludes the over 1,400 Palestinians that the United Nations (UN) in a 1 August report said had been killed in food queues by Israel. The method used in this pattern of killing is unheard of in human history: starving people are lured out into the streets, like setting a trap for rats; once they go for the bait, they are killed. The Israeli military deliberately targets journalists for elimination, making Gaza the most dangerous place in the world to practise the profession. In the first 22 months of the Gaza War, 270 journalists and media workers were eliminated. These included journalists from Western media like AP and Reuters.

The United Nations, in its 16 July report, laid bare the bestial conduct of Israel in the Gaza War. While condemning the massacre of medical practitioners, the world body concluded that: These strikes on medical professionals happened in a context where close to 200,000 Palestinians have been either killed or injured, the vast majority civilians and mainly as a result of Israels choices of methods and means of warfare, that raise grave concerns of a pattern of violations of international humanitarian law.

Sadly for us Nigerians, shamefully for us Africans and the Black Race, the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu chose this period to engage in hot romance with genocidal Israel. At a time decent humanity is distancing itself from the Israeli leper, the administration is publicly embracing it.

The Tinubu administration on 11 and 12 August played host to an Israeli delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel, with its hawkish ambassador in Nigeria, Michael Freeman, as part of the delegation. In official talks with the Nigerian State led by Minister of State Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Haskel said Israel was in the country to share perspectives on how to handle terrorism. It was an insult for a terrorist entity to claim it is sharing perspectives with us. It is like the Islamic State being given a red carpet reception.

The Nigerian Minister, accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the TETFUND, Mr Sonny Echono, and a representative of the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani, told the Israeli delegation that: Nigeria and Israel share common values and challengeswe can build a future of peace and prosperity for our people. This is a false claim. We Nigerians do not share the Israeli values of genocide and carrying out crimes against humanity. No future for peace can be built in the Middle East or anywhere based on the seizure of peoples homes and extermination of human beings, irrespective of their origins.

Where does the Tinubu government stand in all these? It is not clearly stated in any formal document, but ten days after the Abuja meetings with the Israelis, Palestinians in Nigeria who dared to raise a voice against the Israeli genocide were seized. Since 22 August, the Nigerian government has detained without trial four of such persons. Abusafiah Ramzy Ibrahim, a Nigerian-Palestinian who has lived peacefully amongst us for 35 years, was seized by a secret Nigerian security organisation, and has virtually disappeared.

More disturbing and insulting is the celebration of Israeli Heroism by the Nigerian government, which went on to praise Israel for its alleged courage and resilience. What courage can be attributed to a nuclear power, backed by powerful countries, and is engaged in killing babies in incubators?

The Nigerian government tried to be smart by half in claiming it supports a two-state solution in the Palestine. What sincerity is in that when your guests are busy exterminating the inhabitants of the second state?

Where does the Tinubu government stand in all these? It is not clearly stated in any formal document, but ten days after the Abuja meetings with the Israelis, Palestinians in Nigeria who dared to raise a voice against the Israeli genocide were seized. Since 22 August, the Nigerian government has detained without trial four of such persons. Abusafiah Ramzy Ibrahim, a Nigerian-Palestinian who has lived peacefully amongst us for 35 years, was seized by a secret Nigerian security organisation, and has virtually disappeared. Also detained are Bala Usman, Ahmed Isah and Ali Mahmud Gazali Mohammed. They are all being held in some secret location and denied basic rights, just like Israel is holding Palestinians in their tens of thousands in detention centres.

These detentions violate the fundamental rights of the victims and the basic principles enshrined in our Constitution. This is not who we are as Nigerians. That is why historically, while Israel supplied arms, intelligence services and, internationally, supported Apartheid South Africa, we Nigerians fought for the liberation of our continent.

Just as it did after nearly invading our brothers and sisters in Niger Republic, the Tinubu administration should walk back; walk away from Israel and its criminal ways. Nigerians have no inheritance in the House of racist Zionism.

Owei Lakemfa, a former secretary general of African workers, is a human rights activist, journalist and author.
one thing is clear: if anyone honestly believes that a 22 year old University student with no special training as a sniper or shooting and with no experience in the military or security forces can take one shot and hit his target, who was wearing a bullet proof vest, in the neck from 200 yards away and then make a cool, calm getaway without any help from anyone, then that person will believe anything. You need to be a fool not to see through this one!

Be very wary and suspicious of the people who are already telling us to stop asking questions about the Charlie Kirk assassination.  Candace Owen.

How right Candace is. Yet, we must continue to ask questions about this gruesome assassination and demand answers regardless.

There can be no doubt that the assassination of the young, popular, right-wing, pro-Trump, American commentator Charlie Kirk was a professional hit, which was sanctioned from the highest quarters. The question is who was really behind it?

There are many suggestions about what the answer is to this burning question, but to me from what we have seen and heard so far, the most compelling is the following.

That even though he was one of their most ardent supporters, Israel ordered the hit and executed it with the knowledge and support of the American Deep State.

I say this is compelling for the following reasons:

1. He started raising serious questions about the complicity of the Israeli government and security agencies in the 7th October attack.

2. He argued that they actually allowed the attack to happen in order to justify their destruction and decimation of Gaza.

3. His strong opposition to the Isreali attack on Iran and the American involvement.

4. His declaration that Epstein was a MOSSAD agent.

5. His calling for the Epstein files to be released.

6. His deep concerns about the overwhelming power of the Israeli lobby and AIPAC on American politics.

7. His opposition to the curbing of the freedom of speech, when it came to criticising the State of Israel.

8. His expression of concern to his friends that Israel may eventually target and kill him weeks before his murder.

9. The post on X by his best friend, one Harrison Smith, one week before his assassination, that he would be targeted by Israel, and that he feared for his life.

10. His declining of an invitation to Israel, which Prime Minister Netanyahu personally issued to him.

These 10 points provide food for thought, and to be sure Israel has a track record in such murky matters.

It is in the same way that there are strong allegations that they killed President John F Kennedy; that they were behind 911; that they were behind the attack on the American warship US Liberty (killing dozens of American servicemen); that they killed Count Folke Bernadotte; that they killed Jacob de Haan; that they bombed King David Hotel in Jerusalem (killing many British servicemen); that they killed their own Prime Minister Yiztak Rabin; that they killed the Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Ghaleb Nasser al-Rahawi and his entire cabinet; and that they control American presidents, the American Federal Reserve, and the American Congress.

It is therefore plausible and not a farfetched notion that they organised the hit on Charlie, contracted the real hit man, organised a decoy on the scene (the old man who claimed he was the shooter and who was initially arrested), are manipulating the media reports, are teleguiding the investigation, and have successfully provided a patsy or a fall guy (the young man called Tyler Robinson who was dressed in black, wore a black cap and dark glasses and who has allegedly confessed to the crime) to take the blame for the whole thing, just as they did for the JFK murder.

It may interest skeptics to note that Charlie himself complained publicly on a podcast a few weeks ago that the Israelis would come after him and that despite the support he had given them over the years, he was now being labelled as an anti-semite, simply because of a number of questions he raised about their behaviour.

I have no doubt that after they finish using the patsy, they will either kill him, just as they did in the case of the alleged assassin of JFK, in order to cover their tracks or they will conduct a show trial, which will result in a conviction but which will not expose the truth of the matter and those who are really behind it.

In addition to that, the authorities will come out with the crazy conclusion that it was their patsy, who they will describe as a liberal, confused, crazy, pro-trans gender and anti-fascist madman, who just wanted to kill Charlie in order to deal a blow to the American right and all that he stood for.

We see all this unfolding before our very eyes and it is an eloquent testimony to the low intelligence quotient that many members of the American public have that they so readily accept it.

The truth is that those who believe their hogwash do so at their own peril, because it is very obvious that there is far more to the whole thing than the media is telling us.

They are simply trying to cover up the truth, just as they have always done with such high profile assassinations, and just as they did with 911 and so many others.

This is the modus of the Israeli intelligence Services and the American Deep State who they work closely with.

This is the sort of thing that they do so well.

It may interest skeptics to note that Charlie himself complained publicly on a podcast a few weeks ago that the Israelis would come after him and that despite the support he had given them over the years, he was now being labelled as an anti-semite, simply because of a number of questions he raised about their behaviour.

To add to that, is it not strange that a book titled The Shooting of Charlie Kirk was released on the 9th of September, just one day BEFORE his assassination.

This is bizarre and provides even more food for thought.

Now that the patsy, a 22 year old Utah student by the name of Tyler Robinson, has been apprehended and has apparently confessed to his relatives that he killed Charlie. Let him tell us who it was that he was communicating with on Discourse, that allegedly provided him with the rifle.

if anyone honestly believes that a 22 year old University student with no special training as a sniper or shooting and with no experience in the military or security forces can take one shot and hit his target, who was wearing a bullet proof vest, in the neck from 200 yards away and then make a cool, calm getaway without any help from anyone, then that person will believe anything. You need to be a fool not to see through this one!

Let the authorities tell us why that person has not been identified or arrested? Is that person not an accomplice or is he or she above the law? Does he or she have a licence to kill or to support and assist those that have been commissioned to pull the trigger?

Let them also tell us who Tyler was working for or with. Is there not a clear and distinct possibility that, as in the JFK assassination, there was another shooter who slipped away quietly and undetected? Was that the plan all along?

Outside of that let them tell us about the private jet, which is owned by Derek Maxfield, a major donor to the ultra-right Zionist organisation known as Chabad Lubavitch, that flew off from the local airport 30 minutes after the murder, which illegally turned off its tracer for one hour and returned to the airport 30 minutes later.

Who was in that plane, where did it go and why did it not want its movements tracked or traced? Why have the pilot and crew not been arrested? Who did they smuggle out of the vicinity and why did they find it necessary to hide their destination?

Again, why would the Governor of Utah say that no other people would be charged and that Tyler the patsy acted alone? How and why did he come to this conclusion so quickly? Does this make sense?

These questions all need to be answered.

Yet, regardless of whether they are answered or not, one thing is clear: if anyone honestly believes that a 22 year old University student with no special training as a sniper or shooting and with no experience in the military or security forces can take one shot and hit his target, who was wearing a bullet proof vest, in the neck from 200 yards away and then make a cool, calm getaway without any help from anyone, then that person will believe anything. You need to be a fool not to see through this one!

In my view the whole thing, including the unfolding and immaculate cover up, was planned with precision by a hidden hand from beginning to end, and that hand very likely resides in Tel Aviv.

That is the nature of the Zionists and their friends. That is who and what they are.

In all this, it is only Charlie and his family that I feel sorry for. To be assassinated by your former friends right in front of your wife and young children is a terrible thing.

This is especially so when you have left such a beautiful family behind. May his soul rest in peace.

Femi Fani-Kayode is the Sadaukin Shinkafi, the Wakilin Doka Potiskum, the Otunba Joga Orile, a former Minister of Culture and Tourism and a former Minister of Aviation.
A delegation of top Executives from TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited has commended the leadership style of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, describing it as transformational, people-centred, and worthy of emulation.

This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday, 13 September, by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Otti, Njoku Ukoha.

The team led by a proud Abia son, Obi Imemba, Executive Director, Joint Venture Asset, Total-Energies EP Nigeria Ltd, visited Governor Otti at his residence after attending the burial of their late colleague, Chinwendu Ememanka, who until his death served the company with distinction.

In his remarks, Mr Imemba noted that the visit was not about politics but about recognising a rare brand of leadership that inspires hope.

Everyone here today is not here simply because you are the Governor. We are here because we see something extraordinary in your leadership, Mr Imemba said to Mr Otti.

Everything rises and falls on leadership, and what you represent gives us confidence that Abia State is on the right track. We are proud to be associated with your brand of leadership.

Mr Imemba emphasised that the private sector often criticises the Government but that Governor Ottis approach has broken stereotypes, creating an environment where professionals and intellectuals feel encouraged to collaborate with the Government.

We in the private sector usually shy away from the public sector, but under your leadership, the narrative has changed. We see progress, sincerity, and a willingness to partner. Many of us here have platforms for giving back, and we are willing to align with your vision to support the people of Abia State, he added.

Ottis response

Governor Otti, in his response, thanked the delegation for their kind words, while emphasising that leadership remains the bedrock of societal progress.

Everything succeeds or fails on the altar of leadership. As I often say, when intelligent people stay away from politics, they lose the right to complain when poor leadership takes over. It requires sacrifice to make a difference, and we all have a role to play in shaping the society we desire, the governor remarked.

He further assured the delegation of his administrations openness to professional partnerships, stressing that his Government is determined to make Abia a model State driven by accountability, inclusivity, and excellence.

The Governor also paid tribute to the late Ememanka, describing him as a man who left a mark of excellence in his professional and personal life. He urged the team to continue supporting his family, while keeping his legacy alive.

Earlier, a proud Abia son, Onwuka Oreh, General Manager, Government Relations, TotalEnergies, praised Governor Ottis strides in Abia State, pointing specifically to the historic Omenuko Bridge, which in the past claimed many lives due to its deplorable state but has now been reconstructed and stands strong under the Governors administration.

He described the project as a symbol of responsive leadership and evidence of the Governors commitment to safeguarding lives and improving infrastructure across the State.

The visit ended with mutual expressions of goodwill between the Governor and Total-Energies team as they looked forward to future engagements that would foster development in Abia State.

Other members of the TotalEnergies delegation included Eragbae Aikhoje, Executive General Manager, Field Operations Deep Water Asset; Cajetan Onu, Senior Advisor to the MD; and Nnamdi Amechi, GM Partners, Authorities & Regulators.
The Bauchi State Muslim Parliament has endorsed the peace-building efforts of Senator Shehu Buba, the chair of the Nigerian Senate Committee on Security and National Intelligence.

The group, which held a press conference in Bauchi on Saturday, declared its total support for the senators use of dialogue as a solution to conflicts, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

The Chairman of the Parliament, Ahmad Yusuf, commended Senator Buba, who represents Bauchi South, for his work in peaceful conflict resolution and national security. According to Mr Yusuf, an engineer, Senator Bubas approach aligns with the organisations core vision of promoting unity and peaceful coexistence.

Mr Yusuf highlighted the senators initiatives, including frameworks for peaceful coexistence between farming communities and pastoralists. He noted that Senator Bubas approach, which blends dialogue with economic empowerment, mirrors successful strategies previously employed in the Niger Delta region.

Another member of the Parliament, Hamza Abubakar, emphasised that years of armed struggle against security threats like Boko Haram have not resolved the problem.

He pointed to the successful use of dialogue in Kaduna, which has led to a more peaceful environment. If this is the result, why cant we allow the initiator of this dialogue to continue and apply the same methodology in other parts of the country for peaceful coexistence? he asked.

The Muslim Parliament strongly condemned what it described as a vicious smear campaign against Senator Buba, calling the attacks character assassination aimed at undermining his contributions to national security.

The organisation also called on all stakeholders to join in addressing Nigerias security challenges and urged the government to address the grievances of conflict victims. It appealed to citizens to support peace and cautioned politicians against using national security as a political tool.

Senator Buba has been widely recognised for his advocacy of non-kinetic approaches to complement military operations in combating insecurity.

His strategy emphasises dialogue, reconciliation, and socio-economic renewal, principles rooted in his academic background in Peace Studies and Conflict Management.

He is currently pursuing a PhD focused on the drivers of banditry in Zamfara and Kaduna States.
Former Kogi State Deputy Governor, Edward Onoja, said ex-Governor Yahaya Bello assured him for years that he would succeed him, only to back current governor Usman Ododo, on the eve of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in 2023.

Speaking on the MIC ON podcast at the weekend, Mr Onoja, who served as Mr Bellos chief of staff before becoming his deputy, said the former governor repeatedly told him to prepare for succession.

For four years before 2023, he (Bello) was the one who called me and said, You will succeed me, get prepared, Mr Onoja said.

Mr Onoja said Mr Bello later encouraged several cabinet members to purchase APC nomination forms before informing him privately that his support was for Mr Ododo.

When he broke the news to me a day before the primaries, I told him, You are the boss, you are over me, what you see is what I see, but I hope you are not making a mistake.

The former deputy governor disclosed that Mr Bello gave three reasons for sidelining him: that his capacity was too much, that some people in Kogi East did not support him because of his alliance with Mr Bello, and that he could be more useful in potential federal roles.

Despite the setback, Mr Onoja said he remained loyal to Mr Bello and the APC, working for Mr Ododos victory in the November 2023 election.

No regrets for serving with Yahaya Bello, he said. He has given me opportunities to serve, learn, grow, network and he has given me a national face.

Mr Onoja also dismissed claims that he acted as part of a shadowy cabal in Mr Bellos administration, insisting he was instead the governors chief strategist, who influenced many appointments, particularly from his Igala-dominated senatorial district.

Mr Onoja, who is currently on the board of the South-East Development Commission, said he holds no grudge over the broken promise but said it remained difficult to accept.
The Emir of Yashikira in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State, Imorou Sariki Sabi, has urged the federal and state governments to intensify actions for tackling insecurity in the area.

Mr Sabi made the call while addressing attendees of the annual Gani Festival in Yashikira on Saturday.

He commended the government for restoring peace to communities in the area threatened by the Mahmuda terrorist group, whose commanders were recently apprehended by security operatives.

The emir called for a holistic approach to ending insecurity in the area and allowing farmers to return to their farms to contribute to food security in the country.

He urged the people of Baruten to embrace unity, which he described as essential for the development of the area.

Mr Sabi also admonished the youth to steer clear of hard drugs and channel their energy into productive ventures.

Also speaking at the event, the Emir of Ilesha Baruba, Halidu Abubakar, encouraged the people of Baruten to set aside communal differences and work together to foster peace and development.

The Gani Festival is an annual cultural celebration that draws indigenes of Yashikira at home and in the diaspora to the forecourt of the emirs palace to showcase and promote their heritage.

Thousands of horse riders, dressed in colourful regalia, paraded through the town in a spectacular display at the popular cultural event.
The people of Anambra North are being cut off from their homes, farmlands, and livelihoods as the critical Onitsha33 JunctionAguleriAyamelumAdani Federal Expressway lies in ruins.

On Saturday, Tony Nwoye, the senator representing Anambra North, toured the road with stakeholders to see firsthand the deplorable condition that has brought untold hardship to millions.

The lawmaker was visibly agitated as he described the road as completely cut off, unmotorable, and impassable.

For years, residents have been stranded, commuters trapped, and farmers unable to transport their produce because the Federal Government has failed to act on a road that links not only several communities in Anambra but also stretches into Enugu State.

This is no longer just about infrastructure, Senator Nwoye declared. This is about human survival. The people of Ayamelum and surrounding local governments are suffering, and we cannot continue to keep quiet.

The senator reminded Nigerians that the Senate had, as far back as July 2023, adopted a motion he sponsored calling for urgent rehabilitation of the road.

He added that the project had already received a No Objection approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement, following his repeated interventions with the Federal Ministry of Works.

Yet, despite official clearance, the road has remained abandoned.

This neglect is unacceptable, Mr Nwoye said, making a direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.

We cannot continue to play politics with peoples lives, the lawmaker said. This road is a lifeline. Every day it remains in this state, our people are cut off from essential services, businesses are crippled, and food security is threatened.

The Senator insisted that government must immediately mobilize contractors to site, warning that continued delay would deepen the suffering of Anambra North residents and further isolate communities across seven local governments.

This road must be fixed urgently, and without further excuses, Senator Nwoye said. Our people deserve better.
The 2023 Labour Party Senatorial candidate in Lagos West, Moshood Salvador, on Saturday dumped the party for the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Mr Salvador, a former PDP Chairman in Lagos and ex-APC chieftain, defected with leaders and members of his group, Conscience Forum, in Surulere.

He said the group was celebrating its 25th anniversary while also reviewing achievements and preparing for the future.

According to him, the Labour Party has no future, hence the decision to move.

He explained that the coalition of political parties offered greater prospects for progress.

Mr Salvador stressed that ADC was the symbol of the new coalition.

He said the Conscience Forum had over 400,000 members across Lagos State.

He said the forum was moving into ADC with its full structure.

The decision, he added, was unanimously endorsed by the forums state executives.

Receiving Mr Salvador, ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola urged Nigerians to unite against the APC.

READ ALSO: Reps member dumps Labour Party

Mr Aregbesola, a former Osun Governor, said the APC had failed Nigerians repeatedly.

He maintained that ADC prioritises peoples welfare, unlike other political parties.

Mr Aregbesola added that ADC was committed to building a people-friendly government.

ADC Lagos Organising Secretary, Mohammed Ogidi, said the defections brightened the partys future.

Mr Ogidi stressed the party welcomes all Nigerians regardless of religion or ethnicity.

A former Ohaneze Ndigbo chair in Lagos, John Uche, pledged Ndigbos support.

(NAN)
Local communities unite to keep East Tennessee's lakes beautiful

NORRIS, Tenn., Sept. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of National Public Lands Day, volunteers, organizations, and local businesses across the 9 Lakes Region are rolling up their sleeves to preserve and protect the natural treasures that make this region a destination for outdoor adventure.

Two major lake clean-up events will give community members the chance to make a difference:

Unloading volunteer boats

Cherokee Lake Clean-Up  Tuesday, September 24, 2025





 Norris Lake Clean-Ups  Saturday & Sunday, September 2728, 2025

"These efforts highlight the spirit of East Tennesseeneighbors and organizations coming together to care for the lands and waters we all enjoy," said Julie Graham, Norris Lake Project Co-Chair. "Every bag of trash collected is a step toward keeping our lakes safe, clean, and beautiful for generations to come."

The 9 Lakes are beloved by anglers, boaters, and vacationers, while also providing critical habitat for fish, aquatic life, and wildlife that depend on healthy water systems. These clean-up efforts protect not only recreation but also the ecological balance of the region.

The clean-ups are supported by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), and a wide network of local volunteers, civic groups, and businesses. Together, their efforts safeguard water quality, wildlife habitat, and recreation opportunities for millions of annual visitors to the 9 Lakes Region.

How to Get Involved

Community members of all ages are encouraged to participate. Volunteers should wear weather-appropriate clothing and bring gloves if possible; supplies will also be available on-site.

Volunteer Dates:

Cherokee Lake  Sept 24





Norris Lake  Sept 2728

Locations & Details: Visit norrislakeproject.com/upcoming-cleanups for site-specific information.

By joining in, volunteers will not only honor Public Lands Day but also help ensure that East Tennessee's lakes remain a source of pride, recreation, and natural beauty.

About National Public Lands Day

National Public Lands Day, held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, is the nation's largest single-day volunteer event for public lands. It brings together hundreds of thousands of volunteers nationwide to celebrate and care for shared natural spaces.

About Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council (METTC)

The Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council (METTC) is a regional tourism organization dedicated to showcasing the natural beauty, history, and culture of the 9 Lakes Region of East Tennessee. Representing communities across Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Hamblen, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Sevier, Scott, and Union counties, METTC works collaboratively with local partners to promote outdoor adventure, scenic roadways, festivals, and authentic small-town experiences. From world-class fishing and lake recreation to historic sites and mountain trails, METTC helps visitors discover why East Tennessee is a place to explore, enjoy, and return to again and again.

SOURCE Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council
MADISON, Wis., Sept. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Everlight Solar has been voted Madison's People's Choice Favorite Solar Company for 2025. This community-driven honor recognizes excellence in customer service, innovation, and sustainability. This is Everlight Solar's second year winning this award.

Everlight Solar voted Madison People's Choice Winner 2025

Each year, the Wisconsin State Journal's People's Choice Awards celebrate the best businesses in Dane County, as chosen by the public. Everlight Solar's win highlights the company's ongoing commitment to empowering homeowners with affordable clean energy and making the switch to solar headache and hassle-free.

"This award is especially special," states William Creech, President and CEO of Everlight Solar. "It means a lot to have the greater Madison area believing in our mission: making solar energy accessible to all."

Over the past year, Everlight Solar has expanded its operations across Wisconsin and strengthened its presence in Madison through local partnerships. Events like Brat Fest, Parade of Homes, and volunteer efforts with organizations such as Second Harvest Food Bank are all stellar examples of Everlight Solar in the community. Its commitment to sustainability and community service has earned national recognition, including numerous Comparably awards and a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies.

For more information about Everlight Solar's mission, services, and additional awards, visit everlightsolar.com.

About Everlight Solar:

Everlight Solar is the fastest-growing solar company in the Midwest, with operations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Idaho, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. Everlight Solar earned a spot on both the 2023 Inc. 5000 and 2024 Inc. 5000 lists in their first two years of eligibility. To learn more about open jobs or about going solar for your own home, visit www.everlightsolar.com.

SOURCE Everlight Solar
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President Donald Trump's administration asked the US Supreme Court on Wednesday for an expedited ruling preserving the tariffs that have roiled global markets, saying a lower court ruling against it has already damaged trade negotiations.

Solicitor General John Sauer urged the court in a filing to "expedite resolution of this case to the maximum extent feasible, given the enormous importance of quickly confirming the full legal standing of the President's tariffs."

The petition comes after a 7-4 ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which found that Trump exceeded his authority in tapping emergency economic powers to impose wide-ranging duties.

The judges, however, allowed the levies to stay in place through mid-October, giving Trump time to take the fight to the Supreme Court.

Since returning to the presidency, Trump has invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to impose "reciprocal" tariffs on almost all US trading partners, with a 10-percent baseline level and higher rates for dozens of economies including the European Union and Japan.

The US president tapped similar powers to slap separate tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China over what he said was the flow of deadly drugs into the United States.

The appeals court ruling also cast doubt over deals Trump has struck with key trading partners like the EU, raising the question of what would happen to the billions of dollars collected by the United States since the tariffs were put in place -- if the conservative-majority Supreme Court does not side with him.

Several legal challenges have been filed against the tariffs. If they are ultimately ruled illegal, companies could potentially seek reimbursements.

On Tuesday, Trump told reporters that "if you took away tariffs, we could end up being a third-world country."

In a declaration filed with the petition, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that the appellate court's decision "gravely undermines the President's ability to conduct real-world diplomacy and his ability to protect the national security and economy of the United States."

Bessent said that "world leaders are questioning the President's authority to impose tariffs, walking away from or delaying negotiations," adding that the ruling had stripped the administration of "substantial negotiating leverage."

He also warned that delaying a final ruling until June 2026 could result in a scenario where "$750 billion-$1 trillion in tariffs have already been collected, and unwinding them could cause significant disruption."

The solicitor general requested oral arguments by early November.
Banks are receiving requests for cancellation of approved car loans, in view of the implementation of GST rate cut, which will lower the price of passenger vehicles and also lead to subsequent reduction in the amount needed to purchase them.

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh

It is to be noted that the 56th GST Council meeting earlier this month, approved substantial reduction in the GST rate for cars for up to 1,200 cc to 18 per cent from the existing 28 per cent.

Nearly 400 products - from soaps to cars, shampoos to tractors and air conditioners - will cost less when the rejig of the GST is effective from the first day of Navaratri on September 22.

In a run up to September 22, some of the customers who had their car loan approved, are now contacting the concerned branch for cancellation, as they want to purchase after the GST cuts are implemented, a senior official of a public sector bank said.

The official further said since the cancellation charges are very low compared to the benefit that they will get after September 22, borrowers are opting for a fresh loan process once the rate cuts kick in.

It is to be noted that many banks have waived-off their processing charges on vehicle and home loans to attract customers during the monsoon period.

According to a senior official of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), the old GST rate would be applicable on cars if the invoice has been issued to customers by the car dealer.

Customers can avail new GST rate, if the invoice has not been issued by a car dealer.

Another official said there has been a delay in offtake, as borrowers are now waiting for the rate-cut and also due to Shradha period which is till September 21.

Some of the customers are now opting for the better version of the car under the 1,300 cc category, as they are getting a 10 per cent benefit, the officer added.

Meanwhile, an estimated Rs 2,500 crore accumulated compensation cess on the books of auto companies will lapse on September 22, when the new GST rates come into effect.

Currently, automobiles are subject to GST at 28 per cent, which is the highest slab, and on top of it, a compensation cess ranging from 1 per cent to 22 per cent is levied, depending on the type of vehicle.

The total tax incidence on cars, depending on engine capacity and length, ranges from 29 per cent for small petrol cars to 50 per cent for SUVs.

Effective September 22, petrol and diesel cars with engine capacities of up to 1,200 cc and 1,500 cc will attract 18 per cent GST, while those above that will attract the highest 40 per cent.

Compensation cess on automobiles will cease to exist effective September 22.

CBIC Chairman Sanjay Kumar Agarwal said industry concerns about the accumulation of cess have been raised in various representations.

"Compensation cess was imposed for a particular purpose... Once the levy is gone, whatever credit is lying, it will remain lying in their books," Agarwal had said last week.
The boyfriend of a final-year female student of RG Kar medical college in Kolkata, who died under mysterious circumstances in a hospital in West Bengal's Malda, was arrested on Sunday and remanded to six-day police custody.

IMAGE: RG Kar Hospital. Photograph: ANI Photo

The family of the deceased had earlier lodged a complaint at Englishbazar police station, accusing her boyfriend, a junior doctor at Malda Medical College, of being responsible for her death.

A senior police officer said Ujjwal Soren, named in the first information report (FIR) as the accused in the unnatural death of 24-year-old Anindita Soren, was arrested on Sunday.

In her complaint, Anindita's mother Alpana Tudu alleged that Ujjwal had poisoned her daughter because she was insisting on official marriage registration, which he had been avoiding.

"When we saw her at the hospital CCU, she was frothing from her mouth," Tudu claimed.

She further alleged that the two had gone to Puri recently, where Anindita and Ujjwal got married secretly at a temple.

However, he later backed out of registering the marriage formally, leading to frequent arguments.

"As he backed out from the promise later on, this resulted in frequent tiffs and altercations, and my daughter had been under a lot of pressure," Tudu alleged.

Anindita, a resident of Balurghat in Dakshin Dinajpur, had met Ujjwal on social media and at various medical events, and their friendship developed into a romantic relationship.

The grief-stricken mother said, "Yesterday, we got a phone call from him that our daughter had fallen seriously ill and was taken to Malda hospital. Today we were informed that she died. We know she was asking him to marry her. Our daughter visited our Balurghat residence last Sunday and left for Kolkata the next day. How come she landed up in Malda subsequently and fell ill? We want police to interrogate him," Tudu said.

Officials said Ujjwal, who was picked up by a Malda police team from his rented house in Englishbazar town, Malda, was being interrogated.

Ujjwal was later remanded to six days' police custody by a local court. He will be again produced before the magistrate on September 20.

West Bengal Junior Doctor Front leader and RG Kar postgraduate trainee Aniket Mahato expressed solidarity with the bereaved family.

"We offer condolences to the family and want a speedy, fair investigation into the case. Whoever is responsible for the death of our sister-friend in R G Kar should be found out and punished. The allegations of her mother should be investigated with all seriousness," he said.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Sunday admitted that 'as of now, some assurances such as getting NEET scrapped', could not be fulfilled.

IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin with Dy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin honors 136 Adi Dravida students with laptops and certificates those students who secured admission in IITS, NLU, DU, NIFT, in Chennai. Photograph: ANI Photo

Stalin expressed confidence that one day a government would assume power at the Centre that respected the rights of the state, hinting at easing out the national eligibility test for medical education in Tamil Nadu at that time in future.

The CM, referring to the rousing reception accorded by the people to him, addressing an event in Krishnangiri, said that it caused a delay in arriving at the venue of the function.

"People show boundless love for me," he said, adding that opposition parties were unable to tolerate it. Hence, instead of constructive criticism, they allege that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has not fulfilled any of its electoral assurances.

On Saturday, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay targeted the DMK regime over unfulfilled promises.

The chief minister said going beyond assurances made in the DMK manifesto ahead of the 2021 Assembly election, several schemes not announced before polls, such as the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme for school children, have been implemented.

The media, including those in North India, underscore that under the DMK regime, Tamil Nadu is a model state for the rest of the country.

"However, some do not know any of these; rather, they try to hide these (achievements)."

Hence, the CM said spreading lies was the kind of politics they pursue and 'that crowd without any ideology does not know anything beyond that.'

He said, "Though there is no need to answer those indulging in cheap politics, I have the duty and responsibility to provide answers to you, the people."

Providing statistics related to fulfilment of 404 electoral assurances out of 505 promises and underscoring that the rest of the promises were under various stages, he said: "As usual, Leader of Opposition Edappadi Palaniswami does not know any of these, he has taken a decision to not see or listen to good things and to not speak the truth. Some think of building a narrative based on falsehood. Always, only truth has got more strength."

He said that the government could not fulfil assurances like getting NEET scrapped.

"We do not deny that. As of now, we cannot fulfil that promise. Are we not making efforts? Though Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had assured exempting Tamil Nadu from NEET ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, it was the BJP which formed the government with support from some parties.

"The anti-people (BJP-led NDA) government will not last for a long time."

On Palaniswami's criticism related to securing foreign investment to Tamil Nadu, Stalin said the former CM was responsible for industries exiting the state during the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam regime.

Citing the investors conference during the previous AIADMK regime and Palaniswami's foreign tour to get investments, Stalin said not even about 25 per cent of investment commitments fructified at that time.

Unlike the previous regime, during the DMK regime, 'seventy-seven per cent of companies, which signed MoUs, have come (to Tamil Nadu),' and the rest are engaged in work to commence operations.

The CM asserted that his resolve is to transform Tamil Nadu into a developed state not only in India but at the level of South Asia.

He said he was not concerned about defamation, lies and the blame game to target his government, adding he has risen to his current position only after battling such things during the past 50 years.

"We will win in the 2026 Assembly election as well. The next will also be our Dravidian model government. The people are ready," he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday accused the Congress of siding with terrorists groomed by Pakistan instead of supporting the Indian Army, and hailed the Assam government for 'evicting infiltrators from encroached land'.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during the launch of various development projects, in Darrang on Sunday. Photograph: DPR PMO/ANI Photo

Addressing a public meeting at Mangaldoi in Darrang district, Modi slammed the grand old party for allegedly protecting infiltrators and anti-national forces.

During the day, the PM launched development projects worth Rs 18,350 crore in the state, where the assembly polls are due next year.

At another rally at Numaligarh in Golaghat district, Modi said the central government is taking steps to reduce crude oil and gas imports, focusing more on the exploration of fossil fuels and green energy.

The US recently increased levies on Indian products for the country's purchases of Russian oil, bringing the total amount of tariffs imposed on New Delhi to 50 per cent.

"The Congress, instead of supporting the Indian Army, backs terrorists groomed by Pakistan. During 'Operation Sindoor', the Congress, instead of supporting our armed forces, which destroyed the terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, was engaged in protecting infiltrators and anti-national forces," the PM alleged.

'Operation Sindoor' was successful due to Ma Kamakhya's blessings, Modi said, adding that he was honoured to be present on this sacred land.

Continuing his tirade against the grand old party in Mangaldoi, the PM said that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had on Saturday night shown him a video in which a former Congress president was seen saying that the 'Bharatiya Janata Party was honouring singers and dancers'.

The Congress leader's comment came after the BJP had bestowed the Bharat Ratna on Bhupen Hazarika in 2019, Modi said.

"The wounds inflicted by Jawaharlal Nehru, during the Chinese aggression in 1962, on the people of Assam are yet to heal, but this insult to Hazarika is like adding salt to the wound," the prime minister claimed.

He said that he does not mind if he is abused or insulted, as he is a devotee of Shiva.

"Main nilkantha ke tarah, saare zehar nigal leta hoon (I swallow all poison like Nilkantha), but I cannot tolerate when a person like Bhupen da is insulted. I am pained by this insult to Bhupen da, but people are my masters and they will answer whether the BJP was right or not in conferring the Bharat Ratna on the legendary singer," Modi said.

He said the BJP's 'double-engine government' is committed to realising the dreams of Assam's great sons like Hazarika.

At the rally in Numaligarh, he alleged that Congress was responsible for the insurgency and unrest in Assam.

"The Congress also ignored the heritage and icons of Assam. But, the BJP brought development and gave recognition to the state's heritage," he claimed.

The PM said the Congress had ruled Assam for decades, but built 'only three bridges' over the Brahmaputra river, while the BJP-led government constructed six bridges in the last 10 years.

Modi also praised Sarma for 'evicting infiltrators from encroached land and ensuring that farmers can now cultivate on these plots'.

The land parcels once illegally occupied are now witnessing an agricultural revolution in the hands of farmers and indigenous people, he claimed.

"The BJP will not allow infiltrators to grab land, insult women and girls, and conspire to change demography, which is a threat to national security," he asserted.

"'Mukabla ho jai' (let there be a fight) in protecting Assam from infiltrators who are protected by certain sections of the society, and I challenge them as the BJP will not allow this (infiltration)," Modi said.

The PM said there were conspiracies to alter the demography in the border regions through infiltration, posing a serious threat to national security

"Therefore, a nationwide Demography Mission is now being launched," he said.

Modi alleged that when the Congress was in power it "actively encouraged" infiltration, and now seeks to permanently settle them.

"Mangaldoi, located close to Patharughat where the historic peasant uprising had taken place during British rule, had also witnessed a major movement during the Assam agitation to protect the identity of the state and resist illegal infiltration," he said.

The PM said that though India has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, the country is still dependent on foreign nations for crude oil and gas.

"To change this, the focus has to be on meeting our energy requirements. The government is working on oil exploration and green energy generation," he said.

Modi said that Assam's growth rate was at a staggering 13 per cent.

"This was achieved due to the efforts of the double-engine government. The Centre and the state government are developing Assam as a health hub. The Northeast has a big role to play in achieving the 'Viksit Bharat' dream," he said.

The Centre has been focusing on connectivity in the Northeast, which has helped businesses and created employment opportunities for youth, he said.

"Rapid development in any region requires robust connectivity, and our government is committed to enhancing seamless multimodal connectivity in the North East," he said.

The PM said that 25 years of the 21st century have passed, and the next chapter of this century 'belongs to the East and the North East'.

Modi urged people to buy 'swadeshi' goods for the development of the country and the bright future of their children.
Coming down hard on the Election Commission for its response on 'vote theft' allegations, former chief election commissioner S Y Quraishi on Sunday said the poll body should have ordered a probe into Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's charges instead of 'shouting' at him in a language that was 'objectionable and offensive'.

IMAGE: Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi delivers a presentation on 'Vote Chori' during a dinner meeting with INDIA bloc, in New Delhi. Photograph: AICC/ANI Photo

In an interview with PTI, Quraishi said many of the terms used by Gandhi while making the allegations, such as likening them to a 'hydrogen bomb', were 'political rhetoric', but asserted that the complaints that he was raising need to be investigated in detail.

The former chief election commissioner slammed the Election Commission (EC) over the manner in which it carried out the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, and said it is not only 'opening a Pandora's box' but the poll body has put its hand in the 'hornet's nest' which will hurt it.

The EC has rejected all the allegations of 'vote theft' in the past. It has also all along maintained that the SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar will cleanse the voters' list of ineligible people, duplicate entries and include those eligible as per law to vote.

"You know, when I hear any criticism of the EC, I feel very concerned and very hurt not only as a citizen of India but also because having been the CEC myself, I have also laid a brick or two in that institution," Quraishi told PTI ahead of the launch of his new book Democracy's Heartland published by Juggernaut Books.

"When I see that institution under attack or weakened in any way, I feel concerned, and the EC itself has to do introspection and has to feel concerned. It is up to them to stand up to all the forces and the pressures that may be influencing their decisions," said Quraishi, who was the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) between July 30, 2010 and June 10, 2012.

"They have to win the confidence of the people -- you need the confidence of the opposition parties. For me, I always gave preference to the opposition parties because they are the underdogs," he said.

Quraishi opined that the party in power doesn't need as much pampering as the opposition does because the latter is out of power.

"So the instruction generally to my staff (when I was the CEC) was to throw the doors open, if they (opposition) want an appointment, give them immediately, listen to them, talk to them, if they want some small favour, do it if it is not at the cost of somebody else," he said.

Here, the opposition has to go to the Supreme Court every now and then and in fact, 23 parties have had to say they are not getting an appointment, and nobody is listening to them.

Specifically responding to Quraishi's remarks calling for giving opposition parties a hearing whenever they ask for it, an EC functionary said, "We are holding regular meetings with the political parties. I think at no other time has this been in such a structured manner."

Quraishi argued that the EC should have called for a probe into Gandhi's allegations instead of asking him to submit an affidavit.

"Rahul Gandhi is the Leader of Opposition (LoP) after all, don't shout at him the way the EC did. I think it is not like the EC that we have known. He is, after all, the LoP; he is not a man on the street. He is representing millions of people, he is voicing the opinion of millions of people, and to say to him, 'give an affidavit otherwise we will do this and do that', the body language and the language used are both objectionable and offensive," Quraishi said.

"I have often said, suppose they (opposition) also turn around and say that 'ok you are coming up with a new roll, give an affidavit that it is mistake-free. And if there is a mistake, you will be held criminally liable'. Can you think of that situation?" he said.

Asserting that the EC should have ordered a probe into the allegations, Quraishi said not just the LoP, but if anybody had complained, the normal practice was to immediately order a probe.

"Not only do we (EC) have to be fair, but we have to appear to be fair. The probe brings out the facts. So instead of the way the EC responded, the probe was the right thing to do, and they missed an opportunity," he said.

His remarks come after Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said at a press conference here last month that Gandhi should either give a declaration under oath within seven days on his allegations of irregularities in the voters' list, or else his 'vote theft' claims would be rendered baseless and invalid.

Levelling allegations of 'vote chori', Gandhi had, through a presentation at a press conference, cited data from the 2024 Lok Sabha polls to claim that over 1 lakh votes were 'stolen' in the Mahadevapura assembly segment in Karnataka through five types of manipulation.

He alleged similar irregularities in other states.

Gandhi also carried out a 'Voter Adhikar Yatra' across Bihar against the SIR of electoral rolls, alleging collusion between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the EC for 'stealing votes'.

Asked about Gandhi's claim that he will soon come up with a 'hydrogen bomb' of revelations on 'vote chori', Quraishi said the Leader of the Opposition has used these kinds of terms, and most of it is 'political rhetoric' which has to be taken as such only.

"But at the same time, if there are serious issues, serious complaints which he is raising, they need to be investigated in detail, not only to the satisfaction of the LoP but of the whole nation, the whole nation is watching," he said.

On whether the people's confidence in the electoral process had been shaken, Quraishi answered in the affirmative.

Questioning the logic behind excluding the Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) from the list of documents that could be provided for inclusion in the voters list, Quraishi said EPIC is issued by the EC itself and not recognising it has very serious implications.

"Remember, it has taken the EC 30 years to reach 99 per cent or 98 per cent of the people, to bring the electoral roll to this level of perfection. One per cent is updated every year by door-to-door summary inquiry' -- That is the normal thing. So to throw the existing roll in the dustbin and to start all over again. You are trying to do in three months what we had done in 30 years," Quraishi said.

"So, it is buying trouble. It is not only opening a Pandora's box, but I think the EC has put its hand in the hornet's nest, and it is going to hurt them. Of course the Supreme Court has already asked to use Aadhaar, and because of the pressure of the top court, the EC has started using Aadhaar," he said.

Quraishi said he is surprised the Supreme Court did not follow up on EPIC, which is the EC's own creation.

"One thing that was pointed out to me by a former ambassador of India to Nepal is that we travel freely between India and Nepal on the basis of an identity card, and the best ID which is accepted is the voter ID card."

The former CEC pointed out that he had travelled to Nepal multiple times using the voter ID and not a passport.

"The Nepal government can easily turn around, as it had done earlier when Aadhaar became controversial and they dropped Aadhaar as an acceptable document, to say 'look, you yourself are not recognising EPIC, we will not allow EPIC, please bring your passport'," he argued.

How many people in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Uttarakhand have a passport? he posed while underlining that not even one per cent of the people would have a passport.

"What great inconvenience it will cause to the people. I don't think EC thought it through and that its implication is yet to dawn on people," Quraishi said.
Hindi Diwas was observed across India on Sunday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top leaders underlining Hindi's role as a unifying factor in this linguistically diverse country while asserting the need for enriching all Indian languages.

PM Modi said the growing respect for Hindi on the world stage was a matter of pride and inspiration for all Indians, while Home Minister Amit Shah said Hindi should not just serve as a spoken tongue but must also become a language of science, technology, the judiciary, and police.

Hindi Diwas is celebrated every year on September 14 to mark the adoption of Hindi as an official language by the Constituent Assembly on September 14, 1949.

Indian missions abroad marked the occasion with essay competitions, poetry recitals, and seminars. Many foreign diplomats in India challenged themselves with Hindi tongue twisters, while the French Embassy shared a video on social media where its envoys explained why they were learning the language.

An evidence of Hindi's increasing global footprint is Russia witnessing a growing interest in students wanting to learn the language. Russia's Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education, Konstantin Mogilevsky, said, "We want more of our students to learn Hindi."

"India is the world's most populous country today, and more and more Indians are starting to use Hindi in their daily lives instead of English. We need to learn Hindi and other Eastern languages," Mogilevsky told the Russian News Agency TASS.

Prime Minister Modi urged people to take a pledge to enrich all Indian languages, including Hindi, and pass them on to the coming generations with pride.

"Infinite best wishes to all of you on Hindi Diwas. Hindi is not just a medium of communication, but a living heritage of our identity and culture. On this occasion, let us all take a pledge to enrich all Indian languages, including Hindi, and pass them on to the coming generations with pride," Modi said in a post in Hindi on X.

"The growing respect of Hindi on the world stage is a matter of pride and inspiration for all of us," he said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah asked everyone to respect all Indian languages and move forward towards a self-reliant, self-confident and developed country.

He also asserted that there was no conflict between Hindi and other Indian languages, and stressed that it should not just serve as a spoken tongue but must also become a language of science, technology, the judiciary, and police.

Shah said that while Sanskrit has given us "the Ganga of knowledge, and Hindi has taken this knowledge to every home, and that knowledge has reached every person through our local languages".

"Ours is fundamentally a language-oriented nation. Our languages have been a powerful medium for carrying forward culture, history, traditions, knowledge, science, philosophy, and spirituality from generation to generation," he said in a message on the occasion of Hindi Diwas.

Extending Hindi Diwas greetings, the home minister said he firmly believed that languages were moving forward together by becoming companions of one another, bound in the thread of unity.

He said even during the difficult period of slavery, Indian languages became the voice of resistance. "Our languages played a significant role in making the freedom movement a nationwide endeavour. Our freedom fighters connected the languages of the regions and villages with the freedom struggle.

"In the last decade, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a golden era of renaissance for Indian languages and culture has emerged. Whether it is the platform of the United Nations, the G-20 summit, or addressing the SCO, Modi Ji has enhanced the pride of Indian languages by communicating in Hindi and other Indian languages," he said.

In the 'Amrit Kaal' of Independence, the home minister said Modi has taken 'Panch Pran' (five pledges) to free the country from the symbols of slavery, in which languages have a significant role. "We must adopt Indian languages as the medium of communication and interaction," he said.

The home minister said in 2024, on Hindi Diwas, the Bharatiya Bhasha Anubhag was established with an aim of ensuring seamless translation between all major Indian languages.

"Our goal is to ensure that Hindi and other Indian languages become not just a medium of communication but the cornerstone of technology, science, justice, education, and administration," he said.

"Mithila's poet Vidyapati ji rightly said: 'Desil bayana sab jan mittha' means, one's own language is the sweetest," he said.

Addressing the inaugural session of the 5th Akhil Bharatiya Rajbhasha Sammelan, Shah also egged on Indians to preserve their languages and make them "immortal", urging parents to speak to children in their mother tongue.

"There is no conflict between Hindi and other Indian languages. Learned men like Dayanand Saraswati, Mahatma Gandhi, KM Munshi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and many others accepted Hindi and promoted it. Gujarat, where Gujarati and Hindi have coexisted, is an excellent example of the development of both languages," he said.

"This is very important for the child's future, as many psychologists and educationists have confirmed that a child thinks in his mother tongue. ... As soon as you impose a language other than the mother tongue on a child, 25 to 30 per cent of his mind's capacity will be spent in translating it," Shah added.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said her government respects all languages as she highlighted several initiatives taken by her government for the welfare of Hindi-speaking people in the state, including the recognition of Hindi as an official language in areas where 10 per cent of the population speaks the language.

Banerjee said her government has also recognised Santali, Kurukh, Kudmali, Nepali, Urdu, Rajbanshi, Kamtapuri, Odia, Punjabi, and Telugu as official languages. "We have also made efforts to promote the Sadri language," she said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described Hindi as the "basis of our unity and the guardian of our identity". He also said that Hindi is the "carrier of our traditions that binds all Indians together and connects us to our roots".

"Let us resolve to use Hindi more and more and spread it globally, become partners in its development and make it the most effective language of the digital age," he said on X.

Adityanath's Assam counterpart, Himanta Biswa Sarma, said Hindi has played a key role in uniting the country while underscoring that Hindi attaining global prominence is a testimony to the country's strength.

Arunachal chief minister Pema Khandu urged people to adopt Hindi more actively in everyday life, thereby strengthening the unity and integrity of the nation.

Khandu said while Hindi unites people across the state and the nation, equal importance must be given to nurturing local tribal languages and traditions. "Our diversity is our strength. Alongside Hindi, preserving and promoting our mother tongues is essential to safeguarding Arunachal's cultural identity.
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islam's student front swept the central students union election at Jahangirnagar University (JU) on Saturday, less than week after its triumph at the Dhaka University.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Mohammad Ponir Hossain/Reuters

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.

Former prime minister Khaleda Zia's BNP-backed student group JCD, which emerged as the single major group in the absence of deposed premier Sheikh Hasina's now disbanded Awami League, could not secure any seat.

The panel nominated by Students against Discrimination (SAD), the platform that led the last year's violent street movement ousting prime minister Hasina's regime, too, secured only two of the 25 posts.

The interim government under Professor Muhammad Yunus last year banned Awami League's 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 president's, 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 president's 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.

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.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said the Maratha quota GR will not affect the rights of the Other Backward Classes and asserted that 'bogus' persons would not be allowed to avail benefits meant for the segment.

IMAGE: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis. Photograph: ANI Photo

The Maharashtra government is committed to the welfare of all communities, including OBCs and Marathas, Fadnavis said while slamming the Opposition for indulging in 'politics of extremes' and creating fear.

Speaking to reporters at College of Engineering Pune Technological University, the CM said, "The government resolution (GR) issued in connection with Maratha quota is not going to affect the rights of OBCs. Not a single bogus person will be included in the OBC category. Bogus means those who are not OBCs. Such a precaution has been taken in the GR."

Responding to Opposition allegations on the GR, Fadnavis said all decisions related to OBC welfare since 2014 were taken by his government.

"We (BJP) set up a separate ministry for OBCs. We brought in different schemes for OBCs, set up Maha Jyoti for OBCs and, most importantly, restored the 27 percent OBC quota which was lost during the tenure of the previous government. That is why OBCs know who is concerned about their welfare," Fadnavis said.

"Let there be a debate on work done for OBCs under the BJP-led government and work done under previous governments. They (Opposition) only resort to politics but we are committed to the welfare of the OBCs. At the same time, we are also committed to the welfare of the Maratha community and all other communities," he said.

On the widening rift between the Marathas and OBCs, the CM said it would not reduce till leaders from both communities do not tell people true facts about the issue.

"I would like to say that only those who have records of being Kunbi will be given certificates. No one will get certificates without such records. So the OBCs need not be worried. Politics of extremes is taking place on the issue and an atmosphere is being created that OBC reservation is finished. This is affecting the psyche of OBC students," he said.

Such politics is not good for any community, Fadnavis asserted.

He, however, added that 'even if some leaders try to make this a political issue, people will understand the real situation'.

On the ongoing delay in the recruitment of professors in state colleges, Fadnavis said the government had permitted filling up of 80 per cent vacant posts, but the process has seen procedural delays.

Requisite changes have been made and these posts will be soon filled up, he added.

Asked about the menace of sound amplifiers, popularly called DJ systems, during festivals, Fadnavis said action was being taken against violators and awareness was also being created among people to shun the practice.
Nepal Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Sunday said that those involved in violence and destruction across the country during the anti-government protests last week will be brought to justice.

IMAGE: Interim Prime Minister of Nepal Sushila Karki addresses a meeting with officials as she takes charge, in Kathmandu on Sunday. Photograph: ANI Video Grab

Karki, 73, who assumed office at the newly-built Home Ministry building at Singhdurbar Secretariat in Kathmandu at around 11 am, also announced that those who were killed during the 'Gen Z' protest will be declared 'martyrs' and their families will be provided one million Nepalese rupees each.

The former chief justice was appointed the caretaker prime minister by President Ramchandra Paudel on the recommendation of the Gen Z group, which overthrew the K P Sharma Oli government through a two-day protest on Tuesday.

Addressing a meeting of secretaries and senior government officials soon after assuming office, Prime Minister Karki said that those involved in the violence and destruction of public and private property will be brought to justice.

She said that the arson and vandalism during the protests of September 9 was 'pre-planned' and the Gen-Z protesters were not involved in such activities.

"The kind of arson and vandalism that has taken place is a criminal act. This was carried out in an organised manner. Those responsible must be punished," she said.

The government announced that those killed during the Gen Z protest on September 8 and 9 will be declared 'martyrs' and their families will be provided one million Nepalese rupees each while ensuring free treatment to the injured.

She also instructed Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal to arrange for the repair of the destroyed police posts across the country.

As the Prime Minister's Office in Singhdurbar Secretariat was set on fire during the two-day agitation, the newly-constructed building for the Home Ministry within the Singhdurbar complex will be used as the Prime Minister's Office.

The agitation, which began on Monday against a government ban on social media, quickly expanded into a larger campaign reflecting public anger over corruption and perceived apathy of the political class.

K P Sharma Oli quit on Tuesday shortly after hundreds of agitators entered his office demanding his resignation for the death of at least 19 people in police action during Monday's protests.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Aryal informed that the death toll during the agitation has reached 72, including three policemen. It includes 59 protesters and 10 prisoners, he said.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar found himself in an embarrassing position with his 'who Parrikar?' remark after a woman spoke about how former Goa chief minister late Manohar Parrikar, widely hailed for his administrative skills, used to make surprise visits to check civic issues.

IMAGE: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Photograph: @CMOMaharashtra on X/ANI Photo

The exchange took place when Pawar, along with Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) chief Naval Kishore Ram and other officials, was visiting various parts of the city on Saturday to interact with residents to understand their problems.

During his visit to Keshav Nagar in Hadapsar assembly constituency, citizens raised complaints about traffic congestion and other civic problems, to which Pawar said the administration was aware of the demand for better facilities.

While apologising for coming late for the interaction, the Deputy CM said all efforts were being made to resolve issues speedily.

It was at this point that a woman asked Pawar to take a cue from the late Parrikar and make surprise visits to check the traffic problems for himself.

"The way Parrikar saheb used to make surprise visits (in Goa), you or somebody should visit the area during traffic peak hours," she said.

A visibly stunned Pawar interrupted her by asking 'who Parrikar?', after which the woman had to tell him she was referring to the late Bharatiya Janata Party leader from the neighbouring coastal state.

The woman, agitated by then, said people in the area were so frustrated with traffic woes that many were mulling to shift elsewhere.

Parrikar, with an engineering degree from Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, was chief minister of Goa for three terms and was Defence Minister between October 2014 and March 2017 in the first term of the Narendra Modi government.

Known for his simplicity, Parrikar's public persona included anecdotes of his moving about the state on a scooter to understand issues first hand.

He died of cancer on March 17, 2019. The international airport in Mopa in Goa as well as Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), an autonomous body under the Defence ministry, are named after him.
The police have registered a case against journalist Siddique Kappan and 10 others in connection with a solidarity event held here condemning the arrest of journalist Rejaz M Sheeba Sydeek, police said on Sunday.

Photograph: / Rediff.com IMAGE: File image of journalist Sidhique Kappan

The event was organised by human rights organisations at Vanchi Square near the Kerala High Court junction on Saturday evening. Activists of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) and Welfare Party also took part, they said.

Kerala-based journalist Sydeek was arrested in Nagpur and charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), alleging that he criticised Operation Sindoor.

According to the FIR, along with 11 accused, around 30 people assembled at Vanchi Square around 4 pm, shouted slogans against the UAPA law, and used microphones and loudspeakers without permission, thereby obstructing pedestrian movement.

When police reached the spot, most of the participants dispersed, while two of them clashed with officers and were taken into custody. They were shifted to the Ernakulam Central Police Station and later released on bail, police said.

Those named as accused in the FIR include Neeharika Pradaush, Siddique Kappan, Pramod Puzhangara, Ambika, C P Rasheed, Sajid Khalid, Baburaj Bhagavathy, V M Faisal, Mrudhula Bhavani, Dr Hari, and Shaneer.

The case has been registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 189(2), 190, and 285, along with sections 118(e) and 117(e) of the Kerala Police Act.

Kappan was earlier arrested in Uttar Pradesh in 2020 while on his way to cover the death of a Dalit woman in Hathras. He was later charged under sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and released on bail after a two-year-long legal battle.

Meanwhile, the BJP's Ernakulam district committee lodged a complaint with the police regarding the event, alleging that Kappan's participation violated the bail conditions set by the Supreme Court.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Mainly sunny to start, then a few afternoon clouds. High around 30F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low 16F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Afghanistans de-facto Taliban rulers said they have reached an agreement with visiting US officials on an exchange of prisoners, although no details were given and Washington has not yet confirmed that a deal has been struck.

Following the September 13 meeting, the Taliban released photos of the meeting in Kabul involving US President Donald Trump's special envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, and Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

"Adam Boehler, referring to the issue of detained citizens between Afghanistan and the United States, said both countries will exchange prisoners," Taliban Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar's office said after the meeting.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not confirm that an exchange was imminent, saying only that Boehler had gone to Kabul to "explore what's possible."

"Our special envoy for people unlawfully detained has been having conversations for a while," Rubio told reporters as he departed Washington for a trip to the Middle East.

"Obviously, it will be the president's decision in terms of any trades or any exchanges, but we most certainly want any Americans or anyone who's being unlawfully detained to be released. And so he went there to explore what that would look like, Rubio said.

Taliban government spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat wrote on X that "both sides emphasized that they will continue to discuss various existing and future issues in bilateral relations, especially those citizens who are imprisoned in both countries."

The Taliban Foreign Ministry said in a statement that discussions centered on bilateral relations with the United States and the need to continue talks, particularly related to the issue of prisoner exchanges.

The statement did not lay out how many people are being held in each country, their identities, or the reasons for their detention.

US citizen Mahmood Habibi, 37, who led the Afghan Aviation Authority under the previous US-allied Afghan government, is one of the most prominent Americans believed to be detained in Afghanistan.

His status is uncertain since his arrest in August 2022, with the Taliban denying he is being held. Habibi's family says the Taliban handed him over to the Al-Qaeda terror group, while the United States has offered a $5 million reward for his return.

Another American, airline mechanic George Glezmann, 66, was freed in March during a visit to Kabul by Boehler after more than two years in detention. He was the third American freed by the Taliban since Trump returned to the presidency in January.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the previous US special envoy to Afghanistan, accompanied Boehler to the Kabul meeting. He did not immediately comment.

Since the Taliban overthrew the US-backed government in August 2021, dozens of foreign nationals have been arrested by the de-facto authorities.

The Taliban rulers, beset by unrest, natural disasters, and rampant poverty, are seeking to improve relations with the global community, especially the United States, to solidify their rule.

Russia is the only country to officially recognize the Taliban government, which has widely been accused of human rights violations, particularly against women.

Afghanistan was hit by a major earthquake that struck the remote mountainous province of Kunar on August 31, killing more than 2,200 people. More than 3,600 were also injured in the tremor, which wiped out entire villages in the region.

With reporting by AP and AFP
A Russian drone that penetrated Romanian airspace during an attack on neighboring Ukraine lingered above the NATO nation for 50 minutes before swerving back toward Ukraine, Romania's Defense Ministry said on September 14.

Two Romanian F-16 fighter jets intercepted the Geran drone and tracked its movement over Romania the previous evening through intermittent visual and radar contact, the ministry said in a statement.

The F-16 pilots received authorization from their commanders to shoot at the drone but "they assessed the collateral risks and decided not to open fire," the statement said.

The incident added to tensions over Russian incursions into NATO airspace after Poland shot down several of the nearly 20 Russian drones it said crossed into its territory on September 10.

That was the first time NATO forces have fired shots since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine in February 2022, badly aggravating already tense ties between Moscow and the Western military alliance.

The Romanian Defense Ministry said it "firmly condemns the irresponsible actions of the Russian Federation and emphasizes that they represent a new challenge to regional security and stability in the Black Sea area."

"Such incidents demonstrate the Russian Federation's lack of respect for the norms of international law and endanger not only the safety of Romanian citizens, but also the collective security of NATO," it said.

European European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the drone incursion "a blatant violation of EU sovereignty and a serious threat to regional security," adding that the EU is working with Romania and other member states "to protect the EU territory."

German forces based in Romania deployed two Eurofighter Typhoon fighters to monitor the area for several hours after the incursion, the Defense Ministry said.

Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu told RFE/RL on September 13 that the drone left Romanian airspace and did not fall on Romanian territory.

The Defense Ministry said the drone entered Romanian airspace following Russian air strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure on the Danube, which forms part of the border between the two countries on Black Sea. It said it did not fly over populated areas and did not pose an imminent threat.
KYIV -- Russia fired dozens of drones at Ukraine overnight, Ukrainian officials said on September 14, a day after Romania reported that a Russian drone entered its airspace and Ukraine struck two major Russian oil refineries as part of Kyiv's effort to blunt Moscow's ability to wage war.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down or neutralized 52 of the 58 Russian drones that were detected, the air force said, while six drones and an Iskander ballistic missile hit the ground, as well as debris from two of the downed drones. No casualties were reported.

Separately, a 54-year-old man was killed in an artillery strike in the Kherson region and a 60-year-old man was wounded when a drone fired by Russian forces on the ground hit a minibus in the Zaporizhzhya region, officials said. Russia baselessly claims both regions as its own, along with Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea.

The second night of relatively light air attacks came as Russia and Ukraine's northern neighbor Belarus carried out large-scale military drills and amid continuing uncertainty over whether the United States will impose new sanctions on Russia over the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022.

Russia has frequently fired hundreds of projectiles at Ukraine on previous nights, often killing and wounding civilians. The largest barrage came on September 7, when Ukraine said Russia fired more than 800 drones and missiles in an attack that focused mainly on Kyiv, where three people including an infant were killed.

Heavy fighting continues along the front in eastern and southern Ukraine and particularly in the Donetsk region, where Russian forces have been seeking to control the city of Pokrovsk for months and are now pressing on Kupyansk, a Kharkiv region city that Ukraine took back in a counteroffensive in the fall of 2022.

A sustained lull in drone and missile attacks, if it occurs, could signal an effort by Russia to get the United States to put more blame on Ukraine for the lack of success of efforts by US President Donald Trump to broker an end to the biggest war in Europe since 1945.

The Russian Defense Ministry said on September 14 that Russia shot down 361 Ukrainian drones over the previous 24 hours.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to impose new, tougher sanctions on Russia, which has rejected calls for a cease-fire, but so far has not done so. In a social media post on September 13, Trump said he would be "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 NATO nations should impose tariffs of 50-100 percent on imports from China.

The European Union has drastically reduced imports of Russian oil and gas since the start of the full-scale invasion and plans to phase them out by 2028 but deliveries continue, mainly to NATO members Hungary and Slovakia. Turkey, also a NATO member, has been the third-largest buyer of Russian oil since 2023, according to the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air.

US Lawmakers Promote Sanctions Bill

Two Republican US lawmakers who are seeking the passage of a bill to impose new sanctions on Russia said on September 13 that they will push to get their draft law connected to legislation that must pass to keep the federal government operating when the new fiscal year starts on October 1.

"This week, we will be urging our colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to join us in advancing this legislation and standing with freedom against tyranny," Senator Lindsey Graham and Representative Brian Fitzpatrick said in a statement.

"We firmly believe the combination of sanctions and tariffs, along with the sale of high-end American weapons to Ukraine, is the key to bringing [Russian President Vladimir] Putin to the table for a just and honorable peace," they said.

Ukraine Targeting Russian Energy Facilities

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that strikes on energy facilities, some of them deep inside Russia, were part of an effort to do "everything possible...to reduce Russia's ability to fight."

"Our deep strikes will intensify," Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address.

Officials in Russia's Bashkortostan region said on September 13 that a fire broke out at one of the country's largest oil facilities, near the regional capital, Ufa, when debris from two Ukrainian drones fell on the site.

"Both downed drones fell on the grounds of the enterprise," regional head Radiy Khabirov wrote on Telegram. Ufa is about 1,400 kilometers from the front lines in Ukraine.

Three hours later, Aleksandr Drozdenko, governor of the Leningrad region in Russia's northwest, said the massive Kirishi oil refinery was also hit by falling debris from Ukrainian drones, sparking a fire early on September 14.

Ukraine's General Staff said Ukrainian drone forces struck the refinery and damage was being assessed. Kirishi refines about 17.7 million metric tons of Russian crude a year (355,000 barrels per day), or 6.4 percent of the country's total.

Russian officials also said a Ukrainian drone strike hit an "industrial enterprise" in the Perm region near the Ural Mountains, more than 1,500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Details were not immediately available.

Reuters reported that Ukrainian strikes as of the end of August had disabled 17 percent of the Russian oil refining industry, threatening to intensify fuel shortages and cause a major hit to the Kremlin's budget from lost revenue.

Russian Drones In Romanian Airspace

Romania's Defense Ministry said the NATO nation's airspace had been violated by a drone during a Russian attack on infrastructure in Ukraine on September 13.

In a statement on September 14, the Romanian Defense Ministry said two Romanian F-16 jets intercepted the drone, which was in Romanian airspace for 50 minutes, and were given authorization to shoot it down but "assessed the collateral risks and decided not to open fire."





On September 10, at least 19 Russian drones entered Polish airspace, severely raising tensions between NATO and Moscow. On September 12, the Western military alliance said it launched Eastern Sentry, a mission to bolster defenses of allied countries near Russia.

Late on September 13, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on X that Polish and other air resources were back in action.

"Due to the threat of Russian drones operating over Ukraine near the Polish border, a preventive operation of the air forces, both Polish and allied, has begun. Ground-based air defense systems have reached a state of highest readiness," he wrote.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Russian Service and RFE/RL's Romanian Service, Reuters, and AP
Sarah Slater

Former UFC champion Conor McGregor will face a time problem on Friday if he addresses two local authorities on Friday afternoon which are more than 50km apart in a bid to be backed in the presidential election.

The Independent candidate is set to address Waterford City and County Council from 2pm onwards along with another 15 hopefuls.

McGregor is number nine of the list to be heard, with each candidate afforded five minutes to present their case to councillors followed by 10 minutes of questions.

At 3.30pm, Wexford County Council is expected to begin hearing presentations with McGregor 13th on the list of 18 candidates to be heard. Each candidate will have the same protocols to follow as with Waterford council.

Candidates must secure the support of four county councils in order to have their name on the ballot paper for the presidency. And at the September meeting of WCC councillors expressed their desire to hear the candidates.

Among the other candidates to be heard in both Waterford and Wexford councils are Independents Gareth Sheridan, Dolores Cahill and Peter Casey.

The metropolitan district mayor, Fianna Fails Adam Wyse, said that he does not expect Mr McGregor to turn up as he is supposed to attend Wexford council too.

Cllr Wyse added: It remains unclear if a video link presentation will be allowed and if that happens Mr McGregor does opt for that option then he is pretty cowardly. If he does turn up some councillors have indicated that they will walk out in protest.

Cllr Wyse noted that he believes Mr McGregor is not a serious candidate.

His record is one of violence, vulgarity and vanity, and the very idea of him as president is an insult to the Irish people.

Cllr Wyse pointed out that the presidency is meant to embody dignity, compassion and respect.

McGregor offers only chaos, controversy and a circus. Allowing him to use our chamber as a platform would be a mistake. I am calling on my fellow councillors to join me in refusing him a hearing, he said.

On Monday night McGregor is to address Dublin City Council with several female councillors across all parties indicating that they will also walk out in protest according to one former Lord Mayor.

Laois County Council is also due to hear from presidential candidates on Monday afternoon but it remains unclear if McGregor will be one of those making a presentation.

Carlow County Council is to hold a special meeting this Friday, with only one candidate securing the backing of two councillors which is Gareth Sheridan. Seven submissions had been received by the councils deadline. McGregor had made contact after the deadline of Friday, September 5th.
Danish drugmaker, Novo Nordisk, which has a plant in Monksland, is to lay off 9,000 of its staff worldwide.

5,000 of those redundancies are expected to come from its sites in Denmark as part of restructuring plans to save some $1.3 billion (926 million) annually.

The global healthcare firm, which announced the job cuts this week, has around 78,400 staff worldwide and the redundancies will account for 11.5 percent of its workforce.

The maker of weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy has seen its share price tumble over the past year amid increased competition in this market.

Novo Nordisk employs about 400 at its plant in Monksland.

Last year, Roscommon County Council sold just over eleven acres of land to the company for 1.55m to accommodate its expansion plans.

In 2023, the Danish firm purchased Alkermes Monksland facility for $92.5m.
By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

A war of words between Sinn Fein and the DUP is unsettling the Northern Ireland powersharing Executive, a former Stormont minister has said.

Independent MLA Claire Sugden called on the Executive parties to tone down their public rows and concentrate on delivery.

The Northern Ireland Assembly returned on Monday from its summer recess and ministers quickly became embroiled in a series of disagreements.

DUP deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said on Monday she would be showing leadership by attending a banquet during the upcoming state visit by US president Donald Trump, while also telling MLAs that Sinn Fein First Minister Michelle ONeill would not join the event.

Independent unionist MLA Claire Sugden expressed concerns about relations between Stormont ministers (Liam McBurney/PA)

DUP Education Minister Paul Givan also faced criticism after he said he had ordered the removal of transgender guidance from the website of Northern Irelands Education Authority.

On Tuesday, DUP leader Gavin Robinson and Ms ONeill had a public row after the British army withdrew from a jobs fair in Derry following objections from some councillors.

Mr Robinson said he did not believe Ms ONeill was a First Minister for all, while the Sinn Fein vice-president told him to butt out.

On Wednesday, Ms ONeill and Ms Little-Pengelly appeared together before their Stormont scrutiny committee where there were sharp exchanges with a number of MLAs.

While the pair insisted the Executive is delivering on its objectives, they also disagreed on several issues.

On Thursday, a High Court judge urged the Northern Ireland Executive to resolve a row over Irish language signs at Belfasts Grand Central Station, warning it is seen as a laughing stock.

I would have a concern that the war of words on various issues is unsettling the Executive. Claire Sugden

Former justice minister Claire Sugden told the BBC Sunday Politics programme the First and deputy First Minister had given polar opposite views on a number of issues when they had appeared before committee.

She said: I suppose to me that points to an instability within the Executive.

Ultimately, if we are about delivering, we have to ensure we implement all of these things that they say they are trying to do.

I would have a concern that the war of words on various issues is unsettling the Executive.

I asked for a commitment we would see the end of this mandate out so that we can push through these policies that we are so keen to highlight and we can do more in relation to people on the ground.

A lot of these strategies, a lot of this work, is quite high level and it probably will take a number of years before it realistically filters through to the people on the ground.

Michelle ONeill and Emma Little-Pengelly disagreed on a number of issues during their joint appearance at a Stormont committee (NI Assembly/PA)

Ms Sugden said she is concerned the Executive parties seem to disagree on everything.

She added: Yes, there are four political parties and yes, to an extent, each of them are talking to their base, but they have to recognise they all signed up for one government and that government exists to improve public services for everyone across Northern Ireland.

I think they maybe need to tone down this bad relationship.

The people out there arent stupid, on one hand they say they are doing this and we are on common ground, and the next they are disagreeing with each other.

I think if they are talking about communication they need to look to their own communication and how they present themselves as a government to the people of Northern Ireland.

The MLA also said she does not believe the Executive has delivered enough in terms of legislation.

She said: We havent really had any substantive legislation up to this point.

We have about 20 months until the next election, we would need to see an awful lot more in terms of actions, outcomes and legislation before they can say they are delivering, because right now it doesnt feel that they are.
Kenneth Fox

An Irishwoman in Nepal said the situation is still "incredibly volatile," as a curfew is in place after multiple days of violence.

Trouble erupted last Monday when a group of young protestors staged a demonstration in the country's capital, Kathmandu, to protest against corruption, nepotism, and restrictions on social media.

It escalated rapidly when security forces opened fire on protestors, killing 30 people.

By Tuesday, protesters had torched the parliament, the Supreme Court and multiple government offices, including Singha Durbar  the central administrative complex.

Police stations were overrun, political leaders' homes attacked and Tribhuvan International Airport closed. Since then, the army has been deployed to restore order.

Brid Gavin OConnell, a 66-year-old retired healthcare worker from Galway who has visited Nepal many times, said she has never witnessed anything on this scale.

It is terrible. Nepal has not had it easy the past few years, especially with the earthquake in 2015. This is at a scale I have never seen.

"The Gen Z generation came out to demonstrate against the corruption in the Nepalese government. They were calling for accountability and transparency."

Fire rages through the Singha Durbar, the main administrative building for the Nepal government, in Kathmandu on September 9th, 2025.

Billowing smoke

When the protestors were shot, there was a huge uproar over it, as on the second day [September 9th], they burnt the parliament building.

We could see thick black smoke billowing up into the air. We could hear gunshots and ambulance sirens all day," she said.

Amid the chaos, people took advantage of the situation with riots and looting taking place across the city.

She spoke to some of the locals who believe the burning of some buildings was actually done by those in power, taking the opportunity to burn any record of their corruption.

Brid Gavin OConnell returned to Nepal recently from Malaysia

Either way, the situation in the country quickly deteriorated. When the curfew is in place, we dont go out," she said, adding that the airport was initially closed but has since been reopened.

Even day-to-day errands have become an issue as society has started to unravel.

"We went to the shop this morning and tried to buy some bread, but there was no bread because there were no deliveries. ATMs were closed as well, so people had to be mindful of the little money they had. Schools and colleges have also been closed," she said.

She is lucky that the people she is staying with have running water and electricity.

As most people are staying inside away from the anarchy, social media has become crucial to piece together what happened.

We have seen videos of people being shot in the head, and their friends standing right beside them.

We have seen videos of people being shot in the head, and their friends standing right beside them. The anger is really high, and people are just trying to mourn their loved ones.

At the moment, she is hoping her flights back to Ireland will run as scheduled, but as she said, "that is a first-world problem compared to what they are going through.

The latest update is that her flight to Dubai has been delayed, meaning she will miss the connecting flight to Dublin.

Her main concern now is that her medication could run out. I have been gone since August 13th, and even though I brought more than I needed, I could not stay here forever."

A supermarket in Nepal before and after the violence.

Her friend's daughter is also studying in Ireland, so she is trying to get back for the start of the semester on Monday.

Even as things have quieted down from the early in the week, there is still a looming sense of uncertainty.

The army was brought out last night, but we did not go near the areas where people have protested.

When we go up to the roof of where we are staying, you can hear the sound of protestors and gunshots. We were able to see the police station on fire from there as well.

Things really hit home when someone staying in the same building went out and asked her to take care of her kids.

"The children are seven and three, and it just dawned on me what if she were killed? They would be left thinking 'Why did mammy not come back?" she said.
Nepali National Arrested From East Sikkim For Entering Restricted Zone, Carrying Forged Indian Docs

His true identity was confirmed through the Nepal National Identity Card in his possession.

Nepali National Arrested From East Sikkim Latest News: A Nepali national was arrested from Rumtek, East Sikkim, yesterday for entering the restricted area without the mandatory Inner Line Permit (ILP) and for possessing multiple forged Indian identity documents, the news agency ANI reported, citing Sikkim police.

Aadhaar card, PAN card, and driving license, all bearing his photograph, were found in his possession under the false identity of Sanu Pradhan.

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His true identity was confirmed through the Nepal National Identity Card in his possession.

Two additional Indian documents were also found in his possession, and the accused is identified as Rajesh Biswakarma.

A criminal case under Sections 319/336(2)(3)/337/339/340 of BNS, 2023, read with Section 14(a) of the Foreigners Act, 1946, has been registered against Biswakarma.

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The case has been taken up for investigation.

It is unclear, at this point of time, whether he entered India before the violence broke out in Nepal or after and why he was in India.

(For more news apart from Nepali National Arrested From East Sikkim For Entering Restricted Zone, Carrying Forged Indian Docs, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.
Punjab News: Advocate Kills Property Dealer Over Old Disputes In Mohali, Accused Arrested

The accused advocate practiced law in Chandigarh.

Punjab News: Advocate Kills Property Dealer Over Old Disputes In Mohali, Latest News: Harvinder Singh, a property dealer, was stabbed to death allegedly by a lawyer identified as Mukund Bhaskar, under an old rivalry in Shivalik City, Mohali, Punjab.

Harvinder Singhs wife, Monika, has lodged a complaint demanding that a murder FIR be registered against Faridabad-based advocate Mukund Bhaskar.

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Monika, in her statement to the police, highlighted that there had been disputes earlier between her husband and Bhaskar, and alleged that Bhaskar had even threatened to kill her husband several times. Monika alleged that it was Bhaskar who murdered her husband.

On the fateful night, Harvinder Singh alias Honey, aged 35, had gone to the market to buy school bags for his children at around 8 p.m., and his wife had asked him to return home early. When she called Honey at 10 p.m. that night, Honey told her that he was at his friend Luckys place in Shivalik City and would return shortly.

However, when he did not return, the wife called him again at 2 a.m. The phone was picked up, and she could hear the voices of Lucky and others in the background, and Honey again told her that he would be back soon.

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Police investigation has revealed that Honey, Lucky, and advocate Mukund Bhaskar were drinking alcohol late at night in the market.

Around 2 a.m., an argument broke out among them, and the police helpline was informed about it. However, when the PCR team reached, no one was found there.

Around 5 a.m., a heated argument broke out between Honey and Bhaskar over some old issue. The argument escalated to the extent that the accused pulled out a large knife from his car and attacked Honey repeatedly.

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In an attempt to intervene, Lucky and the accused himself were also injured with the knife. Both friends were found lying in the market, soaked in blood, for nearly two hours. In the morning, locals saw them, rushed them to the hospital, and informed the police.

Police have taken the accused Bhaskar into custody and are interrogating him, and he is undergoing treatment.

The accused advocate practiced law in Chandigarh.

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(For more news apart from Punjab News: Advocate Kills Property Dealer Over Old Disputes In Mohali, Accused Arrested, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.
Sonam Wangchuk's Fast Unto Death Enters Day 5, BJP Appeals To End His Anshan

Spalzes, a woman from Ladakh participating in the hunger strike, shared how women of Ladakh helped soldiers during one of the wars.

Sonam Wangchuks Fast Unto Death Enters Day 5, BJP Appeals To End His Anshan Latest News: Climate activist and the face of Ladakhs demand for the Sixth Schedule for the Union Territory, Sonam Wangchuk, along with 15 others, began their fast unto death on Wednesday, which has now entered its 5th day.

He has announced that he will continue the fast for 35 days. We will stay on an indefinite hunger strike for 5 weeks, or diewhichever happens first, Sonam Wangchuk said in a video statement.

Seven out of the fifteen fasting are former soldiers of the Indian Army.

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This fast unto death comes one year after the Leh-Delhi Padyatra and a 16-day fast, following another round of talks between Ladakh and the Centre that, according to Wangchuk, failed miserably again.

Sonam Wangchuk has been holding similar fasts over the past few years, demanding the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, as over 95% of people living in Ladakh are indigenous tribals.

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On the third day of the fast, this year, Sonam Wangchuk said in a statement, Ladakhi soldiers and even civilians have sacrificed their lives in all the wars fought here to defend the country, and yet today they are being let down by the government in order to defend some companies that are taking away prime pasturelands in this fragile ecology. For this, we need the Sixth Schedule and statehood so that such decisions are not left in the hands of just one LG.

Meanwhile, BJP Ladakh has appealed to Sonam Wangchuk and others to end the fast, stating, Dialogue is the only way out.

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Ladakh has been continuously demanding inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution for the past five years, ever since the region became a Union Territory without legislative power.

Sonam Wangcuk's Video Statement:

On the third day, this year, in a video issued on his Instagram account, Wangchuk said, Since this morning, hundreds of people have gathered here for a one-day hunger strike. Right now, 15 people are on an extended fast. Seven of them are veteran soldiers of the Indian Army. With us here is Subedar Stanba ji, who participated in many wars.

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Subedar Stanba stated that he joined the cause after serving 30 years in the Indian Army and protecting the country. During my 30 years of service, I had the opportunity to take part in the 1999 operation, and I was also present during the 2019 operation in the Galwan Valley, Stanba said in the video.

Spalzes, a woman from Ladakh participating in the hunger strike, shared how women of Ladakh helped soldiers during one of the wars.

In the 1999 war, we women also did a lot of work. For example, we made rotis at home, collected supplies, and sent them to our soldier brothers. From my household, two people even went as porters  my father, who was 80 years old then, and my husband, Spalzes said.

Sonam Wangchuk stated, Ordinary citizens from Ladakh reached the battlefield to help. The people of Ladakh have always played a very big role. But today those same Ladakhis hearts are deeply shaken.

Sonam Wangchuk said their long-pending demands remain unmet. Continuously ignoring the demands of the people of Ladakh is not good for Ladakh, and it is not good for Indias security either, because such things create doubt in peoples minds about whether the country cares for those for whom they have made sacrifices.

He clarified, I am not saying that the patriotism of Ladakhs people will turn against the country, but understand this  Ladakhis go to the battlefield whenever the need arises. How many of you have gone to such battlefields? I fear that the patriotism of Ladakhs people may be reduced to that of the rest of the Indians.

For five years, a demand has been pending  to include a provision in the Constitution, the Sixth Schedule  which the current government itself had promised in its election manifesto as one of the first points, Wangchuk concluded.

(For more news apart from Nepal Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki Takes Charge as Interim Prime Minister, Cabinet to Form..., stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.
Barnala News: Cyber Fraudster Targets Daily Wage Worker, Empties Account After Asking for Two Rupees

The victim said that he survives on daily wages and had saved 3,400 rupees with much difficulty.

Barnala News: Cyber Fraudster Targets Daily Wage Worker, Empties Account After Asking for Two Rupees: A network of cybercrime has now started trapping daily wage workers as well. A cyber fraudster targeted a daily wage worker and emptied his bank account.

Victim Dharminder Singh stated that he had visited a post office to send some documents to his village. However, the post was stuck in Ludhiana for the past four to five days. When he approached the post office regarding this matter, they informed him that they would file a complaint on his behalf.

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The next day, around 2 p.m., he received a phone call. The caller said that his post was stuck in Ludhiana because it had been deactivated, and it needed to be reactivated. For this, he was asked to send two rupees. The fraudster assured him that once the profile was activated, his post would be delivered to his village soon.

Punjab Cyber Crimes

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After this, the fraudster sent him a link and instructed him to fill it out, enter his PIN, and send two rupees. When the victim filled in the details and sent the two rupees through the link, 3,400 rupees were immediately withdrawn from his account.

When he tried to contact the fraudster again, the person stopped answering his calls and later blocked him.

The victim said that he survives on daily wages and had saved 3,400 rupees with much difficulty. But the cyber fraudster cheated him of his hard-earned money. He appealed to the police administration to take legal action against the accused person.

It is unclear whether the officials at the post office were also involved in the fraud.

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(For more news apart from Punjab News: Advocate Kills Property Dealer Over Old Disputes In Mohali, Accused Arrested, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.
Nepal Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki Takes Charge as Interim Prime Minister, Cabinet to Form...

She has initiated consultations with close advisors and key figures from the Gen Z movement as she prepares to finalize her cabinet,

Nepal Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki Takes Charge as Interim Prime Minister, Latest News: Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki took charge as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal on Sunday, ANI reported. She has now become the first woman Prime Minister of Nepal.

She was sworn in as the interim Prime Minister on Friday, following historic Gen Z protests against the government over years of corruption, economic disparity, and most recently, the ban on social media platforms in the country.

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Her appointment as PM came after the agitators collectively endorsed her name as their nominee for the interim position, citing her integrity and independence, ANI reported. She was chosen through a public vote held by Gen Z leaders on the online platform Discord, where she emerged as the most popular and acceptable figureeven among traditional political forces seeking stability in the country.

BREAKING:



Sushila Karki has officially taken office as Prime Minister of Nepal after becoming the first world leader to be elected via a poll on Discord#NepalGenZProtest #Nepalprotest #Sushila_karki #SushilaKarki pic.twitter.com/R2R0RlVZyu  Shivam Mishra (@Yamositahunter) September 12, 2025

Nepals former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned from his position after the protests broke out.

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Nepals New Cabinet

Interim PM Sushila Karki has initiated consultations with close advisors and key figures from the Gen Z movement as she prepares to finalize her cabinet, the Kathmandu Post reported.

She is reportedly forming a streamlined cabinet with no more than 15 ministries out of the existing 25, in line with calls from civil society and the Gen Z-led protest movement.

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Some of the names being considered for ministerial roles include legal expert Om Prakash Aryal, former army official Balananda Sharma, retired justice Anand Mohan Bhattarai, Madhav Sundar Khadka, Asheem Man Singh Basnyat, and energy expert Kulman Ghising, the report added.

From the medical field, prominent figures such as Dr Bhagawan Koirala, Dr Sanduk Ruit, Dr Jagadish Agrawal, and Dr Pukar Chandra Shrestha are also under consideration.

At the same time, Gen Z members are holding parallel consultations, including discussions on platforms like Discord, to bring forward names of potential candidates who align with their reformist agenda.

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The report added that if a consensus is reached, the cabinet could be sworn in as early as Sunday evening.

Nepals Parliament was formally dissolved on Friday, with fresh elections scheduled for March 5, 2026. The dissolution came just hours after Sushila Karki was sworn in as interim Prime Minister.

(For more news apart from Nepal Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki Takes Charge as Interim Prime Minister, Cabinet to Form..., stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.
Nepal News:72 Killed In Gen Z Protests To Be Declared Martyred, 1 Million Announced For Each Family

The House of Representatives elections are scheduled for March 2026

72 Killed In Gen Z Protests To Be Declared Martyred, 1 Million Announced For Each Victim's Family: Nepals Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, who formally assumed office as the Prime Minister of Nepal early Sunday, declared those killed during the Gen Z protests as "martyrs" and announced Rs 1 million (Rs 10 Lakh) in relief for each victim's family, NDTV reported, citing local media reports.

According to the report, Chief Secretary Eknarayan Aryal confirmed that those killed during the protests would be recognised as martyrs and families of the victims would receive a financial assistance of Rs 1 Million each.

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The interim government has also ensured free medical treatment for 134 injured protesters and 57 injured security personnel.

The Gen Z-led widespread has claimed 72 lives so far, the report added. Among the deceased are 59 demonstrators, 10 inmates, and three police officers, according to local media.

The House of Representatives elections are scheduled for March 2026, the president, Paudel, said in his address to the nation on Saturday.

Read more about Sushila Karki's Selection as the Prime Minister.

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Larry Scott

I find the word crisis to be overused these days when discussing public policy. Advocates often declare a situation to be a crisis based only on their opinions. However, on the topic of New Mexicans access to medical care, the following facts suggest that this is indeed a crisis facing our state.

Most estimates indicate that the state is lacking some 300 primary care physicians to meet the accepted (no shortage) ratio of 1 physician per 1,500 people. This has resulted in wait times to see a primary care provider increasing from two to five weeks in 2016 to now two to four in some areas of the state. The reality of our problem gets much worse when specialty physicians are included in the dataset as one estimate had more than 2,200 positions available in the 2024 job market.

Why the shortage? Several factors are in play. One of the most significant is New Mexicos medical malpractice environment. We have among the highest malpractice claim ratios in the nation resulting in impossibly high insurance premiums. Recently, I was told by a Texas specialist who had started his career in Santa Fe that a single malpractice claim, in which a professional board completely exonerated him from any liability, dragged on for years. New Mexico law encourages litigating every misstep with the promise of large payouts if suits are successful. We differ from our neighboring states in this regard, making a doctors decision to go elsewhere basically open and shut. Another factor is the low retention rate of physicians educated here; our states unfriendly environment to practice medicine makes us far less competitive to recruit and retain providers. A third issue is our relatively low rates for Medicaid reimbursements. Nearly half our population relies on Medicaid, which pays only about 60% of what private insurance does. If private rates are essential to sustain providers, those with private insurance  roughly half the population  must cover 70% of the cost to maintain our health care system.

One of the consequences here is that medical insurance in the private market is more expensive than it might otherwise need to be. Additionally, and perhaps most concerning for the future, is the fact that over 40% of the doctors in the state are over 60 years old and expected to retire by the year 2030. The bottom line is that doctors wont move here, dont want to stay here, cant afford to practice here, and are getting older. In short, this has become a perfect storm for compromised health care access.

One solution that has been proposed in the last few legislative sessions is the prospect of joining medical provider compacts which would allow out-of-state providers reciprocity with respect to licensing, thereby making it easier for telehealth and other services to come from out-of-state physicians. These efforts have run aground, again, on the insistence by the attorneys who have a stranglehold on Democratic lawmakers that the governing organizations be subject to our states liability law. Another win for the trial lawyers.

Our progressive Legislature has, for the last few years, been quietly moving toward a single-payer health system in the state in the belief that access to medical care is a right that should not be subject to any profit motive. If you like your BeWellNM insurance, youll love a single-payer system. However, many opt out of the state program due to its limited in-state physician network, requiring special approval for out-of-state care. This is especially burdensome for rural residents who rely on receiving their medical care from providers in Texas, Colorado or Arizona.

We can do better. The problems with New Mexico medical care  or the lack thereof  are self-inflicted. Public policy has created the problem, but with the appropriate courage, we can fix it. Please remember this the next time you go to the polls to vote.
Gail Armstrong

Once again, New Mexicans are being forced to watch political theater instead of seeing their real problems addressed. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has called yet another special session, framing it as a response to federal budget cuts. But a closer look reveals this is less about solving urgent crises and more about advancing a progressive wish list while pointing fingers at Washington, all while ignoring the emergencies New Mexicans face every day.

In her press release, the governor and Democratic leaders repeatedly invoked President Donald Trump and the radical right as scapegoats. That rhetoric might energize her base, but it does nothing for families struggling with violent crime, a collapsing health care system or a failing CYFD. Instead of taking responsibility for whats broken in Santa Fe, the governor is deflecting blame and staging yet another round of political theater.

Look at what the governor says this session will cover: new insurance subsidies, funding for public broadcasting, and Medicaid provisions that wont take effect until 2027. Whats missing? A plan to address rampant juvenile crime. Accountability for children dying in state custody. A solution for the rapid loss of doctors. These are the real emergencies New Mexicans are living through right now, and theyre nowhere on her agenda.

It has become clear that progressive Democrats in the Legislature set the agenda for the Governors Office. Even after declaring a crime emergency and authorizing the National Guard in Albuquerque and Espanola, the governor has refused to include meaningful crime legislation in this special session. Rather than lead, she is getting in line with radical progressives in the Legislature.

House Republicans are committed to real solutions. That means addressing the root causes of New Mexicos health care collapse. This starts with reforming malpractice laws that put trial lawyers ahead of providers and patients. Doctors have no issue being held accountable, but the current system bars them from providing even the most basic care that New Mexicans deserve. It also means joining the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact to bring more doctors into our state and expand access to care.

New Mexicans deserve a Legislature that puts their needs first, not one that hides behind national politics while ignoring crises at home. If the governor truly wanted to solve problems, this special session would be about saving lives, keeping hospitals open, and protecting vulnerable children.

Until then, Republicans will continue fighting for meaningful reforms because New Mexico cannot afford another session of smoke and mirrors.
Metals One said on Friday that it has increased its stake in Evolution Energy Minerals to 16.9% after receiving its full allocation in the Australian companys oversubscribed rights issue, which raised AUD 1.45m (0.71m).

The AIM-traded explorer said it acquired 52,985,000 new shares in Evolution at one Australian cent each for a total investment of AUD 529,850, and had also been granted options over 26,492,500 shares exercisable at two Australian cents until September 2028.

Evolution is developing the large, high-grade Chilalo graphite project in Tanzania, which was supported by binding offtake agreements covering more than 90% of planned production.

Chilalo represents one of the few advanced graphite projects positioned to supply ex-China markets, underpinned by strong ESG credentials, government support in Tanzania, and significant exploration upside, said Metals One chief executive Jonathan Owen.

Through Metals Ones shareholding in Evolution, our shareholders have gained access to a premium strategic mineral asset advancing towards development at a highly attractive value entry point.

In a subsequent update, Metals One said admission of its new Evolution shares to the Australian Securities Exchange was now expected to occur on or around 17 September, later than the initial target date of 12 September.

At Friday's close, shares in Metals One were down 3.67% at 3.94p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Having a private audience with the Pope is usually reserved for high-profile individuals like heads of state or government dignitaries. And its very rarely ever something individuals explore during a Vatican visit.

Other opportunities present themselves like the Wednesday General Audience of Sunday Angelus  public meetings that require free, advance tickets.

But one Staten Island couple defied all odds.

They were extremely fortunate to meet Pope Leo XIV, shake his hand and receive a blessing and even engage in an exchange of amazing conversation.

Heres how it happened:

Charlie Poveromo  better known as crooner Charlie Romo, the Staten Islander who was awarded a ticket to American Idol and doubles as a social studies teacher at New Dorp High School  and his wife, Alyssa, a school psychologist, recently celebrated their first wedding anniversary.

They marked the occasion with a three week trip to Denmark, Turkey, Greece, Sicily, Naples, Capri and yes, Rome.

The couple learned about a program called Sposi Novelli, where newlywed couples married in the Catholic Church may sit in a special section during the Wednesday audience.

But qualifications dictate that they be married for three months or less in order to attend and receive the papal blessing. They also must carry with them a copy of the Sacramental Marriage Certificate signed by the priest or deacon who celebrated the wedding.

ENTERING THE VATICAN

Poveromo said that prior to entering the Vatican, Alyssa handed a letter to the Swiss Guards theyd written, explaining they were from New York and married one year.

The Pontifical Swiss Guards, positioned outside the Vatican, is a trained security force for the Pope and the Apostolic Palace, an elite military unit who wear uniforms of red, blue and yellow and feathered hats.

Theyve guarded Vatican City since 1506.

Poveromo explained that as soon as they entered the Vatican, bags go through a metal detector and individuals are required to walk through a similar detection device.

Once inside, the Poveromos were apprised that photos werent permitted to be taken with the Pope and there would be no autograph signing.

The Vatican has its own photographer and videographer who follow the Pope and they would be able to purchase photos..

We were extremely lucky for two reasons since the event was held indoors because of the extreme heat, they offered the blessings and hosted the ceremony inside in a hall. And they let us in even though we werent newlyweds. We really were excited and we persevered. I was pessimistic at first because some people get denied. I even wrote a letter that I translated into Italian.

PROPER ATTIRE

To be permitted to sit in the sposi novelli section, the couple must wear their wedding attire (covered shoulders for the bride).

During the ceremony the Holy Father blesses the couple for a happy wedded life when he gives his general blessing at the conclusion of the papal audience.

And on occasion, some couples have the opportunity to greet the Holy Father personally after the audience.

Alyssa was working on the program for months, Poveromo recounted. But we thought we wouldnt be approved because of the length of time we were married. The Poveromos packed white apparel anyway, especially because of the 100 degree weather. 

We rolled the dice and hoped to have the opportunity. Well, someone upstairs was looking out for us and made it happen. And there was thousands of people there.

Alyssas dress was reminiscent of her wedding dress with a type of lace shawl, and I wore a white jacket with a gold tie. And the hotel we stayed at had a florist so we had a boutonniere and flowers. It was crowded with people and we were the first married couple the Pope went up to. He had a full entourage behind him maybe 50 people, some with video cameras and photographers. Its like an army coming out you - with very heavy security."

MEETING THE HOLY FATHER, POPE LEO XIV

Poveromo recounted when Pope Leo XIV approached them, they shook his hand and said it was such an honor and a privilege to meet him.

We told him we were visiting from New York and celebrating our first wedding anniversary and if he would do us an honor to bless us. He said I love New York and he nodded and said yes, of course. And he made the sign of the cross over us and blessed our rosary beads. He has such a warm way about him. He seems very poised and comfortable. Often not even celebrities are able to get that close up. And he has a calm presence and holy presence about him.

Alyssa and Charlie Poveromo receive a Papal Blessing from Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, who also blessed their rosary beads. (Courtesy/The Vatican) Staten Island Advance

Poveromo noted that on that day the Holy Father spoke Latin and Spanish and that he speaks six languages.

At the blessing he spoke several languages. There were 50 couples. He went up to everyone. There were 10 babies that he held or kissed. It was so sweet to see him hold the babies. And there were also people with disabilities with their families, and clergy from all over the world who came to see him.
The Stapleton event featured local vendors like Big Mama$ Kitchen while showcasing traditional Caribbean music, dance, and cultural education on Sept 13, 2025. Shaina McLawrence

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Music, culture and community were celebrated Saturday at the annual Caribbean Fest Last Lap, hosted by Island Flavorz and Maker Park Radio in Stapleton.

The event transformed the corner of Front and Thompson streets into a vibrant festival of sights and sounds. From the DJs blaring music to an array of West Indian food options, the event was an extremely lively celebration of a vast culture.

Educational opportunities rooted in the rich traditions of Caribbean music, arts and culture were presented.

Additionally, Grenadian musical artist Mr. Legz made an appearance to perform a set of songs for fans. Attendees were treated to the spectacle of a Moko Jumbie  a traditional Caribbean stilt dancer  and the unmistakable melodies of the steel pan.

The Stapleton event featured local vendors like Big Mama$ Kitchen while showcasing traditional Caribbean music, dance, and cultural education on Sept 13, 2025. Shaina McLawrence

For many in Staten Islands Caribbean community, the local cultural event has become a statement of presence and pride.

Though Caribbean culture hasnt always been prominently visible on the Island, the growing annual event is changing that narrative, organizers say.

Event organizer Jackie Lopardo, of Island Flavorz, said the festival has steadily expanded over the course of three years, drawing enthusiastic support, not only from Staten Island residents, but also from neighboring boroughs, like Brooklyn and the Bronx.

Its a powerful feeling to bring this celebration to our own community, Lopardo said proudly. People no longer have to leave the Island to experience Caribbean culture.

Moko Jumbie dancing at the Last Lap Caribbean Festival in Stapleton on Sept. 13, 2025. Shaina McLawrence

The event also boasts economic benefits, with local and visiting vendors contributing to Staten Islands small business scene.

Its helping us build connections and show that Staten Island has vibrant culture worth celebrating, Lopardo added. This is a big deal for our community, our economy and our identity.

The Stapleton event featured local vendors like Big Mama$ Kitchen while showcasing traditional Caribbean music, dance, and cultural education on Sept 13, 2025. Shaina McLawrence

Big Mama$ Kitchen was also on-site, offering delicious food.

Island Flavorz ensured that local businesses were included in the festivities, creating a true community-focused experience.

It also helps us economically because we have local businesses and vendors that are here vending, said Lopardo.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  An intense Community Board 3 meeting on Staten Island this week was packed with residents, business owners and elected officials, each united in opposition to a 16-acre trucking terminal that is being proposed for construction in Charleston. The developer plans a facility for 184 tractor-trailers, but the project faces fierce backlash over traffic, safety, and environmental concerns.

Here are five takeaways from the Sept. 10 meeting:

Widespread community opposition

More than 100 residents packed the meeting, voicing unanimous opposition to the proposed project planned for a long curve of Arthur Kill Road, between Winant Place and Androvette Street. Speakers argued that placing such a large facility on a narrow, winding road was inappropriate and dangerous. Officials representing Borough President Vito Fossella, Assemblyman Michael Reilly, and Councilmember Frank Morano also spoke out against the plan, citing concerns that adding hundreds of trucks to an already congested corridor would be very, very troublesome. The collective sentiment was summed up by one speaker: This project has to be stopped.

Zoning technicality

A primary source of outrage is a zoning loophole that allows the project to proceed without a comprehensive traffic study or a full-scale environmental review. According to the Department of City Planning, the sites M1-1 commercial zoning permits the trucking terminal as a primary use for parking. George Todorovic, the agencys deputy director, called this a technicality that the departments own lawyers had to confirm, because they couldnt believe it themselves. This means the developer is not required to study the impact of 184 tractor-trailers on local traffic, infrastructure, or the nearby Clay Pit Ponds Park, a fact the community finds nonsensical.

History of unauthorized work

The developer, Arthur Englewood LLC, has already violated city regulations on the property, according to documents. The Department of Buildings issued a stop-work order after the owner removed more than 500 trees starting in 2021 without authorization. The projects urban planner, Phil Rampulla, stated that his clients are good guys who didnt know anything about anything and hired contractors from Brooklyn who were immediately shut down. The property owner further angered residents by not attending the public hearing, and Community Board members said they hope this will be a factor in the final decision.

Projects fate hinges on a single, narrow approval

Despite the widespread opposition, the project only needs one discretionary approval from the City Planning Commission to move forward. Because the property is in the Special South Richmond Development District, the commission must authorize the developers request to remove hundreds of additional trees and alter the sites topography. The Community Boards role is purely advisory; it has until Oct. 15 to submit its recommendation before the City Planning Commission holds a final vote. The approval is specifically for the trees, not the trucking terminal itself, which is already permitted by the zoning code.

Businesses fear negative economic impact

Local entrepreneurs are worried the trucking terminal will harm their investment and the communitys character. Eric Bischoff, who is restoring the historic Kreischer Mansion as a wedding and event venue, expressed concern that having nearly 200 trucks passing daily would undermine his efforts to honor the landmark. He told the developers representative: Your project doesnt help anyone in this room. The opposition highlights a conflict between the developers plan to service a regional logistics need and the communitys vision for preserving its local character and small businesses.

(A draft of this story was generated using AI. It was reviewed, edited and approved by Advance/SILive.com staff.)
James Collins, pictured with his wife, Bianca, on their wedding day in May 2024, has controlled his sleep apnea with an implantable device called Inspire. (Photo courtesy of James Collins) collins

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- James Collins, a 29-year-old hospital administrator from Travis, couldnt understand what was causing his chronic fatigue.

Even just sitting down on the couch was a no-go, he said. I would fall right asleep.

Concerned his snoring might be a clue, his wife, Bianca, used her cellphone to record episodes of James gasping for air while napping on the couch. A sleep study revealed he was suffering from severe obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA -- a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to a blockage in the upper airway.

I used to wake up every 40 minutes. Now I can sleep through the night, says Inspire patient James Collins, pictured with his wife, Bianca, on their wedding day last year. (Photo courtesy of James Collins) collins

Sleep apnea affects 30 million Americans, according to the American Medical Association. If left untreated, it can lead to a variety of health issues including heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and liver damage. It can also impact cognitive function and increase the risk of accidents due to daytime sleepiness.

A key indicator of severe OSA is an Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) score of 30 or greater, meaning a person experiences 30 episodes of complete pauses in breathing (apneas) or partial reductions in breathing (hypopneas) per hour of sleep.

James scored 38.2 on the AHI test. With a new baby on the way, he knew he had to address the problem quickly.

His diagnosis qualified him for an implantable device called Inspire, and he was referred to Dr. Shanmugappiriya Sivarajah, a head and neck surgical oncologist and reconstructive surgeon at Richmond University Medical Center who has been performing Staten Islands first Inspire procedures since August 2024.

RUMC Vice President Alex Lutz, left, joins Inspire patient James Collins; Dr. Christopher Lisi, chief of the Division of ENT Head and Neck Surgery, and Dr. Shanmugappiriya Sivarajah, head and neck surgeon. (Photo courtesy of RUMC rumc

Alternative to CPAP

Inspire therapy is a mask-free solution for OSA, and an alternative to the often cumbersome CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine. It involves tunneling an electrode from the hypoglossal nerve in the neck, which controls tongue movement, to a small battery-powered device implanted under the skin in the chest area.

The battery is tucked near the level of the pectoral muscle, so you cant feel it or see it, Dr. Sivarajah stresses.

When needed, the Inspire device sends mild stimulation to move the tongue forward and prevent the airway from collapsing during sleep, eliminating the obstruction. The patient remote allows the user to turn on the treatment before falling asleep and turn it off when awake.

A 90-minute surgical procedure involves two incisions and is performed on an out-patient basis with a two-week recovery period. A month after surgery, the device is turned on and its strength is adjusted for comfort. Two months after surgery, another sleep test is administered.

Its rewarding to see patients experience a significant improvement in their quality of life with Inspire therapy, Dr. Sivarajah says. They sleep better, and longer. There is less snoring and less disruption. They have more energy and no longer need a nap during the day.

A lot of people may have sleep apnea for years, but may not notice how its affected their quality of life  until it gets treated, she added.

Dr. Sivarajah reassures patients that Inspire, which has been FDA-approved since 2014, is MRI compatible and does not trigger alarms at the airport. An app monitors use of the device and provides 24-hour support.

It takes a bit of counseling and patient education to operate Inspire and adjust the strength of the pulse, the surgeon adds. People tolerate it very well without complications. CPAP is the gold standard for sleep apnea; patients who are non-compliant or claustrophobic become candidates for Inspire.

Joined on cases by Dr. Christopher Lisi, chief of RUMCs Division of ENT Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Sivarajah sees patients of all ages, from 20 to 70.

With obesity rates trending upward in the U.S., sleep apnea is diagnosed more often, Dr. Lisi says, and many people are undiagnosed.

Now the parents of a new baby girl, Lena, the Collinses are relieved that Jamess OSA is under control after surgery last December. On the second sleep test post-surgery, he experienced only one apneic event.

I feel a lot better, the new father says. I used to wake up every 40 minutes. Now I can sleep through the night, and Im able to do the parenting thing a lot better than if I was still struggling.
The Staten Island Out of the Darkness Community Walk event, hosted on Sept. 14, has successfully built a supportive community around mental health awareness. Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Hundreds of Staten Islanders gathered Sunday afternoon at Wolfes Pond Park for the annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk, a powerful event aimed at raising awareness about suicide prevention and mental health resources.

Hosted by the New York City chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the free walk comes as suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among New Yorkers ages 15 to 34, according to the organization.

Participants walked in the Princes Bay park in memory of loved ones lost, in support of those struggling and in honor of their own mental health journeys.

The Staten Island Out of the Darkness Community Walk to Prevent Suicide event took place on Sept. 14, 2025. It has successfully built a supportive community around mental health awareness. Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence

Felicia Gambino, co-chair of the Staten Island walk, said the event has had significant growth and success. It surpassed its $50,000 fundraising goal, she said.

Its so heartwarming to see the community come together for mental health awareness and for suicide prevention,' she said. Suicide is a leading cause of death, especially on Staten Island, which has numbers rising, Gambino said. Its so important that we show up for those that are struggling and to provide hope in order to save lives.

Gambino shared that her motivation stems from a combination of personal experience with mental health and her academic career in clinical social work, viewing her advocacy as a life mission.

Its something that Ive always been really passionate about, providing that hope to other people and sharing the fact that theyre not alone, even in their darkest moments, Gambino said. Dont be afraid of the conversation. Mental health, and especially suicide, is so stigmatized in our communities, and it could be really scary having a conversation about mental health, about suicide, despite that discomfort, it is such an important conversation to have.

The Staten Island Out of the Darkness Community Walk to Prevent Suicide event, hosted on Sept. 14, has successfully built a supportive community around mental health awareness. Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence

Among the attendees was Carol Doodian-Russo, a Staten Island mother who lost her 20-year-old son, Nicholas, to suicide last year.

For me, Im walking in memory of my son, and I think he would be proud of me, Doodian-Russo said. People dont like to use the word suicide, but I dont think you should be ashamed to use it, because it could help others.

Doodian-Russo formed a walking team and has been actively fundraising for the cause.

The event also served as a reminder that suicide touches one in five families in the U.S., and that open conversations are essential to saving lives.

The Staten Island Out of the Darkness Community Walk to Prevent Suicide event, hosted on Sept. 14, has successfully built a supportive community around mental health awareness. Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence

Funds raised will support the foundations research, education, advocacy, and support services for those affected by suicide. The organization offers programs across all five boroughs, including school and workplace visits to discuss prevention, treatment, and coping with loss.

Local event sponsors included Hands of Hope, Richmond University Medical Center, Shamanista Lifestyle, UrgentVet Staten Island, Richmond Behavioral Associates, DJ Ricardo Phillips, and Starbucks.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention encourages anyone in crisis to reach out. Help is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988, or by texting HOME to 741741.
This photo released by the Utah Governor's Office on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025 shows Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the murder of Charlie Kirk.(Utah Governor's Office via AP) AP

Hello,

I didnt begin with my traditional Hi Neighbor today. It just doesnt seem appropriate.

Im no longer sure who I can call a neighbor. Or who wants to call me a neighbor. As a society, we are fraught with tension.

The murder of a young conservative, an ally of President Trump, a charismatic guy doing all he could to lure young people to the Republican Party, has left me shaken.

A suspect has been arrested and law enforcement people are still looking for a motive.

What else could it be?

Some twisted individual, who thinks they have a higher purpose, decided they have the right, the power, to thwart opposing opinion, opinion with which they violently disagree, to take the life of a young man to make that sick statement.

It has left me shaken for so many reasons.

A first reaction of any thinking person, of course, is abject horror. No matter their political position.

What is happening to America, theyll demand, with all the heartfelt passion they can muster.

The more liberal among us will blame violence in America on Donald Trump and his bombastic style, belittling anyone and everyone in his path, creating the enormous divide we see in our country.

The more conservative among us -- the president included -- will blame it on the left-leaning ilk of our country. Woke America. Why else, theyll demand, would anyone murder someone preaching traditional values that millions of Americans voted for that put their guy back in the White House.

Charlie Kirk speaks before he is shot during Turning Point's visit to Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (Tess Crowley/The Deseret News via AP) AP

Screen save from Christmas video showing Erika and Charlie Kirk with there son and daughter. Jeff Darcy, cleveland.com

When are we going to face it, Staten Island? When is America going to face it?

We are an angry nation. Often a violent nation.

Lets take it down to the streets of Staten Island. Youve seen road rage. Or at least the beginnings of it. Youve had someone blast the car horn at you the second the traffic light turns green. Maybe youve done it yourself. Neighbors battle neighbors over the silliest things.

Dont dare park in front of my house!

Countless times, reporters have been threatened by crime suspects who are subject of news stories detailing their arrest and whatever crime theyve been accused.

Youre destroying my life, they threaten. What goes unsaid -- they committed the crime.

Judges in criminal trials are threatened. Prosecuting attorneys in those same trials are threatened.

Twisted Americans hell-bent on making some twisted statement shoot up a classroom of second graders.

Emergency services attend the scene on Bourbon Street after a vehicle drove into a crowd on New Orleans' Canal and Bourbon Street, Wednesday Jan. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) AP

A maniac plows a car through revelers at an outdoor concert

The result of the stress of the world in which we now live? Think again.

European settlers landed on on our shores in the 1700s when there were an estimated three million Native Americans living here.

By1900, there were fewer than 300,000.

Today, corral the few left on a reservation somewhere in Connecticut, give them a fancy casino and tell them to do they best they can.

Imagine yourself Black in Jim Crows America. Work the fields all day, but dont think of having a Coca Cola at the 5 & 10 lunch counter when done.

Today, people we dont like face deportation. Then, they faced a tree and a rope.

Its not what weve become, neighbors. Its what weve always been.

Those wholl curse me -- and therell be many  for disparaging this great country, will never acknowledge the horrors that got us here.

I despise the gun culture in which we live. But gun control will never stop the violence we saw this week in Utah.

Maybe. Just maybe, if we tone down the ugly rhetoric. If we heal the divide between Republicans and Democrats, maybe therell be one less nasty argument between neighbors over the picket fence.

Maybe, just maybe, therell be one less American murdered simply because they dont agree with what the neighbor on the other side of the fence believes.

Or maybe, just maybe, its all Pollyanna thinking at a time when, as a nation, we should be grieving. Not just for the man murdered. But for the country we think we are.

Brian

Oh by the way: Weve always looked to the president to offer thoughtful and measured assurance to a troubled America in times of crisis to calm the beleaguered nation. Consider the response of two Republican leaders. First, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox told young Americans: Your generation has an opportunity to build a culture that is very different than what we are suffering through right now. Not by pretending differences dont matter, but by embracing our differences and having those hard conversations. And now, our 47th president: The radicals on the left are the problem, and theyre vicious and theyre horrible and theyre politically savvy. Isnt leadership all about uniting the nation?
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The New York Public Librarys After School program will be back in session later this month, offering free homework help and enrichment activities to young students across the city.

The offering, a Tisch Youth Education Program, is returning on Monday, Sept. 29, and is open to students aged 6 to 12 across 52 NYPL branches. It takes place after regular school hours, Monday to Thursday, while school is in session. There will be no after school on certain holidays, such as Yom Kippur, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving, as well as during Winter Recess.

This offering is apart of NYPLs greater education programming, which makes it the largest free education provider outside the public school system in New York City.

NYPL After School offers children a safe, welcoming place to do homework, read, and build confidence outside the classroom, said Brian Bannon, the Merryl and James Tisch Director of Branch Libraries and Education at The New York Public Library.

Participating library branches, including seven on Staten Island, will have homework help from tutors or Teen Reading Ambassadors, which is an internship program for young adults developing leadership skills. There will also be educational activities, such as fun writing assignments, STEAM projects and reading recommendations. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

The Staten Island locations offering this program are the Charleston Library, the Port Richmond Library, the Richmond Town Library, the St. George Library Center, the Stapleton Library, the Todt Hill-Westerleigh Library, and the West New Brighton Library. There is no registration required for these events.

For those unable to attend in person, the NYPL offers online resources, book recommendations, and homework assistance on their website at https://www.nypl.org/remote-learning-resources/nypl-after-school .
Former City Council speaker Christine Quinn is shown here speaking at an Advance Women of Achievement ceremony. As president and CEO of Win shelter and supportive services for homeless families with children, she has condemned Fox News host Brian Kilmeade for suggesting homeless Americans should be euthanized. (Advance/SILive.com | Jin Lee)

Christine C. Quinn, president and CEO of WIN  the nations largest provider of shelter and supportive services for homeless families with children  has strongly condemned Fox News host Brian Kilmeade for suggesting that homeless Americans should be euthanized, calling his rhetoric completely devoid of all humanity.

Kilmeade made the controversial comment Wednesday during a discussion with Fox & Friends co-hosts Ainsley Earhardt and Lawrence Jones about the fatal stabbing of Iryna Zarutska, a Ukrainian refugee, on a North Carolina train.

While discussing the suspect, who reportedly had a history of arrests and of schizophrenia, Kilmeade suggested involuntary lethal injection for homeless individuals, adding, Just kill em.

Quinn, who leads the nations largest provider of shelter and supportive services for homeless families with children, responded forcefully to Kilmeades remarks, for which he later apologized.

Rhetoric like this  completely devoid of all humanity  only serves to divide and inflame, Quinn said in a statement sent to the media by the organization. There is no denying that we are facing surging homelessness and mental health crises in this country that require our full-throttled attention.

Rather than making reductive and inhumane quips, Quinn urged a focus on investments in supportive services to help homeless individuals. While acknowledging Kilmeades apology, she invited him to engage in meaningful dialogue with those working on homelessness issues.

Better yet, come volunteer in one of our shelters and see the face of homelessness for yourself  we could always use the help, she added.

Quinn noted that Kilmeades comments come at a time of extreme polarization in America and only serve to harm marginalized communities.

Win operates 16 shelters and over 450 units of supportive housing across New York Citys five boroughs. For over 40 years, the organization has provided safe housing safe housing, trauma-informed services, and innovative programs to help families rebuild their lives.

In the past year, Win served nearly 12,400 people  including over 6,700 children  and helped almost 1,000 families transition from shelters into homes of their own, the announcement said.
Here, people take photos after the American flag on the North Lawn at the White House in Washington, is lowered to half-staff after Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was killed at an event in Orem, Utah, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. Flags in New York and New Jersey were not lowered. (Associated Press/Mark Schiefelbein) (Associated Press/Mark Schiefelbein)

Flags in New York and neighboring New Jersey were not lowered to half staff in honor of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, despite President Trumps proclamation ordering the nation to do so.

Kirk, also co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on September 10, during a public speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

In nearby Bergen County, N.J., officials are facing harsh criticism online, though decisions to lower the American flag are made by a state-by-state basis and states need not follow federal orders, according to Half Staff American Flag Notifications.

Trump issued a directive Wednesday ordering U.S. flags nationwide lowered through Sunday at 6 p.m., calling Kirk a truly Great American Patriot, and flags at the White house came down that day.

But in New Jersey and in New York, flags remained at full staff,' as neither New York Gov. Kathy Hochul or New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy issued similar directives. Pennsylvania and Delaware complied with Trumps orders.

Conservatives in Bergen County accused were accused by residents and political commentators of making a political statement, according to NJ.com, a sister site of SILive.com.

The Bergen County Democrats refuse to lower the flags to half-staff for the assassination of Charlie Kirk and have ignored federal orders to do so! Republican commissioner candidate Jay Costa posted on Instagram. Truly despicable! They deserve to lose in November.

Several Republican-led states lowered flags in honor Kirk following his fatal shooting

Governors in Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Washington issued proclamations extending Sept. 11 Patriot Day observances to include Kirk, citing Trumps directive, it has been reported.

North Carolina also complied, according to reports.
Zohran Mamdani is not hard to critique. His platform reads like a wish list from the Democratic Socialists of America. He would double down on sanctuary protections, strip ICE of cooperation with city agencies, and redirect city resources into subsidizing legal defense for undocumented immigrants.

These positions are wildly out of sync with Staten Island, and they raise serious questions about legality, fiscal responsibility, and public safety. If Republicans stuck to policy, they would have no shortage of ammunition.

But the problem is that many of Mamdanis loudest critics are guilty of hypocrisy. Take Nicole Malliotakis. She never misses an opportunity to brand Mamdani a socialist. Yet she has applauded Trumps administration for taking a 10% equity stake in Intel as part of its semiconductor strategy. She supports proposals that would have the U.S. government skim revenue from Nvidias chip sales to China. She even praises Howard Lutnicks idea that Washington take a cut of universities patent royalties.

If Mamdani were proposing any of these measures, Malliotakis would denounce them as state control of private industry. But because they come packaged in Trump-era nationalism, they are conveniently rebranded as America First. Call it what you will, but having the government claim equity stakes, revenue cuts, and patent royalties is not capitalism in any meaningful sense. It is industrial policy at best, creeping corporatism at worst.

Republicans on Staten Island squander credibility by playing both sides. They rail against socialism when it comes from the left, yet endorse government intervention in markets when it benefits their preferred industries or aligns with Trump. The net effect is that their criticism of Mamdani rings hollow. Voters see the inconsistency. They may not call it hypocrisy, but they recognize a double standard.

If Staten Island Republicans want to defeat Mamdani or anyone like him, they need coherence. Attack his policies on their merits, but do not prop up similar government meddling when it comes from your own camp. Otherwise, you are not fighting socialism. You are just negotiating the terms under which government redistributes wealth and power.

(Dr. Joseph Frusci is a Great Kills resident.)
About 500 people gathered to honor Charlie Kirk during a memorial service at Conference House Park, Tottenville, on Sept. 14, 2025. Advance/SILive.com | Jillian Delaney

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Pastor David Watsons words rang out over a massive crowd gathered in Conference House Park Sunday morning to memorialize Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was shot and killed last week.

Heavenly Father, were angry on some level,' Watson, pastor of Calvary Chapel, Mariners Harbor, told the crowd of about 500. Were mourning on so many other levels  Thank you so much for your servant, Charlie Kirk.

Kirk, a 31-year-old right-wing political activist and father of two, was assassinated at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10 in front of a crowd of hundreds.

The suspect in the killing has been identified as Tyler Robinson, 22. He was arrested the day after the shooting and is being held without bail in a Utah jail, official said.

New York State Assemblymember Michael Tannousis, a Republican who represents the East Shore of Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn, served as the emcee at Sundays event, which was organized by the Staten Island Republican Party.

39 1 / 39 Hundreds gather to memorialize Charlie Kirk at Staten Island parkJillian Delaney

Were at a crossroads,' he said to the crowd in the historic Tottenville park. Were in trouble, as a nation, I believe, when somebody cannot adequately express their First Amendment right without fear of violence, political violence."

Tannousis, who chairs the Republican Party on Staten Island, said he felt blessed to be born and raised in the borough, which he called Gods country.

We are Gods country, and we are Trump country,' he said. We will always support the president of the United States.

He was met with thunderous applause.

Daniela Colella and Assemblymember Michael Tannousis stand together at a memorial service for Charlie Kirk at Conference House Park on Sept. 14, 2025. Advance/SILive.com | Jillian Delaney

Daniela Colella led the crowd in renditions of the national anthem and God Bless America.

Singing along, the crowd roared at her finish, with chants of U-S-A, breaking out multiple times throughout the memorial.

Representatives of Turning Point USA  Kirks nonprofit organization, which raises conservative points at high schools and universities across the nation  were also in attendance.

Michael Janino, a student at Baruch College who started the campus Turning Point chapter, recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Conference House Park was teeming with supporters of Charlie Kirk and President Donald Trump on Sept. 14, 2025. Advance/SILive.com | Jillian Delaney

Michael Roces, of Princes Bay, said he left Turning Point USA two days before Kirk was killed to pursue a career as a teacher.

Now is the time to not just find answers, but to find where we can go in the next 10 to 20 years, because, right now, our countrys at stake, he said. Were so divided right now, and we need to make sure that we find that middle ground again, because Charlie Kirk was the only person that was leading that middle ground."

That bridge between Left and Right, we need to bring that back again, Roces said. Because, otherwise, Im worried about whats going to happen.

A memorial for Charlie Kirk was set up at Conference House Park on Sept. 14, 2025. Advance/SILive.com | Jillian Delaney

Kirks voice could be heard playing on speakers during the event, with many in the crowd tearing up as they listened.

Kirks photo was surrounded by bouquets of roses and small American flags  just some of the tributes brought to the event and placed on an altar of sorts. Small gold American flag pins and rubber bracelets were distributed to enthusiastic attendees, ranging from babies in strollers to the elderly.

Anthony Reinhardt, of the Staten Island GOP, said he was thankful for the tremendous turnout.

A memorial service for Charlie Kirk was held at Conference House Park on Sept. 14, 2025. Advance/SILive.com | Jillian Delaney

Charlie deserved this; our country deserves this, Reinhardt said. For us to be out here to show that we will not cower and will not be scared. And our freedom is so vital and so important. And you have all inspired me by being here today.

And I know Charlie wants us to continue to go forward, to not be scared, to live in freedom, to be proud of that freedom, to make sure that youre registered to vote, that youre involved and youre engaged.
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ANZ Bank executives could face bonus cuts after the banking giant agreed to a $240 million penalty to settle four separate legal cases from the corporate watchdog, admitting to unconscionable conduct on a major government bond deal, incorrect reporting of trading data, and misconduct affecting nearly 65,000 customers.

The misconduct affecting consumers included failing to pay the correct interest rates on bonus savings accounts; failing to respond to hundreds of customers who had sought hardship assistance; and failing to refund fees that were charged to thousands of customers who had died.

The chair of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Joe Longo, on Monday slammed the bank for what he called grubby conduct in relation to the $14 billion bond deal, as he accused it of betraying the trust of Australians.

ASIC and ANZ will ask the Federal Court to impose the $240 million fine over cases alleging many years of misconduct. Credit: Kate Geraghty

The settlement between ANZ and ASIC draws to a close a long-running regulatory probe into misconduct in ANZs markets business and the banks role in the government bond deal, while it also reveals multiple problems in its retail bank.
In a succession battle worthy of the HBO drama the family helped inspire, months of intense negotiations between the warring family members ensued. It was an acrimonious process that saw the opposing factions resort to communicating through lawyers. Critical to the conflict was politics. James (left), Elisabeth, Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch in 2007. Credit: Getty Images Lachlan, the heir apparent who took over the day-to-day running of the Murdoch businesses in 2023, is closely aligned with his father, whereas James, Elisabeth and Prudence Murdoch are viewed as more liberal. For Rupert, securing the right-wing stance of his media assets was crucial. In an email released during the Nevada trial, he wrote: Fox and our papers are the only faintly conservative voices against the monolithic liberal media. I believe maintaining this is vital to the future of the English-speaking world.

The eventual solution was complicated. Through the previous family trust, Rupert held a 40 per cent voting stake in both News Corp and Fox. This will be replaced by a new trust controlled by Lachlan, but its stakes in the two companies have been diluted to 33 per cent and 36 per cent, respectively. Loading News Corp and Fox have mandated Morgan Stanley to sell shares worth about $US1.4 billion on behalf of the three children leaving the trust. Prudence, Elisabeth and James will receive $US1.1 billion each in return for their stakes. I am not surprised that the siblings went for the money, says one former Murdoch executive. There is always a cheque that will resolve these disputes. However, the exact details of the complex arrangement remain murky. It is not yet known who has bought up the shares in News Corp and Fox  described by analyst Claire Enders as an attractive investment with some transparency  though it is thought to include Australian institutional investors and pension funds.

Possible Middle Eastern involvement Murdoch has raised further funding in the form of a $US1 billion loan. While this is believed to have been provided by JPMorgan, it is not clear which fund has been used or where the money originates. Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal was a long-time investor who stood by the family when the News of the World phone hacking scandal erupted in 2011. Credit: AP This opacity raises the possibility of Middle Eastern involvement, especially given Murdochs previous ties with wealthy Arab individuals. Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a Saudi Arabian billionaire, was a long-time investor who stood by the family when the News of the World phone hacking scandal erupted in 2011. Any involvement by sovereign wealth funds would ring alarm bells in the wake of new laws banning the ownership of British newspapers by foreign states.

The laws, introduced this year in response to the failed takeover of The Telegraph by UAE-backed fund RedBird IMI, cap ownership by foreign states at 15 per cent. A holding of 5 per cent or more requires the investor to notify the Secretary of State, while any debt arrangement may be scrutinised if it is deemed to convey influence over the title. Murdochs News UK has been a vocal opponent of the laws and lobbied vocally to raise the threshold of the ownership cap, which was initially proposed at 5 per cent. Loading In response to a government consultation earlier this year, it said a 15 per cent cap would provide clarity for all stakeholders and avoid unduly jeopardising continued investment in the UKs media and newspaper industry whilst appropriately protecting against foreign state influence. It is not thought that News UK has been required to notify ministers of any foreign state involvement. A source familiar with the transaction said there was no third-party involvement in the loan. News Corp declined to comment on the source of the funding.

Whatever the source of the money, Murdochs supporters argue that the deal removes a major uncertainty that was hanging over his empire. It shows that our strategy will be consistent. Its clear, and its very sustainable, Lachlan said. We can be very focused on returning capital to investors, driving our profitability and, really importantly, investing in our core brands and especially in our great journalism. Nevertheless, the mystery investment leaves some questions over the future direction of Murdochs empire unanswered. The new trust guarantees Lachlans control until at least 2050. Many believe, however, that Murdochs death will be the real game-changer.

The future of the empire is as it is until Mr Murdoch leaves this Earth, says Enders. I think its really unlikely that theres going to be any change in the assets while hes alive. Further down the line, more change could be afoot. Lachlan earlier this year launched a now-aborted takeover bid for Rightmove through REA, the Australian real estate group that has proved to be his savviest investment. The newly crowned mogul could look at further dealmaking to diversify the group away from its media assets. Loading More controversially, he may shun sentimentality and decide to sell off the groups loss-making Australian newspapers. Enders describes Lachlan as extremely pragmatic. Yet the succession process has diluted Lachlans grip on the empire. The future role played by Chloe and Grace, Ruperts youngest children from his marriage to Wendi Deng, who are also beneficiaries of the new trust, is another unknown.
If you were to imagine the leader of Australias oldest chocolate factory, the archetype of Willy Wonka (flamboyant, whimsical, mad genius) is difficult to resist. Peter Millard, a supply chain officer by trade (bespectacled, bookish, a little awkward) doesnt pretend to be anything of the sort.

Im a mathematician. I sit there and think about squares, said Millard, the newly installed chief executive of Haighs Chocolates.

But its not cocoa truffles hes referring to: building a business, he explains, is like building out an ever-expanding cube.

Haighs Chocolates new chief executive Peter Millard is the first CEO appointed from outside the Haigh family in the businesss 110-year history. Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong

Youre not just growing in one dimension or another, youre growing in three, four, five, six dimensions, Millard said. Complexity is the big thing.
When Emma Heming Willis noticed her husband Bruce Willis checking out of dinner conversations with his daughters, she knew something was wrong.

Heming Willis has opened up about her experiences as Willis caregiver during his ongoing battle with dementia in an upcoming book titled The Unexpected Journey which is due out in Australia this week.

Bruce Willis and Emma Heming Willis in 2023. Credit: Getty Images

The book is a deeply personal memoir charting Willis decline from the man who led much of their relationship and provided her comfort, to a rocky period where his behaviour changed and she struggled to work out why.

It is also a guide for those walking a similar path with their loved ones which Heming Willis hopes will offer support and advice to other carers, especially those dealing with forms of dementia.
Charlie Kirks funeral could complicate the timing for a possible meeting between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump.

Kirk, an influential MAGA figure, was shot dead while speaking at a Utah university last week, and Trump has indicated he will attend the funeral, scheduled for Sunday.

Defence Minister Richard Marles told Sky News yesterday he had no doubt Albanese would meet with Trump. Albanese will soon travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly and a meeting between the two leaders could happen as soon as next week.

Anthony Albanese and Donald Trump are yet to meet in person since the presidents re-election. Credit: Getty

But asked when it would happen on the ABC, Albanese said: We will meet when we meet.

Obviously things occur, such as the funeral as a result of Mr Kirks tragic murder, on Sunday, and that means peoples arrangements will be finalised when theyre finalised, he said.

That [the funeral] is a factor obviously because I was asked by a journalist earlier, would I be having a meeting on Sunday, and quite clearly that isnt going to be the case.
I was surprised. I was not surprised.

Surprised at the news my book Flawed Hero had been twice rejected by the Australian War Memorial as the winner of the Les Carlyon Literary Award despite being so nominated by independent judges  because I did not know it had been entered; the entry facilitated by Allen and Unwin rather than myself.

Chris Masters speaking outside court after Ben Roberts-Smith lost his defamation case against The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and the Canberra Times. Credit: James Brickwood

But once that news was processed, I was not surprised. While Flawed Hero has gained credit in some spheres (it was awarded the 2024 Australian Political Book of the Year prize), within other quarters of the Australian War Memorial it appears to be reviled.

Let me go back to 2017 when I sat down with the then director, Brendan Nelson, trying to nervously broach the subject of Ben Roberts-Smith, VC, MG, and why the memorial should be cautious about making him a centrepiece exhibit.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size I found it difficult to read the article on Senator Jacinta Price on Saturday (Prices crusade to remake the Liberals, backed by Advance, September 13). The senator is often referred to as a leader. A leader of whom or what? She is merely a self-appointed spokesperson on Indigenous issues with views few First Nations people would endorse. The fact that she seems proud of her part in the defeat of the referendum on the Voice is a sad indictment on her indeed. She is quoted as saying there is no way she would let anyone use her, yet that seems exactly what Advance is doing. Be careful what you wish for Australia. We dont want our own Donald. Patrick McMahon, Paddington Jacinta Nampijinpa Price in the Senate on September 3. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The headline article on Jacinta Price gives interesting background. From a political family, the early talent on TV and not being shy of controversy, she is obviously intelligent and a good performer in front of a microphone, and in the past few years is seldom out of the news. It is clear she is the candidate Advance was looking for, and she now has its financial backing as well as being promoted by Tony Abbott and the Murdoch media. Her adoption of MAGA themes means she has learnt the Trump playbook, and as Fox News played a big part in Trumps elections, Sky TV is her favourite channel here. We can expect a serious campaign to turn the Coalition into an Australian version of the Republicans in the US. Whether the centre-right can fight this off remains to be seen. The party of Menzies may be dead. Gary Barnes, Mosman Senator Price argues that the stolen generations are much better off now than their peers because they gained wealth. Sadly, money seems to be important to her. But they lost something far more important  their families and culture. Susan Haylock, Mosman Jacinta Price is saying what many are thinking. Once again, the Liberal leadership has failed to read the room. Malcolm McEwen, North Turramurra Jacinta Nampijinpa Price believes there are a lot of Australians who would like to see her become prime minister. Im sure that is correct, but Im also confident that an equal number, or more  including many within the Coalition  would not like that to happen. Labor must love to see her prominence in the media because, like Peter Dutton, she is so polarising that a party led by her would surely be unelectable. Ian Morris, Strathfield Jacinta Nampijinpa Price says she doesnt doubt at all that there are those who would regard her as a gift to the conservative side of politics. Shes a gift to the other side as well. Lynne Poleson, Kingsford

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Kirk death fallout shadows grief of thousands The outpouring of grief over the death of one man in America overshadows the loss of lives in Gaza, Ukraine and, indeed, the rest of the United States on the same day (Thoughts and prayers are clearly not enough, September 13). Charlie Kirk had a wife and children and parents who are grieving, but does his death mean more than those thousands whove lost loved ones through no fault of their own? Christine Tiley, Albany Creek (Qld) Illustration by Megan Herbert Credit: In our dopamine-economy age, the boundaries of free speech are endlessly disputed  and rightly so. But some lines are not ambiguous. To assault someone because you dislike their words is not resistance, it is repression. To kill them for their views is to become the executioner of thought itself. Take Charlie Kirk: his views are, to me, deeply repulsive. As a Jewish person, I loathe his embrace of the great replacement theory  anti-Jewish racism in its purest form. I loathe, too, his transphobia and racism toward other vulnerable groups. But for him to be attacked or murdered for those views is not liberation or solidarity. It is authoritarianism in its clearest form. Free speech is not a blank cheque to offend without consequence. But the strength of democracy lies in its ability to endure even speech we detest without collapsing into violence. Once that line is crossed, freedom has already been lost.

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Both the far right and the far left, convinced of their sublime purity, dream of hastening collapse, convinced that only destruction will bring renewal. It falls to those of us who reject both extremes to resist this nihilism outright. Simon Tedeschi, Newtown The God-given right to bear arms in the US appears to take precedence over the commandment Thou shalt not kill. Catherine Turner, Cremorne The USA, as it does on a regular basis, is tearing itself apart (Torn in the USA, September 13). Why does Australia still maintain US bases and an alliance with such an unstable nation? I know Australians fear China with good reason, but holding on to a ship going down isnt going to stop us from drowning. Henry Spirek, Blayney Charlie Kirk arrives at a campaign rally for Donald Trump in Las Vegas last year. Credit: AP The Utah governor calls for an end to political violence (We have to find an off-ramp, September 13), then reveals how embedded it is by calling for more violence in the form of the death penalty. Those who suffer most from capital punishment are the perpetrators family. What crime did they commit, Mr Governor, Mr President? Rob Ferguson, St Ives Joel Jammal says: there will not be another man like Charlie Kirk (Kirks influence lives on in local Christian politics, September 13). Pray to your god that you are correct. John Boast, Hunters Hill The Yanks are mightily pleased that the authorities have very quickly arrested the person whom they believe to have killed Kirk. Thats the easier part of the action. The old saying is: Prevention is better than cure  but prevention stubbornly remains in the too hard basket ... and it probably wont move because some rabid gun-toters are only too trigger-happy to get rid of anyone who wants to dispossess them of their weapons. David Gordon, Cranebrook

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The American school year has just begun. My nine-year-old grandson in New York attended a new school and one of the first things the children were asked to do was drop and hide in place drill for an active shooter. My daughter-in-law tells me that it is possible to buy bulletproof backpacks! Thank goodness they will be living back in Australia in a years time. Joan Rodd, Gladesville All need protection Religious freedom isnt absolute; it cant be used to harm others or violate their fundamental rights. The purpose of human rights is to ensure the dignity and freedom of everyone in a society, not just one group. When one persons practice of their faith directly conflicts with the basic rights of others, such as the right to be free from discrimination, we need to impose limitations on that practice (Push for politician bans over hate speech, September 13). A persons religious belief may condemn homosexuality, but that belief does not give them the right to discriminate against an LGBTQ+ person in employment, housing or public services. The right to be free from discrimination is a fundamental human right that government has a duty to protect for all citizens. John Bailey, Canterbury Libs doubt themselves Two articles in Saturdays Herald point to the problems of the Liberal Party and its future. One common theme is that the party seems incapable of running itself and doing its own work. They have allowed religious groups and Advance-type groups to join, and then these push their own agendas, which is usually far removed from what mainstream voters want. Then there is the related issue of past leaders still wanting to run the party. Abbott pushes Advance and Sky and white-ants energy policy thinking; Howard started the religious incursions. Both need to be shown the door and thanked on the way out. Neither has any clue about how the party can work its way back to being acceptable to enough voters in order for it to be electable. The continued trotting out of these two at every occasion is a sign of the partys desperation and lack of faith in its own ability. Actually getting the shadow ministers to do some hard policy work rather than outsourcing it to others with agendas might be an idea too. Tony Sullivan, Adamstown Heights Opposition Leader Sussan Ley in question time this month. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen If your correspondent mentioning Andrew Hastie saying there is no move to challenge Sussan Leys leadership is akin to throwing his hat in the ring, then Angus Taylor saying he supports Leys leadership has a touch of deja vu about it (Letters, September 13). Who can forget Scott Morrison awkwardly hugging Malcolm Turnbull in 2018 and saying This is my leader, and Im ambitious for him when asked about his own leadership ambition? Rhonda Seymour, Castle Hill

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Funds raid a disgrace It is utterly disgraceful to pluck funding from Reconciliation NSW with no accounting for why (Kick in the guts: NSW Labor pulls funding for reconciliation body, September 13). The process of reconciliation is about recognising what First Nations people are saying is the way forward and listening to what they have to say and their agenda for their lives  which was denied them with the arrival of the British. They deserve to have the means to advocate on their terms, which needs to be supported financially when so much was taken from them. I acknowledge the funding mentioned to improve lives via Closing the Gap, but how can removing funding from a body like Reconciliation NSW be justified? It is just as important to improving the lives of Australias First Nations people. Gordana Martinovich, Dulwich Hill Woodside rules Murray Watts approval of the Woodside gas extension proves that it is too big for any government to say no to (Gas giant faces strict pollution limits to protect ancient rock art, September 13). Forty-eight strict conditions that you could drive a gas tanker through, with no effective body to monitor or police them in any case. The Woodside  I mean, Albanese government  has caved in to massive vested interests again, as expected. Dick Clarke, Elanora Heights Im gutted. Approval of Woodsides North West Shelf gas project is the final failure of this federal government. It leaves me with no option but to abandon my lifelong faith in the Labor Party. Albaneses squandering of his extraordinary mandate for reform beggars belief. This was the only chance I saw for courageous reform in climate change and taxation policies, and robust funding changes to so many areas of social good: public education, the arts, preventive health and others. But what do we have? A timid, weak and lacklustre government afraid to scratch itself lest it offends. Im offended, deeply and irrevocably offended, and am now officially an independent or Greens voter. Christine May, South Durras A bilby motif at Enderby Island in Murujuga National Park. Credit: Amy Stevens Minimising harm to the Murujuga rock art by imposing tough conditions on Woodsides North West Shelf project appears to have been Environment Minister Murray Watts primary concern. Theres no doubt that preserving priceless Indigenous art is a profound moral obligation on the whole nation, albeit one still being belatedly recognised. But theres an even more compelling obligation that Watt seems to have had nothing to say about. Thats preserving conditions for habitable life on the planet. Approving a fossil fuel project as gigantic and long term as the North West Shelf puts that life in ever-increasing jeopardy. Watts decision to approve it is nothing less than a gross dereliction of duty. Shame on the governments capitulation to the giant overlord of the gas industry. Tom Knowles, Parkville (Vic)

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A spectator who allegedly made a Nazi salute at Saturdays Lions game at the Gabba has been charged.

The 39-year-old man from Pratten, on the Southern Downs about 200 kilometres south-west of Brisbane, was arrested at the stadium.

He was later charged with one count of public display of giving Nazi salute and received a lifetime ban from the AFL.

The man allegedly made the Nazi salute during the Lions v Suns game at the Gabba on Saturday. Credit: AFL Photos

Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Kelly said he did not believe the man had planned to make the alleged salute before the game.

It was a member of the crowd who did a Nazi salute  he has been charged with that offence, he said.

Kelly said police were also investigating whether the accused man was connected to any right-wing or nationalistic groups.

We take it very seriously, Kelly said.

He said the incident was reported to police by other people in the crowd.

It was a great game, depending on who you barrack for, I suppose, but its really important that people do report these kinds of behaviours, and thats what were seeking from the community.

If you see something thats not right, let us know ... Its really important that everyone plays their part.

He urged anyone with information related to the incident on Saturday night to contact police.

The man is expected to appear in court on September 29.
Heather Lewis is among the 7 per cent of Australians who like to pay for most of their purchases with cash.

Lewis, who is in a wheelchair, uses cash to pay for everything but her health insurance. She said the practice helped manage her money and maintain her independence.

Heather Lewis uses cash for almost all her transactions. Credit: Arsineh Houspian

Lewis is angry that this months Melbourne Royal Show will not allow patrons to buy tickets at the gate with cash. The Show said digital purchases helped it manage crowd flow, save time and reduce queues.

A lot of us who use cash only feel like were being forced to go digital, Lewis said. Its going to get to the point where you cant do anything [without paying online].
The Kiama byelection should not have been a referendum on Mark Speakmans leadership of the NSW Liberal Party, but that is precisely what it turned out to be.

Speakman, and his Liberal candidate Serena Copley, were never expected to claim back the south coast seat. The ghost of former MP Gareth Ward, who is in jail awaiting sentencing for sexual assault convictions, was their number one hurdle, followed by the toxic brand damage to the party.

Liberal candidate Serena Copley and NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman in Kiama the day before the byelection. Credit: Janie Barrett

However, when a government contests a byelection the result rarely goes their way. In Kiama, it did, and now Speakman has to convince his detractors that he cannot be held responsible for allowing Labor to win the seat that has been in Liberal hands since 2011 (except for two years when Ward was banished to the crossbench while awaiting his trial).

Speakman sent a strong message to those detractors on Sunday when he held a press conference with his deputy Natalie Ward. He said he would absolutely be the leader at the next election.
Vaucluse MP Kellie Sloane has declared she wont call for a leadership spill after the state Liberal Partys disastrous loss in Saturdays Kiama byelection.

Despite the drubbing, in which Labors Katelin McInerney won the seat vacated by convicted rapist Gareth Ward, senior Liberal MPs are closing ranks around Mark Speakman, who declared he will stay as leader when the party meets on Tuesday.

Vaucluse MP and possible future Liberal leadership contender Kellie Sloane at a Davis Cup match on Sunday. Credit: Janie Barrett

Approached by the Herald while arriving at Sundays Davis Cup match at Sydney Olympic Park, Sloane, whom many Liberals see as the next leader of the party and whom many would like to see topple Speakman, said he had her full support.

On Tuesday, I will not challenge Mark. He has my support, and Im not even sure anythings going to happen on Tuesday, she said.
Romania says a Russian drone has breached its airspace, the second NATO country to report such a violation following last weeks incursion into Poland by about 20 Russian drones, some of which were shot down by NATO warplanes.

Fighter jets scrambled to monitor a Russian attack in Ukraine on Sunday AEST and were able to track the drone as it entered Romanian airspace near Ukraines southern border, Romanias defence ministry said in a statement.

Romanian fighters tracked the Russian drone as it crossed into Romanian airspace. Credit: AP

Pilots were given permission to shoot down the Geran-type drone as it entered Romania from north-east of Chilia Veche in the countrys east, but decided not to open fire after assessing collateral risks, the ministry said.

The drone eventually left Romanian skies and headed back into Ukraine.
An expert on democracy and security said it was hard to read too much into the messages left on the shell casings recovered. One of the inscriptions read: hey fascist! CATCH! followed by a combination of directional arrows  an apparent reference to a sequence of button presses that unleashes a bomb in a popular video game. Its very hard to map a political ideology on this mishmash of video game references and hints of different internet subcultures, Emerson Brooking, a fellow at think tank the Atlantic Council and a former cyber-policy adviser at the US Defence Department, told the New York Times. Mugshots of Tyler Robinson, who has been identified as the gunman in the Charlie Kirk shooting. Credit: AP Rachel Kleinfeld, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said the symbology found on the bullet casings could also suggest the shooter had affiliation with the so-called Groyper movement, associated with far-right activist and commentator Nick Fuentes. Its an eclectic ideological movement marked by video game memes, anti-gay, Nick Fuentes white supremacy, irony, she said. It certainly leans right, but it is quite eclectic.

Fuentes, who has called Kirk his foe and adversary, has denied any link between his movement and the killing, which he condemned. Far-right activist and podcaster Nick Fuentes. Credit: AP Loading My followers and I are currently being framed for the murder of Charlie Kirk by the mainstream media based on literally zero evidence, he said in a post to X. Kleinfeld said that, in some respects, the ideological beliefs of the shooter dont matter. What matters is how theyre taken by society. And if our society chooses to keep pointing fingers, whether the person turns out to be right, left or just unstable, then the violence will grow from the pointing of fingers, regardless of the act itself.

Many Republicans, including Trump, have been quick to lash out at the political left, accusing liberals of fomenting anti-conservative vitriol that would encourage a kindred spirit to cross the line into violence  even as the president and his allies routinely invoke violent imagery against their opponents. In a video address to a protesting crowd in London overnight, billionaire Elon Musk said left-wing movements should be held responsible for the assassination of Kirk. A silver Dodge is towed from the family home of Tyler Robinson in Utah on Friday. Credit: AP 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. Within hours of the killing on Wednesday, and with the suspect still at large, Trump was also blaming the radical left.

He has vowed to identify those responsible for political violence and the organisations that fund it and support it, sparking fears among Trumps critics and liberal organisations that the president will use Kirks death to crack down on left-leaning institutions. Political strategist Jess OConnell, who co-founded the Democracy Security Project, told The New York Times that such organisations have been on alert for security threats since Trump took office but his public targeting of the left over Kirks death had escalated their fears. Donald Trump shakes hands with Kirk during a Generation Next White House forum in Washington in 2018. Credit: AP The president has been looking for anything he can use to justify a big crackdown on his perceived political enemies that includes not just non-profits but civic and cultural organisations, she said. Its a danger to all of us when the president picks sides on who we should mourn. The killing has stirred outrage among Kirks supporters, some of whom have taken to the internet in organised efforts to try to have anyone minimising or mocking his death fired from their jobs; Reuters has so far tallied 15 dismissals or suspensions tied to comments about the killing.

In Utah, Cox called Kirks murder a watershed in American history and compared it to the rash of US political assassinations of the 1960s. He declined to discuss possible motives for the killing. Kirks murder comes amid the most sustained period of US political violence in decades. Reuters has documented more than 300 cases of politically motivated violent acts across the ideological spectrum since Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Candles are left at a vigil for Charlie Kirk in Provo, Utah, on Friday. Credit: AP Trump himself has survived two attempts on his life, one that left him with a grazed ear during a campaign event in July 2024 and another two months later foiled by federal agents. Democrats have fallen victim, too. In April, an arsonist broke into Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiros residence and set it on fire while the family was inside.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Last month, as social media buzzed with news that Taylor Swift was engaged to Travis Kelce, Charlie Kirk advised one of the worlds most successful female musicians to leave the island of the wokeys and start having children with the star football player. Reject feminism, Kirk urged the billionaire singer, in a video that has garnered 7.5 million views on TikTok. Submit to your husband, Taylor. Youre not in charge. The video drew accusations of sexism from liberals and Swifties, but it found an enthusiastic audience among Kirks Gen Z fans. The clips viral spread illustrated how the 31-year-old activist and provocateur harnessed the attention economy to build a political empire credited with shattering the lefts grip on young voters. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift at a game in Las Vegas last year. Credit: AP A self-described happy digital warrior, Kirk blitzed young Americans with his conservative message by meeting them on social media, mastering algorithms that reward posts that elicit passionate reactions and conflict. His posts promoted traditional family structures, mocked diversity initiatives and labelled trans identity a mental delusion. He embraced messages that energised the right in the Trump era, challenging the results of the 2020 election, questioning masking and vaccine guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic, and criticising affirmative action. Kirk presented these views calmly and with a smile  which his admirers said was central to his appeal, and his detractors said masked the extreme nature of his message. That put him at the vanguard of a generation of political influencers who built their audiences in the Trump era by fighting the culture wars online, using provocative language that captured attention.

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If I see a Black pilot, Im going to be like, boy, I hope hes qualified, Kirk said on an episode of his eponymous podcast, as he criticised United Airliness 2021 announcement that 50 per cent of graduates from its flight training academy would be women or people of colour. After the remarks were decried as racist, Kirk said on The Megyn Kelly Show that his comments were intended to illustrate that DEI [diversity, equity, and inclusion] invites unwholesome thinking. He added that he thought anybody of any skin colour can become a qualified pilot. Charlie Kirk arrives at a campaign rally for Donald Trump in Las Vegas last year. Credit: AP Kirks political opponents reviled his views and tactics alike, but it helped his organisation, Turning Point, and related entities attract billions of views on social media, earn credit for boosting President Donald Trumps youth turnout in the 2024 election, and take in more than $US90 million ($136 million) last year, according to public tax and campaign filings. The organisations political arm became a critical prong of the Republican Partys strategy to mobilise young voters, who historically have low turnout rates. Kirk fed off the liberal anger, travelling the country to debate his political positions with left-leaning students on college campuses. To quote Christ, I come not to bring peace, but a sword, he wrote in his 2024 book, Right Wing Revolution. He was fatally shot during one such event on Wednesday on a Utah college campus. A representative for Turning Point did not respond to requests for comments. The apparatus of the Arizona-based group includes a non-profit organisation that educates students about conservative policies, a grassroots political advocacy group and a religious division. The organisations produce popular conservative media, register and mobilise voters, and stage high-production value conferences, including a Trump inauguration party featuring the Village People.

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Major donors have included the late businessman and co-founder of Home Depot, Bernard Marcus, and Donors Trust, a fund that receives money from wealthy donors whose identities are not disclosed and steers it towards conservative causes. Tributes are left for Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, where he was shot. Credit: AP A day after Kirks death, Turning Point leaders fanned out on the online broadcasts of other conservative media influencers, including Stephen Bannon and Benny Johnson. Tyler Bowyer, Turning Point Actions chief operating officer, called for viewers to honour Kirks spirit by visiting Turning Points website and getting involved in its efforts to change American culture. The difference with Charlie, unlike even legends like Rush Limbaugh, is that he built something and led the way, Bowyer said on the Bannons War Room podcast. We want millions of Americans to march to the beat of Charlies drum for the rest of their lives. Kirk got his start in online conservatism as a high school student, shaped by Tea Party energy and lunch breaks listening to Rush Limbaughs radio show. He penned pieces like a 2012 Breitbart blog post on the liberal bias of economics textbooks and spoke forcefully for right-wing values at youth events. With help from conservative donors, he launched Turning Point that year with a plan to mobilise student activists across the country. Dwight Kadar, a Republican from Arizona, met Kirk in 2013, after Kadars wife, Andrea, heard Kirk speak at a conference in Colorado. Inspired by the speakers vision of evangelising conservatism to young people, Kadar said, Andrea rushed up to Kirk, asking him how they could support his budding movement. Charlie Kirk joins Republicans Mia Love and Ben Sasse in a conservative panel discussion in 2015. Credit: AP

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Kirk asked them to buy him a plane ticket from Chicago to Phoenix. Soon after, they held a fund-raiser in their home for Kirks fledging organisation, and the young activist spent the night in their guest room. He just touched something in our hearts and we knew this young fellow was on a precipice of something really big, Kadar said. He would go on to donate tens of thousands of dollars to the organisation and its affiliates. By 2015, Kirks group had a presence on more than 800 college and high school campuses; a year later he became one of the youngest speakers at the 2016 Republican National Convention. Turning Point USAs attention machine was in high gear, further boosted by its release of a professor watch list targeting what it called leftist propaganda in college classrooms. Supporters said academia had it coming, while free speech advocates and liberals decried a chilling effect. Beyond deploying organisers to knock on dorm-room doors, Kirk and Turning Point began building a massive following with posts and videos on Twitter, podcasts, and YouTube  identifying the platforms where young peoples political views were being shaped, ahead of establishment political operatives. Far-right activist and podcaster Nick Fuentes would show up at campus events seeking to portray Kirk as an anti-white fraud. Credit: AP Kirks attempts at mainstream respectability earned him attacks from far-right influencers, who at times argued he was too supportive of issues such as legal immigration and too deferential to the kind of institutional conservatism theyd combated. In 2019, followers of the white supremacist podcaster Nick Fuentes launched what they called a Groyper war by showing up at his campus appearances with trolling questions seeking to corner him as an anti-white fraud.

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But Kirk countered by wielding his digital footprint to flex political influence in support of Trump and his positions. In April 2020, near the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, Kirk urged students to lead a peaceful rebellion against governors of states with stay-at-home orders. He was briefly suspended from Twitter the same year after he posted the false claim that the drug hydroxychloroquine was 100 per cent effective in treating the disease. Kirks tactics came under scrutiny ahead of the 2020 election, when The Washington Post revealed that Turning Point Action paid teenagers to produce messages that reflected Trumps talking points on social media  an operation experts compared to a troll farm. Facebook permanently banned a marketing firm that worked on the campaign on behalf of Turning Point and Twitter suspended 262 accounts associated with the campaign for what it said was platform manipulation and spam. The companies did not suspend accounts affiliated with Turning Point or Kirk, citing insufficient evidence. President Donald Trump joins Charlie Kirk on stage at a teen student action summit in 2019. Credit: AP Before January 6, 2021, Kirk tweeted that his group was sending 80+ buses full of patriots to DC to fight for this president. He later was named the 10th-biggest superspreader of misinformation about the 2020 election on Twitter, according to a consortium of researchers from Stanford University, the University of Washington and other organisations called the Election Integrity Partnership, which analysed false claims about the election on social media. Kirk later condemned the days violence but invoked his Fifth Amendment right not to answer questions about Turning Points role in the rally when he was deposed in 2022 before the United States House Select Committee investigating the US Capitol riots. Turning Point continued to attract donors who for years had seen the Republican Party struggle to connect with young people. Kirk attracted eyes online and donors through his debates on college campuses, which were clipped and posted on his social media accounts, which had millions of followers. Kirks willingness to debate anyone, any time  coupled with a bench of media personalities prone to go viral  made him a singular force that transcended politics, Don Tapia, who served as a US ambassador to Jamaica during Trumps first term, said. He was talking to the young people about life, about family values, human values, morality, said Tapia, who donated tens of thousands of dollars to Turning Points efforts, after meeting Kirk during the 2024 campaign. Kirks critics on the left argued his open debate model was a shtick, built on racist and sexist tropes and the mockery of sputtering liberals. The pro-Trump propagandist, they argued, could not be persuaded, no matter how many times he asked college students to prove me wrong.

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Dear Editor,

With the opening of the new Parliamentary year, Over the past 15 years, Parliamentarians in St. Maarten have collectively received over Cg48,000,000 in salary payments. That figure, staggering in its own right, demands a sobering question: what has the country tangibly gained in return? This is without traveling expenses, rent etc.

A Hefty Investment in Leadership

Members of Parliament earn approximately Cg20,000 monthly, placing them among the highest-paid public officials in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The rationale behind such compensation is clear: attract top-tier talent, ensure independence, and reward public service. But when the cost of governance reaches this magnitude, the public deserves more than just payroll transparencythey deserve results.

The Reality Check: Whats Changed?

Lets examine the past 15 years through the lens of progress:

- Infrastructure: Roads remain riddled with potholes, and hurricane recovery has been sluggish. Despite billions in pledged aid post-Irma, execution has been marred by delays and mismanagement.

- Healthcare: The long-promised general hospital remains incomplete. Citizens still travel abroad for specialized care.

- Education: Teachers have faced salary freezes and benefit cuts, while school facilities deteriorate.

- Youth & Employment: Unemployment among young people remains high, and vocational training programs are underfunded or nonexistent.

- Transparency & Accountability: Successive governments have collapsed amid infighting, and corruption allegations continue to erode public trust.

The Cost of Political Instability

Since 2010, St. Maarten has seen more than ten different governments.( Where as under normal circumstances we should constitutionally have had no more than 4 governments in office if each government had sat for 4 years). Each change brings new ministers, new priorities, and new delays. Continuity in governance is a luxury we havent afforded ourselvesdespite the premium we pay for leadership.

Return on Investment: A Failing Grade

If Parliament were a business, shareholders would be demanding answers and face consequences. What policies have lifted the standard of living? What legislation has transformed the economy? What oversight has protected public funds?

The truth is that the average citizen has not seen a proportional return on this multimillion-euro investment. Instead, many feel increasingly disconnected from the political classwhose salaries remain untouched while civil servants, police, nurses, and teachers endure cuts.

What Needs to Change

- Performance-Based Accountability: Tie compensation to measurable outcomeslegislative productivity, constituency engagement, and national development benchmarks.

- Transparency in Spending: Publish detailed breakdowns of parliamentary expenditures and travel budgets, and show tangible results on those travel expenses.

- Civic Engagement: Create platforms for citizens to evaluate their representatives and participate in policy-making.

- Salary Reform: Revisit the salary structure to align with regional standards and economic realities or raise productivity.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

St. Maartens Parliamentarians have been entrusted with both power and privilege. But with that comes responsibility. The people have paid the billnow they deserve the benefits. Its time for leadership to prove its worth not in speeches, but in outcomes. The last elections have shown that Voter apathy is now very prevalent, as shown in the lower voter turnout on polling day.

If Cg48 million cant buy progress, then what are we really paying for?

Signed

Julian H Rollocks Sr. (Former Commissioner of Tourism and Economic Affairs)
Hamas accused the United States on Thursday of complicity in Israel's deadly attack on its negotiators in Qatar, lambasting Israel for seeking to kill off Gaza truce talks as Doha buried the dead.

Tuesday's unprecedented Israeli strikes on a Gulf state sent shockwaves through a region long shielded from conflicts and halted already floundering Gaza talks.

"This crime was... an assassination of the entire negotiation process and a deliberate targeting of the role of our mediating brothers in Qatar and Egypt," Hamas official Fawzi Barhoum said in a televised statement.

In Doha, tight security surrounded the mosque where prayers were held as the Gulf state's ruler joined mourners.

One coffin bearing a Qatari flag and five others bearing Palestinian flags were brought into the mosque, live footage from Qatar television showed.

Facing the coffins, Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, prayed alongside dozens of mourners, some wearing traditional white robes, others wearing military uniform.

The interior ministry said the dead would be buried in the Mesaimeer Cemetery after the funeral at Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque.

Authorities beefed up security, with checkpoints on access roads to the mosque.

Barhoum accused Washington of being "a full accomplice" in the Israeli attack.

The White House said Trump did not agree with Israel's decision to take military action.

He said he was not notified in advance and when he heard, he asked his envoy Steve Witkoff to warn Qatar immediately -- but the attack had already started.

Israel said it targeted Hamas leaders but the group said its top officials survived.

Hamas said five of its members were killed -- top negotiator Khalil al-Hayya's son Hamam, his office director Jihad Labad and bodyguards Ahmad Mamlouk, Abdallah Abdelwahd and Mumen Hassoun.

Qatari Lance Corporal Badr Saad Mohammed al-Humaidi al-Dosari was also killed.

Barhoum said Hayya's wife, his slain son's wife and his granchildren were wounded in the attack on the compound where he lived.

In an interview with CNN on Wednesday, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said he could not confirm Hayya's fate.

The Hamas chief negotiator was not seen at the funeral, in the footage viewed by AFP.

Pictures shared on Hamas's Telegram channel showed Osama Hamdan -- a senior figure in the movement -- attending the burial of the movement's dead, along with political bureau member Izzat al-Rishq.

A post by the group said several Hamas members were present at the funeral.

Sheikh Mohammed said the Israeli attack had killed any hope for Israeli hostages in Gaza, adding that Qatar was reevaluating "everything" surrounding its role as mediator in ceasefire talks.

Doha has been a venue for several rounds of indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel.

The emirate allowed Hamas to set up a political office in Doha in 2012 with the blessing of the United States, which has sought to maintain a communication channel with the group.

Sheikh Mohammed said he hoped for a collective regional response to the attack and that an Arab-Islamic summit would be held in Doha to decide on a course of action.

The attack has drawn sharp condemnation and a show of solidarity from Gulf neighbours.

The United Arab Emirates said "any aggression against a GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) member state constitutes an attack on the collective Gulf security framework".

Former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was buried in Qatar after his assassination in Iran in July 2024 in an attack attributed to Israel.
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 Quad, 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. Abu Dhabi denies such allegations.

On Friday, the Quad also rejected any role in Sudan's transition for "violent extremist groups" linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, which ruled until 2019 and has reemerged during the conflict in support of the army.

That same day, the US imposed sanctions on Sudan's finance minister Gebreil Ibrahim, who leads an armed group fighting alongside the army in Darfur. Sanctions were also placed on the Baraa Ibn Malik Brigade, an Islamist militia likewise engaged in combat in support of the army.

In response, Ibrahim's Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) dismissed the sanctions on Saturday as "of no real value and represent an unjust action lacking legal foundation or objective justification".

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.
Australia to spend US$8 bn on nuclear sub shipyard facility



Sydney, Sept 14 (AFP) Sep 14, 2025



Australia will spend an initial Aus$12 billion (US$8 billion) to upgrade shipyard facilities for a future fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, the government said Sunday.

The "very significant" investment is to be spent over a decade at a shipbuilding and maintenance precinct in Perth, Western Australia, Defence Minister Richard Marles said.

The government is ploughing money into Perth's Henderson Defence Precinct after signing the 2021 AUKUS pact with Britain and the United States to acquire a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.

Australia, which has no infrastructure to service nuclear-powered submarines, aims to acquire at least three US Virginia-class submarines within 15 years and eventually to manufacture its own subs.

"Henderson is a key piece of the AUKUS story and from that point of view it will be welcomed in the US, as it will be welcomed in the United Kingdom, for sure," Marles told Australia's Sky News.

"But this is about what Australia needs to do in order to meet its strategic moment," he said.

The government planned to equip Henderson with high-security dry docks to maintain nuclear-powered submarines, as well as creating facilities to build landing craft and eventually Japanese Mogami-class frigates, Marles said.

Total costs to develop the Henderson Defence Precinct could eventually reach about Aus$25 billion, the minister said.
North Korea condemns 'reckless' US, Japan, South Korea drills



Seoul, Sept 14 (AFP) Sep 14, 2025



North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's powerful sister condemned upcoming joint military drills by South Korea, the United States and Japan as a "reckless show of strength" that would bring "bad results", state media said Sunday.

The allies are set to hold joint military drills from Monday through Friday off the South's Jeju Island, combining naval, air and missile defence exercises to better prepare against threats from the nuclear-armed North.

Seoul and Washington, which stations around 28,500 troops in South Korea, will also stage a tabletop military exercise, aimed at integrating their military assets.

Kim Yo Jong slammed the drills as a "dangerous idea", in a statement carried by state news outlet KCNA.

"The reckless show of strength made by them (the allies) in real action in the vicinity of the DPRK, which is the wrong place, will inevitably bring bad results to themselves," she said, using the acronym for North Korea.

Pyongyang has long baulked at such joint military drills involving the allies, calling them rehearsals for an invasion.

The North perceives the trilateral drills as "scenarios for limited or full-scale nuclear strikes and attempts to neutralise its launch platforms", Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, told AFP.

"The North is likely using the allied exercises as a pretext to push ahead with nuclear modernisation and conventional upgrades," he added.

Kim Jo Yong's statement follows a visit by her brother to weapons research facilities this week, where he said Pyongyang "would put forward the policy of simultaneously pushing forward the building of nuclear forces and conventional armed forces".

Since a failed summit with the United States in 2019 on denuclearisation, North Korea has repeatedly said it will never give up its nuclear weapons and declared itself an "irreversible" nuclear state.

Kim Jong Un 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.
In a statement on Sunday, Sainsburys said: Following the media speculation on 13 September regarding discussions between J Sainsbury plc (Sainsburys) and JD.com Inc (JD.com) about a potential sale of Home Retail Group Limited (Argos), JD.com has communicated that it would now only be prepared to engage on a materially revised set of terms and commitments which are not in the best interests of Sainsburys shareholders, colleagues and broader stakeholders.
It added: Were not alone in this: Paradiso and Doornroosje have also confirmed their decision to programme Bob Vylan. The threats made against Paradiso demonstrate how vulnerable the space for artistic expression can be. Intimidation should never determine who gets to perform on stage.
He added: The only silver lining to the current delays in test bookings is that the extra waiting time might mean frustrated learners get more practice in ahead of the big day, and those from overseas have more time to learn the specific rules of our domestic roads, hopefully meaning more candidates passing when their test finally arrives.
When TfL was first contacted by The Standard about the wording of its posters, it suggested fare evasion can be prosecuted using the byelaws of the transport network  which is non-recordable  or using the Regulation of Railways Act 1889 which would lead to an offence going on a criminal record.
On Saturday, Romania scrambled two F-16 fighter jets and later two Eurofighters - part of German air policing missions in the country - and warned citizens in the southeastern county of Tulcea near the Danube and its Ukrainian border to take cover, the defence ministry said in a statement.
Torrie Martin looks over the fence line near San Marcos, toward the area where a data center may be built, Aug. 26, 2025. Martin worries about the environmental impacts like water usage and sound pollution, as well as the safety of her animals.

These data centers are going to ruin this entire area. Its going to ruin it for everyone and all their families, Martin said. Its going to take away everyones everything, everyones peace of mind.

But in Hays County, residents like Torrie Martin and sisters Abigail and Jennifer Lindsey fear the centers enormous demands for power and water will drain the region and transform once-rural communities.

These facilities support everything from AI chatbots and Google searches to electric vehicles and household appliances. With federal incentives and backing from the Trump administration, developers are rushing to build  often even without customers lined up. Central Texas, with its business-friendly regulations, available land and access to water and transmission lines, is emerging as one of the nations hottest new markets. The stretch of counties from Bell to Bexar has become prime ground for these massive industrial buildings.

Torrie Martin drives across her land between San Marcos and New Braunfels, toward the area directly behind her fence line where a data center may be built, Aug. 26, 2025. Martin worries about the environmental impacts like water usage and sound pollution, as well as the safety of her animals.

Fueled in large part by a boom in artificial intelligence, data centers are multiplying nationwide as technology companies race to find space to store the vast amounts of data that power everyday life.

I feel like, with these data centers, Im about to start hating my life here and Im not going to live here forever like I thought I would, she said. Im going to have to really reevaluate where I would like to move to in the future and where I would like to raise kids.

But after 25 years, she feels betrayed as the land just beyond her pond may soon become home to a data center 10 times the size of her familys farmstead.

Its here in eastern Hays County , where Martin has swum in the pond on her property and raised horses.

SAN MARCOS  Every morning since she was 7 years old, Torrie Martin has watched the sunrise unfurl across her familys 20-acre ranch.

Access to reliable, affordable and resilient energy is going to be key. Available land, tax and regulatory climates are relatively low. Cost of ownership and workforce, both on the construction and technology side, Diorio said, ticking off reasons for the regions boom. We are seeing growth throughout the state of Texas and Central Texas is not an exception to that. When you see that type of growth, and you see population growth, especially, theres going to be increased demand for digital infrastructure to help serve that.

If all those projects were completed today, the region would surpass Dallas-Fort Worth, the nations second-largest primary data center market. Vacancy in the area is near a record low of 2.3%.

Data center construction activity in the Austin-San Antonio market more than quadrupled in the first half of last year, according to CBRE , a global real estate firm. The region is now the nations second-largest secondary market , with 462 megawatts of capacity under construction in the first half of this year  up from just 9.5 megawatts in the first half of 2020.

An Austin American-Statesman analysis has identified at least 55 existing or planned data centers between Temple and San Antonio. That number could nearly triple if projects that are unconfirmed or still in the planning stage come to fruition.

Another is resources. When choosing a site, developers look for abundant land and inexpensive power . Central Texas offers both.

Northern Virginia  known as data center alley because its the industrys largest U.S. market  and West Coast states are becoming saturated and more heavily regulated. Thats one reason Central Texas data center development is booming.

And the boom is happening nationwide. In July, President Donald Trump issued an executive order creating incentives to expand AI infrastructure. In January, his administration backed Stargate, a $500 billion investment plan from Austin-based Oracle, OpenAI and SoftBank . The projects first data center, now under construction in Abilene, will span an area about the size of New Yorks Central Park.

Construction continues on the second building at the Sabey Data Center in Round Rock, Texas on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025.

One exception is publicly funded projects, such as the University of Texas planned supercomputer at Sabey Data Centers Round Rock campus.

Their main selling point: privacy. Developers typically sign nondisclosure agreements to shield client lists and security inside the centers is strict. Facilities are usually ringed by high fences with guards posted at gates, main entrances and data halls. In some cases, guards may even be stationed in front of individual servers.

More often, though, third-party developers construct and operate the facilities, leasing out space to companies. To keep up with demand, many build on speculation, knowing customers will soon come knocking.

Some tech giants build their own data centers, including Facebook owner Meta in Newton County, Georgia; Elon Musks AI startup xAI in Memphis, Tenn.; Microsoft in San Antonio; and OpenAI in Abilene.

We are very much lagging behind meeting the demand that we are seeing for digital infrastructure and data centers, Diorio said.

With the AI boom and its next, more complex evolutions, the demand for data centers will likely continue increasing for years. Experts project the world will generate twice as much data in the next five years as it did in the previous 10, a surge developers are struggling to keep up with.

This is everything we do every day, said Dan Diorio, senior director of state policy for the Data Center Coalition. If you wear a smartwatch while you sleep, youre generating data in your sleep. All of that requires digital infrastructure. Its innovative technologies. Its innovative solutions, autonomous vehicles. Its managed EV charging. And it is AI.

From phones and smartwatches to household appliances, the average home now has about 21 connected devices , each dependent on data centers.

What most people know as the cloud is actually a network of data centers  vast buildings filled with servers that store and distribute information for Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and universities.

Diorio said data centers want to pay their fair share of energy and infrastructure costs. But determining that share is complicated by pricing structures and aggressive lobbying for new grid projects and transmission lines to keep up with demand thats also booming because of growth in population and other industry.

Ohio has already seen the impact, with typical household electricity bills increasing at least $15 a month because of data center growth.

A June analysis by Carnegie Mellon University and North Carolina State University found that U.S. electricity bills could rise an average of 8% by 2030 because of data centers. In large data center markets such as Virginia  and possibly Texas  the increase could reach 25%.

The increased power demand is posing grid reliability issues for people living nearby and could raise utility prices as data centers require new utility infrastructure.

This is kind of a different world were getting into where they could make up such a significant part of the energy consumption of the state, he said. To enable that, if they had flexibility in using their generators, then I dont have worries about the growth of data centers. If we dont have that, if we dont have any way to forecast or control what they do during an emergency, then I think that could create a real reliability risk in the future.  Data centers dont want to be in the business of being responsive or directed by a grid operator.

ERCOT CEO Pablo Vegas said in an interview one of his biggest concerns is how data centers respond during grid emergencies. Ideally, he said, operators would switch to diesel generators, but they dont like being told when to do so.

Researchers have found that a single AI prompt can use 23 times more energy than the same query typed into Google without its AI Overview feature. More complex prompts can raise that demand to 210 times more.

ERCOT estimates their energy demand will exceed 22,000 megawatts by 2030. In extreme heat, one megawatt can power from 200 to 250 homes.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas , which manages the states power grid, projects energy demand will surge 71% by 2031 because of data center growth.

An average 100-megawatt data center uses more electricity than 75,000 homes combined. Some require more power than entire cities the size of Pittsburgh or New Orleans, or Texas cities such as Arlington, Corpus Christi or Plano.

Because they house the servers necessary to operate nearly all AI and cloud-based devices in the world, data centers must run 24/7, even during outages or disasters. Depending on how they operate, they plug into the grid system and need their own diesel-fueled generators on standby in case of power outages.

The power plant behind Torrie Martins property, Aug. 26, 2025. Martin says proximity to the power plant is a big draw for the proposed data center, but worries about the environmental impact and the safety of her animals with the data center is such close proximity.

At Sabeys Round Rock campus, which opened its first building in June, only 20 or 25 employees are on site daily.

Although the buildings are large, its kind of known that its not very dense from an employee standpoint, said Mark Noonan, a Sabey Data Centers executive.

But most of those jobs are indirect or temporary, typically in construction or maintenance. The centers themselves usually employ only a few dozen people.

In Virginia, the industry contributes about 74,000 jobs and $9.1 billion to the economy each year. In Texas, data centers reportedly supported more than 485,000 jobs and $35 million in labor income in 2023, according to an industry report.

As the market grows, so do the incentives and economic impacts. Texas stands to gain through taxes, labor income and jobs.

Water worries

Beyond electricity, data centers also consume resources to cool the heat from millions of dollars worth of servers and other computer equipment they house. They rely on one of two methods to do so: air or water.

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Power lines pass through Torrie Martins property, near her pond, Aug. 26, 2025. Martin and her animals cool off in the pond, and the water is good for the animals to drink, but she worries a proposed data center adjacent to her property could threaten water quantity and quality. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

In water-starved Texas, both are of concern.

An average 100-megawatt data center in the U.S. consumes about 2 million liters of water a day, according to an April report by the International Energy Agency  roughly the same as 6,500 households. The report projects global data center water use could reach 1.2 billion liters a year by 2030.

Some facilities use even more. Large data centers can draw up to 5 million gallons a day, according to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute  about as much as a town of 50,000 people.

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In Northern Virginia, data centers consumed 1.85 billion gallons in 2023  two-thirds more than in 2019. In Georgia, construction of a Meta data center led to sediment buildup in water infrastructure that affected nearby homes.

Air-based cooling, which uses large fans to move air across chilled coils, generally consumes less water than evaporative systems but still draws significant power, often from water-intensive power plants.

Water-based evaporative cooling can be more efficient in power use, but it demands more water. Even closed-loop systems  which start with a fresh-water fill and require only minimal replenishing  typically use more water than residential homes.

The IEA estimates about 60% of data center water consumption comes indirectly, often from water-intensive power plants located in already stressed regions that are working to meet rising energy demand.

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In recent years, many tech companies have pledged to cut their carbon footprints, shift to renewables or become water positive by 2030. But on ERCOTs grid and state utility lines, those commitments are complicated. A Texas data center cannot truly claim to be 100% renewable if it draws from ERCOT, where electricity is pooled. The solar farm down the road may feed the grid, but its power is dispersed, not sent directly to neighbors or data centers.

Imagine all of these pipes, just hundreds of thousands of interconnected pipes, and youve got a bucket of water. When you pour buckets of water into the pipes, you dont have a say on where the water goes. Its going to trickle. The same for electricity, ERCOT Planning Engineer Jack Thornton said. When you purchase energy and it says it is 500% renewable, they have no way of promising that as soon as we release energy into the wires, it goes here. The energy produced by the Hays Power Plant any given day will not necessarily go to San Marcos. Once it is released into the wires, its going to travel wherever its pulled.

Central Texas is one example of how the same conditions that make a region ideal for renewable energy can also leave it facing serious water shortages. So data centers, at least for right now, have to decide: would they rather use more water or more power?

Data centers arent going to come into a water-scarce community and just start sucking up all the water, Diorio said, adding that some rely on air cooling. They very much work with the local community, the local infrastructures, the local providers, to determine whats available.

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Much of Central Texas, including Austin, is currently under stage two drought restrictions. San Marcos and San Antonio are under stage three.

A protester holds a sign while waiting for the March for Water and a Sustainable Future to begin, Aug. 19, 2025. Activists marched for San Marcos City Park to City Hall to protest proposed data centers in the area. Sara Diggins/Austin American-Statesman

Since 2022, drought conditions have worsened in Travis County, with much of the region in extreme drought, the second most intense drought category, since late last year, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Austin is currently under stage two drought restrictions. These conditions are similar, if not more intense, to the south and to the west. San Marcos and San Antonio are currently under stage three drought restrictions.

Except for a stretch between 2016 and 2018, Texas has seen all four stages of drought across the state over nearly the past two decades. Some water utility companies are starting to ask data center companies to disclose water usage or locate their water sources before building or signing on.

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Data centers rarely disclose how much water they consume, though some tech companies such as Google have begun releasing limited details in annual reports.

The Texas Water Development Board, which drafts the states long-term water plan, recently sent surveys to data centers in an effort to factor their usage into future planning. The agency received little to no response, and there are no penalties for failing to comply.

Meanwhile, data centers in Central Texas keep multiplying. Growth has surged since 2024, but without disclosure requirements or reliable reporting, there is little hard data on their water use  a gap that leaves advocates and nearby residents increasingly concerned.

We do all these things to try to be stewards of the environment, use as little as you can, and do it in a logical manner, at the right time of day, Abigail Lindsey, who also lives near a proposed data center site, said. Its like a slap in the face. Like, OK, well, thanks for doing all that. But now were just going to let something come in that runs constantly and that its only purpose is to consume and extract your resources.
LaToya Forbins raises a fist as activists protest against mid-decade redistricting at the Texas Capitol in Austin, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. Organizations gathered to demand that Gov. Greg Abbott and state representatives release Texas House Democrats confined to the House Chamber, pass flood relief and reject redistricting maps. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman

Emerging from nearly nine months of legislative sessions and heading toward the 2026 midterm elections, Texans are in a bad mood with little appreciation for much of what state leaders accomplished and dwindling respect for the politicians in power.

Those are the findings of the latest poll by the Texas Politics Project, an ominous note for the state's ruling party. And the poll results look even more troubling when compared with those from a similar survey conducted nearly eight years earlier, when Republicans were gearing up for what turned out to be one of their worst election cycles since they consolidated their grip on Texas a generation ago.

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The poll released Tuesday by the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas, shows a gaping disconnect between what Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows had promoted as their top priorities for 2025 and what Texans identified as their chief concerns.

Let's look at some of the top lines from the poll of 1,200 registered voters, which was conducted Aug. 22-Sept. 1:

For all the noise surrounding the quorum-busting by Democratic House members and threats of fines and other sanctions by the GOP, fewer than one in eight respondents said redrawing the state's congressional boundaries to help President Donald Trump and the Republicans next year was the most important matter needing attention.

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Even less enthusiasm was found for the so-called bathroom bill aimed at transgender Texans. Only 7% said that was the biggest task before lawmakers, despite the hours-long public testimony in legislative committees and numerous public demonstrations in and around the Capitol.

What about THC, the intoxicating hemp product that opened a public rift between Patrick, who wanted to ban in outright, and Abbott, who preferred regulation over legislation? Well, 96% of the poll respondents didn't see it as anywhere near the state's top concern.

What the public did want from the summer special session was for leaders to provide relief for people whose lives were upended by the July 4 flooding  along with measures to minimize the chances for a repeat in the next torrential downpour. Lawmakers did address both matters, which 82% in the poll said should have been Job One, but only after Republicans passed the redistricting bill that Abbott and Trump demanded.

The cost of food, housing and health care were also top concerns for Texans, but not so much for state decision-makers.

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All this rolled together might explain why most Texans  53%  are unhappy with the direction that state is going.

And that unhappiness appears to have trickled down to the holders of high office. Abbott, who's flush with cash and primed to run for an unprecedented fourth term as governor, has an all-time low 40% approval rating in the poll. Half of respondents disapproved of his job performance. Before lawmakers showed up for work in January, 55% of Texans said they approved of his performance and only 34% disapproved.

Patrick, who is also planning a fourth campaign to lead the state Senate, was also underwater in the poll: 30% approved, 42% disapproved.

Trump, who's not a Texan but is the only Republican ever to carry the state three times as a presidential candidate, saw his approval rate crater since winning back the White House in November with 56% of the state's votes. The poll showed his support in Texas down to 42%.

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And that brings us back to the run-up to 2018, Trump's first midterm election as president. Back then, Democrats came within a whisker of taking two statewide elections  the U.S. Senate race and the one for attorney general  and they flipped a dozen Republican state House seats.

In the fall of 2017, a University of Texas-Texas Tribune poll showed Trump in slightly better shape than he is now, with 45% saying he was doing a good job.

Abbott and Patrick were less well known eight years ago, when they were gearing up for their first reelection campaigns, but their numbers were better  especially on the disapproval side. Only about 33% were unhappy with the governor and just 31% didn't care much for Patrick.

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But perhaps the biggest worry for Texas Republicans heading into 2026 is the "better off/worse off" attitudes of voters compared with eight years ago. Then, nearly 70% of poll respondents said they were either better off or about the same economically compared with the year before.

In the most recent survey, Texas voters are more than a little edgy when it comes to the economy. Overall, 68% said they are about the same or worse off, and 25% said they're a lot worse off.

As a general rule, when voters feel like they are treading water at best, or moving backward at worst, they tend to look for someone to blame.
Austin Police Department cruiser. Austin American-Statesman

A man was killed in a southeast Austin mobile home park on Saturday night, police said.

Police responded to reports of a shooting or stabbing at Frontier Valley mobile home park in Montopolis at around 10:30 p.m., according to the Austin Police Department. They found a Hispanic man, later identified as Mario Palacios-Carrillo, on the ground with life-threatening injuries. Officers tried to administer aid, but the man was pronounced dead at 10:56 p.m.

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There is no threat to the general public, authorities said.

The victim's identity has not yet been released. Police said they did not know if he lived in the mobile home park.
Georgetown police American-Statesman

Three people, including an 8-year-old girl, were fatally shot in a Georgetown apartment Tuesday evening, according to police.

Georgetown authorities said they received a call at 7:29 p.m. reporting dead people in an apartment in the 300 block of Luther Drive. Officers arrived four minutes later to find three people who had been shot multiple times: Alonzo Hawkins, 34; Doneisha Brooks, 39; and Olivia Brooks, 8.

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Evidence showed the shooter likely knew the victims, authorities said. The investigation is still active, but police have identified a person of interest and are currently looking for him.

"The Georgetown Police Department is deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of three members of our community, one being a child, and extends our heartfelt condolences to their family and loved ones during this difficult time," Georgetown police said in a news release.

Anyone with information that might help the investigation is urged to contact either the Georgetown Police Department at 512-930-3510 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-252-8477.

The investigation is being assisted by the Texas Rangers, Williamson County Sheriffs Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Sarah Avner and Rabbi Kelly Levy lead people in an opening hymn during a commemoration of the 2021 arson attack on the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue in 2023. The Jewish High Holy Days begin on the evening of Sept. 22. Evan L'Roy/Special to American-Statesman

Years ago, right after Yom Kippur morning services let out, a woman walked up to me in the synagogue lobby in great distress. I had given a sermon that pressed on the issues of the day, and it had unsettled her. She told me, in no uncertain terms, I came here for comfort. And all you did was make me angry and upset.

That exchange has stayed with me. It raised a question that lingers every year at this season. What is the purpose of religion? Is it meant to comfort us? To offer refuge from uncertainty? To act as an antidote to the anxieties of daily life?

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The Jewish High Holy Days arrive each year with a clear answer. No. Religion, they suggest, is not meant to numb our discomfort but rather, to deepen it.

The holidays begin the evening of Sept. 22 with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which literally means head of the year. Rosh Hashanah celebrates the birthday of the world and reminds us that we are partners with God in the work of creation. The call of the shofar, the rams horn sounded on Rosh Hashanah morning, announces that this is not a light responsibility. The message of Rosh Hashanah is simple: So much depends on us.

Then 10 days later comes Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. On that day, we wear white garments traditionally used for burial. We fast and refrain from life-giving activities, we pray with liturgy that bluntly reminds us how some of us will live and some will die in the year ahead. We spend the day confronting our mistakes, rehearsing our mortality, and asking for forgiveness. This is not exactly a recipe for consolation.

The High Holy Days are not about comfort. These days push us to feel vulnerable, to tap into our troubled souls and face our very own mortality. It is not an exaggeration to say that these days reveal the very difficult truth that the repair of a broken world begins with us.

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Our world is indeed broken. We live amid polarized politics, and we live with a looming climate crisis. We witness rising anti-Semitism, hatred, and bigotry. We see growing inequality. We face loneliness and isolation. Turn on the television and all you hear about is anger, resentments, blaming and finger-pointing, a steady stream of voices more intent on scoring points than seeking solutions.

Rabbi Brian Leiken is the new rabbi of Congregation Beth Israel in Austin. Provided by Aaron Perchonok

Of course, it makes sense that we yearn for our houses of worship to be places of comfort, places where our anxiety is paused if just for a moment. Yes, we need sanctuaries that allow us to rest from the drudgery, to escape from a world that is unsettling. That is a sacred part of what synagogues and churches and mosques provide.

That cannot be the whole story. Because any religion that prioritizes escape over engagement fails its deepest calling. Faith is not meant to distract us from reality but to sharpen our vision of it. Its purpose is to heighten our sensitivity to pain, to injustice, to our own transgressions and then to move us toward increased responsibility.

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The woman who spoke to me on that Yom Kippur morning was honest about what she wanted. She asked me for comfort, and she did not find it in my sermon. I still think about her words today.

As I prepare this year to lead High Holy Day services at Congregation Beth Israel here in Austin, I think about the many people who come into the synagogue seeking solace. I think about the many people searching for respite from the weight of a world that feels so heavy.

I understand that yearning. In so many ways, I share that yearning.

But I also know this: Our world will not heal itself. It needs us.

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Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel  who escaped Nazi Europe, who marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma, and who raised his voice against the Vietnam War  taught that religion is not an escape but a moral guide. Its purpose, he explained, is to awaken a deeper moral sensitivity, one that refuses silence in the face of injustice. Heschel put it this way: Religion is not sentimentality. Religion is sensitivity. It is being answerable to the worlds wonder and to the worlds pain. (Heschel speech on Religion and Race, 1963)

As we enter this season of the High Holy Days, may we carry that sensitivity and that responsibility with us.

Wishing everyone a Shana Tova, a happy New Year.

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The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution contains of the remains of a soldier killed at Ohio's Fort Laurens in early 1779. (Susan Glaser via TNS)



BOLIVAR, Ohio (Tribune News Service)  Youve heard of Valley Forge and Lexington, Boston and Yorktown.

But what about Fort Laurens, a small outpost in Northeast Ohio that is the states only Revolutionary War-era fort?

Ohio wasnt even a state in 1778, when George Washington, then commander in chief of the Continental Army, sent troops to the Western frontier with a plan to attack the British in Detroit and defeat their Indian allies.

As part of that plan, a group of 1,200 soldiers from Pennsylvania and Virginia traveled to the Ohio country and built a small fort along the Tuscarawas River. It lasted only 10 months before it was disbanded.

Its our most tangible link to the Revolution, said Dante Weisend, the site manager for Fort Laurens. You think of the Revolution taking place in places like New York and Boston and Virginia. It was here, too. It was in Ohio.

And now Ohio is shining a light on that history  by rebuilding the fort in time for its 250th anniversary. And Ohioans are invited to help.

Northeast Ohio archaeologist Jonathan Brewster is leading a four-year, $3.2 million effort at Fort Laurens, which eventually will result in a reconstruction of most of the fort. The project is part of the states broader plans for next years 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

The fort was built more than two years after the declaration, as the Revolutionary War waged on, primarily in the original colonies, but also in unsettled territories. It was named after Henry Laurens, president of the Continental Congress at the time.

The fort was built quickly, over 10 days in November 1778, part of a broader effort to control what was then known as the Ohio country. It was abandoned nearly as quickly, after just 10 months, as fighting shifted back east.

These were 10 difficult months, marked by a lack of food and supplies. Soldiers were so hungry they boiled their moccasins for soup.

In the 1820s, the eastern portion of the fort was used in the construction of the Ohio and Erie Canal, which connected the Ohio River to Lake Erie.

Because of the canal, reconstruction of Fort Laurens wont include the entire fort footprint, which was approximately one square acre, with bastions on the corners to provide extra protection.

But for the first time, visitors will be able to see what the fort looked like and walk among its walls.

Its a huge honor to be able to do this, said Brewster, who lives in Grand River.

Before reconstruction begins, however, Brewster will continue to lead an archaeology project in and around the fort, to make sure its dimensions and details are accurate. (We lovingly call it arguology, joked Brewster.)

Brewster isnt working alone. He has a team of three archaeologists helping him. And on select Saturdays, a group of amateur archaeologists have been helping, as well.

The last Public Archaeology Day this year is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20. Members of the public are invited to get their hands dirty as part of the ongoing excavation at the site.

This is a unique opportunity to form a connection to our nations birth, right here in Ohio, according to the Ohio History Connection, which oversees the state-owned site with the Zoar Community Association. You might be the first person to touch an artifact lost for hundreds of years.

Already, the group has uncovered numerous items of interest, including bullets and nails, as well as carbon imprints of the logs used to construct the palisade.

Currently, a foot-wide path of wood chips outlines most of the forts original shape.

This is not the first archaeological exploration of the site, which became a public park in 1915. Previous digs occurred in the early 1970s and the mid-1980s.

A museum was added in the 1970s.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution was added in the 1980s.

As many as 21 soldiers were killed at Fort Laurens. Fourteen were part of a group that was ambushed while cutting wood in February 1779.

The bodies of the soldiers, originally buried just outside the fort walls, were moved to a crypt inside the museum in 1986. One of the soldiers was selected to be buried in the tomb, with full military honors.

Were fairly certain we know who he is, said Weisend, noting that Ensign John Thomas Clark was the only slain soldier buried in a coffin back in 1779. Its symbolic, Weisend said of the tomb.

In addition to rebuilding much of the fort, the project also involves upgrading the plaza and landscaping around the tomb and renovating and updating the museum.

The entire project has a finish date of November 2028, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the forts founding.

But I hope to get it done before that, said Brewster.

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Members of the West Virginia National Guard patrol on Aug. 30 at the Lincoln Memorial. (Craig Hudson/The Washington Post)



For nearly three weeks, President Donald Trump signaled Chicago would be the next site of a National Guard deployment, promising that armed federal troops would be going in to fight crime.

On Friday morning, he announced a different destination: Memphis.

Trump has left Democratic mayors uncertain where he will send forces next, making it a challenge to prepare for interventions that will affect residents daily lives and their cities operations and could influence their own political careers.

As they prepare, Democratic mayors are communicating on text chains and strategy calls, contacting their governors - including those in Trumps party - and confronting tricky neighborhood politics, while grasping for effective responses amid their own internal divisions.

Trumps tough talk on the ravages of violent crime has put them into a tight political box: They must show they are taking crime seriously while heeding pressure from core supporters to resist Trump.

Most have sought to convey a nuanced message: Crime is a serious issue, they say, and they are open to federal support, but they do not want Trump sending the military to their streets, especially without coordination.

Ill work with anybody to keep my city safe, said Justin Bibb, the mayor of Cleveland and chair of the Democratic Mayors Association. Ill do it with this administration, but I dont want the damn National Guard in Cleveland patrolling my streets.

While Trump unveiled his plans for Memphis on Friday, he had spent recent days floating several other cities beyond Chicago, including Baltimore, New Orleans and New York City. A seemingly offhand comment about Portland, Ore., this month prompted a swift response from state and local officials asking him to stay away.

Anxiety is high. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson had asked his residents just a day earlier for donations to two new homeless shelters, saying that the administration could launch its next incursion there if the city did not clean up its streets.

Trumps focus on crime has only intensified in recent days amid national outrage over the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee aboard a light rail train in Charlotte. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said Thursday in a radio interview that Trump is preparing to announce in the coming days a more comprehensive plan on violence in America.

In the month since the D.C. deployment, Trump has sought to portray himself as deferential to local leaders, saying he would like them to ask for help before he surges federal resources into their cities. But he has also suggested his patience could run out.

At a certain point, well just say, Im sorry, were going in, Trump said in a radio interview Tuesday.

On Friday, Trump portrayed the Memphis operation as a collaborative effort, suggesting the citys Democratic mayor, Paul Young, was happy with it. Young said that was an overstatement at a news conference hours later, expressing opposition to the deployment but conceding that it was out of his control.

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.

Polls show many Americans consider crime a big problem, especially in urban areas, and they approve of Trumps handling of it more than they do his performance on other major issues. But when asked about his specific tactics to fight crime, opinions have been more varied.

Bibb acknowledged the challenge. But he also said it gives mayors an opening to show they have been hiring more police officers and investing in mental health resources to reduce violent crime since the pandemic-era spike.

Democrats also face a restive base demanding its leaders do more to resist what they label as authoritarian behavior from Trump.

Every Democratic mayor has two options: plan ahead and fight back, or play nice and get steamrolled, Ezra Levin, co-founder of the liberal organizing group Indivisible, said in a statement, contrasting the relatively conciliatory approach of Washington Mayor Muriel E. Bowser with the more combative pushback that Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed.

Americas largest cities are overwhelmingly led by Democrats, and the most populous one - New York - is holding an election this fall in which the front-runner, Zohran Mamdani, is promising a more aggressive posture against Trump. During a recent campaign event with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), Mamdani said it was an inevitability that Trump would send the Guard to New York and that local leaders must be ready to use every single tool at our disposal.

For now, the mayors who are most alarmed about Trumps crackdowns appear to be placing much of their faith in the courts. A federal judge in California ruled last week that Trumps deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles in June - over the objections of Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) - was improper.

Mamdani praised the team effort that California Democrats showed against Trumps deployment, suggesting it paved the way for success in the courts. And on Friday, after the Memphis announcement, Mayor Johnson of Chicago hailed the united front that Illinois Democrats have displayed, suggesting it caused Trump to reconsider his plans there for now.

In other states, Democrats at different levels of government favor different strategies.

That was clear Friday in Tennessee, where the Democratic mayor whose county includes Memphis, Lee Harris, responded more quickly and forcefully to Trumps announcement than Young did. In a statement, Harris said the deployment is disappointing, antidemocratic, and violates American norms and possibly U.S. laws.

Young was not nearly as critical during his news conference. And Memphis is not the only place where mayors have sought to ease - rather than escalate - tensions with Trump.

In Detroit, Mayor Mike Duggan touted that the city already has a highly successful partnership with the federal government after Mike Rogers, the Trump-backed candidate for Senate, suggested Duggan ask for National Guard support. New Orleans took a similar approach after Trump first floated the city as a target.

Trump continued to mention New Orleans as a likely spot for further deployment Friday.

Bibb said he has encouraged other Democratic mayors to talk with their governors, especially if they are in red states. He said Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) has assured him in no uncertain terms that he would not send the National Guard to Cleveland without Bibbs sign-off. Trump, of course, has disregarded Californias governor.

Late last month, as anxiety was rising over Trumps threats to send the National Guard to cities beyond Washington, Bibb held a private strategy call for Democratic mayors that drew representatives from more than two dozen cities, according to a person familiar with the call who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss it. The call was first reported by the New York Times.

On the call, the mayors sought to coalesce around a message that emphasizes that they know what is best for their cities and that they need a federal partner that works with them, not against them, the person said.

Bibb said he is in three or four group chats with fellow mayors, while other municipal officials pointed to additional efforts to share the experience of Los Angeles, Washington and other cities that have dealt with Trump.

In Chicago, as they awaited a potential Guard deployment, some Democratic aldermen contacted colleagues in the Los Angeles City Council for advice and commiseration.

Alderman Gilbert Villegas, who represents a ward that includes three predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods, said he never thought Id have to call a colleague of mine in a different city to talk about authoritarianism or dictatorship.

But, as ICE carried out arrests under Trumps Operation Midway Blitz, a ramped-up deportation campaign targeting criminals who are in the country illegally, Villegas and other city aldermen acknowledged that the local leaders were struggling to find unity.

Alderman Nicholas Sposato, a former Democrat who declared himself an independent in 2017, welcomed the ICE reinforcements and accused some Democrats of spreading fear without offering a coherent alternative.

Maybe two or three aldermen in the city council think, We should do something and work together with the federal government, he said. The rest of them are like: Stay the heck out of here.
The Office actor Rainn Wilson is considering a career change.

Wilson, who played Dwight Schrute on the hit NBC sitcom, revealed during a Sept. 3 appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers that he wants to leave Hollywood to pursue an occupation as a death doula.

Well, as my celebrity star is fadingand its fineI may put acting behind me, Wilson told Meyers. And theres this beautiful occupation called death doula.

The Code 3 star explained the role as a different kind of birth, a birth into the next phase of our existence. Wilson, who said he fully believe[s] in the continuation and journey of the human soul, noted that most world faiths agree on the concept.

Wilson described the work as being there to usher someone with beauty and respect and dignity from this life to the next, while also helping the family transition. He shared that he believes a death doula can help people understand the legacy they want to have and celebrate what is often a painful, ignored transition in Western society.

After Meyers suggested that a death doula helps take the fear out of dying, Wilson added that the job offers a lot of hope to give people.

How you can create a healing space for you and your family to mourn, to grieve, to celebrate, and to ponder this next mysterious step? Wilson said.

Wilson, who starred in The Office from 2005 to 2013 and earned three consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor, may find this is his next step. Especially since he seemingly wasnt given an opportunity to appear on the new The Office spinoff, called The Paper, which was released on Peacock earlier this month.

Wilson previously commented on the shows continuation to CinemaBlend in November 2024, expressing disappointment that the show was moving to a new zip code, which meant his character had a next to nothing chance of getting a cameo.

I dont see how Dwight goes from Scranton to wherever theyre shooting it in the Midwest, he said. But, you know, if [series creator] Greg [Daniels] wants me to do something, Im happy to do something.

Ironically, Wilsons former The Office co-star Oscar Nunez did manage to secure a full-time role on the new 10-episode series. However, the rest of the cast was replaced with new faces.

Meyers, however, suggested to Wilson during their conversation that if he does go the route of death doula, he shouldnt abandon Hollywood completely.

Well, I would like you to keep doing both, the late-night host said. I dont want you to stop one just to work on the other, but I think youd be very good at both. Wilson responded, Well, thank you so much.
Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was shot and killed Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, during a speaking engagement at a Utah college campus. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called it a political assassination.

The circumstances of the shooting drew renewed attention to an escalating threat of political violence in the United States that in the last several years has cut across the ideological spectrum," the Associated Press reported.

Walt Handelsman leads this weeks editorial cartoon gallery with a drawing of Uncle Sam holding a bullet-riddled protest sign decrying political violence. Michael Ramirezs Uncle Sam holds his head in his hands, asking, What is the world coming to? Dana Summers depicts a resolute Uncle Sam saying, You cant kill free speech with a bullet. Nick Anderson sees calls for toning down political rhetoric after the shooting as suppressing the First Amendment (free speech) in favor of the Second Amendment (right to bear arms). Bill Bramhall draws a blood-spattered flag desecrated by political violence. Joey Weatherford puts Charlie Kirks name in the firmament.

A lewd drawing and birthday note to Jeffrey Epstein, reportedly signed by President Donald Trump, is another big topic in this weeks gallery. Jack Ohman takes issue with Trumps denial that his distinctive signature is on the document. Mike Luckovich sees Trump fashioning a denial with a Sharpie pen. Nick Anderson depicts it on Mount Rushmore, scandalizing its current presidential occupants.

Other topics in this weeks gallery include more fallout from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s congressional testimony about vaccines and other health matters; a huge revision in job numbers stretching over the last months of the Biden administration and first months of the Trump administration; an ICE raid in Georgia that caused a diplomatic crisis with South Korea; renaming the Department of Defense; and the anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks on New York and Washington.

Cartoons were drawn by Jack Ohman, Nick Anderson, Bill Bramhall, Dana Summers, Drew Sheneman, Scott Stantis, Walt Handelsman, David Horsey, Phil Hands, Joel Pett and Joey Weatherford of Tribune Content Agency; and Mike Luckovich, Steve Breen and Michael Ramirez of Creators Syndicate.
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The E! Live Red Carpet coverage for the 2025 Emmy Awards will give fans an up-close look at all the glamorous fashion, star-studded arrivals and exciting pre-show moments.

Coverage will begin on Sunday, September 14 (9/14/2025), at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT, leading up to the Emmy Awards ceremony that starts at 8 p.m. ET.

Cord-cutters can stream live on Fubo (5-day free trial), DirecTV (5-day free trial) and more streaming services listed below.

Where to watch E! Live Red Carpet at the 2025 Emmy Awards live and on demand for free

Viewers without traditional cable can tune into the Emmy Awards ceremony through several streaming services, including Fubo (5-day free trial), DirecTV (5-day free trial), Hulu + Live TV (3-day free trial) and Peacock Premium.

Sling also carries E!, and offers $4.99 day passes. Additionally, E! will offer free, live coverage of the Red Carpet event on its social media.

Streaming Service Free Trial Promotion Price (Monthly) Fubo Yes - 5 days $30 off first month $84.99 DirecTV Yes - 5 days $35 off first month $84.99 Hulu + Live TV Yes - 3 days Includes Disney+ and ESPN $82.99 Peacock Premium N/A Get 12 months for the price of 10 with annual billing $10.99

Who is hosting E! Live Red Carpet at the 2025 Emmy Awards?

This year, the E! Live Red Carpet will be hosted by Bresha Webb, Melissa Peterman, Christian Siriano, Zanna Roberts Rassi, Heather McMahan and Zuri Hall.

Where to watch the 2025 Emmy Awards live and on demand for free

The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards will air live on Sunday, September 14 (9/14/2025), at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on CBS.

Viewers without traditional cable can tune into the Emmy Awards ceremony through several streaming services, including Fubo (5-day free trial), DirecTV (5-day free trial), Hulu + Live TV (3-day free trial) and Paramount+ Premium (7-day free trial).
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21:54 SIT to probe BJP worker's death after lathi-charge The Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday constituted an SIT to probe the death of a Bharatiya Janata Party worker who was injured in an alleged police lathi-charge in Ghazipur district earlier this week.The three member special investigation team (SIT) will be headed by Kashi zone DCP Gaurav... Read more >

20:53 ED summons actor Urvashi Rautela in betting app case The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Sunday summoned former Trinamool Congress MP Mimi Chakraborty and Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela in connection with a case of alleged money-laundering linked to an illegal betting app, official sources said. Chakraborty has been asked to depose before... Read more >

20:36 Nepal: 3,723 inmates who escaped rearrested More than 3,700 inmates, who had escaped from different jails during the violent anti-government protests in Nepal last week, have been arrested again, police said on Sunday.Deputy Inspector General Binod Ghimire, spokesperson of Nepal Police, said that 3,723 inmates have been brought to jails... Read more >

19:21 Sugar industry has survived due to use of ethanol: Gadkari Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Sunday said the sugar industry has survived due to the advent of ethanol, and asserted there is a need for new technologies in farming.Speaking at an event of Naam Foundation in Pune, Gadkari attributed cultivator suicides in Maharashtra's Vidarbha and Marathawada... Read more >

19:20 Protest in Churachandpur as 2 arrested for vandalising PM's banners A mob clashed with security forces in Manipur's Churachandpur district on Sunday, protesting the arrest of two youths for allegedly vandalising the banners and cutouts put up in connection with the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, police said.On the night of September 11, several banners... Read more >

19:10 5.8 earthquake hits parts of northeast, Bengal An earthquake of 5.8 magnitude shook parts of the northeast region and West Bengal on Sunday, officials said.There was no immediate report of any loss of life or damage to property, they said.The epicentre of the earthquake that struck at 4.41 pm, was in Udalguri district, the officials said.The... Read more >

19:03 India proving everyone's predictions wrong: Bhagwat Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said India is moving forward on the path of development by proving everyone's predictions wrong.Addressing a book release function in Indore, he said there was no global strife when India was the world leader for 3,000 years.He further... Read more >

18:01 Scolded by mother, Class 6 boy takes his life A 12-year-old boy allegedly took his own life in the Manpur area of Moradabad district after being scolded by his mother, police said on Sunday. The deceased has been identified as Krishna, a Class 6 student.Nisha, the boy's mother, told police that she had scolded him over an issue and... Read more >

17:57 Taking steps to cut crude oil, gas imports: PM Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government is taking steps to reduce imports of crude oil and gas, focusing more on exploration of fossil fuels and green energy.Addressing a rally in Assam's Numaligarh after inaugurating and laying foundation... Read more >

16:38 Medical student's death at RG Kar: Boyfriend arrested The boyfriend of a final-year female student of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, who died under mysterious circumstances in a hospital in West Bengal's Malda, was arrested on Sunday.The family of the deceased had earlier lodged a complaint at Englishbazar police station, accusing... Read more >

16:11 Cops deny nod to protest against India-Pak match The Delhi Police on Sunday denied Shiv Sena-UBT permission to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar against the India-Pakistan Asia Cup cricket match. Traditional rivals India and Pakistan will face off in Dubai on Sunday in what will be the first match between the two sides since the military... Read more >

14:47 Woman gangraped in Bhubaneswar, 3 arrested A woman was allegedly raped by three persons at a lodge in Odisha's Bhubaneswar, police said on Sunday.The accused were arrested on Saturday, and they have confessed to the crime, a police officer said.The incident took place on September 10 after the accused took her to the lodge in... Read more >

14:34 Texas governor announces ban on Sharia law Texas Governor Greg Abbott has said his state has banned the enforcement of Islamic Sharia law and urged residents to report any attempts to impose 'Sharia compliance' on businesses or individuals.Abbott's remarks followed a viral video from Houston showing a Muslim cleric using a loudspeaker to... Read more >

13:28 Broadband internet services restored in J-K's Doda Authorities on Sunday restored broadband internet services in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district where the situation started returning to normal after nearly one-week long restrictions following detention of sitting Aam Aadmi Party MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act, officials... Read more >

12:35 Wounds inflicted by Nehru yet to heal: Modi in Assam Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday alleged that the wounds inflicted on the people of Assam by Jawaharlal Nehru during the 1962 Chinese aggression were yet to heal.Addressing a rally after laying foundation stones for health and infrastructure projects worth Rs 6,300 crore in Darrang, he... Read more >

12:28 Sushila Karki assumes charge as Nepal's Interim PM Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki took charge as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal, becoming the first woman PM of the Himalayan country.Karki took charge of her office at Singha Durbar on Sunday, marking a significant political shift for Nepal following days of violent protest.The 73-year-old... Read more >

11:27 Maoist killed in gunfight with security forces in Jharkhand File image of an anti-Maoist operation A Maoist was killed in a gunfight with security forces in Jharkhand's Palamu district on Sunday morning, the police said.An encounter broke out in a forest area on the border of Manatu and Tarhasi police stations' jurisdiction this morning, and after the operation, the body of a red rebel and a... Read more >

11:18 Flash floods, landslides in parts of Manipur following torrential rain Flash floods and landslides have been reported in various parts of Manipur following torrential rain during the last 24 hours, officials said on Sunday. Several areas in Yaingangpokpi, Santikhongbal and Sabungkhok Khunou in Imphal East, and Kakwa and Sagolband in Imphal West, have been... Read more >

11:13 Hindi uniting country, attaining global prominence: Himanta Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday greeted people on Hindi Diwas and said the language has played a key role in uniting the country. He said that Hindi is attaining global prominence, which is a testimony of the country's strength. Heartfelt greetings on Hindi Diwas! The... Read more >

10:51 10 years on, all 17 accused acquitted in Maha riots case A Thane court has acquitted all 17 accused in a 2015 rioting case in which police personnel were injured and public property was damaged in Thane, citing total failure of identification and serious investigative lapses. The prosecution's evidence was insufficient to prove the guilt of the... Read more >

10:48 Panchayat president killed in landslide in Sikkim's Gyalshing A 47-year-old panchayat president was killed in a landslide, triggered by incessant rain, in Sikkim's Gyalshing district, the police said on Sunday. The incident occurred on Saturday evening when a massive landslide buried Rajen Gurung, the president of the Sardung Lungjik Gram... Read more >

10:30 Two brothers shot dead in UP's Jaunpur File image Two brothers were shot dead by unknown assailants in Ramnagar area Jaunpur, the police said on Sunday. Superintendent of police Dr Kaustubh said Shahjahan (60) and Jahangir (48), residents of Majhgawan village, were returning to their home on Saturday night when when some bike-borne... Read more >

10:24 Maha Cong leader asks to withdraw Maratha quota GR, calls for OBC rally Mahrashtra Congress leader Vijay Waddetiwar/ANI on X Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Saturday demanded the withdrawal of the Maharashtra government's recent Government Resolution on Maratha reservation, saying it would adversely affect the Other Backward Classes community.Due to this GR, a situation has arisen for the OBC community, because of... Read more >

09:49 11 policemen suspended for links with drug peddlers File image Eleven personnel, including Chamarajapet inspector T Manjanna, have been suspended pending departmental inquiry for allegedly colluding with drug peddlers. Head constable Ramesh, constables Shivraj, Madhusudan, Prasanna, Shankar Belagali, Anand, and Jag Jeevanram Nagar police personnel... Read more >

09:24 Sushila Karki to assume charge as Nepal interim PM today Nepal's newly appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki is scheduled to officially take charge of her office at Singha Durbar at 11:00 am on Sunday, marking a significant political shift for the Himalayan nation following days of violent protest.The 73-year-old former Chief Justice of Nepal was... Read more >

09:15 Modi to inaugurate 3-day armed forces' conference in Kolkata on Sep 15 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a three-day Combined Commanders' Conference of the armed forces at the Eastern Command headquarters in Kolkata on September 15. Focusing on reforms, transformation and operational preparedness, the theme for this year's conference is 'Year of... Read more >

09:03 NHRC notice to state police chief over 'assault' on media person in Assam The NHRC 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... Read more >

08:39 Man carrying live cartridge held at Lucknow airport A man was arrested at the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow after a live cartridge was found in his luggage, the police said. The cartridge was found on Saturday during a routine security check. According to a complaint filed by a screening supervisor at the... Read more >

08:36 Andhra: Main accused in lecturer Neetu Gurjar murder case held after 7 yrs The Rajasthan police arrested the main accused in the 2018 murder case of lecturer Neetu Gurjar in Andhra Pradesh, officials said. The accused, Santosh Gurjar (32), a resident of Jagdishpura, carried a reward of Rs 50,000 on his head, Karauli superintendent of police Lokesh Sonwal said on... Read more >
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Amsterdams Rijksmuseum has turned its south facade into a canvas for Steve McQueens latest work, Occupied City.

The film, shown in its full 34-hour version, began on 12 September and will continue until 25 January 2026, transforming one of Europes best-known museums into a prolonged act of remembrance. The projection outside is silent, while a version with voiceover and sound plays in the auditorium during opening hours.

The project presents two interlocking portraits: a door-to-door excavation of Amsterdams occupation during the Second World War, and a vivid record of the city during the Covid pandemic. Shot between 2020 and 2023, it shows residents celebrating, commemorating and protesting, from the outskirts to the centre, while revealing the invisible scars of wartime persecution.

This is a mirror image of Amsterdam: it mirrors who we are today, McQueen said at the launch. He added: The work invites reflection on themes such as occupation, persecution and freedom Living in Amsterdam feels like living with ghosts. There are always two or three parallel narratives unfolding at once. The past is always present.

The film covers more than 2,000 addresses, each linked to a wartime story, based on historian and filmmaker Bianca Stigters Atlas of an Occupied City. During the occupation, three-quarters of the Dutch Jewish population were murdered, along with Roma, Sinti and other dissenters. By pinning those histories to specific streets and facades, the work highlights the magnitude of what unfolded in ordinary places.

open image in gallery ( Rijksmuseum, Jordi Huisman )

Taco Dibbits, general director of the Rijksmuseum, said: Collaborating with Steve McQueen has long been a cherished wish. In Occupied City, McQueen powerfully interweaves the invisible scars of the Second World War with the contemporary rhythm of Amsterdam. As a Brit living in Amsterdam, he allows us to see our own present and past through different eyes.

A shorter version of the film, lasting just over four hours, premiered at Cannes in 2023. The Rijksmuseum presentation marks the first time McQueen has realised the full 34-hour version, restoring addresses and stories omitted from the theatrical release. Audiences are invited to engage in fragments or stay for longer stretches; a continuous auditorium screening of the full work is scheduled for 1112 October.

The presentation coincides with Amsterdams 750th anniversary and the commemoration of 80 years of liberation. For those who stop beneath the illuminated facade, Occupied City offers more than images: it is an invitation to let time pass, to stand still with history, and to confront the ways in which it still lingers.

McQueen, 55, is best known for his 2013 feature 12 Years a Slave, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. His films Hunger and Shame cemented his reputation for unflinching explorations of trauma, politics and the human body.

Alongside his film career, McQueen has built a major presence in the art world. He won the Turner Prize in 1999 and has exhibited at leading institutions including Tate Modern and MoMA. His installations often blend rigorous research with an insistence on scale and endurance, qualities that are central to Occupied City.

In recent years he has continued to straddle both cinema and contemporary art, with projects ranging from the BBC series Small Axe to gallery works that use duration and repetition to test the limits of audience attention. The Rijksmuseum commission is his most extensive public work yet, uniting his dual identities as filmmaker and visual artist.
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Woody Allen said Jeffrey Epstein couldnt have been nicer when he was invited to a series of dinners at the home of the paedophile financier.

The director said he had not met Epstein before he was among the guests at a dinner in December 2010, which also included the Duke of York.

Allen, 89, told The Sunday Times he and his wife Soon-Yi Previn had been invited by a publicist to the dinner with one of those British royals and other guests.

Epstein had just finished a prison term for soliciting an underage girl for prostitution.

open image in gallery The filmmaker Woody Allen has spoken about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein ( Getty Images )

We didnt know Jeffrey at all then, but we see all these people there and they all embraced him, so we figured, OK, hes a substantial character, said Allen.

He told us hed been in jail and that he had been falsely put in jail in some way.

He told us he was trying to make up for it now by being philanthropic and giving money to cutting-edge scientists and universities. He couldnt have been nicer.

Allen said his wife, the adopted daughter of his ex-wife Mia Farrow and her previous husband Andre Previn, had wanted to meet the duke.

She told The Sunday Times she could not stand Andrew, describing him as such a dullard.

Allen said he and Soon-Yi became regular guests at Epsteins house, where there was always a table of illustrious people.

open image in gallery Fellow guest Prince Andrew was described as a dullard by Allens wife ( Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA Wire )

We never, ever, saw Jeffrey with underage girls. He always had a girlfriend but never an underage girlfriend, he said.

He said Epsteins former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year term for sex trafficking, was not at any of the dinner parties.

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Epstein was found dead in his cell in a New York prison in 2019 after being arrested on sex trafficking charges.

The Duke of York stepped down from public life after the furore over his friendship with the paedophile financier, and paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case with Virginia Giuffre, a woman he claimed never to have met.
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Andrew Lincoln has revealed he initially rejected his role in ITVs new thriller Coldwater due to his fears around portraying an unpleasant and complex character.

The Walking Dead actor, 51, has said that playing John, a man in crisis who is forced to confront his demons when he escapes London for an idyllic small town in Scotland, was a frightening and scary prospect.

I was quite scared about playing a character that was so unpleasant and weak and emasculated, he told ITV in a press interview. I wasnt quite sure tonally where it sat, so I said no twice!

He said the scripts constantly surprised him and made him laugh in all the wrong places and squirm with recognition.

It made me scared as well, he admitted.

Lincoln decided he couldnt walk away from the role after speaking with the shows creator, the award-winning Cyprus Avenue playwright David Ireland.

David and I had a lovely hour-long Zoom and I just thought, I really think he is a singular voice. Id seen one of his plays and when I came back from America, I asked a close friend who I should be paying attention to here and David was at the top of their list.

Lincoln added that although taking on the role was daunting, he had to accept it.

I thought, This is going to be frightening. Its going to be difficult to thread the needle. I think Ill probably learn something by doing this part and grow a bit.

open image in gallery Andrew Lincoln in Coldwater ( ITV )

Coldwater follows Lincolns John, a repressed man secretly raging at his life as a stay-at-home dad.

When Johns failure to intervene in a violent confrontation in a playground brings his identity crisis to a head, he moves his family to Coldwater, where he is quickly befriended by his next-door neighbour Tommy, a self-appointed leader of the villages all-male book group. Johns wife, Fiona (Indira Varma), despises Tommy and is convinced that he isnt all he seems to be.

When Johns long-repressed anger is unleashed, under the influence of someone incredibly dangerous, there are unsettling consequences.

Speaking to PA Media, Lincoln described John as someone who doesnt quite know who he is at the moment and is constantly trying to find a sense of himself.

open image in gallery Andrew Lincoln and Indira Varma in Coldwater ( ITV )

In this event, we all wish to behave in certain ways under certain circumstances, and this guy just doesnt and theres an enormous amount of shame and guilt, added the Love Actually actor.

The new ITV thriller marks Lincolns return to British TV screens for the first time since 2010, when he starred in the Sky series Strike Back opposite Richard Armitage. That same year, Lincoln took on the lead role of Rick Grimes in the longstanding AMC franchise The Walking Dead, which has kept him occupied since.

Lincoln described the role as a welcome contrast to his years playing Grimes, a former sheriff determined to protect his group in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by the undead.

This was a great opportunity to not only work with David, but also to play something diametrically opposed to the archetype of a hero, he said.

To look at another version of masculinity. It made me uncomfortable because there are so many brilliant lines in it that feel familiar, the tribal nature of human beings and the vanity of small differences. I love all of that.

Coldwater airs on 14 September on ITV1 and ITVX.
Voting for the eighth Legislative Assembly direct and indirect elections concluded at 9 p.m., with Seng Ioi Man, president of the Electoral Affairs Commission for the Legislative Assembly Election (CAEAL), announcing preliminary results of 175,272 voters in the direct election, reflecting a turnout rate of 53.35%, while the indirect elections saw 6,645 votes cast at a turnout rate of 88.12%.

However, it is still uncertain whether the direct election turnout will set a new high since 2017.

The CAEAL pledged to announce the results as soon as possible, although they did not provide a specific timeline. We expect to announce the results promptly, as the voting locations include 37 directly elected polling stations and 5 indirectly elected polling stations. Once the vote counting is completed, we will swiftly release the results; however, we are currently unable to provide a specific timeframe, the president said.

Wrapping up election operations, Seng described the situation as having overall order as good, with smooth functioning from start to finish. As polling stations closed, the official counting phase commenced. First, the number of ballot boxes deposited will be counted. After confirmation, the formal counting stage will begin [] Each polling station is equipped with sufficient ballot counters to swiftly complete the numerical verification before commencing the official counting process, he explained.

According to CAEAL, certain polling stations had counting tables set up in advance, allowing them to start the counting process quickly. However, if any polling station lacks enough space to accommodate counting operations, necessary adjustments will be made to ensure the counting proceeds efficiently.

Concerns have been raised about whether the overall trend of the vote reflects the governments efforts to encourage participation in this election. Seng assured that once the official results are confirmed, the CAEAL will analyze the data to understand how effective those efforts were. He also promised to provide more information later and to address the question of voter participation at that time.

Speaking on behalf of the CAEAL, he expressed gratitude to every voter who cast their ballot at polling stations despite the sweltering heat. He also thanked polling station staff for their hard work, as well as all personnel assisting in maintaining order, including public security officers and security personnel. He conveyed his sincere appreciation to all.

Meanwhile, Macaus Commission Against Corruption (CCAC) reported that by the close of polls, it had conducted 2,608 inspections on polling day, during which it received 15 complaints and 34 inquiries.

Since early March, the CCAC has received a total of 143 complaints and 145 inquiries, opening 26 criminal investigation files. Among these, four cases involve vote-buying and other election-related illegal activities.

Regarding suspected election violations on election day, the CAEAL stated during a press briefing at 10:50 p.m. that only one case had been reported.

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Eve Myles has said that The Walking Dead star Andrew Lincoln is without doubt the best leading man she has ever worked with.

The Guest actor stars alongside Lincoln in the forthcoming ITV thriller Coldwater, which follows Lincolns character John as he moves his family to Scotland after a violent altercation in a London playground.

The 47-year-old said Lincolns generosity, kindness, knowledge and talent is ridiculous and quite frankly shouldnt be allowed.

Hes a joy, Myles said. Hes leading from the front. Hes got energy that my goodness, if we could just put into a jar and sell, wed be millionaires.

Coldwater sees Lincolns character befriend his new next-door neighbour in the Scottish rural village, only to quickly realise hes harbouring horrifying secrets when an unsettling series of events unfold.

Ewen Bremner (Trainspotting) takes on the role of Johns neighbour, Tommy. Meanwhile, Myles plays Tommys wife, the local vicar, Rebecca. Indira Varma (Obsession) stars Johns wife, Fiona.

Lincolns turn in Coldwater marks his return to British screens for the first time since 2010, when he starred in the Sky series Strike Back opposite Richard Armitage.

open image in gallery Andrew Lincoln as John in Coldwater ( ITV )

The same year, Lincoln took on the lead role of Rick Grimes in the longstanding AMC franchise The Walking Dead, which has kept him occupied since.

Lincoln began his acting career on British TV with roles in the BBC drama This Life and the Channel 4 sitcom Teachers, before starring as Mark in Richard Curtiss Christmas romcom Love Actually in 2003.

The actor initially turned down the role of John in Coldwater twice because he was quite scared to play someone so unpleasant and weak and emasculated.

open image in gallery Eve Miles as Rebecca in 'Coldwater' ( ITV )

Lincoln then had a lovely chat with the shows writer David Ireland (The Lovers, Ulster American) and completely changed his mind.

I couldnt walk away from it, he said. I thought, this is going to be frightening, its going to be difficult to thread the needle and I think Ill probably learn something by doing this part and grow a bit.

Coldwater premieres on ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday 14 September.
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The Missoula Mauler. The Serial Killer Clown. The Giggling Granny. The BTK Killer.

These names may send chills through anyone familiar with Americas true crime history. Each bizarre alias belonging to a different serial killer, each from a different state.

One was a serial sex killer who terrorized Montana until a would-be victim turned the tables, another murdered at least 33 boys and young men in the Chicago area, one poisoned 11 relatives  including her own husbands  in the Deep South, and another one bound, tortured, and killed dozens in Kansas.

And now, according to a new study by Summit Defense Criminal Lawyers, those states share a chilling legacy  they rank among the top 10 in the nation for producing the most serial killers per capita.

The research analyzed documented serial murderers across all 50 states up through July 2025, calculating rates based on population and measuring victim counts to determine where these crimes were most devastating.

open image in gallery A new study reveals the state of Montana has the highest number of serial killers per capita, with 8 per 1 million residents - and 49 murdered per 1 million ( The Independent/AP/Missouri County Sheriff's Office )

And the findings reveal that rural states dominate the rankings  and that Montana, Kansas and Louisiana sit at the top of Americas darkest list.

The data reveals that Montanas killers are not only more numerous but also significantly more deadly than those from other states, a Summit Defense Criminal Lawyers spokesperson said.

Illinois leads in absolute numbers, yet Montanas smaller group caused proportionally more devastation. The research highlights how some states consistently breed more dangerous criminals who claim higher victim counts. Whats also worth noting is that rural states appear disproportionately represented in the top rankings, challenging urban crime stereotypes.

Heres a look at the top 10 U.S. states that produce the most serial killers per capita:

open image in gallery Kansas most infamous murderer is Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer, a nickname he gave himself, which stands for bind, torture, kill ( Sedgwick County Sheriff's office )

1. Montana

Montana ranks first with a rate of around eight serial killers per 1 million residents.

Montanas criminals prove exceptionally deadly, responsible for nearly 49 deaths per million population  the highest victim rate in the nation. This combination of frequent killers and high lethality makes Montana uniquely dangerous in American crime statistics.

Wayne Nance, The Missoula Mauler: Nance was suspected of at least six murders from 1974 to 1986 before he was shot and killed by a would-be victim. Police believe he may have had many more undiscovered victims.

open image in gallery Wayne Nance The Missoula Mauler, was suspected of at least six murders from 1974 to 1986 before he was shot and killed by a would-be victim ( Missouri County Sheriff's Office )

David Meirhofer The Mindless Monster: Meirhofer confessed to four murders  three of which were children  in rural Montana between 1967 and 1974. Hours after his confession, he killed himself in jail and was never tried for the murders.

David Thomas Dawson: Dawson murdered three members of the Rodstein family in Billings in 1986. He was executed in 1987 at the age of 48.

Theodore Ted Kaczynski, The Unabomber  While his nationwide bombing spree defined his crimes, his Montana cabin became his base of operations. He killed three people during his 17-year bombing campaign between 1978 and 1995.

2. Kansas

Kansas lands in second place with approximately five serial killers per capita. The Sunflower state shows roughly 14 victims of serial killers when adjusted for population size.

Its most infamous murderer is Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer, a nickname he gave himself, which stands for bind, torture, kill.

Rader bound, tortured, and killed 10 victims between 1974 and 1991. What made him particularly noteworthy is the cat and mouse game he played with authorities. At each crime scene, he would leave a clue as to who he was.

open image in gallery Dennis Rader, pictured in this undated driver's license photo, bound, tortured, and killed at least 10 victims between 1974 and 1991 ( AP )

open image in gallery In 2023, the Osage County Sheriffs Office released chilling images that depict three different women who are bound and gagged in what appear to be barns ( Osage County Sheriffs Office )

He is currently serving his 10 life sentences in prison.

But police are still connecting him to potential victims.

In 2023, the Osage County Sheriffs Office released chilling images that depict three different women who are bound and gagged in what appear to be barns, which investigators believe could be in Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. The drawings were first recovered by the authorities after Raders arrest in 2005.

3. Louisiana

Louisiana claims third place with nearly five serial killers per capita, and about 28 deaths, ranking second nationally in deadly consequences.

Notorious killers include Derrick Todd Lee, known as the Baton Rouge Serial Killer, who murdered at least seven women between 1992 and 2003.

open image in gallery Derrick Todd Lee, known as the Baton Rouge Serial Killer, who murdered at least seven women between 1992 and 2003 ( Baton Rouge Police Department )

Going back to the 1910s, is the story of 19-year-old Clementine Barnabet, who confessed to killing 17 people with an axe on behalf of the Church of Sacrifice in what became known as the Voodoo Murders. She was sentenced to life in prison.

4. Rhode Island

Though small in size, Rhode Island ranks fourth with five serial killers per capita.

Among its most infamous is Craig Price, a teenager who murdered four people in the 1980s, a woman and her daughters one year and another woman two years later.

The murders were carried out before Price turned 16. He remains incarcerated, serving a sentence extended after multiple violent incidents behind bars.

5. Maine

Maine rounds out the top five with nearly four serial killers per capita. The state shows a disturbing victim rate of 28, placing it third nationally in lethality, despite its reputation for quiet coastal towns and forests,

James Hicks: In 2000, Hicks confessed to murdering and dismembering three women between 1977 and 1994. He was convicted in 2009.

Albert Flick: Flick stabbed his wife to death and was convicted in 1979. When he got out of prison in 2000 at the age of 77, he continued his killing spree and murdered a woman in front of her two children.

6. Missouri

Missouri holds sixth place, with four serial killers per capita and 19 victims recorded.

Its most infamous murderer, Maury Travis, kidnapped, tortured, and killed at least 12 women  primarily sex workers  with at least one of the slayings caught on video that he recorded.

After being arrested, Travis committed suicide in 2002.

7. Oklahoma

Oklahoma lands in seventh place with around three serial killers per capita.

One of its most chilling figures was Daniel Lewis Lee, a one-time white supremacist who was convicted of murdering a family of three in 1996. He was executed in 2020.

8. Illinois

Illinois ranks eighth but stands apart for producing the highest number of serial killers in the top 10 list  37 in total.

Many of them had unique nicknames like The Serial Killer Clown and The Lipstick Killer.

open image in gallery The most notorious of the serial killers from Illinois is John Wayne Gacy, also known as The Serial Killer Clown, who murdered at least 33 boys and young men in the Chicago area in the 1970s ( AP )

John Wayne Gacy: The most notorious of them, Gacy, also known as The Serial Killer Clown, murdered at least 33 boys and young men in the Chicago area in the 1970s. Gacy, who worked as a clown performer for children's parties, earned his nickname because of the clown costume he often wore while killing his victims. He would sexually assault the boys, strangle them with rope, and then bury their bodies under his house. He was found guilty on all 33 counts of murder and was put to death in 1994.

William Heirens, who became known as The Lipstick Killer, murdered two women and a young girl in the 1980s, leaving behind messages written in lipstick at the crime scenes, which earned him the nickname.He was sentenced to life in prison.

Bruce Everitt Lindahl is believed to have committed at least 12 murders and nine rapes in different Chicago suburbs from 1974 to 1981. Most recently, in 2024, DNA evidence linked him to the murder of Kathy Halle in Illinois in March 1979.

9. Alabama

Alabama comes in ninth with nearly three serial killers per capita and 20 proportional victims.

Its most infamous is Nannie Doss, The Giggling Granny, an Alabama native who poisoned 11 relatives over several decades, including four of her own husbands.

open image in gallery Nannie Doss poisoned 11 relatives over several decades, including four of her own husbands ( Bettmann Archive )

The other victims included two of her children, her own mother, her mother-in-law, one of her own sisters and two of her grandsons.

Doss was 59 years old when she died in custody after she was diagnosed with leukemia, according to People Magazine.

10. Indiana

Indiana completes the list with roughly three serial killers per capita and around 18 victims.

Among its most disturbing killers was Herb Baumeister, who is believed to be the most prolific serial killer in Indiana history, with at least 25 bodies buried at his Fox Hollow farm in Indiana.

open image in gallery Herb Baumeister is suspected of killing at least 25 victims, and pieces of them have been found buried on his farm ( Indianapolis Police Department )

Baumeister lived at the farm with his wife and children, but was leading a double life. At night, he cruised gay bars, picking up young men and luring them back.

His murder spree ended in 1994, when his son found a human skull and a pile of bones in the woods near their home. Police found 11 bodies buried on the property and issued a warrant for his arrest.

Baumeister committed suicide without ever facing trial. After his death, more bodies were found. As of 2025, investigators have located over 10,000 bone fragments on the property and have identified 10 people, but at least three still remain a mystery.

The most recent victim to be identified was Daniel Thomas Halloran. Investigators say there could be as many as 25 additional people buried at Fox Hollow Farm.

open image in gallery Baumeister is believed to have killed dozens of men between the 1980s and 1990s, including Daniel Thomas Halloran (pictured), who was the 10th and most recent person to be identified ( Othram )

open image in gallery Baumeisters 18-acre farm in Westfield, Indiana where the remains of his victims were found ( Hamilton County Coroner's Office )

Larry William Eyler The Interstate Killer: Eyler, an Indiana native, killed at least 21 teenage boys and young men across Indiana and Illinois between 1982 and 1984.

His victims were all discovered in locations close to or accessible by the Interstate, leading to his nickname The Interstate Killer or sometimes, The Highway Killer.

Eyler died of AIDS-related complications in 1994 while incarcerated on death row.
It was understandable that Australian lawyer turned playwright Suzie Miller was nervous when her new play, Inter Alia, opened in London a few weeks ago.

This one I was nail-biting about because there was so much expectation, the Olivier and Awgie award winner says.

A lot of the men I know would say theyre a feminist ally, but its not enough. Suzie Miller Credit: Janie Barrett

The phenomenal success of Millers 2019 play Prima Facie raised the stakes. Staged around the world after success in Australia, that play is about a brilliant criminal barrister who, having defended men accused of sexual assault, has her own devastating experience of it.

Millers new play is a companion work that centres on a compassionate judge, played by Rosamund Pike of Gone Girl and Saltburn fame, who faces a shattering allegation of sexual assault within her family.
Libertys limits

John Silvesters article (From worlds most liveable city to Gotham: How crime is changing Melbourne, 13/9) reminds us we have become too precious about our rights: Right to privacy, freedom from police profiling, human rights and the like. I was bemused when Bunnings was required to stop using facial recognition technology to deter theft  which costs us all in the long run  on the grounds of privacy.

So many post their entire lives on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok and the rest without regard to privacy, yet object to Bunnings using facial recognition for the sole purpose of detecting criminals.

I remember when the police were told to stop racially profiling African communities  the very communities who are now asking where are the police? The community needs to give police and businesses the laws and practices to enable them to protect themselves and all of us from crime.

Living in a community, we must forfeit some of our rights for the betterment of all. And magistrates need to give appropriate penalties when criminals are brought before the courts  but that is another story.

Louise Kloot, Doncaster

Schools, not bootcamp

It seems to me that bootcamp for serious offenders after the event will be a waste of money. It is time instead to invest serious education money in disadvantaged areas. (Teens to be sent to bootcamp, police given new powers under Liberal crime plan, 13/9).

If every local government school were a well-maintained, green oasis offering music, art, first class sporting facilities, libraries and teacher librarians it would be a good start.

Qualified in-school support as needed should be a given. Lets put social and emotional health measures in place, not just NAPLAN.

Susan Mahar, Fitzroy North

Climate treachery

The Environment Minister Murray Watt decision to grant a 40 plus year extension to Woodsides North-West Shelf gas project is climate treachery. Environment Minister Murray Watts decision to grant a 40-year-plus extension to Woodsides North West Shelf (NSW) gas project is climate treachery.

The extension is expected to be responsible for about 87.9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent every year in during the next forty years.

As international climate expert Bill Hare recently commented, this decision gaslights the nation, rejects climate science and seriously undermines the Paris agreements 1.5 C warming limit.

As international climate expert Bill Hare recently commented, this decision gaslights the nation, rejects climate science and seriously undermines the Paris agreements 1.5 C warming limit.

Yes, Watt has imposed 48 conditions on the project aimed at protecting nearby Indigenous rock art. But how will they be monitored? Extraordinarily, under current legislation, the environment minister cannot impose conditions on Woodside to ensure the climate is protected!

Woodside tells us the project has paid out $40 billion in federal tax and royalties over its 40 year history. Will that be enough to mitigate the climate damage caused by the worlds largest natural gas project in Australia? Will $1 billion a year compensate Pacific Islander countries engulfed by rising sea-levels? And will it be enough to mitigate the consciences of the current government when Australia descends to the status of a global climate pariah?

Craig Horne, Fitzroy North

Labor unserious on carbon

In 2022, Labor was elected on a climate action platform. Since then theyve approved and extended 34 fossil fuel developments despite the counter opinion of the IPCC and the best science. Their latest announcement Gas giant gets OK, but with limits (13/9) unleashes a huge carbon bomb that will have devastating effects on future generations. Meanwhile, Minister Watt has asserted that in approving the gas extension he was only able to consider impacts on the Murujuga rock art and that climate impacts were outside his remit.

This is simply spin perpetrated by a government hellbent on supporting their fossil fuel donors at all costs. Shortly before the last election, then environment minister Plibersek had achieved agreement with the Greens that would have allowed passing the EPBC Act.

This would have meant climate concerns were considered when appraising projects such as the NW shelf. Prime Minister Albanese scuttled the legislation. Now were told a new EPBC is imminent. If Labor were serious about climate impacts they would have passed the Act last year or delayed the latest gas decision until the new Act was in place.

They want us to believe theyre serious about climate but their actions are those of a wolf in sheeps clothing.

Peter Cook, Essendon

Childrens suffering

The charity Save the Children estimates that 20,000 Gazan children have been killed since October 2023, and many others have incurred grievous injuries and have lost parents and siblings. This appalling suffering by children in Gaza and other conflicts must be recognised and everything must be done to bring it to an end. It is appalling, therefore, that the Royal Childrens Hospital has cancelled a seminar on children and war to be conducted by an expert panel (Hospital denies suppressing discussion on children in Gaza, 14/9).

There also must be wider recognition and discussion of the assaults on childrens health and lives beyond the worlds conflict zones. Liz Gooch (Anti-vax madness goes mainstream, 13/9) describes the alarming withdrawal by the Trump administration and some US states of vaccine mandates.

Diseases that have largely been eliminated are likely to re-emerge as major concerns, with children especially likely to suffer. For US authorities to risk outbreaks of devastating and easily preventable diseases like polio, meningitis and measles is beyond belief.

Discussion of all the threats to childrens health must be encouraged to allow experts and the wider community to be informed and to find solutions.

Andrew Trembath, Blackburn
Standing on the balcony of the new Urban Alley brewery under construction at Chadstone Shopping Centre, you look out over sweeping views of the surrounding suburbs and back to the CBD.

Chadstone is booming: visitations are up by almost a third, and on The Ages visit to the shopping centre behemoth on a Tuesday in September, the car parks are largely full.

Hotel Chadstone MGallery is 12 storeys high and Chadstone is pushing for a 60-metre height limit for the shopping centre. Credit: Joe Armao

For a shopping centre groaning at the seams, the only way is up with Chadstones buildings heading ever skyward to maintain the centres existing footprint. If the centre owners have their way, it would reach close to 20 storeys.

Urban Alley is almost tripling in size, increasing from a 150-seat venue in the shopping centres social quarter to a two-storey, 420-seat venue.
Support for Pauline Hansons One Nation has surged to a record high of 12 per cent after weeks of rancorous debate about immigration as the Coalition plumbs the depths of political unpopularity in the latest Resolve Political Monitor.

Labor still enjoys a substantial 55-45 lead two-party preferred over the Coalition, based on stated preferences, the same margin as at the May 3 election, when Anthony Albanese won a record 94 seats in the lower house and thrashed the opposition.

Anthony Albanese retains a commanding lead, but the major parties have retreated and One Nation has gained. Credit: Nathan Perri

While Opposition Leader Sussan Ley maintains a net positive result on her performance in the role, the Coalition continues to struggle and is now tracking on the worst primary result since Resolve started polling on the figure in April 2021.

Labors commanding lead is actually a fall from the stratospheric 59-41 recorded by the government last month, as support for both major parties went backwards in September and minor parties gained.
Answers to a social media mystery about the Victorian governments amnesty bins for machetes, which have been the subject of wild misinformation about their cost, can be traced to private prisons and a $925,000 contract.

In March Premier Jacinta Allan announced a ban on machetes and a three-month amnesty for Victorians to dispose of the weapons in 45 bins outside select police stations, from September 1 to November 30.

Premier Jacinta Allan views one of the new machete amnesty bins earlier this year. Credit: Jason South

The opposition seized on the $13 million program to claim each bin was costing more than $300,000, ignoring that the total cost included a public awareness campaign and cataloguing and destruction of the weapons. Thats despite calling for the machete ban before the governments announcement and supporting the prohibition of the weapons in parliament.

The government eventually said each bin cost just $2400 to make but has remained tight-lipped on where they were produced, while the oppositions social media campaign  and sleuthing from AAP Fact Check and the ABCs Media Watch, as well as Libertarian MP David Limbrick  continued.
Irrespective of what views you may have held about American conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, he should still be alive today and tweeting out the worst thoughts known to man.

But more than one thing can be true at the same time. On one hand, political violence of any kind is abhorrent and should be condemned. On the other, Kirk was one of the chief architects of the violent political culture that ultimately claimed him.

Charlie Kirk was killed at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. Credit: Artwork: Marija Ercegovac.

Over the course of a decade, Kirk stood as close to the centre of the machine as possible, doing everything he could to destabilise and fragment American politics. His willingness to spew hate and encourage his large following to distrust, if not outright despise, anyone who didnt look or think like them, left him holding the matches of a burning house. He dedicated much of his relatively short career to making the world a crueller, more stupid, and more violent place.

Its impossible to discuss the rightward shift in Americas young people without mentioning Kirk and Turning Point USA, the organisation he led. To the Christian nationalist right, Kirk was a darling. His videos  which regularly racked up tens of millions of views  preaching the gospel saw him become something of a folk hero. He was willing to go into what he called the lions den of liberal American campuses and debate his political opponents. In that lens, he was a hero  a man with reasonable conservative views willing to exchange ideas in the name of good, clean democracy.
51-feet tall idol of Bamhni Ki Maharani Mannat Wali Maa Sherawali installed at Bamhni





Staff Reporter :

In a remarkable initiative aimed to boost cultural and religious fervour, a 51-feet tall idol of Bamhni Ki Maharani Mannat Wali Maa Sherawali has been installed at Gram Panchayat Bamhni, located in Barela, about 25 kilometres from the district headquarters Jabalpur. This is the tallest idol of the goddess to be installed in the district.

The installation has been spearheaded by Rameshwar Sahu, Vice-President of Janpad Panchayat Jabalpur, with the objective of making the upcoming Navratri celebrations a grand and memorable occasion for the local community. A team of skilled sculptors and artisans worked tirelessly for three months to construct this magnificent idol, reflecting fine craftsmanship and devotion.

The towering idol has already started attracting visitors from nearby villages and towns and is expected to become a centre of devotion and cultural festivities throughout the Navratri festival. Local residents have expressed their pride and joy at witnessing such a historic and grand creation in their village. Authorities are also making arrangements to ensure the safety and smooth management of the large gatherings anticipated during the festivities.
Bhopal man duped of Rs 5 lakh in share market investment scam





Staff Reporter :

A 25-year-old man, Harish Jaiswal, has been defrauded of Rs 5 lakh by cyber scammers who lured him with promises of high returns on share market investments.

The incident, reported in the citys Tila Jamalpura area, has led police to register a case against unknown fraudsters under sections of the Indian Penal Code related to cheating and the IT Act. Authorities have identified two suspects, Harisingh and Datta, and a search operation is underway. According to police, Harish Jaiswal, a resident of the Ram Mandir area, received a link on his mobile phone in January 2025.

Upon clicking the link, he was added to a WhatsApp group where members enticed him with the prospect of significant profits from share market investments. Falling for the deception, Jaiswal transferred a total of Rs 5 lakh in multiple installments via UPI to bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. He was then shown an online account balance of Rs 14 lakh. However, when he attempted to withdraw the money, he was told that withdrawals would only be possible once the account balance reached Rs 20 lakh.

When he refused to deposit more money, he was removed from the group. After a prolonged period with no sign of his money, Jaiswal lodged a complaint with the Cyber Crime Branch, which subsequently transferred the case to the Tila Jamalpura police. Station House Officer D P Singh stated that the investigation revealed Jaiswal had transferred the funds to accounts in HDFC and ICICI banks. Police have initiated correspondence with the banks for account details. Initial findings have pointed to two individuals, Harisingh and Datta, as the prime suspects, and raids are being conducted to apprehend them.
Buyers Beware: Scammers lure festive Scammers use festive offers to swindle people on Karwa Chauth, Diwali and Dussehra shoppers with fake Big Sale offers





Staff Reporter :

As the festive season approaches, cybercriminals are ramping up their efforts to defraud online shoppers with deceptive offers, taking advantage of popular festivals like Karva Chauth, Diwali, Dussehra, and Bhai Dooj.

The Madhya Pradesh Cyber Cell has issued a public alert, warning residents to be cautious of fake websites and suspicious links. With the holiday season drawing near, online shopping and tempting discounts are becoming more prevalent. As consumers search e-commerce sites for the best deals, cybercriminals are using this opportunity to trick them. Across Bhopal and the state, fraudsters are luring people with promises of huge discounts through counterfeit websites and links. The Cyber Cell is urging the public not to trust any suspicious links, calls, or offers and to only shop on verified, legitimate websites. Shailendra Singh Chauhan, Additional DCP of Cyber and Crime Branch, explained the modus operandi. Scammers use social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram to advertise fake sales with tempting discounts of 50% to 80%.

When a user clicks on these advertisements, they are redirected to a fake website. Upon entering sensitive information like card details, OTP, and other personal data, the users bank account is immediately emptied. Chauhan emphasised that people must verify the authenticity of a website before making a purchase. He also advised citizens to prefer shopping in local markets to avoid such scams. According to cyber officials, many people have lost their hard-earned money to these scams. The criminals often impersonate major companies like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, or other popular brands to gain peoples trust.

The Cyber Cell advises consumers to thoroughly check the legitimacy of a website. Victims of such fraud should immediately call the 1930 helpline and file a complaint at the nearest cyber police station. Case Examples Case 1: Digital Arrest Scam: A network of scammers has been making fraudulent calls, impersonating government officials to intimidate victims into paying money. Case 2: Fake Loan Apps: A woman from Bhopal was defrauded of Rs 15 lakh through a fake loan app. The investigation revealed the fraud was orchestrated through a network of foreign call centers and internet cafes. Tips to Avoid Becoming a Victim:

Be Wary of Free Offers or Gift Cards: Immediately delete any messages, emails, or offers of free coupons or gift cards from unknown numbers. Regularly Change Card PINs: Periodically change your credit/debit card PIN and regularly check your bank statements for any suspicious activity. Avoid Clicking on Social Media Links: Stay away from unknown links shared on platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Do Not Share Personal Information on Unsolicited Calls: Scammers often impersonate bank officials, insurance agents, or e-commerce representatives. Never share your card number, OTP, or passwords with anyone over the phone.
Contemporary geopolitical conflicts& their global impact





By PROF ANOOP KUMAR :

The post-pandemic world has entered an era where geopolitics is no longer confined to diplomatic circles - itsadaily disruptor of business, trade, and global stability. From the Red Sea to the Taiwan Strait, Russia Ukraine to Israel-Gaza & US tariffs to Nepals turmoil, geopolitical flashpoints are erupting and multiplying, and their ripple effects are felt everywhere. What was once a niche academic term has now become a household word. Geopolitical conflicts are reshaping global supply chains, inflating fuel and food prices, and triggering diplomatic realignments. The cost of export logistics has surged, and strategic chokepoints are under threat. This is not just a shiftits a seismic reordering of global priorities. What is Geopolitics?

At its core, geopolitics is the study of how geography  location, terrain, climate, resources, and demographics - interacts with political power. It explains how nations behave, form alliances, and engage in conflict. As Saul Cohen described, its the dynamic interaction between geographical settings and political processes. Geopolitics blends geography, political science, and international relations to decode how physical realities shape the rise and fall of empires, influence foreign policy, and determine global trade patterns. Four Pillars of Geopolitical Influence Spatial Influence: Nations with strategic locations coastal access, natural barriers, or proximity to trade routeswield disproportionate power. Geography can protect, isolate, or empower.

Resource Access: Control over oil, gas, rare earths, and shipping lanes drives competition and cooperation. Classical theories emphasize how resource distribution shapes regional equilibrium. Security Strategy: Geography defines military posture. From cyber threats to climate challenges, geopolitical strategy determines how nations protect sovereignty and citizens. Global Power: Dynamics Governance modelsdemocratic vs authoritarianshape alliances. States engage through cooperation, coercion, or conflict, depending on their geopolitical calculus. Geopolitical Flashpoints and Fault Lines: RussiaUkraine:

The unending War What began with Crimeas annexation in 2014 escalated into full-scale war in 2022. As of September 2025, Russias aggression continues, with Ukraine fiercely resisting. The war has fractured East-West relations, triggered sanctions, and caused massive civilian casualtiesover 13,000 dead and 31,000 injured, according to UN estimates. Territorial integrity, NATO expansion, and regime orientation are at the heart of this conflict. The war has disrupted global wheat and fertilizer markets, triggered refugee crises, and intensified geopolitical polarization. IsraelIran and the Gaza Conflagration Renewed violence in Gaza and escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran have raised fears of a broader regional war.

This is not just a military confrontationits a clash of ideologies, nuclear diplomacy, and regional dominance. Proxy engagements and airstrikes have become routine, destabilizing the Middle East and threatening global oil flows. Taiwan Strait & South China Sea: A Powder Keg Chinas military posturing near Taiwan and disputed waters has heightened tensions with the US and its allies. While not yet a fullblown conflict, the risk of confrontation looms large. Naval build-ups and strategic alliances like QUAD and AUKUS are reshaping IndoPacific security dynamic IndiaPakistan: The Shadow Of Op Sindoor In May 2025, terrorist attacks in Pahalgam triggered near-war conditions. Indias military mobilisation and diplomatic standoff with Pakistan reignited long-standing tensions over Kashmir and cross-border terrorism.

The situation remains volatile, with strategic implications for South Asias stability. Trump 2.0: Geopolitics On Steroids President Trumps second term has ushered in a doctrine of economic nationalism and strategic protectionism. Tariffs are no longer economic toolstheyre weapons of foreign policy. A 50% tariff on Indian goods triggered a breakdown in Indo-US relations, with India pivoting toward China and Russia at the SCO Summit in Tianjin. The Quads cohesion has weakened, and the optics of US-India relations resemble a jilted lover syndrome. Trumps tariff diplomacy has transformed global trade into a theatre of coercion and chaos.

Trade Disruptions And Economic Fallout Geopolitical tensions are wreaking havoc on global commerce: Supply Chain Disruptions: Port closures and rerouting inflate costs. Tariff Wars: Strategic penalties reshape alliances. Sanctions: Isolation of economies through export controls. Currency Volatility: Uncertainty destabilises exchange rates. The RussiaUkraine war alone caused spikes in wheat and fertiliser prices, demonstrating how conflict can ripple through global markets. Geo-Economics And Multipolar Instability Sanctions & Tariffs: Economic tools are now geopolitical weapons. Investment Screening: Nations tighten controls on strategic sectors. Currency Weaponisation: BRICS+ challenges dollar dominance.

Proxy Conflicts: External powers fuel civil wars for leverage. BRICS+ expansion and Indo-Pacific militarisation are reshaping global governance and trade norms, while proxy conflicts deepen instability. Coping With Chaos: Resilience & Adaptation Supply Chain Analytics: Businesses invest in predictive tools. Policy Recalibration: Governments balance efficiency with security. Corporate Strategy: Firms adopt risk-aware models. Multilateral Dialogue: Urgent need to preserve global norms. Geopolitical literacy is no longer optional - its essential.

As the world navigates this turbulent terrain, understanding the forces at play is the first step toward resilience. (The author is a retired IAS officer of Additional Chief Secretary rank from Maharashtra, now serving as Professor of Practice at IIM Nagpur. He served as Divisional Commissioner, Nagpur.Acommitted advocate for Vidarbhas development, he continues to contribute as Chairman of the Nagpur City Heritage Conservation Committee)
Curfew lifted fromKathmandu Valley,other parts of Nepal





By Shirish B Pradhan :

KATHMANDU :

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.

The development came a day after former Chief Justice Sushila Karki on Friday became Nepals 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 nationwide agitation triggered by a social media ban

.There are no restrictive orders or curfew on Saturday, a Nepal Army spokesperson said. Shops, grocery stores, vegetable markets and shopping malls reopened after days of closure, while traffic began to flow back on the streets. Cleaning drives were launched at several places, including key Government buildings that were vandalised and set on fire by agitators during the recent wave of violent protests. Oli quit on Tuesday shortlyafter hundreds of agitatorsentered his office demanding hisresignation for the death of at least19 people in police action during Mondays protests over corruption and a social media ban.

The ban on social media was lifted Monday night.Latest data from Nepal police said that at least 51 people, including an Indian national, died in the Gen Z-led protests that began on Monday.

The Nepalese Army took control of the security situation after Oli resigned as the PM. Soon after taking control of the law and order situation, theArmy issued prohibitory orders in Kathmandu Valley and other parts of thecountry,while allowingpublicmovementduringspecific windows.

NEPALS NEXT PARLIAMENTARYELECTIONWILLBEHELD ONMARCH5:NEPALSnextparliamentary electionswillbeheld on March 5, President Ramchandra Paudels office has announced, following a week of violent protests that led to the resignationofKPSharmaOli and Sushila Karki taking over as the countrys first woman PM. President Paudel, while dissolving the House of Representatives on the recommendation of the newlyappointed PM on Friday, said the next parliamentary election would be held on March 5.
Drop in GSTs, Rly passengers hope that it will reduce parking charges in stations





Staff Reporter :

Raipur :

The Central Government has announced GST reforms, effective September 22, aimed at reducing the tax burden on the public. This has brought hope to passengers at South East Central Railway (SECR) stations, who face high vehicle parking charges partly due to the 18% GST levied on parking services. Currently, private parties leasing railway property for parking often charge exorbitant rates.

At Raipur Junction, for example, two-wheeler parking is Rs 20 for two hours and Rs 30 for over two hours, while a four-wheeler costs Rs 40 for two hours and Rs 50 for over two hours. Overnight car parking can be as high as Rs 200-220. Another private operator at the same junction charges over Rs 30 for a two-wheeler and over Rs 40 for a four-wheeler, with commuters alleging they are often charged Rs 60. A similar situation exists at Durg Junction, another major SECR station. Here, private operators charge Rs 25 for a two-wheeler and Rs 35 for a car for two hours. They sometimes demand up to Rs 100 for four-hour car parking.

Commuters hope the GST reduction will lead SECR to lower the GST charges on parking leases, which would in turn compel private parties to reduce their fees. This is a significant concern for daily commuters, like students and professionals, who find that the high cost of train tickets combined with steep parking fees strains their travel budget. Nitesh Joshi, a student, and Narendra Joshi, a banker, both daily commuters, voiced their frustration over the high costs, stating that the additional taxes on parking are unfair on top of train travel costs.

They and many others have raised the issue with SECR officials in both Raipur and Durg, but a solution is yet to be found. Suskar Vipul Vilasrao, Chief Public Relations Officer of SECR Bilaspur Zone, stated that if the Central Government reduces GST on railway property leases, SECR authorities will definitely lower the GST charges on parking spots across all stations, bringing a potential solution to the long-standing issue for passengers.
MP Transco energises 13-km transmission line for Indore Metro Rail Project





Staff Reporter :

Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company (MP Transco) has successfully constructed and energised a 13-kilometer composite transmission line for the Indore Metro Rail Project, based on a unique design developed at its Jabalpur headquarters.

This innovative design enabled the timely completion of the project despite challenging conditions and the line passing through densely populated areas. According to RK Agrawal, Additional Chief Engineer, MP Transco, the 132 kV double-circuit line from Jaitpura to the MR-10 substation is based on a specialized in-house design.

This design incorporates an innovative combination of narrow-base towers, monopole towers, km of underground cable. In addition, a 160 MVA power transformer has been installed at the Jaitpura 220 kV substation to ensure uninterrupted and reliable power supply for the metro network.

The project was executed under the supervision of MP Transco after the Indore Metro authority deposited the requisite funds. The Jabalpur-developed design not only resulted in significant savings of time and resources but also ensured a safe, efficient and technically robust power transmission solution for a challenging urban route.
Nicolas Maduro Guerra, son of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, pledged to defend his country "with his life" in response to increased U.S. military activity in the Caribbean.

Speaking at a political event, Maduro Guerra said:

"Our homeland is at stake. They don't understand that it's not about one man. They tried with Chavez. You think Nicolas Maduro is just a man, he is our leader, but he represents a people. We are going to defend him, and if we have to give our lives, we will"

His remarks, reported by local news site El PItazo, come as the United States maintains a deployment of eight warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and recently dispatched F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico. Washington says the buildup is part of counter-narcotics operations targeting Latin American drug cartels, including Venezuela's alleged connections to the so-called Cartel of the Suns.

In another interview, with Venezuela's state channel at the same event, Maduro Guerra said added that, although "the Venezuelan people are not a people of war" they would not back down in the face of conflict:

"We are being attacked by the United States and by imperialism. We want to live in peace. If they approach us in good faith, we will talk, we will maintain peace. If they come after us in bad faith, here they will find Bolivar's warriors, Chavez's warriors, ready to defend the dignity of the country"

Nicolas Maduro Guerra, vicepresidente de Asuntos Religiosos del PSUV, afirmo que el Congreso del partido representa la instancia politica mas importante de Venezuela, destinada a debatir los nuevos desafios de la Revolucion Bolivariana.



Ademas, destaco que el pais se esta pic.twitter.com/O0Dl77U5Wp  El Universal (@ElUniversal) September 12, 2025

The comments also coincided with the launch of "Plan Independencia 200," a nationwide mobilization of Venezuela's armed forces, militia, police, and civilian organizations. The initiative established 284 "battle fronts" across the country, from the Colombian border to the Caribbean coast, aimed at guaranteeing what the government calls independence and peace.

On Thursday, ruling party leader Diosdado Cabello warned of the possibility of a prolonged conflict, urging Venezuelans to prepare for "a revolutionary war against a powerful enemy." He said any confrontation with the United States would not be conventional and could last "100 years."

Originally published on Latin Times
Retired BHEL supervisor duped of Rs 68.3 lakh in digital arrest scam





Staff Reporter :

In a recent digital fraud case, new details have emerged surrounding the digital arrest scam that defrauded Vinod Kumar Gupta, a 71-year-old retired BHEL supervisor, of Rs 68.3 lakh. Cybercrime officials have revealed that the stolen amount was transferred to at least 10 different bank accounts across the country.

The investigation indicates that Rs 14.7 lakh was sent to an account in Maharashtra, Rs 7 lakh to Delhi, and Rs 4.2 lakh to two accounts in Meerut. The remaining amount was transferred to five accounts located in West Bengal. The fraudulent operation involved the use of five SIM cards: three virtual numbers, one from the Northeast, and one for WhatsApp communication.

The cybercrime branch has sought Metas help in tracing the virtual numbers and has also requested the call detail record (CDR) and customer application form (CAF) details for the SIM card from the Northeast. The investigation further revealed that Gupta was under digital arrest for nearly three months.

During this period, he lived in constant fear, as the fraudsters convinced him that he was under investigation for serious crimes like money laundering and drug trafficking. The cybercriminals, who impersonated senior officials from the Department of Telecommunications and the CBI, not only forced him to transfer his savings but also controlled his daily activities.

They would demand permission from him to speak with his son or go out with family members. According to cybercrime officials, the scammers terrified Gupta by showing him an ICICI Bank passbook with his name on it, which allegedly held Rs 68 crore of black money, linking him to illicit activities. Fearing arrest, Gupta transferred the funds to multiple bank accounts as instructed. Police have urged citizens to be vigilant against such suspicious calls and report them immediately.
Sensation as elderly mans partially decomposed body found in his house





Staff Reporter :

Sensation prevailed in Mother Teresa Nagar when the partially decomposed body of an elderly man was found in his house under the jurisdiction of Madhotal police station. In prima facie of the investigation, police found that the man was brutally killed after being hit with a hammer.

The deceased has been identified as Ajit Singh (82), resident of Mother Teresa Nagar in Madhotal. According to Madhotal police, receiving the information of finding the body of a man, police team reached spot and found that a strong foul odour coming from the premises. At the scene, local resident Raju Yadav (52), who lives near Shiv Shakti Hanuman Mandir and runs a tent business, informed police that the smell was coming from the neighbouring house where Ajit Singh lived with his son Amarjeet Singh. Efforts to contact

Amarjeet Singh over the phone were unsuccessful as his phone was switched off. Police broke open the door and found that Ajit Singh (82) lying dead on a bed in the front room.

His body was swollen, emitting a strong stench and also found injuries on the neck, head and forehead. Bloodstains were found on a hammer lying on the kitchen rack behind the room. Initial evidence suggests that an unidentified person slit his throat and struck his head with a heavy object, causing his death. Police sent the body for post-mortem after conducting Panchnama. Madhotal police have registered a case against an unknown accused under Sections 103(1) and 238 of the BNS. Taking a serious note into the case,

SP Upadhyay, directed investigation and arrest of the accused. Additional SP Ayush Gupta and CSP BS Gothariya formed an investigation team under the leadership of SHO, Madhotal Police Station Nilesh Dohare to identify and apprehend the accused.
Speaker Dr Raman Singh addresses CPA conference





Staff Reporter :

RAIPUR :

At the 11th Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) India Region in Bengaluru, Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh emphasised the vital role of parliamentary debate in a democracy. The conference, held from September 11 to 13, focused on Debates and Discussions in the Houses of Legislature: building peoples trust, meeting peoples aspirations. Addressing the gathering, Dr Singh stated that legislative bodies are the backbone of democracy and more than just law-making machines.

They are platforms where public trust and aspirations are shaped. He stressed that open, logical discussion is the soul of democracy, and these debates are crucial intellectual exercises that determine the nation's future. Dr. Singh highlighted the importance of creating laws and policies that reflect the needs of all societal sections, not just a select few. He also noted that legislative institutions should be problem-solving centers where issues concerning farmers, youth, and women are discussed to provide clear direction for the government.

He lamented that at times, political confrontations and noise in Parliament overshadow serious issues, eroding public confidence. Dr. Singh also pointed out a lack of in-depth discussion on complex technical topics such as the energy crisis, cybersecurity, and environmental and health issues. Concluding his address, Dr. Singh described the Speaker as the "sentinel of democracy." He asserted that the Speaker's impartiality, prudence, and firmness are essential for maintaining a healthy dialogue and strengthening public trust.
Participants in a panel discussion, held in Geneva on the sidelines of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council, debated development challenges and prospects in Africa, highlighting Morocco as a model of integrated development and its structuring role on the continent.

Speakers at the event, held under the theme What future for development in Africa, noted that the Kingdom is a driving force for regional integration and pointed to Moroccos model as a source of inspiration for the continent, based on a vision of solidarity, inclusion, and forward-looking development.

Mehmet Sukru Guzel, president of the Peace and Reconciliation Studies Center, praised Moroccos smart power approach, combining religious diplomacy, security, and socio-economic development.

He underlined Moroccos ability to promote sustainable human security, in line with the African Unions Agenda 2063, while playing a key role in the implementation of the African Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a major logistical and financial hub for the continent.

For his part, Pedro Ignacio Altamirano, president of the Altamirano Foundation, recalled the structural challenges facing Africa, including armed conflict, repression, impunity, and climate change.

The Spanish speaker called for an approach centered on human rights, democracy, and climate justice, which are essential for truly sustainable and equitable development.

Shaibata Mrabih Rabou, from the Saharawi Center for Studies and Research in Development and Human Rights, stressed Moroccos active involvement in the launch of major continental initiatives, driven by the vision of HM King Mohammed VI. He cited in particular the Royal Atlantic Initiative, a project to open up the Sahel countries via access to the Atlantic Ocean, and the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline.

These projects, which are both strategic and mutually supportive, aim to strengthen regional integration, energy security, and human development, while placing Africa at the heart of the Kingdoms priorities, he said.

Mostafa Maelainine, president of the Moroccan-Spanish-Latin Center for Strategic Studies (CEEMEL), stressed the direct link between stability, development, and regional cooperation.

Taking the Moroccan Sahara as an example, he highlighted the progress made by cities such as Dakhla and Laayoune, which have become regional hubs thanks to investments in infrastructure, education, green energy, and logistics.
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

Creative output has traditionally required efforthours spent staring down the empty page, crumpled drafts tossed in the trash. But through years or decades of dedicated toil, one could achieve mastery and derive meaning from one's accomplishments. Generative AI is poised to change that equation. Can we derive meaning from art produced with no effort?

The Gazette asked philosophers and psychiatrists about the value of struggle itselfand what we lose if there's an easier way out. Their comments have been edited for length and clarity.

Sweeter success

Zoe Johnson King, Associate Professor of Philosophy: Different philosophers of action have different views about what exactly trying is, and people will disagree about the relevance of how hard you tried and how creditworthy you are of the eventual results.

Some peopleand this is not my viewthink, for example, that if somebody is a natural at something, like if they're a virtuoso violin player, then the very fact that the person is not trying hard is part of what's so impressive. People with that kind of view are not going to be so worried about not trying hard per se as a curtailment on an accomplishment.

That's not my view. I love trying hard. I think there are lots and lots of cases in which it just seems intuitive that the resources that somebody invests in pursuit of a goal redound to the person's credit and make the result something that reflects more well on the person. And when I say resources, I'm thinking about the obvious things like time and money, but I'm also thinking about the more intangible, harder-to-measure things like cognitive resources or emotional resources.

Now, there are contexts where it only matters that the outcome is good: What matters is just that you get results and the output serves some purpose, and it doesn't matter so much that it reflects really well on you. Those are the kinds of cases in which outsourcing is fine. But there are other arenas in which I want the work to reflect well on me. I don't just care that the paper is good or is right: It matters to me that I wrote it.

I just want to give one caveat. There are also cases in which it doesn't seem plausible that adding extra effort is a good idea. It's not like effort is an end in itself, regardless of the good of the goal that you're trying to attain. It's like trying hard but not smart: I'm wasting my resources by unnecessarily flinging them into a dumb direction.

So the hard question always for us as finite beings is the question about resource management. There are some kinds of outsourcing that make sense in context because they free up resources that we can better use elsewhere. We just have to accept the fact that we might not deserve as much credit for certain of these outcomes.

Maintaining standards of 'distinctly human excellence'

Mathias Risse, Director of the Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights; Berthold Beitz Professor in Human Rights, Global Affairs and Philosophy: I work with chatbots quite a bit just to see where they're at. Anthropic's Claude is my favorite. I've actually come to the conclusion that as of now, Claude has co-author status. At the highest level of philosophical inquiry, you can feed very sophisticated lines of reasoning and ask Claude for commentary, and Claude is there, Claude can do it.

Writing books the way we have been writing books no longer makes much sense. Anybody who wants to write a book will write a much better book and will do it much faster with an AI co-author. It's an absolutely stunning situation.

But I deliberately chose the word "co-author." You're not outsourcing the work away; there's just more going on. We are definitely not at a stage where you would just read whatever Claude puts together and then take it at face value; you still need a person who can judge it.

People of my generation, with my level of education, are the perfect people to use this technology. We've learned what we know without anything like AI. I know how to read a text by myself, I know how to do the research. But I worry that 50 years from now we'll only have people who learned with these devices present, and it will be harder and harder to motivate people to get an education, both in order to judge what the devices are doing and also in order to live up to ideas of human excellence.

Some people inherently care about acquiring skills for the sake of acquiring skills. But most people have a lazier attitude. We need to motivate future generations to maintain the level of human excellence that previous generations have made possible, even though it is easy to outsource it. We need to find ways of focusing on living a distinctly human life, maintaining standards of distinctly human excellence, simply because they are the standards of distinctly human excellence.

'Maybe we're better off writing our own emails'

Jeff Behrends, Director of Ethics and Technology Initiatives at the Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics; Senior Research Scholar and Associate Senior Lecturer on Philosophy: Nearly all of the main competitors will agree that a typical good life for a human will involve a struggle for achievement. It'll involve hard work toward some end. But the theories disagree about why.

Maybe hard work is good for us because it's pleasant to arrive at the end. Some theories posit that it's getting what you want that's good. And then still others come at it hyper-directly: They say, independently of how it feels at the end, it's good for us to have the experience of sacrificing and then succeeding, to do actual labor and have it pay off.

But this technology makes it more realistic that you can divorce the labor from the outcome. If the only thing that matters for flourishing is feeling good, then maybe all we really need is frictionless dopamine hits. You can chat with your romance bot just as frictionlessly as you can access gambling sites and pornography sites. You can read whatever fiction you want the chatbot to spill out, without putting in any intellectual work to explore and discover on your own.

There is a very serious way in which these pieces of technology can make vivid why philosophical theorizing about welfare could end up mattering a lot.

It's all well and good to think about how AI could optimize our labor in some specific use case. There are all kinds of use cases that I have no pessimism about whatsoever: solving protein folding, doing targeted drug discovery. All of that is incredible. But I do worry about the use cases that are more general.

If you listen to the technologists themselves, we're talking about a massive social experiment in which the ways that we have been organizing our lives for hundreds of years are massively upended. If that's what's going on, then I think we had better pay a lot of attention to the typical human response to that. We want to be careful not to massively disrupt what seems like part of an ordinary human experience.

We need to go back to basics. The whole project has to be oriented around what is conducive to human flourishing. Maybe we're better off writing our own emails. Maybe we're better off having slightly suboptimal solutions in various spaces so long as we retain the elements that are core to ordinary human interaction.

'It's not just the writing: It's thinking'

Robert Waldinger, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School; Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development: In the study of adult development, people talk a lot about being proud of what they did. Some people were proud of winning awards or becoming CEOthose things are nicebut what really endured was the sense of, "I did good work, and it meant something to me, and it meant something to other people."

So I do think that there was a kind of pride in working hard, in working diligently. It's a kind of ethic. Sure, there are people who are happy to get away with doing as little as possible. Maybe not as many of those people are attracted to places like Harvard; it's kind of a self-selecting group. But a lot of what's important for many of us is the sense of, "I got better at this. I learned to do this. I learned to do it well." There's something satisfying about it.

I use AI sometimes. I put some writing into AI and say, "Make this better," and it does. And then I feel guilty. It did in three seconds what might have taken me an hour. My God, I spent all these years honing my writing skills. I went to public school in Des Moines, Iowa, and we had to write an essay every week. I agonized over that stuff, and I got better at it. When I was 12 and having to write that weekly essay, if you had told me I could not do it, of course, I would have said, "Great!" But now I'm glad that they made me do it.

So part of it is this skill development I feel proud of. But it's not just the writing: It's thinking. Does the first part of this sentence logically lead to the second? It's a way of honing our ability to think, not just to string words together. What if we don't have to do that anymore?

I practice Zen, and Zen very much emphasizes each moment. How do you want to spend your moments? I could be retired now. I don't need to keep working. But I'm working because I really get satisfaction from doing the work we do. I think there is some intrinsic satisfaction in the journey, not just the destination.

This story is published courtesy of the Harvard Gazette, Harvard University's official newspaper. For additional university news, visit Harvard.edu.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Everybody develops presbyopia as they agea difficulty in focusing on near objects and textand often must resort to reading glasses. However, the solution might be as simple as using special eye drops two or three times a day.

A retrospective study of 766 patients presented at the 43rd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) has found that the majority could read an extra two, three or more lines on the eye chart used for testing near visual acuity (the Jaeger chart) after using specially formulated eye drops. This improvement was sustained for up to two years.

Dr. Giovanna Benozzi, director of the Center for Advanced Research for Presbyopia, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, said, "We conducted this research due to the significant unmet medical need in presbyopia management. Current solutions such as reading glasses or surgical interventions have limitations, including inconvenience, social discomfort, and potential risks or complications.

"There is a group of presbyopia patients who have limited options besides spectacles, and who are not candidates for surgery; these are our primary focus of interest. We sought to provide robust clinical evidence supporting an innovative pharmacological solution to offer patients a non-invasive, convenient and effective alternative."

The eye drops, developed by Dr. Benozzi's father, the late Dr. Jorge Benozzi of the same center, contain a combination of two active agents: pilocarpine, a drug that constricts the pupils and contracts the ciliary muscle, which is a muscle controlling the eye's accommodation for seeing objects at varying distances, and diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation and the discomfort that pilocarpine often causes.

Patients administered the eye drops twice a day, usually on waking and again approximately six hours later, with an optional third dose if symptoms recurred or additional visual comfort was needed. The group of patients (373 women and 393 men, with an average age of 55) were divided into three groups to receive one of three eye drop formulations. Each formulation had a fixed dose of diclofenac but concentrations of pilocarpine were 1%, 2% and 3%.

The researchers assessed the improvement in how well patients could read the Jaeger chart without reading glasses (uncorrected near visual acuity) one hour after the first administration of the drops, and they followed up the patients for two years.

Dr. Benozzi told the Congress, "Our most significant result showed rapid and sustained improvements in near vision for all three concentrations. One hour after having the first drops, patients had an average improvement of 3.45 Jaeger lines. The treatment also improved focus at all distances.

"Impressively, 99% of 148 patients in the 1% pilocarpine group reached optimal near vision and were able to read two or more extra lines. Approximately 83% of all patients maintained good functional near vision at 12 months. Importantly, no significant adverse events like increased intraocular pressure or retinal detachment were observed."

In the 2% group, 69% of 248 patients were able to read three or more extra lines on the Jaeger chart, and in the 3% group, 84% of 370 patients could read three or more extra lines.

The improvement in the patients' vision was sustained for up to two years, with a median duration of 434 days. Adverse side effects were mild, with the most common being temporary dim vision, which occurred in 32% of cases, irritation when the drops were instilled (3.7%) and headache (3.8%). No patients discontinued the treatment.

Common adverse side effects of pilocarpine can also include eye redness, watery eyes, blurred vision, dim or dark vision, sensitivity to light or problems changing focus between objects, seeing flashes of light or "floaters" in vision, and in rare cases, detached retinas.

Dr. Benozzi continued, "Nearly all patients experienced positive improvements in near visual acuity, although the magnitude of the improvement depended on the status of their vision before treatment at baseline. Our study revealed that optimal pilocarpine concentrations could be individualized depending on the baseline severity of presbyopia as assessed by the initial Jaeger scores.

"Patients with less severe presbyopia responded best to 1% concentrations, while those with more advanced presbyopia required higher 2% or 3% concentrations to achieve significant visual improvement."

She concluded, "These results suggest this combination therapy offers a safe, effective, and well-tolerated alternative to traditional presbyopia management. It significantly reduces dependence on reading glasses, providing a convenient, non-invasive option for patients, although these eye drops may not eliminate the need for glasses in all individuals.

"Importantly, this treatment is not intended to replace surgical interventions, but rather to serve as a valuable solution for patients who need safe, effective, and personalized alternatives and seek freedom from the inconvenience of eyewear. Eye care professionals now have an evidence-based pharmacological option that expands the spectrum of presbyopia care beyond glasses and surgery."

Besides the group of patients in this study, Dr. Benozzi has other patients who have received the treatment for more than ten years. Dr. Benozzi plans further research to measure improvements in patients' quality of life, and to explore the underlying physiological mechanisms of the eye drops.

Strengths of the study include the large number of patients included and the long follow-up time. It is the first systematic evaluation comparing three different pilocarpine concentrations in combination with diclofenac. A limitation is that it is a retrospective, single-center study, which could limit the generalizability of the findings and introduce selection bias.

ESCRS President-Elect, Professor Burkhard Dick, chair of the ophthalmology department at the University Eye Hospital Bochum, Germany, was not involved in the research. He commented, "While surgery for age-related near vision loss has advanced, some patients are not candidates. The single-center retrospective study by Dr. Benozzi suggests that eye drops containing pilocarpine and diclofenac may improve near vision for up to two years, but the limited design means the results may not apply to everyone.

"Long-term pilocarpine use can sometimes cause side effects such as reduced night vision, dimmer vision in low light, eye strain, irritation and, in rare cases, retinal detachment, while prolonged topical NSAID use may pose corneal risks. Broader, long-term, multi-center studies are needed to confirm safety and effectiveness before this treatment can be widely recommended.

Key medical concepts Presbyopia Diclofenac

Provided by European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
Police arrest Popilal

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IMPHAL, Sep 13 : Lamsang police have arrested Ningthoujam Popilal from Lairenkabi area today.

It is reported that Popilal was on his way to submit a memorandum of the internally displaced people (IDPs) to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Kangla when he was arrested.

Denouncing the arrest, a group of IDPs from Kangchup marched toward the Lamsang police station and staged a protest.

Ningthoujam Thaballei, an IDP, stated that the actions of the Lamsang police were excessive, as Popilal was merely trying to voice the grievances of the IDPs to the Prime Minister.

She urged the relevant authorities to release the Congress' youth leader.
Nothing substantial, says Nando

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IMPHAL, Sep 13: The All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) president Ph Nando Luwang has remarked that there is nothing substantial or worth consideration in the lengthy speech given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today at Kangla.

Laying of foundation stones and inaugurating some projects is a normal affair of any Government. The laying of foundation stones or inauguration of projects could be done by anyone, Nando said.

The peoples foremost desire is bringing an end to the protracted crisis. A single word from the Prime Minister can resolve the crisis.

The people of Manipur are eager to hear such a word from the Prime Minister but Narendra Modi did not utter a single word about resolving the Manipur crisis, Nando remarked.

Now people would have understood the nature of Modis visit to the State.

Modi too would not have expected any warm welcome from the people of Manipur and his uneasiness was reflected on his face, Nando said. Of all the speeches delivered by Prime Ministers of India who visited Manipur, the speech given by Narendra Modi today was of the lowest level, the AMUCO president remarked.

He said that Modis speech did not reflect anything about the possibility of IDPs going back to their homes any time soon.

Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit failed to kindle any hope of restoring peace and harmony in Manipur, Nando added.
MU students question late visit of PM

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IMPHAL, Sep 13: You abandoned Manipur, dont pretend to care", "You should be shameful to visit Manipur" and "You have blood in your hands"--were some of the placards students of Manipur University held during a protest denouncing the Prime Minister's visit to Manipur today.

MA students, mostly who have been displaced by the Manipur conflict, had gathered at the university campus in Canchipur, attempting to carry out a rally.

While the police stopped them at the university gate and a brief confrontation broke out, the students later carried out a rally in the vicinity.

"The Prime Minister did not visit Manipur when people here needed him the most. While he ignored the State for more than 2 years, the people here suffered. His visit now is very late, and it will not yield any positive results," said a student during the protest demonstration.

A few grants of some crores and laying foundation stones for some projects will not help resolve the conflict that has Manipur burning since May 3, 2023, said Kshetrimayum Naocha, one of the students, denouncing the PM's visit.

Ksh Naocha hails from Uyumpok Nongshum. His family is one of many displaced by the conflict.

What Manipur needs is good leadership who understands the plight of the people and knows the conflict. The State is suffering due to lack of good leaders who can deliver peace. Due to their incompetence, "our leaders" are gradually losing the respect they once had, Naocha said.

About the PM's visit, he said, the students are "boycotting him".

"The Prime Minister was blind to the people suffering for more than 2 years. His visit now is not welcomed," Naocha said.

While the PM had ignored the State for far too long, some people seem to have forgotten the suffering they had endured. Welcoming him with open arms at this juncture is appalling, he added.

While there is no clear-cut policy and steps to resolve the crisis, people in the relief camps are still suffering. The Internally displaced persons still haven't got fair shares of Government assistance, he said.


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Broken windows is not a metaphor about art, architecture or poetry. It is a sociological theory about what makes residents feel unsafe in run-down neighbourhoods. Broken windows symbolise declinecity, even national. Experts refer to Decaying Detroit, Beat-up Bronx, Broken Britain.

In most places, crime has gone down, but citizens feel the opposite. This disconnect is because murder, larceny and bank robberies have come down. But street crimewhat people experience or witnesshas increased significantly. Shoplifting, car theft, knifing, phone or jewellery snatching have increased by 60 to 90 per cent in the UK.

Psychologists say crime comparisons from the past are irrelevant to the publics lived experience. Thus, President Donald Trump strikes a chord among his MAGA base when he talks about carnage on the streets, migrant crime and sending troops to crime-infested Chicago, even though violent crime has declined in the US. Still, public order is undermined when beat policemen dwindle, when sentencing and prosecution rates fall.

Imaging: Deni Lal

In the UK, where statistics are well-maintained, half the public dont trust the police and nearly 40 per cent think they are doing a bad job. Citizens dont even bother to report minor offences anymore.

American social scientists George Kelling and James Q. Wilson coined the broken windows theory in 1982. They argued that visible signs of disrepair, such as broken windows, dilapidated buildings, abandoned properties trigger criminal behaviour in that neighbourhood. The decay signals that residents have lost control or are beyond caring, encouraging vagabonds and vandals to commit minor, and then bigger offences. Potholed streets become scenes of crime and despair, with stray groups, huddled homeless people, aggressive beggars and stoned drug addicts. Those who can, like the whites in Detroit, flee, and petty criminals fill the vacuum. The theory proposes that by addressing minor transgressions and maintaining a well-ordered environment, authorities can prevent greater disorder and crime.

The broken windows theory was first put into practice in New York in the 1990s through community policing. Crime rates fell, encouraging other countries to implement the plan. However, it is unclear if this method directly reduced serious crime. But it did improve public perception of safety and community cohesionwhich curtailed anti-social behaviour. It reinforced the assertion of Jane Jacobs, author of The Death and Life of Great American Cities. She theorised that eyes on the streetthe presence of local residents and passersby in public spacesdeter crime and enhances safety. Studies in Manchester have shown that improved community policing reduces crime rate much more than severely punishing offences. The British government has earmarked an extra 200million funding for neighbourhood policing by 2029, involving 13,000 community police officers.

It is tempting for citizens to blame the authorities for all societal ills. Yet, the public can step up by contributing to safeguarding their streets. In 1969, during the violent Naxal uprising, it was not policemen but neighbourhood husbands and sons who patrolled the streets of Kolkata to make families feel safe. That same year, an American urban experiment by psychologist Philip Zimbardo revealed that an abandoned car in Bronx was vandalised in minutes, but an abandoned car remained untouched in Palo Alto, Silicon Valley. Other researchers expanded his pioneering conclusion: social neglect in a neighbourhood encourages vandalism. Some neighbourhoods are scary, but Kolkata regained its mojo, Bronx, the bustling birthplace of hip hop, is vibrant, though some neighbourhoods are still best avoided. With plum military exports, the UKs GDP is set to rise. Britain is not broken. But the broken windows theory contains shards of truth for all countries.

Pratap is an author and journalist.
There are many reasons why Arundhati Roys Mother Mary Comes to Me is essential reading. For people of my generation, who read The God of Small Things in our 20sand walked around in a daze afterwards, like somebody had shot heroin up our arms, to quote Arundhatis literary agent David Godwinthis book feels like a vital companion piece. It is a vivid making-of chronicle, a kind of behind-the-scenes narrative that in some ways surpasses the original novel.

Unlike journalists and lesser writers who conceal their sources, Arundhati shares generously. We meet the inspirations for Velutha, for Chacko, for Baby Kochamma, the hideous sticky Orangedrink Lemondrink man, for doomed, dimpled Ammu and her beautiful, heartbroken children. We walk along the river, visit the pickle factory, ride in the tail-finned, sky-blue Plymouth and we get to see our Ammu live a long, massively successful life instead of perishing alone, swollen with cortisone at 31.

She never gets with the real-life Velutha, though. Which isnt as tragic as it seems really, because as a much older woman myself now, I find I am less interested in Veluthas chocolatey abs and untouchable tongue (though they will always be swoonworthy) and more interested in what he symbolises. And boy, does Mary Roy (our Ammu) get down and dirty with what he symbolises!

Imaging: Deni Lal

At a private gathering, when asked what her mothers greatest legacy to her was, Arundhati replied an overactive middle finger. In The God of Small Things, the affair with carpenter Velutha is Ammus/Mrs Roys overactive middle finger in action.

And in real life, the bums of the Syrian christian community have felt the power of her flipped middle finger, not just once, but twice. Her alcoholic, abusive husbandwhom she left early, not because of the drinking or the beatings but because he was a nothing manhas felt it too. So has academia, when her tiny school bloomed into the iconic premier institution, Pallikoodam. All this, in the conservative world of 1986 and earlier.

And this finger flipping happened on home turf. Luke 4:24 in the Bible says, A prophet is never recognised in his own land. This, in modern parlance, translates to you can conquer the world, but you can never win against the uncles in your family WhatsApp group. Yet, Mrs Roy did exactly that when she went to the Supreme Court and secured equal inheritance rights for Syrian Christian women. Then, she went a step further, steadily buying up land around her school like a mafia don, right in the faces of the community that disapproved of her marriage to an outsider, her divorce, her vagabond children and her rowing with her brother and mother. It was a clear case of what toxic Pakistan-haters today would call ghar mein ghus ke maarna.

If Mrs Roy is the prophet who achieved recognition in her own land, Arundhati is the prophet who took the gig global. Refusing to be reduced to just her corkscrew curls, beautiful neck and domestic fiction, she constantly, fearlessly spoke wonderfully eloquent truth to power.

The combined story of mother and daughter in Mother Mary Comes to Me is heady stuff. In a world of trend-chasing cinema obsessed with opening-weekend numbers, corporate-funded literary festivals kowtowing to the government-of-the-day, subservient media, IT raids, beauty-aids, toxic males, trad wives and the obsession with perfect, photogenically lived lives, the Roy women stand apart. Chaotic, unapologetic, uncompromising, they remain a beacon for mothers and daughters who are willing to pay the price for equality, excellence in their fields, and no b***shitfrom either state or spouse.

editor@theweek.in
In 2025, a healthy baby boy was born in Mexico, conceived through the worlds first fully AI-driven IVF process. Every stepfrom sperm selection to fertilisationwas completed without human intervention. Somewhere else in the world, a child is undergoing surgery while still inside the womb. In a Japanese lab, scientists are preparing to regrow adult human teeth. In Switzerland, a capsule now allows people to choose how they leave the world, quietly and on their own terms.

Health care is not what it used to be. It is no longer confined to hospitals, and hospitals themselves are no longer just buildings with beds. The field is evolving into a fluid, lifelong experience that begins before birth and stretches across every breath of our existence. From preventive scans to palliative choices, the conversation is no longer about treating illness. It is about understanding life.

The shift is profound. For years, the world saw health care as a response, something to reach for when things went wrong. Today, medicine has the power to intervene before the crisis. A genome can reveal a predisposition. A smartwatch can alert someone to a silent arrhythmia. Nutrition, sleep, movement, emotions and environments are all seen as clinical indicators, not soft variables. We are entering a time when medicine is less about the stethoscope and more about the signal. The pulse of health is being measured through algorithms, microbiomes and predictive analytics that whisper their warnings long before a patient feels anything at all. The possibilities are both thrilling and humbling.

Imaging: Deni Lal/Ai

India is uniquely positioned to lead the transformation. Our demographic profile, technological agility, and ingrained understanding of holistic living enable us to design solutions that are both cutting-edge and deeply rooted.

Also, increasingly, patients and wellness seekers are travelling not just to receive care, but to explore how India is integrating science, tradition and innovation in new and compelling ways.

Since its inception in September 1983, Apollo Hospitals has remained committed to leading this transformation. A lesser-known fact is that Apollo began its journey not with a hospital, but with the countrys first Master Health Check, ushering in the concept of preventive health care in India at a time when curative care was the norm. This early focus on proactive wellness reflected a foundational belief, that true health must be nurtured, not just restored.

Alongside, we are seeing that the new shape of health is aligning more closely with the shape of life itself. The earliest stages are being redefined by developmental science. Adolescents are recognised as individuals who need digital, emotional, and social support, not just treatment. Adults are embracing prevention as power, and the later chapters of life are now being approached with dignity and preparedness. Across every age, health care is becoming more anticipatory, more personalised and more human.

Yet, there are questions that we must face with clarity and courage. How do we prepare ethically for an era where ageing can be slowed, where memory loss may be reversible, and where machines can monitor minds? How do we ensure access and equity in a time when medicine becomes highly personalised? Most importantly, how do we retain empathy when health becomes largely data-driven?

The answers will take time. The direction, however, is clear.

Health is no longer what happens at the end of the story. It is what shapes the story. That story has already begun!

Dr Preetha Reddy is Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited.
LEGEND HAS IT THAT LIDO ANTHONY Lee Iacoccacelebrated president of Ford Motors and the father of the Ford Mustangwent from aardvark to zebu in the dictionary to find an apt animal name for the muscle car. Finally, the name came from the cars designer, John Najjar, who adored P-51 Mustang fighter-bombers.

The name suited the car and the image that Ford wanted to project. The mention of mustangs conjured up images of powerful, free-spirited stallions thundering across wide open spaces. Add to all that a dash of Spanish ancestry in their bloodlines, and is it any wonder that the growly Mustang continues to be a much-desired car?

Now, coming to this weeks cover on MiG-21s, I am bothered that NATO used the reporting name Fishbed for a legendary aircraft. The standard explanation is that it had to be an F word for fighters, and a word random enough not to be used in usual conversation. Hence, Foxbat for the MiG-25, Foxhound for the MiG-31, Flanker for the Sukhoi-27, and so on. Logic accepted; name, not so much.

In his intro to the cover, Resident Editor R. Prasannan writes, In the history of military flying, no fighter has been made in such large numbersmore than 11,500; 850 of them by IAF alone; none so multi-tasked, so long flown, so glorified, and so unkindly reviled as the MiG-21. Hence, this farewell of a cover. As always, Prasannan brings in lesser-known side stories, like the one on Air Commodore M. Bhaskaran PVSM, who headed the project to make MiG-21 airframes in India.

Speaking of staying power, on September 17, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will turn 75, and on October 7, he will complete 24 unbroken years in public office. He will soon overtake two chief ministers who have breached the 24-year mark: Pawan Kumar Chamling of Sikkim and Naveen Patnaik of Odisha. True, Modis career is split between Gujarat and Delhi. In this issue, Senior Assistant Editor Pratul Sharma looks at a career that is a testament to political endurance, centralised authority and (has left) a lasting influence on Indias destiny.

Our fiery neighbourhood also comes alive in the pages with Kathmandu-based journalist Ramesh Pokhrel and former Indian ambassador Ranjit Rae writing about the tumult in the Himalayan country. Security expert Abhijan Das writes about the election in Myanmar and the delicate task in front of Indiasafeguarding its interests with pragmatism while keeping China at bay.

In @leisure, Principal Correspondent Pooja Biraia writes about how percussion greats Bickram Ghosh and Taufiq Qureshi are blending the classical with the contemporary. And, Senior Correspondent Shubhangi Shah tries something my generation might never dopaying for the privilege of dining with strangers.

Coming back to the cover story and naming conventions, how many of you remember a car named Zica, which had to be renamed after the Zika virus popped up in 2016? What timing, I say. On second thought, the timing was not that bad, as it was caught early enough, giving the manufacturer enough time to rebrand it. The rechristened car is now with us as the popular Tata Tiago.
The chief was looking livid when we walked into the briefing room at the Air HQ. Pointing to a picture of a MiG-21 on the wall, he asked You call this a flying coffin? You want me to junk it?

The year was 2000 or 2001. Another MiG-21 had fallen off the sky, and commentators were calling it flying coffin. Take it from meI shall fly it; my successors shall fly it; we will fly it for decades.

Military bravado, we thought, and quietly listened to the rest of the briefing. His anguish was understandable. MiGs were falling off the skies, a dozen a year. I had watched, in shock and pain, one hitting a mountainside in Leh a few years earlier. Spares werent available from ex-USSR; air-frames and engines were old; no advanced jet trainer for the pilots to learn jet flying.

A week later, IAF PRO Rajesh Dhingra called. Chief is visiting Bareilly tomorrow, and would take a few press people. Would you join?

Illustration: Deni Lal

We flew in an An-32, and checked into the mess. Soon we were told the chief would meet us out there. As we walked out, we saw Air Chief Marshal Anil Yashwant Tipnis, clad in flight overalls, waiting for us. I told you, I shall fly it. You will see me flying a coffin. After a quick visit to the washroom (always take a leak before you fly), he jumped into the cockpit of a MiG-21 and shot up, his 60-year-old body fighting 9G force. As we held our breath, he vanished into the blue at supersonic speed, reappeared, flew past the base a few times, and landed with a thumbs-up.

At the debriefing, he said: Its not the weapon that wins wars; its the soldier. The weaponan aircraft, a tank or a warshipis as good or as bad as the man who uses it. We do have some issues with MiG-21. Believe me, shes a good airplane of her generation, and my boys who fly her are as good as the best in the world.

Realising that he had been a bit harsh on us, he said, We have dinner night today; youll see us at our formal best. Join us; black shoes and ties, please. All rancour forgotten, we joined the toast over Mr Vice, the President! and Gentlemen, the President.

Over the next few months, we would learn about the issues plaguing the MiG-21 fleet from Tipnis and his successor S. Krishnaswamy. Crashes had happened earlier too, but they had caught headlines mainly after Flt Lt Nachiketas MiG-27 had a flameout over Kargil in 1999 on the very second day of the air operations. Nachiketa survived, was captured by the enemy and returned as would be the F-16 killer Abhinandan Varthaman 20 years later, but his buddy Sqn Ldr Ajay Ahuja, who went to Nachiketas aid in a MiG-21, was shot down.

If Tippy fought his MiG campaign by personal example, Kichu waged his war with facts, figures and statistics. After every accident anywhere in the country, he would brief us in detail, sharing every nugget of infothe type of the aircraft, its vintage, its engine, its air-frame, the vintage of its tyresnot just in terms of age, but in terms of the landings they had done! We even jokedat this rate, Krishnaswamy would have us believe its safer to take a MiG-21 to New York than a Boeing-747. Believe me, he once showed us it was true, statistically!

Asked why he wasnt pressing the government for a quick decision on Advanced Jet Trainers, Krishnaswamy replied: I dont want the government to take decisions under pressure; thats why I am telling you all thesethat we can manage with what we have.

But he was disarmed when the mother of a pilot who was killed in accident began a campaign. I can fight the enemy; I cant fight tears, he told us privately.

prasannan@theweek.in
Lets be clear upfront: I have no beef with Hindi. In fact, like many Indians, I find myself effortlessly switching to it when the situation demands. Think about it: when Im haggling with a vendor in a Delhi market, catching a Bollywood movie, chatting with a taxi driver or even trying to decipher the occasional railway announcement, Hindi slides in quite naturally. And frankly, why wouldnt it? Its a beautiful language, rich in vocabulary and allusion, and spoken by millions.

So, when certain quarters lament what they perceive as a resistance to Hindi, I cant help but feel theyre missing the point, perhaps even deliberately. The pushback isnt against the language itself. Its against its imposition.

Heres the thing: Indians are comfortably pragmatic. We embrace tools that work. English, despite its colonial baggage, became our de facto link language for a simple reasonit opened doors to global commerce, science, and an ocean of knowledge. No one needed to hold a gun to our heads to learn the Queens English. We learned it because it was useful. And since thats true for all of us in every corner of the country, it helps us communicate with fellow Indians we meet, until we discover that we have another Indian language in common, and then we slip naturally into that, too.

The same goes for Hindi, to a large extent. The reach of Bollywood, the sheer number of Hindi speakers in trade and travelthese factors have naturally diffused Hindi across the country, not because of some grand government decree, but because people saw its value.

Go to any major city in India, even in the south, and you will find people navigating conversations in Hindi when necessary. They pick it up from films, from migrant workers, from travel. Its an organic process, driven by utility and exposure. Chennai and Kochi are full of urban residents who have to master adequate Hindi to communicate with their handymen, domestic workers or security guards. Its rare to find a Kerala restaurant without a Hindi-speaking waiter or busboy (because many of those are not from Kerala!) And thats precisely how languages should thrivethrough natural adoption, not forced feeding.

The moment you declare Hindi as the national language, or worse, make it a compulsory subject in schools far from its native speakers, thats when the hackles rise. Suddenly, it stops being a useful tool and starts feeling like an instrument of majoritarianism. It smacks of an unspoken agenda: that to be truly Indian, one must speak Hindi. Why? Merely because Hindiwallahs failed to control their population and now outnumber the rest of us?

This is where the real problem lies. Indias strength is its dizzying diversity. We celebrate our myriad languages, each a repository of centuries of unique culture, literature, and thought. To suggest that one language should somehow supersede the others, to become the sole embodiment of our national identity, is not just misguided; its deeply insulting to the vibrant linguistic heritage of countless communities.

When a child in Chennai or Thiruvananthapuram is compelled to learn Hindi, not out of choice or practical need, but because its deemed a national imperative, it feels less like unity and more like enforced assimilation. It feels like an attempt to dilute their own linguistic and cultural identity. It feels like the assertion of dominance by one set of people, those of Hindi mother-tongue, over the rest of us. And quite frankly, it breeds resentment, not harmony. Why should Singh, Shukla and Sharma get to impose the language they learned in their mothers laps over Subramaniam, Sravanareddy or Sasidharan, who didnt?

Lets drop the charade. The opposition isnt to Hindi, the language. Its to the political project behind its aggressive promotion. Its about the underlying message that one part of India dictates what it means to be Indian to the rest.

So, next time you hear someone resisting Hindi, understand that theyre not rejecting the language. Theyre rejecting its arrogance. Theyre asserting their right to their own linguistic heritage and saying, loud and clear: We will speak Hindi when it makes sense, but dont tell us we have to. That is the pragmatic, wonderfully diverse Indian spirit. It will prevail.

editor@theweek.in
By now, the presence of Tovino Thomas in 'Lokah: Chapter 1 - Chandra' is no longer a secret, since the makers have shared, publicity stills of not only the actor's role as the goblin/chathan but also of Dulquer's Charlie aka Odiyan  a contemporary spin on two familiar figures from Kerala folklore.

It was hinted at the climax of the Kalyani Priyadarshan-led film that at least Michael aka Chathan will take center stage in the next insallment of the blockbuster directed by Dominic Arun and co-written by him and Santhy Balachandran.

In an interview with Pinkvilla, Dominic revealed that the second film will be a "solo venture with Tovino Thomas as the lead" and added that there is a reason for making Michael the prime focus.

The film is expected to show events  that reference to 300+ siblings from Lokah, for instance  that will eventually connect to events in the third or possibly more entries. "The entire cinematic universe is leading to a certain conclusion, and the sequel film about the Chaathan will explore more about it, acting as the next step towards it," he added.

ALSO READ : Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra cameos: Who is Chaathan, the Loki-like goblin that Tovino Thomas will explore in part two?

Fans also wonder whether the character Moothon, confirmed to be played by Mammootty, will appear in the next film. In the same interview, Dominic confirmed that the character will have more prominence probably in the entries that follow the second, but not the next. "Moothon is like the prime character in the universe, and like everyone else, I too hope itll happen with Mammukka," he said.

Meanwhile, a deleted scene from another Tovino film, 'Ajayante Randam Moshanam', also set in the past, triggered speculations on its connection to 'Lokah'. However, the actor personally debunked them on Instagram, clarifying that his character Maniyan from ARM and Michael have no connections whatsover, and that they are from completely different universes.

Jithin Laal, who directed ARM, also confirmed a Maniyan spin-off headlined by Tovino.
The Congress on Sunday accused the Election Commission of functioning as a department of the Bharatiya Janata Party and it was aiding the ruling party for 'vote chori'. Congress said conducting free and fair elections was the primary duty of the Commission.

Talking to reporters in Odisha, Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal said, "We, the people of India, want a free and fair election from the ECI, which is the real duty of the Commission. However, the Commission has become a department of the BJP. It is no longer a neutral body. They are not doing the work neutrally."

The Congress leader alleged despite orders from the Supreme Court, the Commission is still reluctant to add Aadhar as an identity proof for special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. "SIR is being made for 'Vote Chori', not for democracy. That's why we are agitating," he added.

Venugopal said the Congress party and its leader Rahul Gandhi are reaching out to the people each day to talk about 'Vote Chori'. The Congress party has launched a massive campaign against the Election Commission, accusing it of working in favour of the BJP and manipulating electoral rolls in poll-bound states.

The Congress charges that the BJP won elections through 'vote chori'. Recently, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashw Yadav took out 'Vote Adhikar Yatra' in Bihar, raking up vote theft charge against the poll body.
Assam Congress leader and MP Gaurav Gogoi slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Manipur and charged the only motive of the trip was to improve the prime minister's image.

Slamming Modi's visit, Gogoi called the prime minister's visit "unfortunate". "He just goes there to improve his image rather than solve people's problems," Gogoi charged. Gogoi likened Modi's visit to the strife-torn Manipur to rubbing salt on wounds. "The way he only focuses on his image, he rubs salt on the wounds of people instead of applying ointment," lashed out Gogoi.

#WATCH | Delhi: ON PM Modi's Manipur visit, Assam Congress President Gaurav Gogoi says, "PM Modi's visit to Manipur is very unfortunate. He just goes there to improve his image rather than solve people's problems. The way he only focuses on his image, he rubs salt on the wounds pic.twitter.com/PgbjI79qXc  ANI (@ANI) September 14, 2025

Modi made his first visit to Manipur on Saturday, the prime minister's first visit since ethnic violence broke out in the northeastern state. During his visit, he interacted with a section of the displaced people belonging to the two warring communities, Kuki and Meitei.

The prime minister listened to the concerns of displaced families at the historic Kangla Fort complex in Imphal and Peace Ground in Churachandpur, and assured them of the Centre's commitment to restore peace and normalcy in the state.

"A short while ago, I met the affected people at a relief camp. After meeting them, I can say with confidence that a new dawn of hope and trust is rising in Manipur," Modi said in Churachandpur on Saturday.

Ethnic violence broke out between the tribal communities in May 2023. More than 60,000 people, nearly 40,000 from the Kuki Zo community and around 20,000 Meiteis, have been displaced due to the ethnic violence. While many of the displaced people have moved outside the state, the majority of them have been living in relief camps in poor living conditions with no privacy and no sources of income.

Over 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless after ethnic violence broke out in the state in May 2023.
A weather expert has warned that Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will receive a significantly active Northeast Monsoon next month, with a high likelihood of cyclonic rainfall activity. Tamil Nadu is set to receive the Northwest monsoon by the first week of October, according to experts.

According to Delta Weathermans Hemachander, an independent weather blogger, the state will receive excess monsoon rainfall, ranging between 54 cm and 60 cm, representing a 20% to 35% increase above the normal of 45 cm.

He predicted that coastal districts, such as Chennai, Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpet, Villupuram, Puducherry, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thiruvarur, and Thanjavur, are expected to experience above-normal to excess rainfall, with a high likelihood of cyclone activity in November and December.

Northeast Monsoon 2025 detailed outlook



Full pdf version link has attached:https://t.co/PH5mz2pPEn



1. ENSO Conditions: Weak La Nina conditions are projected to prevail in the Pacific base state throughout October, November, and December 2025.



2. Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD): A pic.twitter.com/lG2XOTZvZ4  Delta Weatherman (Hemachander R) (@Deltarains) September 13, 2025

He attributed this to La Nina and negative IOD (Indian Ocean Dipole) phenomena. Furthermore, oceanic oscillations (Madden-Julian oscillation, equatorial Rossby wave) will affect the eastern Indian Ocean and South China Sea regions, which will be favorable for the northeast monsoon. The tropical air mass will persist for long days near the latitude of Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka this year, causing successive events to move towards Tamil Nadu. Due to this, the northeast monsoon in Tamil Nadu will be recorded 20 percent to 35 percent more than normal, he told Tamil website Dinathanthi.

He forecast that this year would be a year of rain due to successive events, including storms. During the northeast monsoon season, especially in late November and early December, successive storms are likely to form, and the storm symbols will move towards the delta, north Tamil Nadu, and the southern Andhra coastal areas.

The majority of the western Indian Ocean is showing a cooling trend, with an average sea surface temperature of 25-26 degrees Celsius. The average sea surface temperature (SST) for the Bay of Bengal was also observed to be 29 degrees Celsius. While 26.5 degree Celsius is enough to host the Cyclonic storm. Bay of Bengal current temperature is 28/29 degrees Celsius, and it is expected to increase a bit in the upcoming few weeks, especially before the peak period of the Northeast monsoon, he added.
Water scarcity, crop failure, and food insecurity, the three persistent pressures that were once a salient contributing factor to Syrias social unrest-turned-civil war, are now looming as impediments to the countrys arduous road to recovery. Following its driest winter of 2024-2025, Syria is currently facing the worst drought in 36 years, characterised by recurring crop failures and an impending food crisis. While a familiar predicament, it poses itself in a new light, compounding the existing hardships of a people already exhausted by the protracted civil war.

Between 2006 and 2011, Syria endured a prolonged drought caused by years of resource mismanagement. It was particularly acute in 2008, when wheat production, crucial for food security and supporting the countrys subsidised bread program, fell from four million tons to just over two million tons. It forced the government to import 1.6 million tons to meet domestic needs. This environmental hardship was aggravated by a series of interconnected events that triggered a cascading effect, unravelling Syrias precarious stability amid the upheaval of the Arab Spring sweeping across its neighbourhood since December 2010.

Adopted in 2005, the economic austerity measures coincided with the drought and led to the rapid phasing out of fuel and fertiliser subsidies, causing the desperate rural population to migrate to the cities. The consequent displacement and overcrowding of urban centres resulted in soaring unemployment alongside widespread food insecurity. These tensions snowballed into a social uprising sparked by the incarceration and abuse of teenage protestors on 6 March 2011 in the southwestern city of Daraa, which ultimately became the cradle of Syrian revolution.

Syrias agricultural vulnerability stemmed from the fact that, despite its semi-arid climate, it relied heavily on rainwater rather than an efficient irrigation infrastructure. At the start of the conflict, about 67 percent of the countrys total cultivated land and 53 percent of wheat fields relied on rainwater. As of 2024, this dependence has only increased, with rain-fed agriculture constituting 75 percent of all crops. Although the war led to the loss of critical infrastructure, the irrigation system was already obsolete in the pre-war era, dominated by inefficient surface techniques, which led to significant water wastage and overexploitation of major river basins. Moreover, its major wheat-producing provinces, including the Al-Hasakah governorate, which is regarded as the wheat basket of Syria, have mainly remained rain-dependent, supplemented only by minor rivers, thus making them extremely vulnerable to drought conditions.

Environmental concerns are a crucial component of armed conflict and a definite feature of its aftermath, which extends and intensifies the lasting human suffering of post-conflict societies. In Syrias case, the worsening climate crisis and ecological devastation caused by the long years of warfare have inflicted continued human suffering, blurring the boundaries between traditional and non-traditional security concerns.

Deepika Matange - 1

During its last peak rainfall period, between November 2024 and March 2025, the country witnessed a marked decline in precipitation, which was 54 percent below its long-term averagethe first half of this year registered its driest season since 1997. Moreover, as each passing year becomes increasingly rain-starved, its key rivers, such as the Euphrates, Orontes, and Khabour, suffer progressively dwindling water flow, becoming unsuitable for irrigation. These ongoing environmental problems are further exacerbated by Syrias endemic impoverishment and a water infrastructure in shambles.

According to a 2025 UNDP report, an estimated 66 percent of the population is affected by extreme income poverty, falling below the international threshold of US$2.15 per person per day. Nearly 14 years of war have rendered two-thirds of the population dependent on humanitarian aid, while 90 percent struggle to afford essentials. Therefore, besides the drying up of rivers, farmers, confronted with chronic financial constraints, are skimping on irrigation to cut costs and relying more on rainwater, a gamble that, this year, failed them spectacularly.

Finally, the forced displacement of its people has irreparably torn them from their communities and marred hope for meaningful resettlement. Twenty-six percent of the population is still internally displaced and is unlikely to return in huge numbers, given the persistent security worries, but more importantly, due to the lack of infrastructure and provisions to meet basic amenities. Out of the six million, about 500,000 have returned, while the vast majority remain uprooted, their connection to their land possibly ruptured permanently.

The cumulative impact of these stressors has pushed Syria into an agrarian crisis that is more alarming than the worst drought in 2008 and even the years of conflict. After a brief period of moderate recovery, this years harvest is projected to drop below the 2018 wartime low of 1.2 million tons to just 1.1 million tons. Therefore, what the Syrians are witnessing now is more dire and signals an incipient disaster that could render a nation once self-reliant in feeding its population excessively dependent on imports.

When faced with the immediate threat of armed violence, problems of environmental and climate adaptation appear too distant and secondary. Once the hostilities subside, as they eventually do, these indirect and hidden consequences come to the fore and mete out yet another war on a worn-down population. It is important to note that Syria continues to witness violent clashes in different pockets of the country, which blends with the ongoing environmental crisis to pose a complex challenge. Therefore, any post-war effort towards stability must address these intersection points without any prejudice to create a durable and resilient peace.

The author is a doctoral candidate at the Centre for West Asian Studies, JNU.
Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, has centred his campaign on a position that has provoked sharp debate both domestically and internationally. His outspoken opposition to Israel and its Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has become a defining element of his political platform.

Mamdani has repeatedly called Netanyahu a war criminal guilty of genocide in Gaza and vowed that, if elected, he would order the New York Police Department to arrest the Israeli leader should he set foot in the city.

Mamdanis promise is not rhetorical. Throughout his campaign, he has provided detailed explanations of how he would act on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant issued in November 2024 for Netanyahus arrest. The warrant accuses the Israeli prime minister of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip, including the deliberate deprivation of food, water, and medicine to civilians. Mamdani insists that he would have Netanyahu arrested upon arrival at the airport, framing the issue as a test of whether local governments can defend international law and moral values in the absence of federal leadership. He has compared his stance to Gavin Newsoms decision as mayor of San Francisco in 2004 to defy federal law by issuing marriage licences to same-sex couples, declaring that New York should show the same kind of resolve.

The feasibility of Mamdanis plan has been widely questioned. Legal experts argue that arresting Netanyahu would be virtually impossible and could place the city in violation of federal law, as the US does not recognise the ICC or its jurisdiction. Scholars also note that such an action would likely contravene both state and city law, while Netanyahu could claim immunity as a head of state under international law. Any move by the mayors office in this direction would almost certainly spark a confrontation with the federal government.

My statement in response to Israel's overnight bombing of Gaza. pic.twitter.com/MeTJL2g2iC  Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) March 18, 2025

Despite the legal obstacles, Mamdanis pledge has captured public attention and sharply divided opinion in New York, home to the worlds second-largest Jewish population. A New York Times/Siena University poll indicates that public attitudes towards the conflict are shifting, with 46 per cent of New Yorkers siding with Palestinians in the war with Hamas compared to 29 per cent backing Israel. The same survey found majority support for Mamdanis overall position on the issue.

Critics, however, have been quick to attack his views as extreme. The advocacy group StopAntisemitism described polling trends in Mamdanis favour as deeply troubling and warned that his victory would normalise antisemitism. Detractors have pointed to his refusal, at least initially, to condemn the phrase globalise the intifada, his record of backing economic boycotts of Israel, and past comments suggesting that Israel is not a place and not a country. His family background has also attracted scrutiny, with some critics highlighting his fathers association with an anti-Israel group accused of legitimising suicide bombings.

Mamdanis anti-Israel posture extends to financial policy. He has promised to end New York Citys pension fund investments in Israeli bonds, arguing that they conflict with the citys values. His principal rival in the race, former governor Andrew Cuomo, has taken the opposite stance, going as far as to volunteer for Netanyahus legal defence team. The contrast between the two candidates could hardly be sharper.

President Donald Trump has entered the debate with characteristic force. As president, Trump has been an outspoken critic of the ICC, imposing sanctions on its officials and declaring that it has no jurisdiction over either the United States or Israel. He has defended Netanyahu against the warrant and now sees Mamdanis pledge as a direct challenge. Appearing alongside Netanyahu, Trump dismissed the mayoral candidates threats, warning Mamdani to better behave  otherwise, hes going to have big problems. Netanyahu himself responded with nonchalance, suggesting he might even travel with Trump to New York to test whether Mamdani would act.

Trumps advisers have explored ways to intervene in the mayoral race, including attempts to consolidate support behind Cuomo by promising roles in the federal administration to other contenders. Yet the president now appears increasingly resigned to Mamdanis possible victory. He has derided him as my little communist and framed his rise in the polls as part of a wider rebellion against weak candidates. Trump has also hinted that he is already considering how to wield leverage over a Mamdani administration.

For Mamdanis campaign, Trumps attacks are proof of an establishment backlash. His team has portrayed the interventions as backroom scheming from Donald Trump and the billionaire class, arguing that such efforts are failing as voters rally to his side.

The clash between Mamdani and Trump also represents a wider ideological battle. Mamdani represents a progressive, anti-establishment, and uncompromisingly anti-Israel current in American politics. Trump stands as a defender of Israel, of federal authority, and of conservative values. The outcome of the New York mayoral race will determine not only the citys leadership but also the extent to which these two opposing visions of Americas role in the world can coexist.
Sucker Punch Productions, the video game developer behind famous releases like 'Ghost of Tsushima' and the 'Infamous' franchise, reportedly fired one of its senior character artists over her online comments on Charlie Kirk's assassination.

Drew Harrison's 10-year-long career at the studio came to an end despite the upcoming release of 'Ghost of Yotei' in October 2025said to be one of the biggest PlayStation 5 releases of the year.

ALSO READ | Tyler Robinson's unsettling jokes about Charlie Kirk's death in Discord emerge: 'Only if I get a cut'

Following the death of Charlie Kirk on Wednesday after a single gunshot to the neck during a public appearance at a Utah university, Drew wrote on BlueSky that she hoped "the shooters name is Mario so that Luigi knows his bro got his back". This was before the shooter was revealed to be Tyler Robinson (22).

I hope the shooters name is Mario so that Luigi knows his bro got his back  drew punching Nazis till I die (@imodrew.bsky.social) September 11, 2025 at 4:06 AM

People quickly grasped the two references: the 'Super Mario' games, and Luigi Mangione, a man indicted for the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York.

Screenshots of her post quickly went viral on X, sparking debates about the line between dark humour and mocking the dead. A number of gamers also posted screenshots of cancelling their 'Ghost of Yotei' pre-orders in response.

"If standing up against fascism is what cost me my dream job I held for 10 years, I would do it again 100x stronger," Harrison wrote, seemingly unaffected by the backlash.

If standing up against fascism is what cost me my dream job I held for 10 years, I would do it again 100x stronger  drew punching Nazis till I die (@imodrew.bsky.social) September 12, 2025 at 3:47 AM

While many defended Drew's right to free speech, some of them also admitted the timing and tone of her comments were a terrible look".

However, others who have faced backlash for their Charlie Kirk-related comments have not been so lucky.

ALSO READ | Charlie Kirk killing: Neighbour says 3 things may have turned Tyler Robinson from a church-going kid into an assassin

Marvel Cinematic Universe actor Chris Pratt faced a wave of online hate when he condoled Kirk's death on his social media handle, expressing sorrow for the 31-year-old's wife and children.

Legendary author Stephen King also faced netizens' ire when he claimed that Kirk advocated stoning gay peoplea claim that has since been fact-checked by netizens.
A massive anti-immigration rally was organised in London by far-right, anti-immigrant activist Tommy Robinson on Sunday. Around 110,000 people marched in the Unite the Kingdom rally, carrying England and British flags and wooden crosses.

The organisers of the rally called it a free speech protest, and supporters chanted against Keir Starmer and demanded we want our country back.

Who is Tommy Robinson?

Tommy Robinson, 41, who was born Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, is a self-described journalist who says he is exposing state wrongdoings.

He founded the English Defense League in 2009, a group known for its Islamophobic rhetoric and violent street protests in the 2000s and 2010s.

Robinson has had several criminal convictions over the years and served about five prison terms from 2005 to 2025. He has served for assault, mortgage fraud, passport fraud, multiple contempt of court convictions, and harassment.

He once entered the United States illegally using a false passport and was banned from entering the country in October 2012.

He was released from prison earlier this year after being jailed for violating a 2021 injunction by repeating false claims about a Syrian refugee.

He had also declared bankruptcy in 2021 and admitted to gambling away huge sums while he was accepting donations from supporters.

In 2018, he was banned from Twitter for hateful conduct, and in 2019, he was banned from Facebook and Instagram for breaching hate speech policies. His account on X, which currently has about 1 million followers, was restored after billionaire Elon Musk bought Twitter.

You are the media now https://t.co/ja0FgwzTev  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 13, 2025

He also had cultivated ties with American right-wing groups and has appeared on Fox News and Infowars. Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio had described him a an inspiration.

What was the rally really about?

IANS reported that the rally was one of the largest right-wing gatherings in the UK in recent times. Robinson praised the turnout and called it a show of patriotic unity like nothing seen before and cultural revolution. At the rally, he said, Today is the spark of a cultural revolution in Great Britain. This is our moment.

 NOW: A historically massive UK protest is taking place and attendees are chanting "CHARLIE! CHARLIE! CHARLIE!" 



"British patriots are chanting the name of Charlie Kirk in his memory."pic.twitter.com/mQmTSJqy1f  Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) September 13, 2025

Elon Musk, who restored Robinson's account on X, had also joined in at the rally via a video link where he said, "the left is the party of murder and celebrating murder".

French far-right politician Eric Zemmour and Petr Bystron of the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Zemmour claimed that freedom of our peoples is in danger and that there was 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.

A Sky News report on the rally described it as diverse; some demonstrators were against migration in general, whereas others only wanted to be rid of illegal migration.

Violent clashes were seen at the rally and about 25 arrests were made accordingt to the police. About 1000 officers were deployed to keep two rival groups apart; a counter demonstration organised by Stand Up to Racism was attended by 5000 people at the same time.

Law enforcement authorities also reported facing unacceptable violence. Fireworks, bottles, and other projectiles were thrown at the officers, and about 26 officers were reported injured, according to the BBC.

Assistant Commissioner Matt 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."
Turning Point USA, the non-profit organisation founded by right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk, has announced the details of the massive funeral planned for its founder. The event will be held on September 21 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

The funeral - "Building a Legacy, Remembering Charlie Kirk"  will see eminent personalities attend the event that celebrates the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Charlie Kirk. This includes US President Donald Trump who said he was going to attend the funeral after addressing the nation Wednesday night.

"Join us in celebrating the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Charlie Kirk, an American legend," Turning Point USA posted to X Saturday afternoon. "The morning of Sunday, September 21, at State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals, in Glendale, AZ."

According to Turning Point USA, the doors for the event will open at 8 a.m. and the program will begin at 11 a.m., according to the website created for the memorial. Interested attendees can register online, and the event is first come, first served, they informed.

A tribute posted on the memorial's website also describes Kirk's dedication to his faith, family and fight for America's future. Kirk founded Turning Point USA as an 18-year-old in a garage in Lemont, Illinois, later growing it into one of the most powerful grassroots movements in America," the tribute writes.

"Charlie died doing what he loved: fighting for truth, for faith, for family, and for America. His sacrifice will endure as a guiding light for generations," as noted in the tribute. "He showed a generation that truth must never be silenced, that courage is contagious, and that freedom must be protected at all costs."
The Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group is rebuilding its headquarters, Markaz Taiba, at Muridke in Pakistan's Punjab at full throttle months after it was devastated in an Indian air strike, claimed an Indian intelligence dossier.

The LeT, using heavy machinery, has completely razed the damaged structures and started reconstruction of the building.

The reconstruction, which the group plans to complete before February 5, 2026, when its annual jihad convention is conducted, is being carried out under the direct supervision of senior LeT commanders Maulana Abu Zar and Yunus Shah Bukhari, according to a News 18 report.

Citing the intelligence dossier, the report said, the LeT had temporarily relocated its cadres and programmes to alternate facilities after Indias attack to ensure its training pipelines remained uninterrupted.

 BREAKING: The Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) headquarters, Markaz Taiba in Muridke, which was targeted by the Indian Air Force during Operation Sindoor, has been demolished to make way for the construction of a new structure. The process of demolition started in August



The terror https://t.co/G7SpVSkDUn pic.twitter.com/J0X6rTDODb  OSINT Updates (@OsintUpdates) September 13, 2025

The rebuilding of the terror infrastructure is being done with the financial assistance from Islamabad. In August, the terror group received PKR 4 crore (around Rs 1.25 crore) from the Pakistani government as seed money, though the total cost of restoration is likely to exceed PKR 15 crore.

The dossier also revealed that the LeT has launched a fundraising drive under humanitarian guise. The group has started a flood relief campaign, a strategy it had tried at the time of the devastating earthquake in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in 2005.

According to reports, around 80 per cent of the humanitarian aid it received then was diverted to build terror infrastructure.

India carried out air strikes in nine terrorist hubs in Pakistan and PoK on May 7 in retaliation to the Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed.

Indias strike sparked a brief military confrontation between the neighbouring countries before a ceasefire was reached on May 10.
World War II was raging; the Royal Indian Air Force needed more officers and airmen. To lure young men to the force, the British sent some of their smartest young Indian pilots along with local language-speaking airmen to recruitment camps held in various corners of India. To Kannur, in Malabar, they sent a Sikh officer and a Malayali airmanArjan Singh, who had proven his flying and warring skills over the restive mountains of the northwest, and Mondan Bhaskaran from Kannur, who was a master of aircraft maintenance.

One day, Arjan found Bhaskaran in low spiritshe longed for home, which was only a few miles away. Arjan took Bhaskaran on his next sortie and flew low a few times over the airmans house. Bhaskaran could spot his family excitedly looking at the low-flying plane, a novelty those days, and that lifted his spirits.

The incident sent the small town into panicwere the Japanese coming on a bombing mission? The collector reported the matter to the Madras government, and the duo were hauled up in Delhi, where Arjan explained to the enquiring officer: Sir, you cannot be an aggressive fighter pilot unless you have done some unauthorised low flying. The officer, a good-humoured Englishman, laughed out loud, and let the duo go.

That saved two illustrious air lives for independent Indiaone who would play a stellar role in stopping the invading Japanese at the Kohima-Imphal line by bombing them from the air, rise to become chief of the air force, lead it in the 1965 war, and become Indias one and only marshal of the air force. The other would soon get commission in the technical branch, rise to the rank of air commodore, and set up Indias first supersonic fighter jet factory in Nasik. From there, he would produce hundreds of MiG-21s that would guard Indias skies for close to six decades. Indias MiG-21 story wouldnt have been there for you to tell today, but for Bhaskaran, said Air Marshal B.D. Jayal, one of the first six Indian pilots who flew the legendary plane. The man built the Indian MiG.

Bhaskaran later rose to the rank of air commodore

Bhaskaran was at the maintenance command, then at Kanpur, when India was partitioned, losing a good part of the flying assets to Pakistan. The 1947-48 war with Pakistan and the fight against the Razakars of Hyderabad convinced the authorities that they needed more aircraft. Group Captain P.C. Lallater air chief marshal who would lead the Air Force in the 1971 warand Squadron Leader Bhaskaran were sent to the US to scout for planes. They saw several, but one evening both were asked to pack up and go. They were made to understand that the US was not a friend of India, Bhaskarans son Satish, a businessman in the UAE, told THE WEEK. The duo flew to France, where they selected the Mystere.

Having proved his engineering prowess in building the British Avro transporters in India, Bhaskaran was soon sent to Russia when the MiG-21 deal was getting finalised in the early 1960s. The Air Force wanted him to master the planes engineering so as to make them in India. The announcement of the deal was a sensation then, recalls Satish. States vied with one another to host the prestigious manufacturing unit. Finally, the Hindustan Aircraft (now Aeronautics) Corporation awarded the electronics unit to Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh, the engines unit to Koraput in Orissa and the main assembling factory to Nasik in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra asked Bhaskaran, who was deputed by the Air Force to HAL for MiG manufacturing, to choose the location. He chose about 4,000 acres of vineyard in Ojhar village, where he first built the runway near the Security Press, and offices and training centres, special accommodation for about 500 or more Russian engineers and their families, hangars and the assembling unit.

Once, defence minister Y.B. Chavan, himself from Maharashtra, came visiting. He asked why the unit had not employed local people in large numbers. Bhaskarans reply, in front of the media: Sir, I am not making bullock-carts here, but Indias first supersonic fighters. I need skilled hands. The exchange was widely reported, but the gracious Chavan smiled it away. That was perhaps the second time that Bhaskaran risked his job.

Anyway, he proved his worth first by completing the factory 10 months ahead of schedule. The project plan was prepared with Russian guidance and Bhaskaran ensured it worked. Unlike what many believe today, the MiG-21 deal was no gift of love. India had not yet emerged as a strategic friend of the Soviet Union; on the other hand, the Chinese were their ideological allies. So much so, several of the engineers were actually KGB officers. Once on a visit to Kiev, Bhaskaran found that the wife of one of his earlier team leaders had been a KGB personnel sent to spy on her husband. On his frequent visits, Bhaskaran often called on Mikhail Gurevich, who had co-designed the first MiG with Artem Mikoyan. MiG takes its name from their initials.

Bhaskarans first MiG-21 was on the factorys runway in 1965, and test-flown in 1966, less than a year after Arjans boys flying Gnats, Mysteres and just half a dozen Russian-made MiGs had shot and shooed away Pakistans supersonic Sabres and Starfighters in the 1965 war. By 1967, MiGs began rolling out of Nasik, and that called for extending most of the runways across Indiathe new supersonics needed longer runways.

Those were also the days of militant trade unionism. Unions sprang up in the MiG factories, too, often threatening to strike work, but Bhaskaran handled them with tact most of the times, and threat once where it was called forhe got a pilot to fly low over an illegal meeting called on the factory campus.

Bhaskaran had much to do with converting the MiG-21, designed as a high-altitude interceptor, into a multi-role fighter. Just before the 1971 war, the Air Force realised it needed more ground attack planes, and Bhaskaran immediately modified the plane. And it was this capability that helped Wing Commander Bhupendra Kumar Bishnoi and his team to shoot those precision rockets into the dome of the governors house in Dacca, forcing him to surrender.

The next year Bhaskaran retired from HAL, having built more than 200 MiG-21FL (Type 77), a good number of them with Indian-made components, and quite a few with Indian-made R11F2S-300 engines, and also having initiated the work on MiG-21M. It was designated Type 88 by HAL, since this variant was produced exclusively in India. The first Type 88 MiG-21M was delivered to the Air Force in February 1973 and the last, the 158th, in November 1981, by which time the MiG-Bis had started rolling out. And they would fly in the Indian skies till September-end.
As the MiG-21 flies into the sunset, it is an emotional moment for all those who flew it and maintained it. Before anyone starts lamenting that the Air Force has been flying a 60-year-old aircraft, we need to get one thing right: the MiG-21s that flew in the 1960s and the 1970s are long gone. The last few flying today are less than 40 years old, and all of them have been regularly and meticulously overhauled, some as recently as five years ago.

In the air, the MiG-21 was responsive and faithful, doing what you asked of it. However, you were never its master, always its partner.

Forty years is a long time, but it is not an unusual lifespan in aviation. What makes the MiG-21 remarkable is that it markedly exceeded the expectations of its makers and even its buyers. Worldwide, there is no other fighter aircraft of the 1950s design still in active service. And that was possible because the MiG-21 became more lethal and capable as it evolved from the original platform.

The first time I saw the MiG-21 was as a young schoolboy on a chilly morning in New Delhi. We had gone to see the Republic Day parade. An excited buzz went around the crowd as the parade ended, and everyones gaze shifted upwards, anticipating the most awaited momentthe flypast. In perfect sync with the commentary, the first aircraft roared past. It was a MiG-21, and it was painted a blazing red. The sight, the sound, the momentit was exhilarating! If I had any doubts about what to do in life, they were settled right then, right there. I wanted to fly the MiG-21.

After graduating from the National Defence Academy, we were posted to Tezpur, a large airbase in Assam on the banks of the Brahmaputra. This is where all the lucky ones who had been slotted to fly MiG-21s started their journey. It was neither our cradle, nor our playpen, but definitely our first outing in the park. A step into the world that would be ours for decadesthe world of fighter flying.

Before we started flying, we had to undergo an intense conversion course on the aircraft, where we were taught everything that a pilot needs to know. Take your cars user manual, and multiply it about 10,000 timesthat is the kind of information a fighter pilot needs to carry in his head.

In between classes, a colleague and I would sneak off to observe takeoffs from as close to the runway as we could. Just to hear the Bang! of the afterburner and watch the aircraft accelerate, like Ravi Shastris famous tracer bullet, down the runway. And to watch it land as well, coming in like a dart, touching down, and then deploying its brake parachute, like an umbrella opening against strong wind. What a sight!

Flying it came next. The first thing that hit me was a recognition of what extreme velocity and thrust meant. Imagine being taken to the top of a steep slope, and being launched downhillfrom a catapult! That is what the takeoff on a MiG-21 feels like. In the air, it was responsive and faithful, doing what you asked of it. However, you were never its master, always its partner. If you tried breaking the contract you signed every time you climbed into its cockpit, it rebelled, often with very little warning. And then, you had to be very smart to get out of trouble. You had to reestablish trust with your partner.

I flew the MiG-21 over jungles, mountains and valleys, and sea and deserts. The most challenging of these missions was flying in the valleys of the northeast, twisting and turning between mountain ranges at high speed. Imagine driving through a narrow street at 700kmph! An exhilarating experience.

Reliability was never a problem, at least in the time I flew it. In over six years of intensive flying, the MiG-21 never let me down. I wish I could embellish this story with exciting tales of near-misses and desperate situations. But there arent many, because I was fortunate enough to survive nearly 24 years of extensive flying without a scratch; neither on my body, nor on my aircraft. God was kind.

One episode, however, does stand out. It was a training combat mission in my younger days, while based in Pune. The weather was slightly cloudy, but good enough for the mission. During an intense high-G manoeuvre, I was straining to keep the other aircraft in visual contact. I pulled up into a cloud, and got disoriented, due to which the speed dropped. Since I had been looking out, I didnt see this happen, and continued manoeuvring as if I was at high speed. My partner did not like that. Next thing I knew, I was in a completely unrecognisable flight condition. The aircraft was in a steep dive, and it had begun to lose height, while rotating at an alarming rate.

I emerged from the cloud, and saw a dam right below my nose.

I knew now where I was: just a little to the east of the National Defence Academy, where it had all begunand where it might well end, because the dam was becoming larger as seconds passed!

My training kicked in. I did what the SOP recommended, and the partnership was reestablished. A close call; had the clouding extended to lower altitude, I might have realised my predicament too late. Disorientation and lack of visual references do that to you.

And that is about the worst situation I ever experienced on the MiG-21. So, with that little story, it is farewell to my partner of many years. You fulfilled your side of the contract admirably, and it was a great association while it lasted. Rest now, for you must be tired after this long journey.
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.
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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.
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, September 13, 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 in Ireland.

Speaking to the media, the presidential candidate referenced her Protestant heritage as she said she wanted to reach out to communities in Northern Ireland.

READ MORE: Private meeting to probe case of missing but presumed dead schoolboy Kyran Durnin

Ms Humphreys 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."

The former Minister for Social Protection of Ireland said the Good Friday Agreement was the basis for any discussion about Irish unity.

Ms Humphreys continued: 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.

When asked if she would use the office of president to advocate for Irish unity, the former TD for the CavanMonaghan constituency 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," the presidential candidate concluded.

As it stands, Ms Humphreys is currently topping the polls in the Presidential Election, with over one fifth of people confirming they would vote for the Fine Gael member.
This glorious morning angel Elsa inspires the latest peek at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Revival On Prospect?!?!

Pastor who survived shooting will bring full day of ministry to Linwood Shopping Center The closure of Sun Fresh Market in the Linwood Shopping Center brought a lot of attention to Kansas City's east side.

Creating Local Safe Spaces

Family therapist concerned about gruesome video of Charlie Kirk murder going viral on social media A family therapist is worried that the graphic video of Charlie Kirk's death could leave a lasting impact on children.

Tasty Community Building

Nearly 400 watermelons distributed at Ivanhoe neighborhood festival amid rising food costs The Ivanhoe Farmers Market distributed nearly 400 watermelons and other fresh foods Saturday at their watermelon festival.

Local Tribute After Tragedy

"Stop killing people" Kansas City man reflects on memories with Charlie Kirk One college student from Kansas City is looking back on his time spent with Charlie Kirk.

Celebs Share Hope

Proof Travis Kelce Was Planning Taylor Swift Proposal for Months Travis Kelce's friend Andrew Santino revealed that the Kansas City Chiefs tight end had been planning to propose to his fiancee Taylor Swift for months.

Angel Enjoys Good Life

Elsa Hosk Has a Huge Engagement Ring, Too The former Victoria's Secret model and her longtime boyfriend, Tom Daly, are the latest celebrity couple to flash their diamond - I mean, love - on Instagram.

MAGA Mourns . . .

Why Charlie Kirk's death hits the Trump White House so hard President Trump was meeting with architects about plans for a White House ballroom when staff interrupted to inform him that Charlie Kirk, the prominent conservative activist, had been killed. ...

More Dem Doubt

Fetterman says Democrats have 'forgotten why we lost' and Trump is 'not an autocrat' | CNN Politics Democratic Sen. John Fetterman has a warning for his party: learn from the politically charged whirlwind that put Donald Trump back in the White House and secured Republicans control of both chambers of Congress or risk staying in the minority.

Holy Land Mission Starts

Rubio lands in Israel ahead of Netanyahu meeting on Hamas war, Gaza City operation Rubio is scheduled to meet one-on-one with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before the two visit the Western Wall at 2 p.m. local time.

Vlad Ramps Up Drone War

Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy tells allies 'stop looking for excuses' on sanctions as Russian drone flies over Romania Ukrainian president accuses Moscow of expanding the war and warns allies not to wait for 'Shaheds and ballistic missiles' before taking action. What we know on day 1,299

Brits Against Everybody Else

Police and protesters scuffle as 110,000 join anti-migrant London protest The march brought a culmination to a highly charged summer in Britain that has seen protests staged outside hotels housing migrants.

G-Man Preps For Questions

Patel faces congressional hearings after missteps in Kirk assassination probe and turmoil at FBI FBI Director Kash Patel is bracing for scrutiny over his leadership of the Charlie Kirk investigation and other areas when he appears before Congress this coming week for oversight hearings.

El Papa Shares Gratitude

Pope Leo XIV turns 70 and thanks God, his parents and all those who prayed for him Pope Leo XIV has marked his 70th birthday by thanking God, his parents and all those who prayed for him

Taco Bout Fiesta Time

'Fiesta Hispana' celebrates Hispanic culture in Kansas City's West Bottoms Kansas City's 'Fiesta Hispana' returns with three days of food, music and culture celebrating Hispanic heritage.

Summer's Last Stand . . .

Hot with more clouds across KC today Clouds will keep us a few degrees cooler today in the low 90s. There's a chance for isolated rain, but KC likely remains dry.

Fatboy Slim - Praise You is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
A worthwhile reminder that Missouri might not want to put too much faith in political leadership.

Check the postscript . . .

Defendant and former Missouri House Speaker John J. Diehl pleaded guilty Thursday to a wire fraud scheme involving $379,900.



He acknowledged to a federal judge that he diverted pandemic relief funds for personal use. Diehl dodged cameras after the hearing, ducking back into the courthouse to avoid questions.



He answered the judge in court, though, as she asked, Did you have the intent to defraud?



Diehl answered, Yes.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 14. On September 14, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov left for a working visit to the State of Qatar, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said in a statement, Trend reports.

As part of the visit, the minister is expected to attend and speak at the Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit, which will be held in Doha on September 14-15.

Jeyhun Bayramov will also hold high-level bilateral meetings.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 14. On September 14, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev laid the foundation stone for the new Garakhanbeyli village in the Fuzuli district, Trend reports.

Emin Huseynov, Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend districts, briefed the head of state on the planned works.

The new village will accommodate residents of the Garakhanbeyli and Merdinli villages, which were destroyed during Armenias occupation.

The project will be implemented in two phases. The first phase, scheduled for completion next year, will cover nearly 87 hectares. A total of 404 families, or 1,861 residents, are planned to return. The construction will include 404 individual houses - 81 two-room, 202 three-room, 101 four-room, and 20 five-room units. Social infrastructure will also be built, including administrative and service buildings, a school, a kindergarten, a medical facility, and about 16 kilometers of internal roads, along with electricity, gas, water, and sewage networks.

The second phase, to be implemented in 20272030, will span around 230 hectares. During this stage, 1,075 families, or 4,093 people, are expected to be resettled. It will envisage the construction of 771 individual houses with two, three, four, and five rooms, as well as two- and three-story residential buildings. Additional facilities will include a school and two kindergartens. The planning of the village takes into account its projected development over the next 20 years.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 14. Chief of the General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces Selcuk Bayraktaroglu will visit Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

On September 15, the Chief of the General Staff will take part in a memorial ceremony dedicated to the arrival in Baku of the Caucasian Islamic Army under the command of Chief of the General Staff Nuri Pasha and the 107th anniversary of the liberation of Baku from the Bolshevik occupation.
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 14. On September 14, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited the Hadrut settlement in the Khojavend district, Trend reports.

The head of state was briefed on the developments in the settlement.

Following its liberation from Armenian occupation during the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020, extensive restoration and development projects have been implemented in Hadrut, with work still ongoing.

The Hadrut junction substation and Digital Control Center, a new military unit, and the 12.5-kilometer Fuzuli-Hadrut highway have been commissioned. A transformer substation has been built, existing power lines restored, eight water reservoirs repaired, and new water, sewage, and gas lines laid. Internal roads have also been renovated. Essential social infrastructure, including a hotel, commercial facilities, and public catering establishments, has been created in the settlement.

Hadrut has a total of 541 houses, of which 462 are considered uninhabitable and 79 partially habitable. Ten of these houses are already ready for use, while all partially habitable houses are scheduled for restoration by the end of the year.

At present, 10 families, comprising 41 individuals, have returned to their ancestral homeland in Hadrut.

President Ilham Aliyev also visited the home of Hadrut resident Zahid Mustafayev.
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 14. On September 14, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the inauguration of a newly constructed mosque in the Hadrut settlement of the Khojavend district, Trend reports.

Nariman Topchibashev, Director of PMD Projects, first briefed the head of state on the ongoing construction of the Hadrut residential quarter.

PMD GROUP is currently building 28 two-story individual houses in Hadrut. The construction, covering an area of 3.6 hectares, is being carried out swiftly and with high quality.

President Ilham Aliyev was also informed about the mosque constructed in the settlement. The foundation stone for the mosque was laid by the head of state in October 2021.

The mosques minaret stands approximately 25 meters tall. It is designed to accommodate up to 210 worshippers at a time, with the first floor designated for men and the second floor for women. The facade of the mosque features decorative elements inspired by national ornamental patterns.

Following the liberation of Azerbaijans territories, the Azerbaijani state has consistently undertaken efforts to restore religious and historical monuments destroyed by Armenia in these areas, as well as to construct new mosques.
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 14. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited Sos village in the Khojavand district on September 14, Trend reports.

The head of state was informed about the latest developments in the village.

Sos village came under Azerbaijans control during an anti-terrorist operation conducted by the Armed Forces in 2023.

To date, the villages existing electricity and gas lines, as well as subartesian wells, have been restored. Two transformers have been installed, the process of installing meters has begun, three water reservoirs have been repaired, and approximately 5 kilometers of natural gas pipeline have been laid.

Of the 259 existing private homes in Sos village, 70 are deemed uninhabitable, while 189 are partially habitable. Currently, 10 homes are ready for use. By the end of the year, an additional 75 homes are expected to be ready for habitation. In 2026, the restoration of 104 homes is planned.

So far, 10 families (46 people) have returned to the village.

President Ilham Aliyev visited the home of Hamlet Gulmammadov, who has relocated to the village.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 14. On September 14, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the inauguration of the Clinic building of Garabagh University and the academic building of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in the city of Khankendi, Trend reports.

Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev, Rector of Garabagh University Shahin Bayramov, and Head of the Garabagh University Clinic and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Samir Babayev informed the head of state about the facilities.

Starting from the new academic year, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Garabagh University will begin operations. The teaching building is equipped with modern facilities that meet contemporary standards. It includes 10 lecture rooms, 9 auditoriums, 3 laboratories, work and examination rooms, recreation areas, a library, and briefing halls. The faculty will also house microbiology and histology laboratories, a cell culture facility, and administrative offices. The faculty will offer a six-year medical program and a four-year nursing program, developed jointly by local and international experts in line with global best practices. The modern educational model to be implemented will enable students to combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills at the Garabagh University Clinic. Students will also have ample opportunities to conduct research and develop leadership qualities. A distinctive feature of the faculty is the inclusion of an arts program as an elective course, aimed at fostering students self-expression, teamwork, and communication skills.

The head of state also toured the Garabagh University Clinic, which was established under a decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev in February this year. The clinic building includes 23 medical consultation rooms, laboratories, an X-ray room, an emergency department, and MRI, CT, and angiography rooms. Within a short period, a modern infrastructure for medical education has been created at the university. The clinic will play a crucial role in training professional medical personnel, conducting scientific research, and protecting the health of the regions population. It will also serve as a base for teaching, research, and medical services.

The establishment of the Garabagh University Clinic and the launch of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences represent significant steps toward training professional medical specialists in line with the demands of the new era. Furthermore, the scientific research carried out at the clinic will contribute to enhancing Garabagh Universitys academic reputation and international ranking, as well as advancing medical science in Azerbaijan. These developments are also expected to boost the interest of foreign students in this educational institution.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 14. We have proven to the entire world that we are a strong and determined nation. We achieved victory on the battlefield, and we were always ready for peace. However, peace had to be just, based on international law and historical justice, said President Ilham Aliyev during a meeting with residents of Girmizi Bazar, Hadrut settlements, and Sos village in the Khojavend district, Trend reports.

The history of the past five years has shown that no external force could influence our will, the head of state added.
Iran raises bar on product imports from Russia

Irans imports from Russia rose by 2% in value and 6.4% in volume during the first five months of the current Iranian year (March 21August 22, 2025) compared to the same period in 2024. The imports reached 1.06 million tons worth $561 million, with key items including petrochemicals, agricultural goods, glass containers, and industrial products.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 14. The first Assembly of the Union of Insurers of the Turkic World began its work in the Azerbaijani city of Shusha, the Azerbaijan Insurers Association (AIA) told Trend.

The event, which is held with the strategic support of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, the organization of the Association of Insurers of Azerbaijan and the participation of the Organization of Turkic States, brings together insurers of the Turkic world in a broad format for the first time.

It is reported that representatives of financial regulators and insurance associations from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkiye, Uzbekistan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are taking part in the assembly.

Discussions will be organized within two panels entitled Approaches to regulation in the insurance industry of the Turkic world and Insurance union of the Turkic world: future goals and prospects.

During the event, it is also planned to sign a joint document between insurers of Turkic-speaking states.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 14. Insurers of the Turkic states signed a joint Proclamation Document at the first Assembly of the Union of Insurers of the Turkic World held in the Azerbaijani city of Shusha, the Azerbaijan Insurers Association told Trend.

According to the signed document, the Union of Insurance Companies of the Turkic World was reorganized based on the goals and principles of the Organization of Turkic States. Thus, in addition to the five founding members, insurance associations of three countries (Hungary, Turkmenistan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) joined the Union as observer organizations.

The main goal of the Association of Insurers of the Turkic World is to establish a mutual exchange of experience, personnel and information between the insurance markets of the member countries and observer countries of the Organization of Turkic States, the systematic formation of reinsurance relations, and the achievement of sustainable and stable development in the insurance markets of fraternal countries.
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Migration of The Prophet's Companions to Abyssinia

During this extremely difficult and distressing time, the Prophet Muhammad (saws) advised his persecuted and helpless companions (ra) to migrate to Abyssinia (HabshaEthiopia)

Sunday September 14, 2025 9:43 AM , Khursheed Alam Dawood Qasmi

Opening Words

"Hijrah" is a word of Arabic language and literature. Its literal meaning is "to leave one country and move to another." In Islamic terminology, it refers to "moving from a land of disbelief (Dar al-Kufr) to a land of Islam (Dar al-Islam)." Therefore, if this migration is made as an act of worship for the sake of Allah (swt), it is considered a Shar'i (legitimate) Hijrah. (Al-Mawsu'ah Al-Fiqhiyyah 42/189) Hijrah has been defined in several ways: e.g. when a person permanently leaves their homeland and settles in another place, it is also called Hijrah. Hijrah also means "to leave a place to seek sanctuary or freedom from persecution or freedom of religion of any other purpose." If a person migrates to save and protect his Imam and faith, he will be rewarded greatly. Allah Almighty has promised great rewards for Hijrah, as mentioned in Surah An-Nisa: 100 and Surah Al-Hajj: 58-59.

Throughout human history, many migrations have taken place. Some of these migrations occurred based on faith, belief and the establishment of religion. Among them are: Prophet Ibrahim (Aleihis Salam)s migration from Iraq to Syria, Prophet Lut (AS) moving towards Syria, Prophet Musa (AS) traveling from Egypt to Madyan, and Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Aleihi Wa Sallam) leaving Makkah and settling in Madinah, severing his ties with his homeland. The migration under discussion here refers to the migration of the devoted Sahabah (companions) of Prophet Muhammad (saws) from Makkah to Abyssinia (Ethiopia). They undertook this journey to escape the persecution and oppression of the Makkah polytheists, to protect their faith and beliefs, and to attain religious freedom.

Spread of Islam and Rage of Makkans

For about four to five years, Prophet Muhammad (saws) tirelessly called people to Islam through continuous preaching and efforts. As a result, Islam began to spread gradually in the valleys of Makkah, and the number of Muslims started to grow. Some of the companions (ra) and even the Prophet (saws) himself received support and protection from their families and tribes, which made the polytheists of Makkah uneasy about their failure to suppress Islam. Realizing their inability to stop the spread of Islam, the Makkans intensified their oppression and brutality against the weaker and more vulnerable companions (ra). They tortured and persecuted them in unimaginable ways, making their lives in Makkah unbearable for them. The suffering of those noble companions (ra) only strengthened their faith rather than weakening it. To understand the severity of Quraishs oppression, read the following text: "The Quraish tormented them in such a way that finding a parallel in the history of tyranny would be an insult to the uniqueness of their cruelty." (Seerat-un-Nabi 1/139)

Guidance for Migration to Abyssinia

During this extremely difficult and distressing time, the Prophet Muhammad (saws) advised his persecuted and helpless companions (ra) to migrate to Abyssinia (HabshaEthiopia). The reason was that the Prophet (saws) knew that Abyssinias ruler, Negus (King Ashamah), was a just and fair ruler who didnt allow oppression in his land. The Prophet (saws) said: "If you head towards the land of Abyssinia, you will find a king there who doesnt allow oppression upon anyone. It is a land of truthful people, (so stay there) until Allah provides a way out for you." (Seerat Ibn Hisham 1/321)

First Migration to Abyssinia

Following the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (saws), a small group of male and female companions (ra) secretly set out for Abyssinia (Habsha) in Rajab, the 5th year of Prophethood. This group was led by Sayyiduna Uthman bin Affan (ra). Some of them travelled on foot, while others rode, eventually reaching the port of Jeddah. According to Ibn Kathir, the first group of emigrants included 11 male companions (ra) and 4 female companions (ra) (Al-Seerah Al-Nabawiyyah, Ibn Kathir 2/3). Upon reaching the port, they found two trade ships ready to set sail for Abyssinia. The fare for each person was set at half a dinar (Uyoon al-Athar 1/136). However, the Quraish of Makkah got wind of their secret departure and pursued them to the port, hoping to capture and stop them. But by the time the Quraish reached, the ships had already set sail, leaving them frustrated and empty-handed.

In Abyssinia, these migrants found themselves among nice and kind neighbours. They lived there in peace, security and tranquillity, without any fear of persecution or oppression. With complete religious freedom, they were able to worship Allah and fulfill their religious duties without any hindrance. They remained in Abyssinia for about two months and a few days. (Al-Seerah Al-Halabiyyah 1/458).

Return of Migrants to Makkah

One day, Prophet Muhammad (saws) recited Surah An-Najm in the Haram Shareef (Sacred Masjid). Upon hearing the powerful verses, even the polytheists of Makkah fell into prostration. (Al-Seerah Al-Halabiyyah 1/458) When news of this event reached the Muslim migrants in Abyssinia, it was misreported to them that the Quraish of Makkah had accepted Islam and that Islam was spreading rapidly in Makkah. Believing this to be true, the migrants set out for Makkah in the month of Shawwal. However, as they approached the outskirts of Makkah, they encountered a traveller and inquired about the situation in Makkah. To their disappointment, they discovered that the news they had received was falsethe Quraish hadnt embraced Islam, and persecution of Muslims was still ongoing. This realization put the migrants in a difficult dilemma. Eventually, some of them entered Makkah under the protection of influential Quraish leaders; while others secretly slipped back into the city to avoid persecution.

When the group of migrant companions (ra) returned to Makkah, the polytheists intensified their violence and oppression against them as well as against other Muslims. The persecution and harassment by the Quraish increased day-by-day. In light of this escalating situation, Prophet Muhammad (saws) granted permission to his companions (ra) for a second migration, allowing them to seek safety and refuge.

Second Migration to Abyssinia

Compared to the first migration, the second migration was fraught with hardships and trials. This was primarily because the polytheists of Makkah were fully prepared to prevent the Muslims from migrating. However, Allah (swt) was with these sincere believers, and despite the challenges, a large group of male and female companions (ra) prepared to embark on this journey and successfully reached Abyssinia without falling into the hands of the Quraish. On this occasion, 83 male companions (ra) and 18 female companions (ra) migrated to Abyssinia (Al-Seerah Al-Halabiyyah 1/477). After arriving in Abyssinia, they engaged in the worship of Allah in peace and tranquillity, just as they had before. Once the Quraish became aware of the second migration, they were infuriated and began devising a plan to bring the migrants back to Makkah.

Envoys of Quraish and King's Reaction

The polytheists of the Quraish decided to send two exceptionally clever and astute individuals, Abdullah bin Rabi'ah and Amr Ibnul Aas, as envoys to the King of Abyssinia, Negus (Ashamah Najashi). They provided these envoys with gifts such as a horse, a robe, silk and dyed leather to present to the king and the Batriq (Christian clerics) (Al-Seerah Al-Nabawiyyah, Ibn Kathir 2/18). Upon arriving in Abyssinia, the envoys first met with the Batriq, delivering the gifts and then presenting their case. They requested the Batriq to support and endorse their plea for the return of the migrants to Makkah. The Batriq assured them that they would provide the support.

The envoys arrived at the court of the king and first presented the gifts to him. Then they addressed the king, saying: "O King! Some ignorant youths from our community are in your kingdom. They have abandoned the religion of their people and havent adopted your religion either; they have invented a new religion that neither we nor you know anything about. We have come here on behalf of their chiefsparents, uncles, and relativesto request that you send them back, for their people will take better care of them and understand the reasons for their faults and grievances." The clergy sitting around the king supported the envoys' claims, stating: "O King! They speak the truth. Their community will take better care of them and understand the reasons for their faults and grievances. Therefore, you should hand them over to these two men; they will return them to their people and their land." (Musnad Ahmad: 1740)

The king expressed his anger stating: By Allah, it is not possible for me to hand over the people, who have preferred me and chosen to seek refuge and reside in my land, without discussing the matter and investigating their circumstances. I will first ascertain the truth from them. If what the envoys say is true, I will hand them over; but if it is false, then I cannot surrender these migrants to them.

Presentation of Muslims in King's Court and his Question

The king sent his messenger to summon the migrants. When the messenger arrived, the migrants gathered together. They began to ask each other what they should say before the king. They ultimately decided that they would speak the truth, regardless of the consequences. Jafar (ra) represented the Muslims as they entered the king's court. The king then asked: "What is this religion that has caused you to abandon your people, yet you havent entered into my religion nor into the religion of any of the other nations?" (Ibid)

Depiction of the Age of Ignorance and Introduction to Islam

The spokesperson for the migrants, Jafar (ra), addressed the king: "O King! We were a people living in ignorance, practicing idolatry. We consumed carrion and committed immoral acts. We severed ties with our relatives and treated our neighbours poorly. The strong among us would oppress the weak. We were in such a dire situation when Allah (swt) sent us a messenger from among ourselves, whose noble lineage, truthfulness, trustworthiness and purity we already knew."

"He called us to worship Allah alone and to abandon the stones and idols that we and our forefathers used to worship. He commanded us to speak the truth, fulfill our trusts, maintain family ties, treat our neighbours well, and to avoid immorality and bloodshed. He forbade us from engaging in immorality, lying, consuming the property of orphans, and slandering chaste women. He instructed us to worship only Allah and not to associate anything with Him. He commanded us to perform Salaah, pay Zakaah and observe fasting."

Thus, he enumerated the Islamic commandments and said: 'Then we affirmed him, believed in him, and followed what he brought. Consequently, we worshiped only Allah and didnt associate anything with Him. We regarded as forbidden what he declared forbidden to us, and we considered as permissible what he declared permissible. Then our people became our enemies. They persecuted us and subjected us to trials concerning our religion, trying to turn us back to idolatry and to deem as permissible those filthy things we once accepted. When they persisted in their oppression and became severe against us, blocking our path to our religion, we migrated to your kingdom. We preferred you over others, sought refuge with you, and, O King, we hoped that we would not be wronged in your land."

Then Najashi asked, "Do you have any of what he (Prophet Muhammad -saws-) has brought?" Jafar (ra) replied, "Yes!" Najashi said, "Read it to me!" So, he recited the initial part of Surah Maryam (Chapter 19). By Allah, Najashi cried so much that his beard became wet, and when his bishop heard what Jafar (ra) had recited, he also wept until their scriptures were soaked. Najashi then said: "What has been recited by Jafar (ra) and what was brought by Musa (AS) have emerged from the same light. You two (Amr Ibnul Aas and Abdullah ibn Rabi'a) go! By Allah, I will never hand these people over to you, nor will any plot be made against them here." (Musnad Ahmad: 1740)

King's Final Decision

When Amr Ibnul Aas and Abdullah ibn Rabi'a returned from Najashi feeling defeated, Amr Ibnul Aas began to formulate a new plan. He swore that he would expose the Muslims' faults before the king the next day. Abdullah ibn Rabi'a advised him against this, saying that even though the Muslims had adopted a new religion, they had ties of kinship with them; therefore, he should not do such a thing. However, Amr Ibnul Aas remained adamant that he would inform the king that these people were making inappropriate claims regarding Isa Ibn Maryam (Jesus AS). The next day, this indeed happened, and Amr informed the king of this matter. The king then summoned the Muslims. The Muslims, along with their spokesman Jafar (RA), presented themselves in the king's court.

The King asked, "What do you people believe about Isa (as)?" Jafar (ra) replied, "We say about him what our Prophet (saws) tells us: he is a servant of Allah, His Messenger, His Spirit, and His Word that Allah sent to the chaste virgin Maryam (AS)."

Najashi struck his hand on the ground, picked up a straw, and said, "What you have said about Isa bin Maryam is not greater than this straw." When he said this, the priests around him murmured. Najashi replied, "Even if you murmur, I swear by Allah, you (Muslims) go, and you are safe in my kingdom. Whoever insults you will face consequences. I will not tolerate oppressing any one of you, even if I were offered a mountain of gold in return." Then the king ordered, "Return the gifts from these two (Quraish ambassadors) to them! We have no need for them. By Allah! Allah didnt take a bribe from me when He entrusted me with my kingdom to take a bribe in His way. Allah didnt permit me to obey people in His way." Thus, the two ambassadors returned empty-handed and disgraced. We lived in a good land with a good neighbour. (Musnad Ahmad: 1740)

In one narration, Najashi said: "You and the one you have come from are welcome. I bear witness that he is the Messenger of Allah. He is the one I find in the Gospel, and he is the same person whom Jesus, son of Maryam, gave glad tidings about. You may stay wherever you like. By Allah! If I were not occupied with the affairs of my kingdom, I would go to him (saws) to carry his shoes." (Al-Seerah al-Nabawyyah by Ibn Kathir 2/10)

Emigration of Abyssinian Immigrants to Madinah and Message of Abyssinian King

A few years later, the Prophet Muhammad (saws) and the companions who remained in Makkah migrated to Medina. The dominance of Islam began to manifest. By now, almost 15 years had passed since the migration to Abyssinia. The emigrants spoke to Ashama Najashi about the Prophets migration and the triumph of Islam, expressing their intention to move to Madina. The king provided them with provisions and means of transport and, while bidding them farewell, said: "Inform your leader (the Prophet Muhammad, saws) of how I have treated you, and this messenger is with you. I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah, and Muhammad (saws) is His Messenger. Please ask him to pray for my forgiveness!"

Sayyiduna Ja'far (ra) said that we set out from there until we reached Madina. When I met the Messenger of Allah (saws), he embraced me and then said: "I do not know whether I am happier about the victory of Khaybar or about the arrival of Ja'far!" Sayyiduna Ja'far (ra) and the other immigrants from Abyssinia arrived during the victory of Khaybar in the 7th year of Hijra.

Then, when they sat down, the envoy of Najashi said, "This is Ja'far. You should ask him how our leader (Najashi) treated them." Sayyiduna Ja'far (ra) mentioned the provisions, the journey supplies, and Najashi's testimony (Shahadah), and he requested the Messenger of Allah (saws) to seek forgiveness for him! The Messenger of Allah (saws) performed ablution and prayed three times for Najashi's forgiveness, and the Muslims said, "Ameen." Then Ja'far (ra) told the envoy to convey to his leader what he had witnessed in the Messenger of Allah (saws). (Al-Seerah al-Nabawiyyah by Ibn Kathir 2/16)

Final Note

This migration teaches us that if a Muslim finds himself in a place where his faith is at risk, where the protection of his belief, the establishment of his religion, and the fulfillment of his obligations are obstructed by the enemies of Islam, and where disbelievers and polytheists are persistently attempting to undermine his faith, then in such a case, he should migrate to another place. It should not be the case that he prefers to stay in that location out of love for wealth, property, or land while compromising the great blessing of faith. If someone decides to leave such a place under these circumstances, then for that person, there is the glad tidings of Paradise. A Hadith states: "Whoever flees with their religion from one land to another, even if it is just a hand's breadth of land, has made Paradise obligatory for himself." (Ruhul Bayan 2/270) This means that anyone who migrates for the sake of their faith, even if it is only for a very small distance, has earned Paradise.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that a visit to Israel by top US diplomat Marco Rubio underscored the strength of ties between the allies, days after an unprecedented Israeli strike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar drew broad criticism.

The attack on the US ally and key mediator in Gaza truce talks has prompted Arab and Muslim leaders to gather for a show of solidarity in Doha, where Qatar's prime minister urged the world to reject "double standards" and hold Israel to account.

US leader Donald Trump rebuked Israel over Tuesday's strike, and Rubio acknowledged to reporters before departing Washington that the president was "not happy" about it, but he insisted the attack would not "change the nature of our relationship with the Israelis".

Nevertheless, the strike has put renewed strain on efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, and Rubio allowed that the United States and Israel were "going to have to talk about" its impact.

Netanyahu has defended the operation -- which targeted Hamas officials gathering to discuss a new US ceasefire proposal -- saying killing the group's leaders would remove the "main obstacle" to ending the Gaza war.

On Sunday, Rubio offered prayers at Jerusalem's sacred Western Wall alongside Netanyahu and US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, an AFP correspondent reported.

Netanyahu said afterwards that the visit showed the Israeli-American alliance was "as strong, as durable as the stones in the Western Wall that we just touched".

Under Rubio and President Donald Trump, "the alliance has never been stronger", he added.

Rubio's main meetings with officials, including Netanyahu, will take place on Monday before he departs on Tuesday.

His visit coincides with Monday's emergency summit of Arab and Muslim leaders in Qatar, whose Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani addressed a preparatory meeting on Sunday.

"The time has come for the international community to stop using double standards and to punish Israel for all the crimes it has committed," he said, adding Israel's "war of extermination" in Gaza would not succeed.

"What is encouraging Israel to continue... is the silence, the inability of the international community to hold it accountable."

- 'Constant terror' -

In spite of mounting international criticism, Israel has in recent days ramped up efforts to seize control of Gaza City, the territory's largest urban centre, telling residents to evacuate and blowing up numerous high-rise buildings it said were being used by Hamas.

As of late August, the UN estimated that around one million people were living in the city and its surrounding areas, where it has declared a famine it blamed on Israeli aid restrictions.

AFP images showed a column of vehicles and people on foot fleeing Gaza City southwards through a desolate landscape of destroyed buildings.

"We are living in constant terror amid relentless shelling and powerful explosions," said Sara Abu Ramadan, 20, a resident of Gaza City.

"Why such massive firepower in these rockets? What's their goal? We are dying here, with nowhere to seek refuge... and the world just watches."

Gaza's civil defence agency said at least 45 people had been killed since dawn Sunday in Israeli strikes around the territory.

Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties in accessing many areas mean AFP is unable to independently verify the details provided by the civil defence agency or the Israeli military.

On Friday, the UN General Assembly voted to back a revival of the two-state solution, in defiance of Israeli opposition.

Nevertheless, Israel retains the backing of its most powerful ally and biggest arms supplier, the United States.

- 'Alarming passivity' -

At home, opponents of the Netanyahu government have sought to pressure ministers to end the war in return for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

On Saturday, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the main campaign group for the captives, accused the Israeli premier of being the "one obstacle" to freeing the hostages by sabotaging efforts to strike a deal.

Of the 251 people taken hostage by Palestinian militants in October 2023, 47 remain in Gaza, including 25 the Israeli military says are dead.

Brian Katulis, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, said Rubio was unlikely to push Israel toward a ceasefire.

"There is an alarming passivity in actually getting to a ceasefire in Gaza," said Katulis, who worked on Middle East policy under former president Bill Clinton.

The war was sparked by Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures.

Israel's retaliatory campaign in Gaza has killed at least 64,871 people, also mostly civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza that the United Nations considers reliable.

sct-jd/dcp/smw
18 Italian boats carrying aid for Gaza will join other vessels departing from Tunisia.

The 18 Italian boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla, the largest independent initiative to deliver humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza, departed from the Sicilian port of Augusta on Saturday afternoon.

Four Italian centre-left opposition politicians were on board: MEP Benedetta Scuderi of the Green-Left Alliance, MP Arturo Scotto and MEP Annalisa Corrado of the Partito Democratico (PD) and senator Marco Croatti of the Movimento 5 Stelle.

The departure had been scheduled for last Thursday but was postponed twice due to bad weather which delayed the journey of other flotilla boats from Barcelona, which are currently in Tunisia.

The Italian boats, including those that arrived in Sicily from Genoa, will meet up in the Mediterranean Sea with other boats departing from Tunisia.

Il momento della partenza della Global Sumud Flotilla dal porto di Augusta: le imbarcazioni prendono il largo in direzione di Gaza pic.twitter.com/vbsdOOiIvx  Local Team (@localteamit) September 13, 2025

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg is among those travelling on the flotilla from Tunis.

The fleet, including the boats departing from Tunis, will comprise about 50 boats carrying around 600 people.

Together, the boats will attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and overcome a naval blockade imposed by Israel.

The Italian vessels will carry food collected in Genoa in recent days, which has reached nearly 500 tons, according to the latest figures from the Genoese organisation Music for Peace which organised the food drive.

Global Sumud flotilla sails from Sicily to join Tunis  together we head for Gaza. Break the siege. pic.twitter.com/BCx42KGXq0  Global Sumud Flotilla (@GlobalSumudF) September 13, 2025

Last week two flotilla boats anchored in Tunisian waters were struck by what appeared to be drones launched from the Tunisian coast, prompting protests in Italy.

The right-wing Italian government has stated that it would prefer humanitarian support initiatives for Gaza to go through "already existing humanitarian channels" but has pledged to guarantee full consular support to the Italians on board the flotilla.

The boats' journey can be tracked on the Global Sumud Flotilla website.

Photo credit: davide bonaldo / Shutterstock.com.
Panda Playground Completion

Thanks to all that were able to attend last Saturdays celebration of our Panda Playground fundraising completion day. Despite the risk of a shower we witnessed another great day at Ballymacarbry Community Centre as people came together to celebrate this fantastic achievement.

Having fun at the Panda Playground celebration day in Ballymacarbry.

The many people present enjoyed a well-deserved ice-cream and cup of tea, and reflected on the monumental effort by the community to deliver this wonderful facility for this area. As we've said many times before, there are too many people to thank for making this happen.

Having fun at the Panda Playground celebration day in Ballymacarbry.

Last Saturday was just a small token of appreciation for everyone's effort and generosity.

Having fun at the Panda Playground celebration day in Ballymacarbry.

Here's to many years of fun and play at Panda Playground in the heart of our village.

Ballymac Bingo Is Back

Dont forget to set your reminders - dust off the bingo markers, bingo returns on Friday, September 19. First call at 8pm as usual. Please spread the word.

Pilates

We're delighted to announce that Pilates is coming to Ballymacarbry Community Centre from Monday, September 15. Kicking off at 6.30pm and will run for five weeks. Contact Sally on 086 6664414 to book your spot. Special introductory offer of 10 per class available.

Cad As Duit?

The community centre will host the Waterford County Councils Placenames Roadshow on Saturday, September 27, from 2pm to 5pm. Please come along to this free event to share your local placenames and to hear about the work of the Coiste Logainmneacha in Waterford. Refreshments will be served and music and stories will be heard. This event is organised by Waterford City & County Councils Placenames Committee, with support from Creative Ireland Waterford.

Toddler Playball

Toddler playball classes are coming to the community centre from September, on Thursday mornings, 10am to 10.30am. This Playball class is for children aged 24 to 36 months, with small groups of just six to ensure lots of individual attention. This is a movement-based class with running, jumping and playing, which aims to develop childrens focus and confidence. New to Playball? Your 20 once-off registration fee includes: a playball t-shirt, weekly email updates on what your child is learning, a personalised end-of-term progress report, priority booking for next term. Bookings can be made via the Playball website www.Playballkids.com. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the class leader Bronwen Harrison on 083 3077032.

Dancing With Gina

Dance classes in the centre are always popular and we are sure this class will be no different. Dancing with Gina comes to Ballymacarbry on Wednesday, September 17, at 7pm. The classes will run for five weeks and cost 50 for the block. Open to beginners, space is limited so book your place ASAP. Call Gina on 087 2897930 for more information and to book.

Community Centre Classes

Continue to get your fitness kick in the centre through the fitness classes with Stephanie Byrne every week. Many other classes are beginning to make plans for the coming year following a brief summer break so keep an eye on these notes and our community centre social media for information on all upcoming classes over the coming week. Any queries whatsoever can be directed to us here at the centre via our mobile 086 0328467 or our email address info@ballymacarbry.com.
James Cox

An EU resolution on Gaza is a "positive step" but "disappointing, particularly on stronger language in describing what is happening in Gaza as a genocide", according to an Irish MEP.

There was much debate in the European Parliament this week before the resolution passed with 305 votes in favour, 151 against, and 122 abstentions.

The resolution pledged to "combat famine" in Gaza, but left out stronger language on Israel's actions.

In an interview with BreakingNews.ie, Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh said: "I welcome the fact that the Parliament passed a resolution on the atrocities in Gaza. Sadly some in the Parliament feel Israel has a right to defend itself by committing the atrocities we are seeing.

"Ultimately it passed, a couple of things fell through which I was really disappointed with, particularly on stronger language in describing what is happening in Gaza as a genocide. It falls short in that way... Ireland and a couple of countries are leading the way in bringing a humanitarian approach to what is happening in Gaza to the EU.

"Stronger wording and more action is needed."

'Man-made famine'

Ms Walsh said "this is a man-made famine", and added: "I wish that was reflected in the resolution, but we're one step closer to having a united voice on this in the Parliament.

"In committees we often say we need to see the data to understand issues, but there's more data coming out of what's happening in Gaza than you can imagine, we're seeing it before our own eyes.

"Numerous colleagues have told me the Irish people are being so strong on their stance on Gaza, bringing it to the fore, as an Irish representative I'm trying to support that."

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has been criticised for the EU's approach to Gaza, but Ms Walsh said she was pleasently surprised with the president's tougher stance on Israel in her State of the Union speech.

"Like many of my colleagues, I was surprised at the strength in language. The president laid out what needs to happen, it was very important that she recognised this is a man-made famine, and went on to acknowledge the inability to agree on action and the pain that is causing people. This was something we'd never heard from the president of the Commission, or many of the prime ministers in the EU 27. Sometimes we forgot Ireland is an outlier on this, in a positive way. Many of my colleagues in my own grouping were disappointed in the language from the president of the Commission, I certainly was not one of them.

EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen gives her annual State of the Union address during a plenary session at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, on September 10th, 2025. Photo: AFP via Getty Images

"She had very clear lines on her proposals on sanctions on extremist ministers, I only wish she included the name of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The proposal for partial suspension of trade on the EU-Israel association agreement... these proposals to go before the European Council are a hell of a lot further than I thought she would go.

"We need to continue to lobby the Commission to bring urgency on these proposals. Now prime ministers need to deal with this at the speed at which Palestinians and everyone in the Middle East deserves."

She said the role of MEPs, national and local politicians is now to work to further these proposals.

This is an unimaginable humanitarian crisis, and the genocide Benjamin Netanyahu and his extremist ministers are creating is killing innocent people.

"To make it very clear to Irish people reading this, it's not just the Commission making the proposals happen. They will be put forward to the EU Council and we need to work across the 27 member states to make sure they agree across this so we can move forward.

"This needs to be actioned across all major capitals across the EU. We need pressure on it from MEPs, national representatives, local representatives, we need unity on a European level.

"The resolution was a promising step but there wasn't strong enough language in declaring a genocide in Gaza as there should have been. There is a lot of work we have to do in the European Parliament on this.

"This is an unimaginable humanitarian crisis, and the genocide Benjamin Netanyahu and his extremist ministers are creating is killing innocent people."

She added: "Constitutents sometimes say we are too silent, so I constantly try to echo what is the Irish position on this.

"Following up after the State of the Union, with the backdrop of Israel's bomb in Doha, multiple examples of Israel breaking international law, president Donald Trump changing his language on Israel following the Qatar bomb attack, all of that creates further pressure.

"But listen, the time to act was two years ago, so urgency is needed, and that's where the pressure continues to come in."
Tusla foster families from Waterford and Wexford came together at the weekend to create the world's largest ever sand message, 'You CAN foster' - at Duncannon Beach.

Created with rakes in the sand over several hours, the message, which measured 6,132sq metres  an area of 1.52 acres - was undertaken to remind local communities of the ongoing need for foster carers in Waterford and Wexford, and how rewarding it is to foster a child.

Tusla foster families from Waterford and Wexford came together to create the world's largest ever sand message, 'You CAN foster' Photo: Nichola Browne-Sinnott

Ireland is among the world leaders in foster care, and across Ireland, 3,817 foster carers currently open their homes to 5,021 children, including 359 children in Waterford and Wexford who are cared for by 315 foster carers in the region.

Tusla foster carers are an essential component of Tuslas alternative care system, with 88.4 per cent of children in care living in a foster placement.

The foster families chose the message 'You CAN foster', on the back of Tuslas own research which showed people often rule themselves out of fostering because they think they are not eligible when, in fact, they could.

Tusla foster families from Waterford and Wexford came together to create the world's largest ever sand message, 'You CAN foster' Photo: Nichola Browne-Sinnott

Tusla Fostering welcomes applications from single carers, members of the LGBTQAI+ community, families with and without children, Travellers, non-Irish nationalities, people from different faiths and beliefs, people who have a disability, jobseekers, renters, single people, people who are over 50 years old, couples who work fulltime, and rural as well as urban dwellers.

People often believe that fostering is something that is outside their range of skills when, in fact, what foster children need most are homes that are stable and filled with kindness and love, said Jacqueline Smyth, Tusla National Lead for Foster Care.

There is a continuous demand for foster carers for children of all ages, particularly in Wexford and Waterford.

Tusla foster families from Waterford and Wexford came together to create the world's largest ever sand message, 'You CAN foster' Photo: Nichola Browne-Sinnott

When a child enters care and goes to live in a foster family, that family will usually not foster again for a certain length of time," said Ms Smyth.

"This means that their home is no longer available to the next child who comes into foster care," she added. "Most carers will foster a maximum of two children at any one time and, each year, hundreds of children will need a foster home so, even as foster carers are recruited, they are continually required."

We are asking people in Waterford and Wexford to consider providing all types of foster care," she said. "It could be respite care on weekends, a short-term emergency placement, or a longer-term placement for children and young people who cannot, for various reasons, live with their birth families."

Visual Artist Sean Concannon worked alongside the families in creating what he believes is the largest message written in sand. For information on fostering and becoming a foster carer, visit www.fostering.ie.
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LifestyleFashionFashion designers This was published 2 months ago We are all dressing up more, says Tommy Hilfiger, as preppy returns Damien Woolnough September 13, 2025  3:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

The 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. Getty Images The pendulum swings both ways. Its one way for a certain amount of time and then the era shifts.

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Women are along for the ride and beginning to button up: The womens world is becoming a bit more sophisticated, a bit more feminine and a bit more grown up. In short, we will continue to be pushing the limits of preppy style for spring, summer and the coming winter. Preppy dressing, which has evolved from the attire worn by US Ivy League students in the 50s and 60s, conveniently sits at the core of the Tommy Hilfiger DNA and helped push the brands second-quarter revenue for 2025 to $1.14 billion ($1.71 billion), up 4 per cent on the previous year. Think varsity jackets, like the one Hilfiger wears during our interview, chinos, blazers, crew neck jumpers, loafers and striped ties. These were the staples from the beginning. Even in the days before launching Tommy Hilfiger, the designer was looking to the past. I was studying vintage clothes, studying clothes from the past, like workwear, Western wear, all sorts of American clothes just to get an idea of how they were made, how they fit, the colours, buttons, detail of fabric ...

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Supermodel Kendall Jenner with Tommy Hilfiger at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix in May 2024. NurPhoto via Getty Images And then I wanted to set out to create something different. I wanted to be preppy, but cool and relaxed. The cool part was given a helping high-five on an episode of Saturday Night Live in 1994, when rapper Snoop Dog wore a striped Tommy Hilfiger rugby top. The segment helped make the preppy aesthetic more inclusive. The top sold out the next day and R&B artists who embraced the label pushed preppy style out of its WASP comfort zone. Troubled music artist and designer Ye (Kanye West) acknowledged this seismic shift in fashion in a 2022 Instagram post: Snoop wearing this Tommy Hilfiger Rugby was the most impactful marketing moment of my young life. For Hilfiger, its just one of many marketing moments. There was the precocious and prescient billboard in 1985, in the style of the hangman game, announcing: The four greatest American designers for men. The little known Hilfigers initials were placed alongside those of Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Perry Ellis.

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Since then, campaigns featuring Aaliyah, Kendall Jenner and Shawn Mendes have kept Hilfigers full name in the headlines. Most recently Supermans Nicholas Hoult and enduring supermodel Claudia Schiffer appeared in a campaign for The Hilfiger Racing Club, where preppy style meets F1 racing. Actor Nicholas Hoult and Claudia Schiffer in the Hilfiger Racing Club campaign from Tommy Hilfiger, where F1 meets preppy style. Its sport that seems to excite the man and the label the most today, with Hilfiger taking a break from the runway and skipping New York Fashion Week. Instead, there has been the major announcement that the brand is sponsoring Cadillacs new F1 team in 2026, having formerly worked with Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari and Team Lotus in 1991. It co-ordinates perfectly with the Hilfiger Racing Club, which this month was joined by K-Pop star Jisoo in a new string of advertisements. Its a different type of excitement because sport is and always has been part of my world, Hilfiger says. Professional sport is becoming so incredibly dominant and powerful to the public.

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To be honest, we were there from the beginning, Hilfiger says, in relation to the growing influence of fashion on F1. Theres the excitement, the noise, the speed, the agility, the technology. Related Article Giorgio Armani Remembering Giorgio Armani: The king is dead, long live the king Its a rare moment of youthful enthusiasm from the incredibly polite and considered Hilfiger, who delivers his thoughts with the certainty of a Thomas or straight-forward approach of a Tom, rather than a Tommy. When it comes to the name game, Tommy Hilfiger the man has to separate himself from the name above the door of countless stores and clothing items. Theres me and the brand, but Im very critical of the brand. Im always looking at what might be wrong so we can make it better.

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So how can the brand be better for the next 40 years? We want to be the most powerful lifestyle brand in the world, he says. We are one of the most powerful American designer brands in the world. But Im never satisfied being where we are today. 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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LifestyleLife & relationshipsGen Z Opinion Not just Harry and Lachlan. What if all of generation next fail to succeed? Jacqueline Maley Columnist and senior journalist September 14, 2025  3:00am

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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. 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.

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King Charles, his kingdoms patriarch, seems to feel it necessary to put personal pride before any display of emotional attachment to his flesh and blood. He must assert control over any reconciliation  the son comes to him, and the son is made aware that he occupies only one slot in the fathers busy schedule. If it was King Lear-esque, then it was only one example of such patriarchal pride on display this week. Matters of succession. Rupert Murdoch and son Lachlan. Bloomberg Rupert Murdoch and his favoured son, Lachlan, finally reached a deal with Lachlans recalcitrant siblings  Prudence, Elisabeth and James  to cut the latter three out of the family business. Under the settlement, the three banished siblings cashed out their stakes in the worlds most influential media empire, and handed control to their brother Lachlan. This ended years of nasty litigation and family rupture, also involving media interviews and obvious filial pain (in February The Atlantic published an extensive piece based on an interview with James Murdoch  among other things he said his father was a misogynist and described Ruperts beloved Fox News as a menace to US democracy). The deal also assured the ongoing conservative editorial bent of the Murdoch TV and print media assets, and if that came at the price of the fathers relationship with three of his six children, and his grandchildren through them, then so be it.

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While its difficult to imagine how any parent can choose business over their kids, you have to sympathise with the anguish of the patriarch too. Witnessing a sense of entitlement in your own children must be painful, made more so by the knowledge that if theyre spoilt, its because you spoilt them. Related Article Opinion

Media & marketing Lachlan got his prize, but like everything in Murdoch world, money was the real winner Eric Beecher Journalist and author In one anecdote from The Atlantic article, James recounts a meeting with Ruperts lawyer, attended by his father, during which the lawyer asked withering questions and referred to James and his sisters as white, privileged, multibillionaire trust-fund babies. As James tells it, he soon realised that Rupert, silent in the corner, was texting the lawyer contemporaneously, telling the lawyer what to say. Everywhere you look you see bitter battles for succession; frustrated attempts by a younger generation to wrest power from their elders, and outrage by the elders at the disrespect of those they consider their inferiors, at least in terms of wisdom and experience. In November, former US vice president Kamala Harris will release a memoir entitled 107 Days, which is famously the short time she had to establish herself as a presidential candidate against Donald Trump in the 2024 race. In an extract published this week, Harris addresses the only thing devastated Democrats (and the rest of us) want to know: why didnt someone in a position of power, like her, pressure Joe Biden to step aside earlier? Why was he allowed to hang on as an increasingly doddery candidate as the country marched towards electoral disaster?

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Harris writes that the mantra among Democrats was, Its Joe and Jills decision, a reference to the president and his wife. Related Article US politics Harris slams Team Biden and reckless Democrats, cites AUKUS in tell-all book In retrospect, I think it was recklessness, she continues. This wasnt a choice that should have been left to an individuals ego, an individuals ambition. It should have been more than a personal decision. In Nepal, young people are rioting against the government, following the imposition of a ban on social media apps  which, among other things, cut off Nepalis from their loved ones who work abroad due to a lack of economic opportunity at home. After police met protesters with deadly force, the protesters began burning buildings and the prime minister was forced to resign. In one news photograph of one group of protesters, some apparently in school uniforms, a boy is holding up a handwritten sign which reads, OK Boomer, Times Up!

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In Australia, relations between the generations are mostly amicable, notwithstanding an uptick in disputes over inheritances, and a problem with intergenerational inequality so bad that, as tax academic Bob Breunig says, the intergenerational contract has lost its balance. As early as next week, the government is expected to release the report on the economic and environmental risks posed by climate change. Among other things, it is expected to model the death toll and economic destruction the warming climate is expected to bring. The Guardian quoted people familiar with the assessment saying it makes for intense and scary reading. It is certain to spark debate, and will hopefully precipitate credible 2035 emissions reductions targets. Societies throughout history have struggled with balancing respect for the older generation with investment in the interests of the next generation. What is different now is that it no longer feels certain that the arc of history is bending towards justice for that upcoming generation. It is no longer a sure thing that our children will inherit a better economy or environment than those we have enjoyed. This creeping doubt only makes the political decisions of the present more important. Jacqueline Maley is a senior writer, columnist and author. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
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Exclusive NationalOrganised crime Anyone can be gotten to: How the underworld buys private information to commit crimes Chris Vedelago September 15, 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

Organised crime gangs have been placing moles inside companies to gain protected information that is used to commit serious and violent crimes including extortion, drug trafficking and attempted murder. The infiltration of these organisations  via workers such as customer service and call centre staff, real estate agents and lawyers  has been flagged as a significant threat by federal and state law enforcement agencies. Underworld sources say addresses and personal details can be bought from insiders working in businesses for as little as $250. Marija Ercegovac The underworld has access to compromised workers who sell personal information for as little as $250 or have been embedded inside companies specifically to leak to criminal syndicates, according to five police and underworld sources with direct knowledge of the problem. The information has been used to set up attempted hits and bashings, to run extortions and to create fake identities used in a host of crimes.

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This masthead is aware of one major crime syndicate that runs massive drug-trafficking and tobacco-smuggling operations by accessing a publicly available database to obtain the locations of enemies. Theres this idea that you have to find some corrupt government worker who can get inside these closely guarded systems. Thats just not right any more; its not how it happens most now, said an underworld source, who cannot be identified speaking about criminal activity. Jailed crime boss George Marrogi is also suspected of using insiders to obtain the addresses of his enemies. People give out their information like free lollies to whoever when they sign up for a hundred different services  real estate listings, toll accounts, telcos, streamers, online shopping, loyalty programs  its held f---ing everywhere. Almost anyone can be gotten to. You just have to have the connections. You find them. Theyre around.

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These corrupted agents, known in law enforcement parlance as trusted insiders, have traditionally been a problem in government agencies such as licensing authorities and for organisations connected to the ports and airports where large-scale smuggling takes place. But the problem has now become a serious issue for private companies and commercial service providers that have amassed huge amounts of personal information but lack adequate safeguards, sources say. Related Article Exclusive

Crime Bankers for a gangster: Commonwealth lenders help mafia boss do laundry Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission deputy chief executive of intelligence Matthew Rippon described this ability of organised crime to penetrate information systems as a significant and enduring risk. There are deliberate strategies to infiltrate particular sectors to be able to ensure that their access to particular parts of the supply chain, to data and systems and access to information, and the ability to influence, is absolutely a part of that enduring [organised crime] business model, Rippon said.

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Its a long-term aim to infiltrate. Its very difficult sometimes to identify trusted insiders. Related Article Exclusive

Crime Organised crime and armoured cars of cash: The dirty money pushing up Australian house prices The brass ring, according to law enforcement and underworld sources, is to infiltrate a business or department using an associate, often a relative, who has a clean criminal record and is therefore above suspicion. The industries most often targeted are banking, real estate, logistics and telecommunications, sources say. One of the big ones we have is real estate agents because agents have legitimate access to databases that can provide pretty much anyones home address, said an organised crime detective, who cannot be identified publicly speaking about police operations.

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Land ownership and residential addresses can be accessed through multiple different commercial information service providers and government land title departments. A prominent gangland lawyer has been investigated  but not charged  over their possible connection to helping facilitate an attack against the family business of an enemy of a major bikie club. The lawyers property search account was allegedly found to have accessed the address of a property that was later trashed by the bikie club over a drug dispute. The account was also allegedly used to look up the home address of the family. Underworld boss George Marrogi, who is serving a near 50-year prison sentence for murder and drug trafficking, was also suspected of obtaining the addresses of his enemies from an associate involved in a real estate agency. The volume of legitimate activity accessing these internal and for-pay databases is so massive it is difficult to detect if someone is searching a name or address for a nefarious purpose, investigators say. Slain gangland figure Nabil Maghnie, pictured in 2016, was suspected of having accessed personal information held by a major telco. Joe Armao

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Gangland figure Nabil Maghnie, who was shot dead in January 2020 in a crime that remains unsolved, was also suspected of having accessed personal information held by a major telco company after an associate became a franchise operator for one of the mobile networks. Its almost impossible to detect unless you can start with the person who is providing the information. A handful of data breaches can easily remain hidden when someone is doing dozens of client record searches every day  and there are a lot of commercial services to choose from, the detective said. Related Article Scams The secret partnerships targeting financial crime One of the most valuable to criminals is information gleaned from a clean drivers licence, which are often copied or stolen from peoples accounts or even mailboxes. The details are used to register mobile phone SIM cards, which are switched in and out of handsets constantly to frustrate police attempts to track them.

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In one recent case, a suspected hit team was arrested with more than half a dozen phones all registered via a variety of telco networks to innocent people across the city and interstate. Some of the numbers were created simply to gain access to encrypted apps, making the communications basically untraceable and impossible to intercept. Underworld sources say addresses and personal details can be purchased from insiders at a number of prominent businesses for as little as $250 to $500. And once someone has begun to leak, whether for money or because of a pre-existing relationship with a crime figure, it could be very hard for them to extricate themselves, Rippon said. Many of these people that have been targeted or approached to assist serious and organised crime will be, in some cases, unwitting participants, initially. Others are potentially under pressure and quite vulnerable because of their financial situation, and are lured into arrangements that get big on them very fast.

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This year, the federal and state law enforcement agencies set up a specialised unit, the Multi Agency Strike Team, to address the issue. Related Article Exclusive

Telecommunications Scams, outages, rip-offs: Clampdown on misbehaving telcos Australian Federal Police assistant commissioner Stephen Dametto said the trusted insiders who performed these functions for organised crime were high-value targets for law enforcement. Its solely focused on targeting trusted insiders  because they are not easy to replace, he said. We just believe that if you take out a trusted insider, youre causing greater disruption to an organised crime syndicate than just taking out one of their normal members. 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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NationalFive Minutes with Fitz Opinion Carry on up the Danube: President Daniel, 20, stakes claim for new country Peter FitzSimons Columnist and author September 14, 2025  3:00am

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Daniel Jackson, an Australian, is 20 years old and also the president of the Free Republic of Verdis (derived from the Latin word for green), situated on the Danube between Croatia and Serbia. He has quite the tale to tell. Fitz: Mr President, its an honour and a pleasure. You were born and raised in Australia, so what path took you to where you are now? Daniel Jackson, 20, is the self-appointed president of Verdis. DJ: I grew up in Upwey, Victoria, near Ferntree Gully, in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, and went to Waverley Christian College. When I was 14 years old, I noticed that on the official website maps of both Serbia and Croatia, there was a tiny sliver of land about as big as Vatican City  roughly 50 hectares  right by the Danube, that had not been claimed by either country after the break-up of Yugoslavia. Fitz: But how could that be? How could two neighbouring countries, already having border disputes, overlook 50 hectares in the bottom drawer?

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DJ: Its complicated. But it is because the river line was changed deliberately by the Austro-Hungarian Empire about 150 years ago. And Croatia considers its borders to be defined by where the Danube used to run, whereas Serbia considers its borders to be the current centre line of the Danube. So Verdis is the bit left over, between the old Danube river line and the new river line. For Croatians to be consistent in claiming their border as the old river line  which gives them more land in claims higher up on the Danube  they had to leave this bit behind. Fitz: Land, Capn! I see land off our starboard bow! Map of Verdis. DJ: So the idea of claiming it, and starting our own country with our own constitution and system of government started to take hold. My mates and I gave it a name, Verdis. We designed a flag. The bottom blue bit represents the Danube River. The white in the middle represents peace, modernisation and unity, because those are our key values. The top piece represents clear skies, so that, too, is blue. For currency, we stayed with the euro, and established our three official languages as English, Croatian and Serbian. The next step, obviously, was to create a government, and put up a permanent settlement. Fitz: How did the last part go?

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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?

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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.

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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?

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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?

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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. Editor's pick Opinion

Five Minutes with Fitz Dying For Sex has earned this talented Australian an Emmy nod Peter FitzSimons Columnist and author 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?

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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.

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Fitz: Any chance, once youre up and running, youll declare war on Donald Trump? Editor's pick Opinion

Five Minutes with Fitz Jana Wendt was my idol, but I was truly obsessed with Barry Manilow Peter FitzSimons Columnist and author 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.

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Fitz: Thats mighty big of you, Tex! Good luck with it. As a matter of interest, do you have a first lady or a first man, none-of-my-damn-business-I-know-but-still? DJ: Unfortunately, we dont have a first lady yet, but Im working on it. Fitz: Well, good luck with that, too. DJ: Thank you! The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here.
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PoliticsFederalLiberal Party This was published 2 months ago Opinion For the Liberals, it will get worse  before it gets worse Peter Hartcher Political and international editor September 13, 2025  3:00am

September 13, 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 754 View all comments

The Liberals are behaving like a party with a death wish. Having lost the support of the majorities in the Australian electorate, they now seem determined to alienate the minorities, too. This week, it was Indian Australians, and there are almost 1 million of them. Theres a lot of Indian-Australian members of the Liberal Party who feel hurt and disenfranchised by Liberal senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Prices remarks and her steadfast refusal to apologise for them, says Dave Sharma, also a Liberal senator and himself an Indian Australian. He points out that while Indian Australians are the second-biggest group of voters born overseas, they are projected to overtake those born in Britain to become the largest within 10 years. Illustration by Joe Benke No one likes to be treated as a homogenous bloc with no agency, Sharma tells me. They are proud, they are educated, they are literate, and they come from a social democratic culture so they are not novices in how political power works. They found Jacintas comments to be offensive and insulting.

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A lot are small business owners, they have traditional values and family values; these are people who should be receptive to Liberal Party politics. I find it bizarre that we havent done more to treat them with respect, and instead find ways to offend them. Its a terrible act of self-harm. The party seems so systematic in losing one group after another that, if you were viewing from afar, you might think it was deliberate. First, look at the majorities theyve managed to lose. City-dwellers. Two-thirds of the population live in and around the capital cities. At the federal election four months ago, the Liberals managed to win just nine of the 88 seats classified as metropolitan. Women. Between 50 and 51 per cent of Australians are female. The Liberals lose more and more at each election. Even if you add their vote together with the Nationals, the Coalition attracted just 31 per cent of womens votes. Its a terrible act of self-harm: Liberal senator Dave Sharma on Jacinta Nampijinpa Prices remarks about Indian Australians. Alex Ellinghausen

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Younger people. Voters aged in their early 40s and younger didnt make up a majority of the electorate at this years poll, but they will by the time of the next when its due in 2028. And these generations are a dire problem for the Coalition. These are so-called Millennials  born between 1981 and 1996  and the group following, Generation Z  born between 1997 and 2012. A mere quarter of Millennial women vote Coalition, and 28 per cent of men, according to Redbridge polling. And Gen Z voters are even less inclined to the Libs. About one in five is a likely Coalition voter, and thats on a good day, says Kos Samaras of Redbridge political consultancy. The younger the voter, the lower their propensity to support the Coalition. A Redbridge poll in todays Australian Financial Review shows that, among women aged 18 to 34, just 13 per cent would vote for the Coalition, says Samaras. Another 700,000 Gen Z voters will surge onto the electoral rolls over the next three years. You might think that the loss of the cities, women and voters under the age of 45 would be disastrous enough. But no. The Coalition also alienated Chinese Australians during Scott Morrisons prime ministership and failed to win them back under Peter Dutton.

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Opposition Leader Sussan Ley dismissed Jacinta Price from the Coalition frontbench on Wednesday. Alex Ellinghausen Of the 50 most multicultural federal seats in Australia, the Coalition won exactly two at the May election. These are Berowra, centred around Hornsby in northern Sydney, and the adjacent Mitchell in The Hills area. Both have substantial ethnic Indian minorities. But even those two were put at risk by Prices statement that Indians were brought into Australia by Labor because theyd vote Labor. She later conceded that this was wrong  most were actually admitted by the Coalition  but she refused to say sorry for the implied insult that theyre part of a partisan political dirty trick, rather than fellow Australians. So much for Sussan Leys stated aim to modernise the Liberal Party. Its plainly a survival imperative. Yet, the party is giving the impression that its not progressing, but regressing. It didnt have to be this way. In fact, it wasnt this way. The Liberals were the party that pronounced the White Australia policy to be obsolete. Gough Whitlam finished dismantling the policy, but it was the Liberal Party under Harold Holt that began its demolition as early as 1966.

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Australia changed. Its become more multicoloured. And the Liberals helped engineer this. John Howard pivoted the immigration intake from family reunion to skilled labour because we were retreating from manufacturing and moving towards services, says Samaras. And that meant more Chinese and Indians. And when we heard it, everyone in Labor said, Wow, the Libs are going to kill us. Because Chinese and Indians are more aspirational, with conservative social views, and Howard knew what he was doing. It was good policy and beautiful politics. And now they [the Coalition] have ruined it [for themselves]. Related Article Opinion

Political leadership Price was demoted, not discarded. And that spells trouble for Ley James Massola Chief political commentator Yes, Australia changed. And the Liberals have not only failed to keep up. Theyve regressed. A marker point. When Pauline Hanson first ran for federal parliament, she was an endorsed Liberal candidate. But the moment she disparaged Indigenous Australians, the Liberals disendorsed her. And Howard maintained a hard line against her and her One Nation Party for years, ordering them to be put last on Liberal how-to-vote cards. But today, Price singles out Indian Australians for criticism, refuses to apologise, and no one in the Liberals is suggesting publicly that she should be disendorsed. Ley eventually sacked her from the frontbench. Not because of her comments about Indian Australians a week earlier, but because she refused to express confidence in her leader.

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And at the May election, the Liberals agreed to preference swaps with One Nation in some areas. Australia has become more multicultural, and the Liberals have become more intolerant, it seems. Theres no pathway to government for us unless we perform significantly better in metropolitan, suburban seats and seats with high multicultural populations, says Sharma. That prospect is more distant today than it was last month. And beyond committing this entirely gratuitous offence against Indian Australians, the Liberals spent the week squabbling about it. It was bad enough that the Nationals waged the Eight-Day War against their supposed Coalition partner after the election. Now theyre exposed as riven factionally among themselves as well. The Labor Party is watching on in quiet astonishment tinged with schadenfreude. What are they thinking? is a refrain among senior Labor people. But thats the thing. There is some thinking going on internally in the form of the three reviews Ley has commissioned  one into the election campaign, another into climate and energy policy, and a third into how to modernise  but theyve not yet borne results.

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And in the absence of thinking, theyre feeling. Theyve fallen mindlessly into the same self-destructive syndrome they suffered from during Anthony Albaneses first term. They are not thinking about how to win elections. Theyre trying to feel love. Related Article Opinion

Immigration What our politicians wont admit about immigration Jacqueline Maley Columnist and senior journalist The electorate rejected them punishingly, and theyre turning to their base for comfort and consolation. Not all, but a good many of them are pandering to their base and to the Murdoch media. They perform for their branch members, to win likes for their social media efforts, and to ingratiate themselves with Sky After Dark. Among this ecosystem, Jacinta Price is a hero. Shes very appealing to older, whiter regional voters, as Samaras puts it. Which is fine, but fatal. The Coalition didnt lose because it lacked support from this shrivelling ecosystem; it lost because its support is sinking everywhere else. The Murdoch media is an apparent ally, but it is not working to the Coalitions advantage. The Australian, The Daily Telegraph and Sky After Dark urge the Coalition ever rightwards on the spectrum. And further from mainstream Australia.

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As Ive observed before, love from the Murdoch media is the siren song that lures smitten Liberals onto the rocks of electoral disaster. Labor strategists are stunned and delighted at the Coalitions easy credulousness in the hands of Murdoch. The political agenda is about to turn towards climate and energy policy. This will pit the sentiment of the Coalitions base against the priorities of the larger electorate. The Coalitions collective maturity is about to be tested severely. Despite Sussan Leys best efforts, its recent conduct suggests that it will fail. Peter Hartcher is political editor. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.
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.
FrenchCatalanVietnamese artist Chloe Sai Breil-Dupont, whose Vietnamese name is Bui Khue, is presenting nine large-scale oil paintings in her first solo exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City, blending heritage, emotion, and art.

Paintings displayed at Chloe Sai Breil-Dupont's solo exhibition O Day, O Do va O Khap Moi Noi at the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City on September 12, 2025. Photo: French Institute in Vietnam

Entitled 'O Day, O Do va O Khap Moi Noi' (Here, There, and Everywhere), the exhibition brings together portraits of figures from Vietnams contemporary art scene the artist feels connected to, alongside abstract works that reflect her inner transformation since returning to live in her homeland.

Through this exhibition, the artist aims to build bridges and offer an intimate vision of figures who, while being deeply rooted in their own histories, help shape the narrative of the contemporary art scene in Ho Chi Minh City.

The oil portraits presented also reflect the personal journey of the artist, who grew up between two worlds: the West and Vietnam.

Chloe Sai Breil-Dupont (in a white dress) talks about a painting to visitors at her solo exhibition O Day, O Do va O Khap Moi Noi at the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City on September 12, 2025. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

It's something kind of hard to explain and that's why I paint, Chloe Sai Breil-Dupont told Tuoi Tre News at the Friday opening of her exhibition at the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City, when asked about the transformation she has experienced while living in Vietnam.

I experimented with a different idea of my conception of life and how I want to live my life.

"Being in contact with my Vietnamese roots has also pushed me to align with my values.

I feel that I'm very close to some values, like family, friendship and a lot of things that I found here.

'I am here, but also there'

Born in Paris in 1990, Chloe Sai Breil-Dupont traces her connection to Vietnam through her grandmother, who expressed pride upon seeing her granddaughter speak Vietnamese in a clip promoting the exhibition.

The exhibition title is inspired by a saying that my Vietnamese grandmother often utters: I am here, but also there. It means: the body is in one place but the heart is also somewhere, the artist said in the video.

I find this title very fitting because the exhibition speaks of attachment, tenderness, change, movement, and the feeling my heart can be in many places at once.

A man walks past paintings at Chloe Sai Breil-Dupont's solo exhibition O Day, O Do va O Khap Moi Noi at the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City on September 12, 2025. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

For Breil-Dupont, the exhibition is a tribute to the part of her family that led her to Vietnam, as well as her journey elsewhere.

She believes her path as an artist is inseparable from the diverse origins she carries and the personalities she has within her family.

A visitor photographs a painting at Chloe Sai Breil-Dupont's solo exhibition O Day, O Do va O Khap Moi Noi at the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City on September 12, 2025. Photo: Dong Nguyen / Tuoi Tre News

For Chloe Sai Breil-Dupont, her grandmothers words I am here, but also there became a definition of love: staying in one place while carrying deep tenderness for another.

The artist started her works in Vietnam last year after arriving in Ho Chi Minh City with the support of Villa Saigon, an art residency program that provides logistical and financial support to artists who are either French nationals or living in France, with the aim of fostering artistic dialogue between France and Vietnam.

I have lived in several countries before, and I ended up in Vietnam because I have part of my family here, Chloe Sai Breil-Dupont said.

I reached a time in my life when I wanted to be closer to them and also to reconnect with a part of my roots and to learn the language better.

Chloe Sai Breil-Dupont at her solo exhibition O Day, O Do va O Khap Moi Noi at the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City on September 12, 2025. Photo: French Institute in Vietnam

Chloe Sai Breil-Dupont studied at the Beaux-Arts in Biarritz and Annecy, and later philosophy at PUC University in Sao Paulo.

She has exhibited her works across Europe, the U.S., and Brazil.

In 2021, she earned recognition as one of the three laureates of the Jean-Francois Prat Prize.

The 'O Day, O Do va O Khap Moi Noi' exhibition will run through October 3 at the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City at 65 Ly Tu Trong in Saigon Ward.
Youth groups and students in Nepal took to the streets after the country's prime minister approved plans to ban social media platforms, and now the country is effectively being run over Discord.

As reported by The New York Times, Nepal experienced civil unrest after the youth of the South Asian nation made it clear how they felt about losing access to social media, including Facebook and WhatsApp, among other platforms. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli accused the companies running these platforms of not appointing the appropriate people to make sure they're following what the Nepali government expects from them. Others believe that several social media campaigns accusing the government of corruption are to blame, however.

So far, police have killed approximately 30 protestors, while demonstrators have set multiple government buildings on fire, which caused the Prime Minister to resign and flee the country. The country is now being led by the military, which has enacted strict curfews in Kathmandu, the capital. It's unclear who is expected to lead Nepal going forward, but Nepalis have since held digital versions of a national convention over Discord.

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The Discord channel, which featured thousands discussing the future of Nepal, is being run by members of the civic organization, Hami Nepal. Chiefs of the Nepali military have spoken with the organizers of the chat, which received national television coverage, to ask if they could put forth a nominee for an interim leader. Several potential candidates were discussed, and earlier this week they settled on the former chief justice, Sushila Karki. The following day, Thursday, Sept. 11, she met with Nepal's president, Ram Chandra Pudel, and the chief of the army.

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"Gen Z in Nepal are now using Discord to decide the countrys future"



Crazy pic.twitter.com/TTzTquaq5V  Aditya (@adxtya_jha) September 10, 2025

There are now over 145,000 people in the Discord server, making it the single largest political use of Discord in its history as a platform. Carneige Endowment for International Peace expert Steven Feldstein called the whole thing "pretty unprecedented."

A recent high school graduate, Mr. Lamichhane, said that the Discord server became more important than many expected it to be. "You could say the Discord server is negotiating with the army, because all the things that are said is ultimately reaching the army headquarters, he said. "We are the people on the ground."

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As reported by The New York Times, Karki has since been named the leader of Nepal, making her the first woman in charge of the country. She has earned a reputation as being staunchly anti-corruption. She will form a cabinet and is expected to call for an election next year. She said she accepted the nomination because "those young boys and girls, they asked me, they requested me."

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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Ellen DeGeneres looked carefree in Florence this week, spotted arm-in-arm with her wife, Portia de Rossi, during a romantic stroll by the Ponte Vecchio. The former daytime talk show host flashed a wide grin as she wrapped an affectionate arm around Portia while vacationing in Tuscany. The Italian vacation doubled as one of Ellen DeGeneres rare public outings, with the former talk show host showing no signs of stress over her latest legal troubles.

Ellen DeGeneres Relocates To English Countryside

Janet Gough / AFF-USA.COM / MEGA

Following the turbulent end of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" in 2022, Ellen and Portia stepped out of the Hollywood spotlight. They sold off their string of high-profile Montecito estates and relocated to the Cotswolds in England last year, shortly after Donald Trumps return to the White House.

The move gave them distance from the controversies surrounding Ellens daytime empire, which ended amid allegations of a toxic work environment behind the scenes. Since then, Ellen has largely retreated from the public eye, surfacing only occasionally with Portia by her side.

DeGeneres Hit With Negligence Lawsuit Over Alleged Tesla Crash In Santa Barbara

Lumeimages / MEGA

But even as Ellen enjoyed a carefree Italian vacation abroad this week, which was captured in photos obtained by The Daily Mail, legal troubles followed her name back home. As The Blast reported, Ellen is being sued for negligence by a woman who claims the star caused a car accident in Santa Barbara County in December 2023.

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The plaintiff alleges that Ellen ran a stop sign while driving her Tesla and t-boned her vehicle in the intersection. In her filing, the woman insists she had come to a full stop and checked for traffic before proceeding, only to be struck by Ellens car. The lawsuit states that the plaintiff suffered injuries in the crash and is seeking unspecified damages.

Ellen DeGeneres' History Of Workplace Controversy

ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

The negligence lawsuit isnt the first time Ellen has found herself at the center of damaging headlines. Her once-golden reputation began to unravel in 2020 after a BuzzFeed News expose alleged a toxic culture behind the scenes of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."

Employees claimed some were fired after taking medical or bereavement leave, while others alleged they were warned never to speak to DeGeneres directly if they encountered her at work. One staffer, who spoke to The Daily Mail, ended up walking away from the show entirely after being subjected to repeated racially charged remarks.

As the accusations spread on social media, Ellens brand of kindness began to look like a facade. That be kind bullsh-t only happens when the cameras are on. Its all for show, one ex-staffer bluntly told the outlet.

Her Protectiveness Over Portia Exposed

Lumeimages / MEGA

While much of the backlash against Ellen centered on her alleged treatment of staff, insiders also claimed that her protectiveness over her wife often caused tension behind the scenes.

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According to a different former crew member, Ellen didnt like others engaging with Portia and would sometimes lose her temper if staff were caught chatting with the actress during tapings. Portia was nice, she would say hi. But Ellen, she would be in her chair, it would be a commercial break, and if she didnt know you, she would ask about you, the source recalled.

Staffers said Ellen had a special seat reserved for Portia in the studio audience, marked with a distinct gold plaque. The message, they claimed, was clear. And listen, you knew, if you see that golden plaque, stay the hell away, the insider explained. You just hoped and prayed you werent seated by her wife, so you didnt get her attention. You wanted to avoid looking into what we called the Ellen gaze.

Ellen DeGeneres Severs Ties With U.S. Real Estate

Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA

Earlier this year, Ellen DeGeneres made another move signaling her retreat from Americas spotlight, selling one of her last remaining properties in the country. She and Portia listed their two-bedroom, two-bathroom Montecito mansion on March 10 for $5 million, nearly doubling the $2.9 million they paid just four years prior.

According to PEOPLE, the 1,691-square-foot Spanish-style bungalow received multiple offers within 48 hours of hitting the market and quickly went into escrow on March 20. The final sale closed at $5.2 million, cementing Ellen and Portias decision to leave their California life behind.
Elon Musks estranged daughter, Vivian Wilson, stole the show during 2025 New York Fashion Week.

Wilson, 21, walked in Alexis Bittars Spring/Summer 2026 presentation on Friday, September 12, dressed in a sequined red gown with a Miss South Carolina sash while carrying a gold clutch that matched a pair of drop earrings.

For glam, Wilson wore her blonde hair down and long, allowing it to cascade over one shoulder.

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The show was themed MISS USA 1991: a Dream Sequence, and paid homage to trans rights while featuring a lineup of transgender models. (Wilson publicly came out as transgender in 2020.)

Elon Musks Estranged Daughter Vivian Holds Up Trans Flag During Debut Drag Show for Pride Month

Just debuted my SS26 Presentation, a post on the designers Instagram read. It is a story about misogyny, unchecked predators, objectification and trans rights. There was a strong sense of surrealism  inspired by Blue Velvet and Carrie with a sprinkle of Virgin Suicides.

The fashion show also served as the runway debut for Vivian, the daughter of 54-year-old Musk and ex-wife Justine Wilson. (Vivian has been estranged from her billionaire father since 2020, and often speaks out in opposition of his personal and political views on trans and LGBTQ+ rights.)

Courtesy of Vivian Wilson/ Instagram

First FW show done, very slay, Vivian wrote via her Instagram Stories later on Friday, sharing a selfie that showed off her glittery eye makeup.

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Elon Musks Daughter Vivian Admits She Doesnt Actually Know How Many Siblings She Has

Vivian also spoke to Nylon magazine about her NYFW debut shortly before commanding the runway.

My heart is black as an abyss, so I just have to activate the evilness, she quipped of getting into character. This is my first show! Im a little bit nervous, but I did some good prep work [and] got a full nights sleep. Im hyped. Im ready to get out there.

Vivian wearing a South Carolina sash during the show also had a poignant meaning.

A lot of the states we are representing are states where trans rights are currently being stripped away, she told the outlet. The one message is we all have to kind of make a stand against that together. Fashion and art is a great way to go about that.
We can admit that Vogue Singapore doesnt command our attention each and every month, here at theFashionSpot. The last time the publication truly stimulated our interest was back in late 2024 when Lucy Liu was invited to become a cover girl. However, with the release of Issue #44 for the all-important September issue of 2025, the title has our undivided attention. Desmond Lim, who has served as editor-in-chief since 2020, welcomes Lara Stone onto the magazine cover of Vogue Singapore. The Dutch beauty and icon of the modeling world is reunited with Camilla Akrans for the occasion. In the cover shot, Stone gazes down the Swedish photographers lens, and bundles up in a plush faux fur Prada coat.

Lara Stone for Vogue Singapore September 2025

IMAGE | VOGUE.SG

Read below the reactions of theFashionSpots forum members:

Oh, very nostalgic. I have missed this Lara! instantly approved berbe.

Its Lara! Good enough for me! BalkaniStaCouture approved.

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Actually quite fabulous, and the editorial is even better. Always happy to see Lara, echoed forum member Nomar.

Lola701 was also very much a fan of the cover. Great cover. Great story. It almost feels like she is referencing her own work for Vogue Paris in this story. So far, the best Vogue cover [this month] for me!

Very Vogue Paris. Love this, championed Ludwig.

Its giving Vogue Paris under Carine Roitfeld, but I couldnt care less. Lara looks stunning, and Im eating this up! raved WAVES.

I love this just as much as everyone else. Camilla Akrans has always done Lara Stone justice, so kinda not surprised to see something so strong from the two of them. The cover image itself is fantastic  love the stare and the styling, vogue28 chimed in.

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See more of Lara Stone from the Vogue Singapore September 2025 cover shoot and join the conversation, here.

The post Lara Stone Bundles Up in Prada on the Quite Fabulous September Cover of Vogue Singapore appeared first on theFashionSpot.
Patrick Schwarzeneggerand new wife, model Abby Champion, have finally revealed the details of their early September wedding, including a look at Champions two wedding dresses. The couple, who first met in 2015, shared everything that went into creating their intimate, dreamlike wedding in Coeur dAlene, Idaho with Vogue, finally giving fans a glimpse at the brides stunning wedding looks designed by Danielle Frankel.

In a social media post simply captioned, The Schwarzeneggers, both Schwarzenegger and Champion shared a carousel of photos of the couple on their wedding day. The groom can be seen beaming in a white tuxedo jacket and black pants that perfectly coordinate with Champions wedding ceremony look.

For the ceremony, Champion wore her blonde locks pulled back in a half-up style, accompanied by a short sheer veil, which focused all eyes on her classic, beautiful dress.

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Champions custom silk wool column wedding gown features a high neck and deep V in the back. The bride opted for a silk overskirt with hand-painted lining instead of a traditional train. To top the look off, Champion wore soft tulle opera-length gloves.

For me, the dress and who designed it were incredibly important, Champion told Vogue. Since fitting and fashion are part of my profession, I knew I wanted to work with someone I felt completely comfortable with, someone I could openly share my thoughts and opinions with. From the moment I met Danielle, I knew she was the one.

Related: 80s Action Stars Son Is All Grown up and Spitting Image of Dad: Arnold All Over Again'

When Did Patrick Schwarzenegger Get Married?

After nine years of dating, the White Lotus actor and the stunning model tied the knot on Saturday, September 6, 2025, in an intimate wedding, culminating a three-day celebration with close family and friends.

Celebrities Attending Patrick Schwarzeneggers Wedding

In addition to the actors famous parents, Terminator star Arnold Schwarzenegger and journalist Maria Shriver, Schwarzenegger and Champions fall wedding featured family and friends, including the couples celebrity friends.

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Patricks White Lotus co-star Jason Isaacs was in attendance, as were the grooms siblings, including sister Katherine Schwarzenegger and her husband, actor Chris Pratt. Schwarzeneggers half-brother, fitness influencer Joseph Baena, was also spotted hanging out with dad Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Champion and Schwarzenegger were originally supposed to get married in March of 2025 but postponed their nuptials to accommodate the grooms White Lotus shooting schedule.

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Paramount has denounced a pledge signed by Mark Ruffalo, Emma Stone and more than 4,000 other Hollywood talent vowing to boycott Israeli film institutions amid the Middle Eastern country's military campaign in Gaza.

"Joker" star Joaquin Phoenix and "White Lotus" actress Aimee Lou Wood were among the names on the Sept. 8 pledge condemning Israel for its assault that the Gaza Health Ministry says has killed more than 64,000 people since October 2023.

In a Sept. 12 statement reported by Reuters, Paramount became the first the major studio to address the boycott shared by advocacy group Film Workers for Palestine.

A water tower is seen at the Paramount studios on August 7, 2025 in Los Angeles.

"We do not agree with recent efforts to boycott Israeli filmmakers. Silencing individual creative artists based on their nationality does not promote better understanding or advance the cause of peace," Paramount said. "We need more engagement and communication - not less."

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Responding to Paramount's statement, Film Workers for Palestine criticized the studio for possibly "intentionally misrepresenting the pledge in an attempt to silence our colleagues in the film industry."

"Such a move would only shield a genocidal regime from criticism at a time when global outrage is exponentially growing and while meaningful steps towards accountability are being taken by many," Film Workers for Palestine wrote in a statement shared on social media.

The organization also called out multibillionaire Larry Ellison for an alleged "close relationship with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu" and applauded the thousands of filmmakers that joined in making a "collective moral stand."

USA TODAY has reached out to Paramount for comment.

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"Almost two years into Israel's genocide in Gaza, with seemingly no end in sight, a rapidly growing number of filmmakers are recognising that withdrawing their participation from an evil system, to paraphrase Martin Luther King Jr, is an essential duty they can no longer ignore," the group added. "Should Israeli film institutions wish to continue working with pledge signatories, their choice is clear: end complicity in Israel's genocide and apartheid, and endorse the full rights of the Palestinian people under international law."

Contributing: Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Paramount condemns boycott of Israeli projects by 4,000 filmmakers
Foo Fighters performed with new drummer Ilan Rubin for the first time Saturday night at their first show of 2025, in San Luis Obispo, Californias 900-capacity Fremont Theater. Rubin, formerly of Nine Inch Nails, joined the band this summer after the Foos parted ways with Josh Freese, who had stepped in after the 2022 death of longtime drummer Taylor Hawkins.

At one point, frontman Dave Grohl introduced Rubin from the stage. Everybody else has said it, Grohl said. I finally get the opportunity to say, Ladies and gentlemen, will you please welcome The most badass motherfucker, Ilan Rubin, is playing drums in the Foo Fighters right now. Its official. You can stamp the passport.

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The surprise performance, announced the day before, featured 25 songs in all, including hits like Everlong and Learn to Fly, and a handful of tracks that havent been played live in several years. Among them was Exhausted, from the Foos first album, which Grohl wrote while he was still in Nirvana and even played for Kurt Cobain as a potential song for that band. They also played Winnebago, another Grohl composition that preceded the existence of the Foos.

The announcement for the show on the Foos Instagram included a teaser of what appeared to be a new track. The Foos will hit the road shortly, playing tour dates in Indonesia, Singapore, Japan and Mexico before the end of the year. Earlier this year Foo Fighters, dropped their first new music since 2023s But Here We Are: the new track Todays Song and a cover of Minor Threats I Dont Wanna Hear It.

The band announced Sunday that they will be playing their second show with Rubin tomorrow, Sept. 15, at the Observatory in Santa Ana, California.

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As the global shift towards an experiential economy gathers pace, more European travellers are looking for unique or extreme stay experiences.

The rise of social media has also supported the demand for more shareable moments, which offbeat repurposed hotels, especially those which are architecturally or historically unique, can offer.

Some of these hotels also give travellers the chance to immerse themselves more fully in local culture and traditions.

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Todays travellers- regardless of generation- are looking for meaningful experiences where they feel seen, understood and valued, Daniel Charbonnier, co-founder of Null Stern and Zero Real Estate, tells Euronews Travel.

But which quirky European hotels should be on your must-stay list?

Reflect under the stars at Zero Real Estate, Switzerland

The Zero Real Estate brand, a spin-off version of the Null Stern Hotel or Zero Star Hotel, is a Swiss art concept featuring an open-air double bed with no ceiling or walls. It aims to encourage guests to reflect on global issues and social changes.

The original Null Stern Hotel was in a nuclear bunker, underground with no view. The brand Null Stern  the only star is you encapsulates the essence of the concept: the star is not the hotel but each guest and his/her experience, Charbonnier says.

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This new version, Zero Real Estate, keeps the same essence, but this time we got rid of all the walls and the only thing left is you and your experience.

One of Zero Real Estate's open air art concept 'rooms' near a gas station. The brand is a spin-off version of the Null Stern Hotel concept. - Null Stern Hotel

These open-air rooms are located across Switzerland, including in Gonten, Valais and Safiental.

As the hotel is mainly intended for reflection, not luxury, comfort or even sleep, the amenities are relatively basic compared to traditional hotels.

Along with a double bed, side tables and lamps, travellers have a personal butler for drinks and breakfast and can use nearby public bathrooms.

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We believe the interest goes beyond architecture or quirkiness. Our guests arent just looking for novelty, theyre seeking emotional connection, authenticity, and presence, Charbonnier says.

The Modern Butler, a local community member trained to offer professional yet deeply human service, embodies this shift. The role combines empathy with service excellence, offering guests a personal anchor in a deliberately minimal setting.

This setup allows visitors to connect more deeply with nature as well, with unmatched views of clear night skies and the picturesque Swiss landscape.

One of Zero Real Estate's outdoor art concept 'rooms'. The brand is a spin-off version of the Null Stern Hotel concept. - Null Stern Hotel

While some rooms are located in serene Alpine meadows, others are anti-idyllic spots, such as near petrol stations, to prompt deeper reflections about rising prices and other social issues.

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The tangible has become expected- what now differentiates is the intangible: how a place makes you feel, how connected you are to the environment, and how much you are empowered to shape your own experience, Charbonnier explains.

Rooms are usually available from spring to autumn, depending on weather conditions, with an Alpine hut typically located close by in case of sudden bad weather.

When you strip everything away- walls, amenities, distractions- youre left with the essentials. And when theres nowhere to hide, every detail counts, Charbonnier said.

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Stay in a repurposed jet at Apple Camping, Wales

Apple Camping, in Pembrokeshire, Wales, offers an offbeat glamping experience with a number of repurposed accommodation options, such as a shipping container and a railway carriage.

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One of its most iconic experiences is its private jet stay. This quirky structure was reclaimed from an aircraft scrapyard and has a colourful past.

It originally belonged to Howard Hughes, the famously eccentric billionaire, before passing through several hands, eventually ending up linked to organised crime groups. Needless to say, it has character, Jake McCarthy, founder of Apple Camping, says.

A night in a converted private jet is something you remember, its a conversation starter, a standout photo, and a once-in-a-lifetime memory.

The bedroom in the Jet-Star private jet stay at Apple Camping - Apple Camping

The jet, which dates back to the 1970s, has been repurposed to reflect sleek modern luxury, with electric lights and heating, as well as a radio and Bluetooth-compatible CD player.

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The cockpit has been transformed into a gaming room, complete with flight-themed games and an Xbox, which you can play while sitting in the original pilot and co-pilot seats.

The converted cockpit in the Jet-Star private jet stay at Apple Camping - Apple Camping

The main cabin has a cosy sofa and six leather seats with walnut-inlaid dropdown tables. The plane also features a lit-up bar, complete with padded leather upholstery and retro 70s mirrors.

In the dedicated bedroom, guests can enjoy a good nights rest in a king-sized bed, with a single bed for children and a leather sofa bed also available.

The jet includes a toilet and sink; however, shower blocks offering hot showers are located close by as well.

The Jet-Star private jet stay at Apple Camping from the outside - Apple Camping

Commenting on the rising demand for repurposed accommodation, McCarthy notes: Theres a real movement toward meaningful novelty. Its not just about being quirky for the sake of it, but giving new life to objects or spaces that would otherwise go to waste like planes, trains, submarines, even old silos or shipping containers.

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Theres also a strong trend toward combining nature with the unexpected  people want both a sense of escape and something to write home about.

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Repurposing the jet was not without its challenges. Transport alone required significant planning and manoeuvring.

Then theres the challenge of fitting plumbing, electricity, heating and insulation into something never designed to be lived in, McCarthy explains.

You have to preserve the character, tell the story, and still offer a warm, clean, functional space for guests. The red tape isnt always straightforward either- planners dont tend to have a form ready for vintage plane turned glamping pod.

Hotel Chetzeron, Switzerland

Hotel Chetzeron, in Switzerlands Crans-Montana, is a converted cable car station, perched at 2,112 meters. It offers panoramic views of the Rhone Valley, as well as Mont-Blanc and the Matterhorn.

Aerial view of Hotel Chetzeron, Switzerland, in summer - Hotel Chetzeron

The idea of transforming the former cable car station into a hotel and renovating its old but history-rich restaurant came to our founder, Sami Lamaa, in 2003, Serena Peyronnet, marketing manager at Hotel Chetzeron, says.

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Throughout 2003 and early 2004, he developed his business plan with a clear vision: to create a sleek, contemporary establishment designed for 21st-century travelers, guests who have seen the world, experienced countless destinations, and now seek something truly unique and extraordinary.

Inside Hotel Chetzeron's restaurant - Hotel Chetzeron

The hotel offers a refined, timeless design, while still capturing the warm, welcoming feel of a mountain cabin. With only 16 rooms, it has an intimate, minimalistic vibe, with prime ski-in/ski-out access in winter and lush, wildflower-covered alpine meadows in summer.

Guests can soak in the year-round heated outdoor pool, which offers stunning views, or try out the hammam or sauna at the spa, before indulging in gourmet dining celebrating fresh, local ingredients.

The hotel also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, with solar panels and other eco-friendly technologies. Local, sustainably sourced materials are used in both construction and furnishings, supporting the regional economy.

Aerial view of Hotel Chetzeron in winter - Hotel Chetzeron

There is a strong movement toward sustainability and adaptive reuse. Rather than demolishing and rebuilding, hotels are giving old structures a new life- whether its former factories, train stations, or, in our case, a cable car station, Peyronnet says.

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Guests increasingly appreciate concepts that reduce environmental impact while offering originality and authenticity. Another major trend is blending architecture with nature, creating spaces that allow the surroundings to be the main attraction  through panoramic windows, minimalist interiors, and locally sourced materials.

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However, turning an industrial cable car station into a luxury hotel at high altitude is no easy task. Construction took place under harsh winter conditions, which included freezing temperatures, heavy snow and limited accessibility.

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Facades required insulation, walls needed seismic reinforcements and new terraces and large windows had to be added, all while preserving the original buildings character.

YAYS Amsterdam The Crane by Numa Stays

YAYS Amsterdam The Crane, by Numa Stays, is one of Europes more extreme accommodation experiences, giving travellers the chance to spend a night in a repurposed crane.

The bedroom in the YAYS Amsterdam The Crane hotel by Numa Stays - Numa Stays

Originally built in 1957, this harbour crane has been carefully renovated into a luxury apartment, featuring chic, modern interiors designed by the renowned Dutch designer Edward van Vliet.

The kitchen and dining area in the YAYS Amsterdam The Crane hotel by Numa Stays - Numa Stays

Guests can enjoy the luxurious bathtub and breathtaking views of the IJ River, along with quirky features, such as a preserved time capsule offering a glimpse into the cranes past.

Outdoor view of the YAYS Amsterdam The Crane hotel by Numa Stays - Numa Stays

With air conditioning, a private bathroom, TV, dishwasher, coffee machine and a balcony, the hotel seamlessly blends modern amenities with historical significance.

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The YAYS Insiders concierge service also offers personalised recommendations on what to see and do in the city.

Barabas Hotel, Lucerne, Switzerland

The Barabas Hotel Lucerne, or Barabas Prison Hotel, is a 135-year-old building in the heart of Lucernes Old Town, which functioned as the citys central prison until its closure in the late 1990s.

A corridor in Hotel Barabas Lucerne - Hotel Barabas Lucerne

Today, guests can spend the night within the same walls, though in far greater comfort than the former inmates ever experienced. Our concept blends the authentic prison architecture - barred doors, heavy walls, narrow windows - with modern hospitality and contemporary comfort. Jeaninne, a manager at Hotel Barabas Lucerne, says.

A multibed room in Hotel Barabas Lucerne - Hotel Barabas Lucerne

The hotel is named after the artist Hugo Siegrist, who painted a unique mural in one of the cells during his imprisonment in 1975 and signed it with his pseudonym Barabas. This mural is preserved to this day and now features prominently in the common room.

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A night at Barabas is not a typical hotel stay, but a story worth sharing, Jeaninne points out.

The prison atmosphere makes the experience authentic and memorable, while also reflecting sustainable reuse: instead of demolishing an old building, it is brought back to life with a new purpose. Guests also appreciate the cultural dimension- a historic site preserved and reimagined.

The library room in Hotel Barabas Lucerne - Hotel Barabas Lucerne

The hotel offers 60 different prison cells, including single, double and family rooms with private bathrooms as well as multibed rooms with shared bathrooms. Bookworms will love the library, which features an array of crime novels and can also be booked as a hotel room. The hotel also has Wi-Fi and a souvenir shop.

For an additional 12, guests can enjoy a local breakfast spread, including regional cheese, homemade muesli and coffee.

Feast on traditional Japanese delicacies in the in-house Japanese izakaya restaurant Nozomi, which serves smaller dishes in the evening and bento boxes at lunch. Three new Japanese-style hotel rooms are also available above the restaurant.

The outside facade of Hotel Barabas Lucerne - Hotel Barabas Lucerne

As with other repurposed accommodations, restoring the prison was a complex process.

Strict heritage protection regulations must be respected, and integrating modern infrastructure like private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, or fire safety systems into thick prison walls is highly demanding, Jeaninne explained.

Conceptually, it also requires balance: the prisons atmosphere should remain tangible, while ensuring guests enjoy a comfortable and welcoming stay.
Voters in Germany's most populous state, North Rhine-Westphalia, were headed to the polls in local elections that will be closely watched from Berlin, with analysts expecting strong results for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD).

About 20,000 seats are up for election across local councils in 396 towns and municipalities, 31 districts and the regional parliament for Germany's industrial Ruhr area.

Nearly 14 million residents are also eligible to elect mayors, lord mayors and district councillors, among other posts.

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Queues at polling stations grew steadily during the course of the morning, dpa reporters in the cities of Duisburg, Bonn and Cologne said, but no significant waiting times had been noticed. Polls are scheduled to be open until 6 pm (1600 GMT).

Voter participation was slightly higher by midday compared with the last local elections in 2020, with about 32% of eligible voters having cast their ballots, state election officer Monika Wissmann said. In 2020, the figure at the same time was around 29%. By the time polls closed turnout was at 51.9%.

Will the CDU's winning streak continue?

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has vowed to carefully examine the results of Sunday's vote.

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The last major election in Germany this year is being seen as the first political test of public opinion following February's early federal elections that put Merz's conservative-led coalition into power.

Since 1999, Merz's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has regularly won the most votes statewide in North-Rhine Westphalia's local elections.

In 2020 the CDU won 34.3% of the vote, followed by the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) with 24.3%. The Greens achieved their best result at the time with 20% and won their first three mayor posts in Aachen, Bonn and Wuppertal.

The AfD achieved 5.1% in 2020, below the Free Democrats (FDP) at 5.6%. The Left Party got 3.8%.

What are the AfD's prospects this time?

Election researchers expect significantly higher results for the AfD this time.

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According to a July survey conducted by the Forsa polling institute for daily newspapers in the state, the far-right populists have the potential to almost triple their 2020 result to 14%. This would correspond to the state's outcome in the federal election.

The AfD is only fielding a candidate for mayor in the local elections in 23% of district municipalities. The party was only able to find a candidate in 86 of the 373 district municipalities.

Germany goes postal

In larger cities, many voters had already cast their votes by mail.

Interest in postal voting surged in the days leading up to the elections, a survey by dpa showed. More than a quarter of eligible voters in many large cities requested postal ballots, often exceeding the rate in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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In Aachen, for example, election officials sent ballots to just over 28% of eligible voters, up from 26% five years ago. Dortmund rose from 23 to 26.5%, Dusseldorf from 24 to 25%.

In Sunday's elections, German citizens and citizens of the other 26 EU member states who are at least 16 years old on election day can vote. They must have resided in the electoral area for at least 16 days before the election and be included in the local electoral register.
Europes plans to construct an Iron Dome-style missile and drone shield risks being scuppered by mounting anti-Israeli sentiment over the war in Gaza.

The German-led Sky Shield Initiative aims to create an air-defence dome stretching from Turkey to Finland as part of a massive Continental rearmament drive to face down Russian aggression.

It will use the German-made Iris-T and US Patriot surface-to-air batteries for its foundation, but for high-altitude interceptions its collaborators are planning to use the Israeli Arrow 3.

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The Arrow 3, a joint programme between Israel and the US, is the worlds first air-defence system dedicated to shooting down hypersonic missiles and is capable of exo-atmospheric interceptions.

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But its use in the plans for the Sky Shield is being called into question, with Europe and Israel at loggerheads over the Jewish states refusal to end the war in Gaza.

European nations, including Germany, have stopped exporting weapons to Israel, while Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, called on EU members to halt some trade over the war. There has also been a push towards recognising Palestine as a state.

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In response, Israel could scupper Europes plans for its own Iron Dome. Jerusalem has a veto power on exports of its Arrow 3 missile  but it must have a sign-off by its Defence Exports Control Agency (Deca).

Deca is responsible for signing off on export licences for domestically produced weapons systems and military equipment, and says it does so in consideration of other national interests.

Israel has the power to veto exports of its Arrow 3 missile - Jack Guez/AFP

David Hening, director at the European Centre for International Political Economy, said this meant that Israel could make the political decision to halt its exports of the missiles Europe needs.

Amos Yadlin, Israels former military intelligence chief, said: If Germany takes significant steps that will harm Israels national security, Israel will have no choice but to walk back certain elements in the relations that are beneficial to both sides.

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But Mr Yadlin, who also once served as a general in Israels air force, added: We are not there yet and we [both sides] should do everything we can to avoid getting there.

He described Germany as one of Israels closest and most important allies and urged Israel to continue co-operating with Germany in every aspect possible.

Israels Iron Dome air defence system intercepts missiles over Tel Aviv in June - Leo Correa/AP

In recent months, many of Israels traditional European allies have become increasingly critical of the Israeli government.

Mrs von der Leyen this week used her flagship state of the union address to the European Parliament to announce that payments from Brussels to Israel would be frozen.

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The German, who was one of the first world leaders to visit the country in the wake of the Oct 7 terror attacks by Hamas, accused Israel of a man-made famine on the strip and a plot to undermine the two-state solution.

Ursula von der Leyen has accused Israel of causing a man-made famine in Gaza - Moiz Salhi/Anadolu/Getty Images

She urged deadlocked member states to find a majority to suspend trade elements of an agreement with Israel and sanction its extremist ministers and settlers.

Mrs von der Leyen urged them to overcome differences that had stopped proposals suspending funding to Israel under the EUs Horizon research programme.

Sir Keir Starmer has also said he would recognise Palestinian statehood if Israel fails to meet certain conditions, including an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an aid rush into the strip.

Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK would recognise Palestinian statehood if Israel fails to agree to a ceasefire - Saeed M. M. T. Jaras/Anadolu/Getty Images

Dozens of capitals are expected to announce similar decisions at the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York.

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There are also an increasing number of embargoes by European countries on arms exports to Israel.

Germany, the Sky Shields founding member, said it had stopped approving war-weapons exports to Israel last year.

Slovenia, another member of the air-defence scheme, recently became the first EU country to enforce a full arms embargo in Israel.

A total of 24 countries are part of the programme, including Britain, Belgium and the Netherlands, which have all had their own criticisms of Israels wartime leaders.

Israel has accused European governments of anti-Semitism and playing into the hands of Hamas with their recent diplomatic attacks.

Europe strengthening Hamas message

Gideon Saar, the Israeli foreign minister, accused Mrs von der Leyen on Wednesday of echoing false propaganda of Hamas and its partners.

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Once again, Europe conveys a mistaken message, one that strengthens Hamas and the radical axis in the Middle East, he said on social media.

At the same time, European leaders have expressed urgency on the need to push ahead with plans to reinforce the continents air defences, especially after almost two dozen Russian drones violated Polish airspace earlier this week.

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The operation to protect the Nato territory required allied fighter jets to engage enemy targets inside its borders for the first time in its 76-year history.

In Strasbourg, Mrs von der Leyen was about to give her annual speech when news of the Russian drone attack broke.

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The European Commission president condemned the reckless and unprecedented violation of Polands and Europes airspace.

She went on: We must heed the call of our Baltic friends and build a drone wall.

This is not an abstract ambition. It is the bedrock of credible defence.

Manfred Weber, leader of the influential European Peoples Party, said it simply makes sense for Europeans to work together on a missile defence shield from Finland to Greece.

This would be accompanied by a sky surveillance system that would collect data on possible attacks without being dependent on Washington, he said.

European Iron Dome makes sense

It would be like a European Iron Dome, Mr Weber said, adding that it would be fully compatible with Nato, which was the cornerstone of security.

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In Wyrki, where one of the Russian drones crashed, the mayor said the system would help.

One of my employees called and said her neighbours house had exploded and that numerous planes were flying overhead. I decided to close local schools and cancel classes for the day.

This was to protect children and prevent large gatherings, said Bernard Blaszczuk.

I think any local response to the situation from Nato would greatly enhance the sense of security of local residents. Deploying the Patriot system, radars, or drone interception systems would help secure the border, which would also increase local security.

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But without the Arrow 3, the envisaged Sky Shield system would not deliver its desired effect to protect the continent.

It would be left with the US Patriot system, which has been able to intercept hypersonic missiles fired by Russia at Ukraine, to shoot down targets at a range of 100km, but that shrinks for faster incoming projectiles.

The German-made Iris-T would be responsible for interceptions in an envelope of up to 40km.

The ground-based mobile Skyranger, made by Germanys Rheinmetall, would also be used to cover smaller spaces against incoming drones.

A recent report by Bloomberg Intelligence suggested it would cost Europe around $200bn (147bn) to build a significant air-defence system capable of guarding the entire continent.

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Israels government declined to comment when contacted by The Telegraph.

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Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said the suspect in Charlie Kirk's shooting isn't cooperating with authorities.

Kirk, a cofounder of Turning Point USA, died after being shot at an event at Utah Valley University.

Officials said 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was arrested in connection with the shooting.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said the suspect in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk isn't cooperating with authorities.

Kirk, who cofounded the conservative nonprofit Turning Point USA, died last Wednesday after being shot during an event at Utah Valley University. Authorities arrested Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old resident of Utah, on Friday after a multi-day manhunt.

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"He has not confessed to authorities," Cox said on "This Week" on ABC News on Sunday. "He is not cooperating, but all the people around him are cooperating, and I think that's very important."

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox discussed the suspect in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk on Sunday. Chris Samuels/The Salt Lake Tribune via Getty Images

Cox said a person previously described as Robinson's roommate is among those cooperating with authorities.

Cox addressed his previous comments to The Wall Street Journal that Robinson was "deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology." When asked if authorities had discovered evidence supporting that statement, Cox said the initial information came from Robinson's family members and acquaintances.

During the interview, Cox also addressed a report from The New York Times that said Robinson communicated with people on Discord, a messaging platform, after the shooting. The outlet said Robinson joked with acquaintances that his "doppelganger" was trying to "get me in trouble."

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"All we can confirm is that those conversations definitely were happening, and they did not believe it was actually him," Cox said. "It was all joking until he admitted that it actually was him."

Cox said charges will likely be filed on Tuesday.

Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, has vowed to continue her husband's work following his death in Utah earlier this week.

Erika and Charlie Kirk at the Turning Point USA Inaugural-Eve Ball in January 2025. Samuel Corum/Getty Images

Speaking publicly for the first time since his killing, Erika Kirk said Friday that Turning Point's "American Comeback Tour" would continue over the fall and that the organization's annual "AmericaFest" conference would also go ahead in December.

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"If you thought that my husband's mission was powerful before, you have no idea," she added. "You have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country."

Suspect in Custody

Cox first confirmed remarks made by President Donald Trump on Friday morning that law enforcement had a suspect in custody.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we got him," Cox said during a Friday morning news conference.

Robinson was taken into custody in Washington County, which is roughly three and a half hours away from where Kirk was shot.

Cox said that family members and a friend helped turn Robinson in. A family member of Robinson said he had become "more political in recent years," he added.

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"The family member referenced a recent incident in which Robinson came to dinner prior to September 10, and in that conversation with another family member, Robinson mentioned Charlie Kirk was coming to UVU," Cox said. "They talked about why they didn't like him and the viewpoints that he had. The family member also stated that Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate."

Investigators obtained casings near a Mauser .30-06 caliber bolt action rifle that was wrapped in a dark colored towel in a wooded area on Utah Valley University's campus. "The rifle had a scope mounted on top of it," Cox said.

A fired casing was inscribed, "Notices bulges OWO what's this?" Cox said that among the inscriptions on the unfired casing were the phrases, "Hey fascist! Catch!" adding that there were arrow symbols alongside the wording. Additional inscriptions on the unfired casings included, "If you read this you are gay LMAO."

Cox said that on Thursday evening, one of Robinson's family members reached out to a family friend with information that Robinson had "confessed to them or implied to them" that he had fatally shot Charlie Kirk. Once law enforcement had Robinson's name, Cox said officers were able to connect him to the crime scene.

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Investigators reviewed campus security footage that showed Robinson arriving in a gray Dodge Challenger at roughly 8:29 am local time on September 10, the day Kirk was shot. Footage also showed Robinson wearing "a plain maroon T-shirt, light-colored shorts, a black hat with a white logo, and light-colored shoes."

"When encountered in person by investigators in Washington County on September 12 in the early morning hours, Robinson was observed in consistent clothing with those surveillance images," Cox said.

In addition to the family friend, Robinson's roommate showed law enforcement messages that the suspect had posted on the online platform Discord. In those messages, Cox said, Robinson said that he needed "to retrieve a rifle from the drop point." Other messages referred to having watched the area where the rifle was left.

FBI Director Kash Patel said the suspect was taken into custody on Thursday night at 10 p.m. Utah time.

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President Donald Trump first announced on Friday during a "Fox & Friends" interview that a suspect was in custody.

Trump said that someone "very close to" the suspect had provided information to law enforcement that aided in his capture, adding the tipster was a "person involved with law enforcement, but was a person of faith. A minister."

In his remarks, Cox thanked "the family members of Tyler Robinson who did the right thing in this case and were able to bring him into law enforcement." He did not specify which family members were involved.

A multi-day manhunt and a request for the public's assistance

The FBI released more images of the "person of interest" in the Charlie Kirk shooting. FBI Salt Lake City X

The manhunt for a suspect in Kirk's shooting extended multiple days and saw the FBI ask for the public's assistance in identifying a "person of interest" captured on camera.

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"We are asking for the public's help identifying this person of interest in connection with the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University," the FBI's Salt Lake City field office wrote in a Thursday afternoon post on X.

The FBI also offered a $100,000 reward for information that leads to "the identification and arrest of the individual(s) responsible" for Kirk's death.

On Thursday, the agency released six photos of the person of interest as well as video footage. In the video's caption, the agency wrote that "the subject is seen jumping from the rooftop of a building after the shooting."

"Around 12 p.m. Mountain Time on September 10, 2025, the subject climbed up to a rooftop; after he shot and killed Charlie Kirk, he jumped off and ran away," the agency wrote.

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The FBI added that the shooter had left a gun and ammunition in a wooded area near the university, and that officials had traced shoe impressions, a forearm imprint, and a palm print from the rooftop in the video.

Earlier in the day, authorities said they had recovered a "high-powered, bolt-action rifle" they believe was used to kill Kirk in a wooded area near the campus. The suspect was able to "blend in" well with the Utah Valley University crowd that had gathered to hear Kirk speak, they added.

US right-wing activist Charlie Kirk (R) speaks on stage with President Donald Trump at America Fest 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona, on December 22, 2024. Right-wing youth activist and influencer Charlie Kirk, a major ally of President Donald Trump, was shot dead on September 10, 2025 in a murder that sparked fears of more political violence in an increasingly febrile United States. Trump confirmed on social media that Kirk, 31, had died from his injuries. JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images

Kirk was rushed to an area hospital after being shot in the neck but died from his injuries on Wednesday afternoon. President Donald Trump and scores of political and business leaders have praised Kirk's legacy of building youth support for the conservative movement.

Two persons of interest were initially taken into custody on Wednesday but were released after authorities determined they were not involved in Kirk's killing. Mason also asked people to stop harassing the two individuals who had since been released.

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Trump said that he would posthumously award Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.

"Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty, and an inspiration to millions and millions of people," Trump said during an event at the Pentagon marking the September 11th anniversary.

Updated with details of the suspect from Utah Gov. Spencer Cox.

Read the original article on Business Insider
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Netanyahu is by far the most influential figure in Israeli politics today. | Credit: Ronen Zvulun / POOL / AFP / Getty Images

First elected as prime minister in 1996, Benjamin Netanyahu has won five elections since, making him the longest-serving leader in Israels history (exceeding even David Ben-Gurion, its founding PM). He has spent just 18 months out of office since 2009. His right-wing politics, particularly his approach to the Palestinian question, have profoundly shaped Israeli society and public opinion.

He has seldom been personally popular (recent polls suggest only 40% of Israelis trust him), but King Bibi, an exceptionally shrewd operator, long ago established himself as Mr Security, the man best placed to protect Israel from its enemies, notably Hamas and Iran. To his detractors, he is ruthless, reckless, a danger to democracy who prioritises his own political survival over Israels interests  and, of course, the driving force behind the brutal war in Gaza. He is, nevertheless, by far the most influential figure in Israeli politics today, and arguably in the entire Middle East.

Where do his politics come from?

Not least, from his father. He was born in Tel Aviv in 1949  the middle son of Benzion Netanyahu, a Polish-born medieval historian who was a Revisionist Zionist (militant, territorially maximalist) and was often openly critical of his son. His teenage years were spent between Israel and Philadelphia, where his father taught; but when he was 18, in 1967, he moved back to Israel for military service. During five distinguished years in the army, he fought in Lebanon and served in the Sayeret Matkal, Israels equivalent of the SAS, alongside his brothers Yonatan and Iddo, to whom he was close. In 1976, Yonatan (Yoni) was killed during a special forces raid on Ugandas Entebbe Airport to free the 106 mostly Israeli hostages held by Palestinian and German terrorists. The only Israeli military casualty of the operation, Yoni is revered as a national hero; his death inspired his brothers political career.

In what way?

It fell to Netanyahu, who was in Boston, studying at MIT, to break the news to his parents; he later founded an anti-terrorism institute in Yonis memory, setting him on a path to politics. He was hired by Israels ambassador to the US in 1982, became its representative to the UN in 1984, and was elected to the Knesset, Israels parliament, in 1988. Five years later, he became leader of Likud, Israels main right-wing party; and in 1996 he beat Shimon Peres to become PM. His first term was troubled. Right-wingers were furious that he agreed to cede 80% of Hebron to Palestinian Authority control, among other concessions in the occupied West Bank; the Left accused him of killing the peace, by undermining the 1993 Oslo Accords, of which he was a fierce, long-term critic. He lost the 1999 election.

How did he make a comeback?

Netanyahu served as foreign minister and then finance minister in Ariel Sharons government, before resigning in 2005 in protest at Israels withdrawal from the occupied Gaza Strip. In 2009, he was elected PM again. Migration to Israel of more than a million citizens of the former Soviet Union (at least 10% of Israels whole population) over the previous 20 years had led the countrys politics to take a more conservative, nationalistic turn  reinforced by the collapse of the peace process, the Second Intifada (2000-2005) and rising Palestinian terrorism. By 2007, Hamas had taken power in Gaza.

What policies has he pursued?

A champion of free market economics who has nurtured hi-tech startups, he has also gained notoriety for trying to reshape Israels institutions. His attempts at media manipulation, allegedly offering deals in return for favourable coverage, have embroiled him in two criminal cases; while his proposed judicial reform law is widely seen as an attempt to weaken the judiciary. On the Palestinian issue, Netanyahu, in theory, changed tack in 2009, endorsing a two-state solution with a demilitarised Palestine. But he continued to undermine it in practice. His governments have supported Israeli settlers who build on land in the West Bank designated by the UN as Palestinian. He has been in a coalition with ultra-nationalist settler parties since late 2022. His Gaza strategy was, until recently, to keep Hamas in power, as a counterweight to the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. He allowed Qatar to fund Hamas, believing that it could be safely contained militarily. Since Hamass attacks of 7 October 2023, he has once again opposed a two-state solution, saying that he was proud to have prevented the establishment of a Palestinian state... after we saw the little Palestinian state in Gaza.

How did 7 October affect him?

The attacks, in which 1,195 people were killed and 251 taken hostage, were the result of serious intelligence failings, and initially dealt a crushing blow to Netanyahus reputation, and to his Hamas policy. His relentless prosecution of the war in Gaza since, in which 64,200 people have died, according to Palestinian authorities, has damaged Israels global standing (though the campaign still has significant support at home). It is widely suspected that he has kept the war going to delay a reckoning over his failures, and to reduce the possibility of his being tried on corruption charges, relating to media manipulation and allegedly receiving expensive gifts from businessmen.

Why is he still in power?

What looked like a disaster has also proved an opportunity: it gave Israel the chance not just to destroy Hamas as a military force, but to decimate its ally Hezbollah in Lebanon, and to execute the 12-day war against Irans nuclear facilities. Netanyahu has seized the opportunity to redraw the map of the Middle East, humiliating Iran and its axis of resistance and bolstering his own position. But the basic tensions remain: his own coalition pushes for total victory in Gaza, while much of the world, the Muslim world in particular, demands a fair settlement for the Palestinians.

Dealing with Washington

Who the f**k does he think he is? Whos the f**king superpower here? These were reportedly Bill Clintons words after his first meeting with Netanyahu, in 1996. The Israeli PM knows the US and its media well, and  buoyed by pro-Israel lobby groups and support from the Christian Right  he has felt confident to push back against Democratic presidents who have sought to rein in Israel. Barack Obamas officials described him as untrustworthy and disrespectful toward the president. In 2015, Netanyahu accepted a Republican invitation to address Congress  and railed against the nuclear deal Obama was brokering with Iran. He had better relations with Joe Biden, especially after 7 October. But by the time Biden left office, he was privately referring to Netanyahu as an asshole. Donald Trump, by contrast, has been a near-perfect ally. The US officially recognised Jerusalem as Israels capital in Trumps first term. In 2020, his administration brokered the Abraham Accords, normalising relations between Israel and several Arab states; Trump joined Israels attacks on Iran, and has suggested Palestinians be removed from Gaza. He has even called for Netanyahus corruption charges to be dropped.
SACRAMENTO, California  In roughly six weeks, three California Democrats, a labor head and two ride-hailing leaders managed to pull off what would have been unthinkable just one year prior: striking a deal between labor unions and their longtime foes, tech giants Uber and Lyft.

California lawmakers announced the agreement in late August, paving a path for ride-hailing drivers to unionize as labor wanted, in exchange for the state drastically reducing expensive insurance coverage mandates protested by the companies. It earned rare public support from Gov. Gavin Newsom and received final approval from state lawmakers this week.

The swift speed of the negotiating underscores what was at risk: the prospect of yet another nine-figure ballot measure campaign or lengthy court battle between two deeply entrenched sides, according to interviews with five people involved in the talks.

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Their accounts shed new light on how the deal came together: how the talks started, who was in the room, and the lengths they went to in order to turn around such a quick proposal  from taking video meetings while recovering from surgery to the unexpected aid of one lawmakers newborn baby.

This was really quite fast, said Ramona Prieto, Ubers chief policy expert in Sacramento. It wasn't like this was months of negotiating.

The landmark proposal is only the second time a state has reached such a framework for Uber and Lyft drivers, after Massachusetts did so in 2024.

And unlike Massachusetts, it came together without reverting to a ballot fight. California already saw its most expensive ballot measure effort to date in 2020, when Uber and Lyft spent more than $200 million backing an initiative to bar app-based workers from being classified as traditional employees, known as Proposition 22.

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Its passage sparked a legal challenge from labor leaders that wasnt resolved until July 2024, when Californias Supreme Court affirmed the ballot measures constitutionality.

Of course, everyone wants to avoid a protracted legal battle with well-resourced opponents, said Tia Orr, SEIUs executive director and among the states most influential labor leaders. Years spent in court are years workers are waiting for their rights.

But the compromise still faces hurdles ahead. A recent lawsuit has raised fresh scrutiny of how the deal came together and what truly motivated it. Further criticism from those left out of the negotiating room is putting dealmakers on the defense as they try to sell it more widely. Plus, the final deal isnt what some labor leaders hoped when they first set out to strengthen drivers rights in 2019.

Were so constrained by Prop 22, said California Labor Federation President Lorena Gonzalez, who authored the 2019 law aimed at granting app-based drivers union rights that Prop 22 negated. It's not what I had imagined for union participation and employee status.

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And while the deal allows gig workers to unionize, that doesnt guarantee the necessary 10 percent of the states 800,000 ride-hailing drivers actually will. Many who drive for Uber and Lyft do so part-time, and labor leaders acknowledge the challenge of organizing a disparate population that doesnt have a space to meet one another.

Thats going to be hard, Orr said.

Converging fortunes

Official talks on the deal didnt kick off until July, but months before that, the different sides were contemplating how to get what they ultimately wanted: bargaining rights for labor, reduced insurance mandates for Uber and Lyft.

In late March, Uber and Lyft introduced a bill with first-term state Sen. Christopher Cabaldon, a Democrat, to significantly reduce the companies $1 million minimum insurance liability requirement for crashes caused by underinsured drivers. The companies, citing their own research, argued Californias decade-old mandate far exceeded similar rules in other states and was eating into drivers incomes. Uber estimated the requirement was responsible for hiking ride-hailing fares by 32 percent across California and as much as 45 percent in Los Angeles County.

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Meanwhile, Democratic Assemblymembers Buffy Wicks and Marc Berman introduced a bargaining plan for gig workers alongside SEIU in early April as a response to the state Supreme Courts ruling on Prop 22. That ruling held that app-based drivers were unable to collectively bargain for benefits like pay increases and health insurance as independent contractors, but it left the door open for lawmakers to create a special framework for gig workers.

The two proposals for driver unions and insurance discounts began as separate efforts. But their fortunes slowly intertwined over time as Uber and Lyft built their opposition to the drivers union measure, and as labor unions moved to fight the companies insurance effort.

As these things were converging, there was a  realization of, this could be the thing, that we tie these things together, Wicks said. [We were] looking at: What do all sides want? How do we land on something where no ones winning everything, but everyones winning something?

Uber and Lyft lobbyists argued during spring committee hearings that SEIUs unionization plan flouted Prop 22, raising the possibility of another messy court fight if California approved an organizing framework without Uber and Lyfts buy-in.

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Then, in mid-July, a handful of labor-aligned progressives warned the companies during back-to-back Assembly committee hearings that their quest for cheaper insurance risked collapse without more explicit guarantees to reinvest additional savings into worker benefits.

If you can find a way to build that into the statute, Democratic Assemblymember Chris Rogers said during a July 16 Assembly Communications Committee hearing, I think you'll get a lot more support.

Berman and Wicks had already signaled they were willing to negotiate with Uber and Lyft on driver unions. Cabaldon, meanwhile, said the Assembly committee hearings crystallized the connection between affordability and driver benefits.

And with Californias final appropriations hearing that would decide the fate of hundreds of contentious bills fast approaching at the end of August, SEIU, Uber and Lyft had added incentive to strike a deal that would sidestep any wars of attrition. Wicks chaired the Assemblys appropriations panel, and Cabaldon sat on its counterpart committee in the Senate.

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One of the reasons why fares have been going up is that fewer and fewer people want to drive. And so you couldnt fully protect riders unless you really paid attention to compensation and other issues for the drivers, Cabaldon said. Thats really when it got joined.

A hospital-based deal

Getting both sides on the same page happened quickly, starting in July and going through August, but required substantial haggling, as there was little precedent for dealmakers to draw from. Massachusetts was the only other state that had approved a similar bargaining framework for Uber and Lyft drivers, but it came via a voter-approved ballot measure and not through traditional legislation.

On top of that, the concept for organizing drivers was sectoral bargaining, where workers across an entire industry bargain as one unit, rather than with individual employers. The concept is still relatively new to California and controversial among labor advocates.

SEIU and other labor groups have wielded a sector-by-sector approach to secure minimum wage hikes for California health care and fast food workers in recent years, but some have criticized the approach for not moving fast enough to secure further worker benefits.

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Labor has been so divided upon this, said John Logan, a labor history professor at San Francisco State University. There are people within the labor community who say, No, we should not settle for anything other than full employee status for gig workers.

The question of where to draw the compromise line on gig workers ability to organize created tension at times. But those at the negotiating table  Wicks, Berman, Cabaldon, Orr, Prieto and Lyfts Nick Johnson  credited strong preexisting relationships for keeping conversations on track.

Wicks had past experience pulling legislative deals together with tech companies, like she did with Google on journalism funding last year. Cabaldon, the newcomer, was a pragmatist versed in the intricacies of sectoral bargaining from his two-decade stint as West Sacramento mayor.

And when tempers flared, negotiators said Berman's sense of humor grounded them  as did his newborn baby, who made cameos on Zoom calls.

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Berman had a unique strategy. When things got even remotely tense, he showed us his cute baby, Orr said. That was able to calm us down and keep us on track.

In fact, many of the talks happened over video calls from home or otherwise, reflecting the urgency those involved felt. Cabaldon even joined calls while recovering from emergency eye surgery.

This was a hospital-based deal, Cabaldon joked. I suggested to [Berman]  and he did not take my suggestion  that he name the baby sectoral.

Negotiators said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Senate Pro Tem Mike McGuire were kept informed of negotiations but had little direct involvement until it was time to announce the agreement in late August. Staff from Newsoms office were also kept in the loop and provided guidance on the specifics of how to set up a sectoral bargaining framework for ride-hailing drivers at state labor agencies.

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Their final agreement, backed by Rivas and McGuire, made tweaks to both bills but kept intact each measures overarching goal. Ride-hailing drivers can start gathering support for a union in early 2026, while Uber and Lyft will see their $1 million liability for crashes caused by underinsured drivers fall to $300,000 per incident.

Newsom hailed the deal as historic upon its release. But that didnt ward off critics.

Lawsuits and fine print

Within days, the landmark agreement came under fire in a bombshell lawsuit claiming it was part of an alleged scheme to benefit Rivas and his politically influential brother, Rick Rivas.

The lawsuit from the speakers former staffer, Cynthia Moreno, claims without providing corroborative evidence that the Rivas brothers orchestrated the agreement on app-based driver unions to secure SEIUs support for the Proposition 50 redistricting ballot measure. Newsom and allies have been heavily pushing the measure to counter Donald Trump-backed efforts to redraw maps in red states.

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Rivas representative Elizabeth Ashford dismissed the lawsuit as meritless. SEIU, Uber and Lyft all vehemently denied any connection between Prop 50 and the ride-hailing deal, as did the three lawmakers involved in negotiations.

Never have those two things [redistricting and driver unions] been discussed in the same sentence, in the same meeting, in the same thought in my head, said Berman.

Full stop, theres just no truth to it, Orr said specifically of the lawsuits claims about the ride-hailing deal.

Still, the denials havent quelled questions about why the agreement was negotiated behind closed doors. Republican Assemblymember Carl DeMaio, a longtime critic of labor unions, called the deal a pretty good example of organized labors influence in Sacramento.

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We're not going to see workers, drivers, get better benefits, DeMaio said from the Assembly floor on Sept. 9. We will see union coffers swell.

Its not just Republicans questioning the deal. Veena Dubal, a law professor at the University of California, Irvine, who specializes in gig economy research, argued the compromise framework creates a union-in-name-only that limits what workers can negotiate while giving Uber and Lyft an insurance discount that puts other drivers safety at risk.

Under the deal, a drivers union would be entitled to negotiate paid leave, compensation, drivers deactivations from Uber or Lyft platforms, and other benefits like health insurance. But some topics are off-limits, including fare pricing, app design features, algorithms and other software tools core to Uber and Lyfts operations.

Dubal told POLITICO there are a number of unions not directly involved in negotiations that are very upset about the deal, like the Los Angeles-based Rideshare Drivers United. (RDU didnt reply to a request for comment.)

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I don't think that workers are going to get a lot from this, Dubal said in an interview. And I think that in the long run, what it does is undermine [and] really cut off the possibility of a strong, representative organization that fights for drivers interests in California.

Both Dubal and Logan, the San Francisco State professor, further argued the deal is written to favor SEIU. They cited provisions in Wicks measure that require any union group representing drivers to have at least five years of advocacy experience, as well as prior experience in negotiating collective bargaining agreements.

There are other labor groups that have been trying to organize gig workers, and they will likely be excluded, Logan said.

In a statement, SEIU spokesperson Maya Polon told POLITICO the provisions are meant to ensure fake or corporate-sponsored unions are excluded, and that any organization which is representing these workers has the ability and expertise necessary to represent drivers.

Wicks, speaking from the Assembly floor on Sept. 9, rejected accusations of political favoritism. She pitched herself as an independently minded lawmaker who calls balls and strikes.

I'm not a shield for anyone, Wicks said. This is business and labor coming together to solve a problem.

And David Madland, a proponent for sectoral bargaining and senior fellow at the nonpartisan Center for American Progress, called it a really good agreement when considering Prop 22 greatly constrained bargaining options for app-based drivers.

This is a good way of providing an opportunity for these kinds of workers to get benefits that they wouldn't otherwise be able to get, Madland said. I think it's a really great experiment that other states should be adopting.

Even Gonzalez, the Labor Fed President and longtime proponent for making drivers full employee status rather than independent contractors, offered measured praise for the agreement.

Anytime that we provide more empowerment to workers to voice their opinion at a table, to get at a table with a boss, I think thats a win, she said.

In Massachusetts, drivers are still gathering signatures to meet the unionization threshold. The states framework has drawn criticism from Teamsters President Sean OBrien, who argued the states sectoral bargaining model for independent contractors supports greedy corporations that want to deny full employment rights to workers.

Orr acknowledged Californias unorthodox agreement makes unionization tricky. Come May 2026, union leaders have to rally at least 10 percent of the approximately 800,000 ride-hailing drivers in the state to sign union cards. And from there, labor leaders need an even larger share of drivers to support a union election before they can bargain with Uber and Lyft.

They dont have a break room or a lunch room. We have to find non-traditional ways to get to them, Orr said.

But she added: Were ready.

Chase DiFeliciantonio contributed to this report.
It was about 20 years ago that Jack Valero, who runs the communications office of the Catholic organisation Opus Dei, started to notice that he was getting more people contacting him about it. Some of them were journalists, some documentary film makers, plenty were ordinary members of the public. What they had in common was that they had read  and later watched  The Da Vinci Code, the blockbuster novel by Dan Brown, and made into a movie starring Tom Hanks. It depicted Opus Dei as a secretive religious organisation, wielding power within the Roman Catholic Church, and whose members apparently liked to indulge in mortification of the flesh  usually with a bit of flagellation.

But, as Valero says, All publicity is good publicity, for The Da Vinci Code meant that millions around the world heard about Opus Dei for the first time. Valero admits that, before Browns novel, Opus had been loath to talk much about what went on inside it: The publicity forced us to be more open, he says. The Opus Dei organisation began to talk about itself more; members more readily said that they belonged to it and that it shaped their lives.

The Da Vinci Code shone a light on some of Opus Deis more extreme customs, with the films albino monk, Silas (Paul Bettany), practising self-flagellation - RGR Collection/Alamy Stock Photo

But the controversies didnt completely go away, with the word cult often attached to it, and many Catholics still thinking it too powerful and secretive. Then, three years ago, Pope Francis intervened, ordering Opus to rewrite its statutes, demanding that its prelate (or superior) should no longer be a bishop, stripping it of power to operate separately from local dioceses while giving the Vatican power to intervene.

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Now with another pope at the helm  Pope Leo XIV, elected in May  there seems to be something of a shift happening in the Catholic Church, not least regarding the future of Opus Dei. Leo has been spending his first months as Pope meeting people from across the Church and among them was the prelate (leader) of Opus Dei. Now, it looks as if the organisations revised statutes are on the brink of finally being sorted out, with revisions to how its authority is exercised.

As the first American pope and one who also served as a bishop in Peru, Leo (previously known as Robert Prevost) will be well aware of the power and influence of Opus Dei. Austen Ivereigh, a Vatican expert and biographer of Pope Francis, says: When Pope Francis chose Robert Prevost as bishop of Chiclayo [in Peru], it had previously been run for 30 years by bishops who were members of Opus Dei. It had many priests formed by Opus Dei. He was on the front line of Opus influence. It later turned out that these years of dealing with Opus Dei on the ground as Bishop Prevost of Chiclayo  encouraging members to be less exclusive and more involved in the life of the whole Catholic community  would be helpful to the future Pope Leos understanding of the organisation.

Opus Dei founder Josemaria Escriva speaks to a congregation in Barcelona, in 1972 - Opus Dei

Founded by Josemaria Escriva in 1928, Opus Dei (meaning the work of God) now has 90,000 members, most of whom live in Europe (especially Spain, where the organisation was founded), and Latin America. While The Da Vinci Code featured a strange albino monk called Silas who belonged to Opus Dei, it is not a religious order. About three quarters of its members live in their homes and are usually married, while the rest, known as numeraries, live together in communities, divided on strict gender lines, and are celibate.

Ask Opus Dei members what draws them to belong to the organisation and they mention the importance always given to ordinary men and women  although Opus Dei does have priest members, too.

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It gives you strong purpose, joy, a sense of justice, a strong deep piety says Eileen Cole, who has been involved with Opus for 50 years, and lives in a womens Opus Dei community. Now 66, she first came across the group when she was 16. I did not want to join Opus Dei, or join anything, but it helped me fall in love with the Catholic faith, she says.

In this country, as elsewhere, Opus Dei and its 900 British members have a strong focus on young people  all the members I have spoken to joined when young, as did former Labour cabinet member Ruth Kelly, who was recruited when she was at Oxford. In fact, it runs several student residences, plus a school.

Ruth Kelly, MP for Bolton West from 1997 to 2010, said that being a member of Opus gave her inspiration and support in combining my daily activities with my personal relationship with God - Andrew Crowley for The Telegraph

One reason for its continuing notoriety is its lingering image of being secretive. During the 1970s, for example, the Opus Dei used a study centre it created in west London to recruit sixth formers without the organisers explicitly explaining who they were. And it took the former Labour politician Ruth Kelly more than a decade after she left the Cabinet to talk openly about her membership, revealing to The Telegraph that even then Prime Minister Tony Blair  later a Catholic convert himself  linked it to The Da Vinci Code image. Tony used to joke: Are you going to put poison in my tea?, she said.

This, despite Kelly emphasising that: My faith goes to the core of me. Being a member of Opus gives me inspiration and support in combining my daily activities with my personal relationship with God  and I find that invaluable.

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It is in the majority of Catholic countries and in the United States (where Opus has a growing presence through its 3,000 members, around 60 centres or residences and half a dozen high schools) that the organisation has muscle. Its members in those places are rich and influential, says Ivereigh. In those countries it tends to be linked to the upper middle classes, and to culture wars too, he commented, referring to splits in both the Catholic Church and wider society over issues such as family, abortion and gay people.

In his highly critical account, Opus, author Gareth Gore depicts the organisation as having backroom channels to American politicians, including President Donald Trump via one of Washingtons most adept political operatives, Leonard Leo, who Gore says is a significant financial contributor to Opus Dei. He follows in the footsteps of other rich donors to Opus, who appear to find its traditional values  and its global influence  deeply attractive.

But it is in Latin America that Opus Dei has most recently been linked to scandal. In Argentina, more than 40 women have claimed that they were forced to join Opus as unpaid servants for its numeraries and live lives of servitude. After a two-year investigation, federal prosecutors are now waiting to hear whether a judge believes the case against leaders of Opus Dei will go to trial. Opus Dei rejects the allegations and, in July, said that legal proceedings are being used to promote a false narrative.

Disgraced Opus Dei member, Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne, walks the streets of Lima downtown - Fotoholica Press/LightRocket

Meanwhile, in Peru, Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne, a member of Opus Dei, was accused of sexually abusing a boy during his confession. Pope Francis imposed sanctions on him, including banning him from Peru, but he defied him and returned before later appearing in Rome, shocking observers by attending meetings with other cardinals in advance of the conclave.

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It all seems a far cry from the devout Catholics in Britain who take on the extra commitments required by Opus Dei to live out their faith: attending Mass as often as possible, frequent Gospel readings and other spiritual literature. Like Jack Valero and Eileen Cole, Ciro Candia and his wife Caroline were drawn to Opus Dei at a young age, soon after graduating, and have been members for more than 30 years. Eventually Ciro became head of Opus Deis primary school, Oakwood, in Purley, south London.

It is about the sanctification of ordinary life, he says. It gives us spiritual formation, that is key.

The couple have seven children  an unusually large number for Catholics nowadays. It is, they say, because they follow Church teaching about being open to life, rather than being instructed to do so by Opus. But Ciro admits people assume following Opus makes them go in for weird practices. Such as using whips? Ive never been asked to flagellate myself, he says, laughing.

Yet for Candia, Cole and Valero  however far away they are from the scandals linked to Opus  what happens to the role of Opus in the Church will profoundly affect them. Its future, and so their futures, now lies in the hands of Pope Leo.

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The launch of a divisive multibillion-dollar mega dam on the Nile River has sparked a tense diplomatic battle between Ethiopia and Egypt, with Cairo denouncing it as "an unlawful unilateral act" and protesting to the United Nations Security Council.

During an inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the US$5 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam as a "symbol of Ethiopian unity and national achievement".

Several regional leaders, including Kenyan President William Ruto and Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, attended the event.

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Egypt believes the dam will threaten its water supply and cause shortages. Following the inauguration, Cairo warned that it reserved the right to take all measures provided for under international law and the UN Charter to "defend the existential interests of its people".

Sudan, another downstream nation, has also raised concerns about dam safety and the risk of uncoordinated water releases.

As the diplomatic row escalates, China has largely refrained from taking sides. However, observers said Beijing's strong ties with all three nations put it in a better position to mediate than any other third party.

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China's involvement in what is Africa's largest hydroelectric power dam includes providing loans for related infrastructure and contracting Chinese companies to supply equipment and build certain sections.

Loans provided by Chinese firms and banks include US$1.2 billion to fund the dam's electricity supply lines. Contracts were awarded to companies such as China Gezhouba Group and Voith Hydro Shanghai for various sections of the project.

Beijing has so far avoided a direct mediating role, calling instead for a peaceful, African-led solution. However, Seifudein Adem, an Ethiopian global affairs specialist and visiting professor at Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan, said China's strong ties with and trust from both Egypt and Ethiopia meant it was in a better position to play a mediating role.

"It can do so more effectively and, if it wishes, more assertively than any other third party," he said.

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The dam dispute is one of the hotspot issues that China's special envoy for the Horn of Africa, Xue Bing, has been involved in as part of Beijing's broader effort to promote peace and development in the region.

Adem said the starting point for China would be to impress upon Egypt that the era when it could exercise comprehensive control over the Nile was gone for good. He said this was because a peaceful resolution of the existing and legitimate differences over the Nile was in the interest of all the states that touched the Nile Valley, as well as China.

Performers wave Ethiopian flags as they sing traditional songs during the mega dam's inauguration ceremony. Photo: AFP alt=Performers wave Ethiopian flags as they sing traditional songs during the mega dam's inauguration ceremony. Photo: AFP>

"That both Egypt and Ethiopia are members of the expanded Brics also makes China the ideal mediator on the issue should China decide to assume this challenging role," Adem said. "I would not be surprised in the least if the Nile diplomacy is thus Sinicised over time."

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Beijing has vast investments in Ethiopia, such as in the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway. It has oil investments in Sudan and is a key investor and trade partner in Egypt, particularly in the Suez Canal Economic Zone and the new administrative capital east of Cairo.

According to Adem, China pursues cautious diplomacy when it comes to Ethiopia-Egypt tensions over the Nile.

"It understands the concerns of each side and can therefore contribute to their resolution," he said.

China's position was unlike that of the United States and the European Union, which were both seen as more sympathetic to Egypt, or that of the African Union, which appeared to be more sympathetic to Ethiopia, Adem added.

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African Union-led talks that began in 2011 have failed to produce a binding deal.

During his first term, US President Donald Trump said it was a dangerous situation and that Cairo could end up "blowing up that dam". His administration's efforts to broker a deal failed after years of talks.

Nevertheless, Abiy said the dam was "absolutely not to harm its brothers" and was meant to "electrify the entire region and to change the history of black people".

The dam, a national source of pride for Ethiopians, is a 5,150 megawatt powerhouse, which is more than double the country's current capacity. It was financed mostly through domestic bonds and donations.

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David Shinn, a former US ambassador to Ethiopia and a professor at George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs, said that although Chinese banks had played an important role in financing parts of the project, the government of China, which had close relations with Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt, had been careful to avoid engaging in controversy over the dam with the leaders of the three countries.

He said this would almost certainly remain China's position in the future.

"[China] may call for dialogue among the three parties but will resist taking sides," Shinn said.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed speaks at a ceremony held near the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on September 9. Photo: Xinhua alt=Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed speaks at a ceremony held near the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on September 9. Photo: Xinhua>

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He said that like Ethiopia, China was also an upstream country engaged in a major hydro project in Tibet that would divert water from downstream India and Nepal. So Beijing was likely to "avoid taking any public position" on the African dispute that jeopardised the rights of upstream countries.

According to John Calabrese, a non-resident senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, China frequently supports "African solutions" and African Union mediation. He said this approach allowed Beijing to avoid playing a direct mediatory role and helped it navigate competing interests and balance its relationships.

Calabrese said Ethiopia welcomed China's investment and diplomatic backing, while Sudan saw it as a stabilising economic partner, and Egypt - though frustrated by Chinese neutrality - still valued the relationship.

"Despite these divergent expectations, China has paid no evident price for its approach," he said.

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However, Calabrese said Ethiopia's decision to launch the dam despite warnings from its two neighbours risked destabilising the region, which would jeopardise Chinese investments, supply chains and Belt and Road Initiative projects.

"It also raises the risk that Beijing might be cast as enabling Ethiopia, straining ties with Egypt and Sudan, and eroding soft-power gains," he said.

Beijing would seek to contain these risks, preserve its reputation as a neutral development partner and maintain access to all three markets, Calabrese added.

This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright  2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
A missing Colorado man was found dead this week at a home in McCreary County, and a man was charged with murder.

Kentucky state troopers were contacted Thursday evening about the disappearance of Damian A. Poole. The Monument, Colorado, man was living in McCreary County, police said.

McCreary County sheriffs deputies searched Pooles home on Farm Ridge Road, in the Stearns community, and found him dead of multiple gunshot wounds. Two animals were found dead, too, police said.

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Police also found Daniel A. Kearney, of Stearns, at the home. He was charged with murder, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence and second-degree animal cruelty, according to a news release from Kentucky State Police. He was taken to the Knox County Detention Center.

Pooles body was transported to the State Medical Examiners Office in Frankfort for an autopsy, and his family has been notified, according to the release.

Stearns is about 115 miles south of Lexington, near the Tennessee border.
Former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick has made it extremely clear over the past 48 hours that she's devastated by Charlie Kirk's death.

Kirk, 31, was killed during an event Wednesday at Utah Valley University. The founder of Turning Point USA was shot in the neck as he was debating a student. He was later pronounced dead at Timpanogos Regional Hospital. The popular conservative activist is survived by his wife, Erika, and their two children.

On Friday night, Erika Kirk spoke at Turning Point USA's headquarters for the first time since her husband's death.

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"To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die," Kirk said. "It won't. I refuse to let that happen.  No one will ever forget my husband's name. And I will make sure of it. It will become stronger. Bolder. Louder and greater than ever. My husband's mission will not end. Not even for a moment. My husband's voice will remain, and it will ring out louder and more clearly than ever. And his wisdom will endure.

"They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith and of God's merciful love. But 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."

Jun 14, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Sky Sports sportscaster Danica Patrick during FP3 practice at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn ImagesDavid Kirouac-Imagn Images.

On Saturday afternoon, Patrick responded to Erika Kirk's speech.

"She has a lot of women (and men) right there with her," Patrick wrote on her Instagram Story.

Charlie Kirk inspired Danica Patrick's interest in politics.

If you're familiar with Patrick's social media content, you'd know that she supports President Donald Trump. Before she truly became a member of the Republican Party, she attended a political event in Phoenix. That was the start of her friendship with Charlie Kirk.

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Patrick will try to honor her late friend by speaking at a political event later this year.

I got into politics because of @charliekirk1776. It truly was my turning point, Patrick wrote on Instagram. Amfest was my first political event December of 2023, with my sister. The backlash I got for attending lit a fire under me and I spoke the next year at the same event on top of campaigning for @realdonaldtrump. I will speak again in 2025. I am not sure what to expect, other than one thingwhere Charlie left off, we will continue. With all that we have."

There's no question Patrick will continue to show support to the Kirk family.

This story was originally reported by The Spun on Sep 13, 2025, where it first appeared in the Trending section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
An Egyptian source said that Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will attend the summit.

Qatar will host an emergency summit on Monday following the Israeli strike on senior Hamas officials in Doha, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported on Saturday.

The summit is expected to issue a clear condemnation of the Israeli strike, with several other decisions expected to be made, according to the report, which possibly includes a review of trade relations with Israel and a coordinated diplomatic effort within the UN and Islamic and international organizations to pressure Israel and "hold it responsible for the escalation," the report added.

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The summit is also for Arab and Islamic countries to overcome internal differences, "considering unity as an essential tool for deterring any future attacks," the report said.

Egypt's Sisi to attend Qatar summit

An Egyptian source told the Arabic-language news outlet that Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will attend the summit. The source added Cairo's belief that the summit should arrive at conclusions on Israel that "befit the scale of the aggression." Additionally, they said Cairo views this summit as an opportunity to affirm that Qatar's security is part of the Arab and Islamic national security system.

The report added that the Egyptian Foreign Ministry contacted the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, attends a funeral held for those killed by an Israeli attack in Doha, including Corporal Badr Saad Mohammed Al-Humaidi Al-Dosari, a member of the Internal Security Force, at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque in Doha, Qatar, September 11, 2025 (credit: Qatar TV/Reuters TV via REUTERS)

The ministers emphasized "the importance of strengthening Arab and Islamic solidarity and continuing coordination in the political, diplomatic, and economic fields to serve the security and stability of the region," the report said.

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The report comes one day after US President Donald Trump hosted a dinner with the Qatari prime minister in New York.

Trump expressed annoyance about the strike in a phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and sought to assure the Qataris that such attacks would not happen again.
Former prime minister Ehud Olmert told Qatari outlet Al Jazeera that the only explanation for the Doha strike on Hamas is that the Israeli government doesn't care about the hostages.

The only reason the attack on Hamas leaders in Doha took place is that the current government is not interested in bringing back the hostages, former prime minister Ehud Olmert claimed during an interview for Qatari outlet Al Jazeera on Saturday.

If someone wants to eliminate them at this moment, the only explanation for this operation is that they do not want to negotiate for the release of the hostages," Olmert said during the interview.

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He further emphasized that "killing a negotiating team means you don't want negotiations and don't want the release of the hostages."

According to Olmert, Hamas members should be punished, but the strike in Doha "was not in the right place or at the right time."

Olmert added that the assassination attempt failed, and, in his view, its execution during the negotiations was "a hasty decision that led to a destructive result."

Former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert in Tel Aviv. August 8, 2024. (credit: TOMER NEUBERG/FLASH90)

Olmert criticizes current governments fighting policy

Olmert expressed that he "regrets" the death of the son of senior Hamas figure Khalil al-Hayya, who was killed in the attack, as well as the injury Hayya's wife.

"A child should not be a victim, and his wife was also hurt. We are fighting terrorism, and they will be punished when the time comes, but the family is a different story," he said.

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He reiterated his opposition to the current government's policy regarding the ongoing fighting, arguing that "the cabinet and the military gave orders to kill Palestinians indiscriminately, including those not connected to the events of October 7."

This is a wrong policy, Olmert believes, adding he intends to work with others to bring about the end of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's tenure, claiming that Netanyahu "does not represent Israel and poses a danger to the country."

Previous controversial statements Olmert has made to international media

In May, Olmert told the BBC that what Israel "is currently doing in Gaza is very close to a war crime. Thousands of innocent Palestinians are being killed, as well as many Israeli soldiers."

He also told CNN that he can no longer defend Israel against accusations of war crimes later that month.

Additionally, in July, he called Defense Minister Israel Katz's "humanitarian city" plan in Gaza a "concentration camp" in an interview with The Guardian.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A man was arrested after he was accused of impersonating an officer to bypass traffic.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, on Sept. 7, a trooper was dispatched to Interstate 75 following reports of a reckless driver traveling southbound.

The FHP report said the driver, Anthony Tripp, 50, had modified his vehicle, a red Dodge Ram, to include sirens.

Credit: Florida Highway Patrol Credit: Florida Highway Patrol Credit: Florida Highway Patrol Credit: Florida Highway Patrol

The report said Tripp had activated the yellow and white lights and was using them to weave through traffic on the highway.

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Troopers pulled Tripp over and searched his vehicle, during which they noticed a black siren box with multiple switches.

The Florida Highway Patrol arrested Tripp and charged him with impersonating a law officer.

Court records indicate that in addition to these charges, Tripp is also a convicted sexual predator in two counties.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
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.

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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."

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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.

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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)
Egypt is pushing to revive a NATO-style Arab military force for rapid defense in case of attacks. The proposal gains traction ahead of an Arab summit, with Cairo seeking regional support.

Egypt is seeking to revive a joint Arab military force modeled on NATO, according to multiple Arabic-language reports on Saturday that link the move to the Israel-Hamas war and to an Arab-Islamic summit expected in Doha on Monday.

The sources include Lebanons pro-Hezbollah Al-Akhbar newspaper, which cited a government source in Cairo.

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London-based Al-Quds Al-Arabi reported that President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is working to rebuild Arab backing for a rapid-reaction force that could deploy to protect any Arab state under attack, and said the proposal has been floated in recent diplomatic contacts ahead of the summit. The outlet framed the idea as a defensive umbrella rather than an escalation with Israel.

Palestinian outlet Maan carried similar details and said Cairo is discussing contributing around 20,000 Egyptian troops and seeking to place an Egyptian four-star officer in command, with Saudi Arabia as a principal partner if the plan advances. Maan characterized the discussions as ongoing.

Discussions are focusing on how such a body would operate, with Cairo stressing that it must be shaped in line with the demographics and military capacities of participating Arab countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi inspects the Egyptian military units in Suez, as he told the media in his speech that Cairo is playing a very positive role in de-escalating the Gaza crisis, Egypt, October 25, 2023. (credit: THE EGYPTIAN PRESIDENCY/HANDOUT VIA REUTERS)

The idea, first floated nearly a decade ago, failed to advance at the time. But reports suggest that Israels recent strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar has brought the proposal back to the fore. Egyptian officials are now seeking backing from other Arab nations to move the initiative forward.

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The source cited by Al-Akhbar emphasized that regional and political considerations would also play a role, noting possible involvement of forces from Morocco and Algeria.

The mechanism must allow the force to be deployed when needed, and it should be formed in a way that reflects the composition of Arab states and their armies, while balancing regional politics, the official was quoted as saying.

Cairo intends to play a leading role in the force

Another point of negotiation is how command responsibilities would be shared. The source said Egypt intends to hold the top command position, while the second would go to Saudi Arabia or another Gulf state. This reflects Cairos effort to secure a leading role in any collective defense arrangement while giving a place of prominence to the Gulf monarchies.

Although still in the discussion stage, the initiative signals Egypts attempt to position itself at the center of a new security framework for the Arab world. The timing of the revived push, coming days after an Israeli strike in Doha, has added urgency to Cairos efforts to rally support among its regional partners.

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There was no immediate official confirmation from Cairo. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid was quoted in Arabic media criticizing the reported proposal as a blow to existing peace frameworks.

"The report about Egypts proposal to establish a joint Arab force in response to the Israeli strikes is a severe blow to the peace agreements, Lapid wrote on X/Twitter. "It comes immediately after the severe blow to the Abraham Accords, which itself came right after the overwhelming majority of countries that were once Israels allies voted in favor of establishing a Palestinian state," Lapid concluded.

The Jerusalem Post has reported on versions of this concept before. On March 2930, 2024, then-defense minister Yoav Gallants Washington meetings noted Israeli discussions about a multinational force for Gaza that could include troops from three Arab countries, with the US potentially funding a peacekeeping mission.

A March 31, 2024 Post analysis assessed whether an Arab force could help stabilize Gaza and Rafah, outlining hurdles on command, rules of engagement and political buy-in.

Those same unresolved questions echo in todays Arabic-language reporting.
A young activist was honored for her efforts to beautify her neighborhood and address toxic pollution that was reducing quality of life, particularly for children.

Action for Nature announced it awarded 11-year-old Alice Wanjiru top honors in the 8-13 age group for her work around the Ruai Sewer Treatment Plant in Nairobi, Kenya.

While green spaces are known to boost mental health, they also provide more tangible benefits. As the U.S. National Park Service explains, "Tiny pores on tree leaf surfaces called stomata take in air that includes toxic pollutants," including nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide.

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Over the past two years, Wanjiru has spearheaded a project to plant more than 2,000 trees around the treatment facility, helping to drastically improve air quality and reduce the prevalence of respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and asthma in nearby residents.

As an ambassador for the Green Hummingbird Movement, founded in 2020, Wanjiru has helped inspire children to plant trees on their birthdays.

She also encourages them to work toward healthier communities in other ways, including through education and by organizing plastic cleanups and other events.

Overwhelmingly derived from dirty fuels, plastics can take generations to break down, proving to be a hazard to livestock  a significant part of Kenya's economy, accounting for around 12% of the national gross domestic product and more than 40% of agricultural GDP, per the Kenya Investment Authority.

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"Nothing is so small or insignificant if it makes a positive impact, whether to humans or the environment," Wanjiru said in a statement for Action for Nature, which the Kenya Broadcasting Corp. noted has honored 360 eco heroes over the past 22 years.

Wanjiru's work is not only sparking hope for a brighter future in her community and country but also making a real difference at the policy level.

Thanks to her advocacy, the Nairobi City County government made the Ruai Sewer Treatment Plant's rehabilitation a priority as part of Kenya's 15 billion trees campaign, which looks to restore more than 12.5 million acres of deforested and degraded landscapes by 2032.

"I see a visionary who is not scared of being different no matter how young she is," said Regina Manyara, a KBC news anchor.

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.
FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Eena-Kaisa Mikkola, Finlands ambassador to the United States, will be the featured speaker at the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce annual banquet Oct. 7.

The event begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Fort Smith Convention Center. Mikkolas visit highlights international partnerships tied to the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) project at Ebbing Air National Guard Base, which was chosen in 2023 as the U.S. training site for F-16 and F-35 fighter pilots from Finland and other allied nations.

Fort Smith water utilities propose multimillion dollar upgrades

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The $1.2 billion project has received about $600 million in federal funding since 2021, with major construction expected to begin in mid-2025, Talk Business reports. Military officials are seeking to expand the centers mission from 24 to 36 F-35 fighters.

Finnish pilots and aircraft are expected to arrive in Fort Smith later this year, according to an article from the Finnish Defense Forces.

Tickets and event information are available through the chamber.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
The Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla has spent a week stalled in Tunisian ports, with some vessels deemed unseaworthy as others prepare to join from Italy.

The Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla stalled in Tunisian ports for a week. It arrived in Tunisia on September 7 after crossing from Spain and was expected to keep sailing toward Gaza.

However, the flotilla activists chose to stay near Tunis at the marina of Sidi Bou Said. The activists then claimed two of their vessels had been hit by drones.

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Last Thursday, a number of vessels in the flotilla left Sidi Bou Said and headed north toward the Tunisian marina in Bizerte. The flotilla was seeking to avoid high winds off the coast, according to reports.

It was not clear why traveling to Bizerte, and thus backtracking, would help them avoid the wind, because the winds in Bizerte were the same as in Tunis and Sidi Bou Said. Nevertheless, the flotilla spent September 12 and 13 in Bizerte.

Reports online suggested the flotilla had actually left Bizerte on September 13.

The organizers of a flotilla bound for Gaza from North Africa announced that the boat was ready to set sail to the besieged Palestinian enclave on Saturday from Tunisia, The New Arab English-language news site reported. The Global Sumud Flotilla, or Maghreb Resilience Flotilla, is attempting to break Israels siege on the Gaza Strip, where a genocidal Israeli war has continued for nearly two years, and a block on aid has resulted in the starvation deaths of hundreds.

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Two vessels from the flotilla would remain behind because they were not judged to be seaworthy for the trip, the report said.

Several vessels left the flotilla in Spain during the first foray before September 1, when high winds forced them back to port.

The flotilla has spent more time at anchor than sailing. It spent September 3 and 4 at Minora off the coast of Spain. Then it spent September 7-13 in Tunisia.

The vessels have only been sailing for about five days out of the last 14.

The reports on September 13 suggesting that the boats had left Bizerte were not confirmed by vessel-tracking, open-source sites. Instead, Vessel Finder shows that six of the vessels that are known to be part of the 20 that reached Tunisia were still anchored at the Bizerta marinas main pier.

More boats join the flotilla

Other boats are joining the flotilla, according to reports.

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A group of 18 boats from the flotillas Italian fleet also set sail on Saturday from Sicilys Augusta Port after a week of preparations, Turkeys Anadolu Agency, a state-run news agency, reported.

The port of Augusta is north of Syracuse. Unlike with the vessels that are part of the squadron that left Barcelona on September 1, the contingent from Italy does not appear to have vessels that have tracking data.

This is because most of them are sailboats, whereas the Spanish squadron consisted of a number of pleasure craft that are more than 20 meters long. Nevertheless, video from the Italian squadron shows the names of several of the sailing vessels.

The theory is that the vessels leaving from Sicily will meet up with the vessels that are leaving Tunisia. However, it was unclear when the flotilla would leave Bizerte.

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It is about 260 nautical miles from Tunisia to Malta, which is south of Sicily. However, a previous flotilla had trouble off Malta in May, and it may not want to stop in the same place again.

Either way, with two squadrons now seeking to meet somewhere between Tunisia and Gaza, the flotilla activists have their sailing cut out for them.
Initial projections from Sunday evening showed that the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has emerged as the strongest party in local elections in Germany's most populous state, North Rhine-Westphalia.

According to German public broadcaster WDR, the CDU is expected to receive 34% of the vote, roughly in line with their historically poor local election result in 2020, when they received 34.3%.

The centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) is projected to come in second with 22.5%, according to the Infratest dimap forecast. This represents a slight decline from 2020, when the SPD recorded a historically low share of 24.3%.

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The far-right Alternative for Germany(AfD) exceeded the gains that analysts had forecast, more than tripling its result to 16.5% compared with 5.1% five years ago.

According to a July survey conducted by the Forsa polling institute for daily newspapers in the state, the far-right populists had been forecast to achieve 14%.

The Greens suffered heavy losses, receiving 11.5%, down from their record high of 20% in 2020.

The FDP received 3.5% of the vote, down from 5.6% in 2020, while The Left improved slightly, winning 5.5% compared with 3.8% five years ago.

Some 20,000 seats were up for grabs across local councils in 396 towns and municipalities, 31 districts and the regional parliament for Germany's industrial Ruhr area.

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Nearly 14 million residents were eligible to vote. Polls closed at 6 pm (1600 GMT).

Litmus test for Merz's CDU

Chancellor Friedrich Merz had vowed to carefully examine the results of Sunday's vote.

The last major election in Germany this year was seen as the first political test of public opinion following February's early federal elections that put Merz's conservative-led coalition into power.

Since 1999, Merz's CDU has regularly won the most votes statewide in North-Rhine Westphalia's local elections.

The AfD only fielded a candidate for mayor in the local elections in 23% of district municipalities. The party was only able to find a candidate in 86 of the 373 district municipalities.

Germany went postal

In larger cities, many voters cast their votes by mail.

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Interest in postal voting surged in the days leading up to the elections, a survey by dpa showed. More than a quarter of eligible voters in many large cities requested postal ballots, often exceeding the rate in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In Aachen, for example, election officials sent ballots to just over 28% of eligible voters, up from 26% five years ago. Dortmund rose from 23 to 26.5%, Dusseldorf from 24 to 25%.

In Sunday's elections, German citizens and citizens of the other 26 EU member states who were at least 16 years old on election day could vote. They must have resided in the electoral area for at least 16 days before the election and be included in the local electoral register.
"While Hamas calls the residents of Gaza City NOT to move south, its operatives fear for their own lives and are seeking to leave the Gaza Strip," COGAT wrote.

Hamas officials have been attempting to flee the Gaza Strip as the group simultaneously calls on residents to remain and serve as human shields for the terror organization, COGAT (Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories) shared in a Sunday post to X/Twitter.

"While Hamas calls the residents of Gaza City NOT to move south, its operatives fear for their own lives and are seeking to leave the Gaza Strip," COGAT wrote. "They are using residents of northern Gaza as human shields while looking out for their own interests."

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COGAT is the unit of Israel's Defense Ministry responsible for coordinating civilian issues with the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip.

"Two weeks ago, a member of the Gaza City Council, Anwar Atallah, fled the Gaza Strip together with his family through the mechanism operated by Israel that allows Gazans to exit via Jordan to a third country," COGAT added.

"Many other senior officials have submitted requests for their families to leave the Strip, and some have even asked to leave themselves, but their requests were denied by Israel. Israel continues to call on residents of northern Gaza to move south for their protection."

Displaced Palestinians, fleeing northern Gaza due to an Israeli military operation, move southward after Israeli forces ordered residents of Gaza City to evacuate to the south, in the central Gaza Strip September 14, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa)

IDF calls for evacuation

Following the COGAT's publication of the update, Major-General Ghassan Alian, who heads COGAT, shared on the unit's Facebook page, Al-Munasseq, an evacuation call posted to X/Twitter by IDF Arabic-language spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Avichay Adraee. Adraee's post urged Gaza residents of places in the Gaza Port area and the Al-Rimal neighborhood of the Gaza Strip to evacuate.

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The spokesperson noted that the IDF was set to strike a building highlighted in the post because it contained Hamas infrastructure.

Adraee's evacuation call was the fourth such call published on Sunday.

Evacuation calls come as the IDF escalates strikes on Hamas assets in Gaza City and prepares to push its ground assets into the city.

As of Sunday, some 300,000 residents of Gaza City have left the area.

Later on Sunday, Muhammed Al-Madhoon, a minister in the Hamas government who was named in the COGAT announcement as one of those who had requested to leave the Gaza Strip, published a press release denying the claims.

Al-Madhoun labeled the COGAT report "false and baseless," adding that the unit's claims were "lies" and "psychological warfare." The Hamas official added, "his family will remain in the homeland, steadfast next to the graves of three of his sons who were martyred in the brutal aggression, and they will not leave their land, no matter how severe the siege or the greater the sacrifices."
At the Kakuma refugee camp in the northwest of Kenya, more than 200,000 refugees from across Africa have sought safety  in many cases leaving loved ones behind. The Red Cross's Restoring Family Links programme seeks to reunite these families torn apart by conflict.

Among the thousands searching for missing loved ones is Amar, who fled South Sudan nearly a decade ago. He still carries a worn photograph of his younger sister  his only remaining link to her.

"I tried everything," he said. "Phone calls, messages, asking other refugees. Nothing. Not knowing is worse than death. If a person dies, you can mourn. But when they are missing, you live in hope and fear every single day."

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Moses (a pseudonym to protect his identity) lives with the same questions. Born in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, he was separated from his parents and three younger siblings during an armed attack on his village.

"I was supposed to protect them," he says, lowering his eyes. "But I lost them in the chaos. I do not know if they survived. I do not even know if they remember me.

Protests erupt at Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya following aid cuts

A Red Cross lifeline

Amar and Moses have turned to the Kenya Red Cross (KRC) tracing office in Kakuma, clinging to the hope of a call that could end years of uncertainty.

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For families like theirs, the Red Cross provides an invaluable service through the Restoring Family Links (RFL) programme.

It enables displaced people to register missing relatives, send Red Cross messages and  in some cases  speak to family members by facilitating phone and video calls.

Rajab Mohammed, a tracing officer for the Kenya Red Cross in the Turkana region, where Kakuma is located, describes the work as painstaking but deeply rewarding.

"Each inquiry is a story of suffering, he explains. "People have been separated from their loved ones for years. Sometimes we succeed, sometimes the trail runs cold. But for those waiting, even a single word of information can bring relief."

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Refugee numbers reach record high as global aid funding drops

'Dignity and hope'

The Red Cross works in more than 100 countries worldwide to trace those missing and reunite families.

In Kenya alone  where Kakuma and Dadaab camps host hundreds of thousands of refugees displaced by violence in South Sudan, Somalia and the Great Lakes region  the challenge is immense.

Mohammed recalls the story of a boy in Kakuma who finally managed to speak with his mother in Burundi after six long years.

"When he heard her voice, he cried uncontrollably," he said. "Everyone around him cried too. That is why this work matters. Reuniting families is not just about information  it is about dignity, healing and hope."

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As the sun sets over Kakuma, Amar tucks his sisters photograph back into his wallet, as he has done countless times before.

"Hope is all I have," he says. "If I let go of it, then I have lost her forever."
Sep. 13GRAND FORKS  Upwards of 250 to 300 people gathered on the UND campus Friday night to honor the life of Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist assassinated at a campus speaking event in Utah earlier in the week.

Being in that crowd was surreal, said Naomi Bromke, president of the university's Federalist Society and organizer of the vigil.

"It still doesn't feel like he's gone," Bromke said. "A lot of people in the crowd felt the same way. It was a very, very special evening to see the community come together."

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Kirk, a popular podcaster known for his debates with people on his conservative ideals, was killed on Wednesday, Sept. 10, in Orem, Utah, during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. It was the first stop on his American Comeback tour, which was scheduled to bring him to the UND campus in October.

A 22-year-old suspect from Utah was apprehended Thursday night.

David Dodds, a university spokesperson, said the event, held at the Hopper-Danley Spiritual Center on campus, was a very peaceful gathering.

"(It was) a mix of campus community members and many from the broader Grand Forks community and beyond at a location on campus that is meant for this kind of activity," Dodds said. "There were prayers and songs and words of remembrance for Mr. Kirk. It was very respectful all around, and everything I would expect from the UND and greater Grand Forks communities."

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State Sen. Claire Cory, a Republican whose district includes UND, was among the attendees. She noted the somber tone.

"It was super sad, honestly. It was quiet, and expectedly so," Cory said. She said she was at first surprised at the size of the crowd, "but also, it's the biggest political assassination in a long time and people, I think, are scared. And they want to support Charlie."

Cory said she hopes the solemn concern and grief can evolve, in time.

"Eventually, when people are ready, I hope it turns into energy to keep debating and keep talking. That's what our country needs  to continue the conversations," Cory said. "That's what Charlie would have wanted."

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Bromke said she had personally met Kirk a number of times through her work with Turning Point USA, the nonprofit Kirk founded to advocate for conservative politics among young voters.

"He was such a kind man," she said. "He truly cares about people's souls. And you know, sometimes he can get a little sassy  I mean, everyone sees the clips of him, you know, having the harsh debates, or whatever  but at the end of the day, who he is, he's a very kind man who truly cares about people and spreading the word of God."

She hopes it's the first event of many more that will allow the Federalist Society and the UND chapter of TPUSA to engage with the broader community. Already in the works are an illegal immigration event with a representative from the Heritage Foundation in October, an event on opting students out of LGBTQ+ curriculum with a representative from the Alliance Defending Freedom, and an event on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in crime.

"The assassin made a million Charlie Kirks overnight," Bromke said. "I think this is going to ignite the movement to an even higher level than what it was."
LITTLE ROCK, ARK.  People gathered on the steps of the Arkansas State Capitol to honor the life of political activist Charlie Kirk on Saturday.

Kirk was shot and killed on Wednesday while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University.

Grief over Kirks assassination echoes worldwide and testifies to his influence on the right

There were over 200 people at the Capitol, just days after the shooting. They prayed, cried, played worship music and lit a candle in Kirks honor.

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They prayed for Charlie, his family and every person in America  no matter what their beliefs.

Trump to posthumously award Charlie Kirk with Presidential Medal of Freedom

One of the signs in the crowd read: R.I.P. Charlie, well take it from here.

To let him know and his family know were thinking about him, Jonny Toops said. Were praying for him, and you dont have to be perfect, but you can spread his message as well.

Man arrested in Charlie Kirks killing had no known criminal history, had become more political

At the end of the vigil, everyone held up a candle and sang, God bless America.

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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 KARK.
The IDF issued evacuation warnings earlier for those located in the Gaza Port area and the southern al-Rimal neighborhood.

The IDF struck two high-rise buildings in Gaza City used by Hamas for intelligence gathering and observation posts to target Israeli troops, the military said on Sunday.

The action followed a strike earlier that morning that targeted another high-rise building in Gaza City that the Gazan terror group was using for similar purposes.

IDF targets high-rise building used by Hamas, September 14, 2025. (illustration) (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

The IDF said Hamas systematically exploits civilians and infrastructure as human shields and vowed to continue operations against terrorist groups.

The IDF issued evacuation warnings earlier for those located in the Gaza Port area and the southern al-Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City, specifically in blocks 727, 786, 787, 788, and the Al-Kawthar Tower, the military's Arabic-language spokesperson Col. Avichay Adraee said on X/Twitter before the strike.

Adraee urged residents to evacuate southward towards al-Mawasi's humanitarian area.

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Adraee issued a second evacuation warning in a similar area, specifically in blocks 783, 784, 785, 786, and 727, as well as on Mustafa Hafez Street.

Givati Brigade combat teams have killed over 10 terrorists in Jabaliya, and on the outskirts of Gaza City in collaboration with artillery teams, the IDF said.

Meanwhile, the 401st Brigades combat teams operated in Sheikh Radwan, killing around 10 Hamas terrorists and dismantling terror infrastructure.

The military has been striking a series of Gaza City high-rises in the past week. More than 280,000 Gazans have already left the city, KAN reported Saturday, citing assessments by security officials.

Displaced Palestinians flee amid an Israeli military operation, after Israeli forces ordered residents of Gaza City to evacuate to the south, in Gaza City, September 14, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/DAWOUD ABU ALKAS)

On Saturday, the IDF struck the Burj al-Noor tower.

IDF continues series of strikes on high-rise buildings in Gaza City

In early September, the military destroyed three buildings after the IDF had warned residents to evacuate the area surrounding each of them.

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Although the IDF has said that Hamas or other terror groups are using the buildings as lookout posts to follow the movements of its forces and to potentially plan or direct ambushes, it seems that the military is also destroying buildings to increase the stream of evacuees southward from Gaza City.

For weeks, the IDF has been warning Palestinians to evacuate Gaza City and head south.

This is a developing story.

Yonah Jeremy Bob contributed to this report.
The Israeli military destroyed another building of the Islamic University in Gaza City on Sunday, saying Hamas had used the facility to monitor Israeli soldiers and plan attacks.

Videos published by both Israeli and Palestinian media showed the building being struck and collapsing, and the military confirmed the attack. The claims could not be independently verified.

According to Palestinians, displaced Gazans had been sheltering on the grounds of the university, which has been targeted several times during the nearly two-year war.

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The Israeli military had issued a fresh evacuation order for parts of Gaza City's Rimal neighbourhood and the port area, urging civilians to move immediately to the al-Mawasi "humanitarian zone" further south.

Israeli forces also hit the al-Kawthar residential tower, saying Hamas militants had installed intelligence-gathering equipment and observation posts there. The allegation could not be independently confirmed. Video footage showed the high-rise collapsing.

Israel has flattened dozens of high-rises in Gaza City, asserting that the Palestinian militant group Hamas uses residential towers for military purposes.

Israeli media reported that around 280,000 people have fled Gaza City, once home to roughly 1 million residents. The Hamas-run media office put the figure at about 350,000. Many civilians remain reluctant to relocate to designated safe zones, citing past Israeli attacks on such areas.

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Israeli officials have said the airstrikes are part of preparations for a deeper ground offensive aimed at dismantling Hamas units believed to be based in Gaza City.

But the conservative daily Israel Hayom reported on Sunday significant resistance within the army's top ranks to the planned assault. Senior officials warned that, especially after the recent attack in Qatar, Israel could be endangering its national security "in an unprecedented way."

Security officials have questioned whether the operation can achieve its stated goal of destroying Hamas, warning it could last for months, jeopardize the lives of remaining hostages, cause heavy Israeli military losses and further isolate Israel internationally because of the images of destruction and civilian casualties emerging from Gaza.

The Gaza war was triggered by the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 abducted. Israel says 48 hostages remain in Gaza, 20 of them believed to be alive.

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The Hamas-run health authority in Gaza says more than 64,800 Palestinians have been killed since the war began. The tally does not distinguish between civilians and fighters, but the figures are regarded as broadly credible by the United Nations.

Large parts of the densely populated territory have been devastated by Israeli bombardments. Critics accuse Israel of war crimes and, in some cases  including Spains government  of genocide. Israel insists it is acting in self-defence.

Ambulances and emergency vehicles have been put out of service due to shelling, and destruction by Israeli bulldozers during incursions into several cities. According to an employee of the Palestinian Ministry of Health's ambulance and emergency services at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza Strip, a significant number of ambulance officers have been killed and others injured while performing their duties. Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini said he was deeply shaken by the fatal shooting of US right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk.

"What is happening right now has affected me like never before. There is a before and an after," Salvini told the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera in a Sunday interview, saying he cried upon seeing young people praying for Kirk.

Salvini sharply criticized reactions to Kirk's assassination, saying parts of the left neither showed sympathy nor condemned the attack, instead blaming the victim or US President Donald Trump.

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The right-wing politician, who serves as Italy's transport minister in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government, described "a torrent of anger and malice no longer hidden, displayed with a smile and without shame."

Meloni herself warned over the weekend of a growing climate of political hatred against the right.

Kirk had allowed himself to be "challenged by anyone on any issue," she said. "He did it with a smile on his face, with respect  and that's precisely why he instilled feared," said the leader of the ruling party Brothers of Italy.

She added that the political climate in Italy is becoming increasingly fraught and called for a denunciation of dangerous, irresponsible and anti-democratic positions.

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Opposition parties criticized Meloni, accusing her of fuelling social tensions with her comments.

Kirk, a 31-year-old political organizer, media personality and friend to Trump's family, was shot in the neck on Wednesday in Utah while speaking outdoors on a university campus.

He was a powerful force in grassroots conservative politics, with particular focus on mobilizing the youth vote.
NEED TO KNOW

Everton Thomas, 41, was charged with the murder of 48-year-old Harold Miller Jr. on Sept. 5

According to the Camden County Prosecutor's Office (CCPO), Miller was last seen entering Everton's home in Camden, N.J., on June 12

Everton's wife, Sherrie Parker, 41, and son, Deshawn, 22, are also facing charges as they allegedly helped to dispose of Miller's remains

A New Jersey man accused of murder allegedly had his wife and son dismember the victims body and dispose of it before fleeing to Canada.

Everton Thomas, 41, was charged with the murder of Harold Miller Jr., 48, on Sept. 5, the Camden County Prosecutor's Office (CCPO) said in a news release shared on Facebook. He is also facing charges for the desecration of human remains and tampering with evidence, alongside his wife, Sherrie Parker, 41, and son, Deshawn Thomas, 22.

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Miller was reported missing to the Deptford Township Police Department (DTPD) on June 14, according to the news release. He had last been seen in the early hours of June 12, playing cards with friends in Camden."

Two days later, his empty vehicle was found in Pennsauken.

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Camden County Prosecutor's Office of New Jersey/Facebook Sherrie Parker, Everton Thomas and Deshawn Thomas Sherrie Parker, Everton Thomas and Deshawn Thomas

During the police investigation, detectives discovered surveillance footage of Miller entering a residence on the 2600 block of Baird Boulevard in Camden shortly before 11:30 a.m. on June 12, per the CCPO news release. The sound of a single gunshot could be heard in the video moments later.

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Miller was never seen leaving the property, while another man, identified as Everton, was later seen moving Millers vehicle and parking it in Pennsauken, according to police.

Parker and Deshawn allegedly bought "a chainsaw, containers, trash bags and other cleaning supplies" after Miller's disappearance.

Surveillance footage seen by detectives also reportedly showed the pair making several trips to the Tamarack Apartments dumpsters and loading containers and trash bags into a vehicle before leaving the city," according to the CCPO news release.

A witness, who lived in the family's home, claimed that they were unable to enter the basement for three days after Miller's alleged murder, Patch Media reported, citing CCPO Det. Jake Siegfried.

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The individual allegedly told detectives that Everton woke DeShawn up and asked him to help chop up a body."

Another witness, living at the residence, alleged that they heard a gunshot followed by loud music and extensive cleaning in the basement, and that there was a "strong odor."

Getty Police tape (stock image) Police tape (stock image)

On June 20, a search was conducted at the family's residence, where Everton was found in possession of a loaded firearm with one round in the chamber. According to police, suspected bloodstains were also recovered at the scene.

Despite not yet facing charges, Everton fled the U.S. to Canada a day after the search, per the CCPO news release.

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He was eventually arrested on Sept. 8 at the Port of Buffalo, New York, after crossing from Canada back to the United States on a commercial bus.

According to the CCPO news release, Everton is being held at a correctional facility in New York, pending extradition to New Jersey. Parker and Deshawn were taken into custody the same day and are currently being held at the Camden County Correctional Facility.



Police are asking anyone with information on the investigation to contact Detective Jake Siegfried of the CCPO Homicide Unit at (856) 225-5086 and Detective Andrew Mogck of the Camden County Police Department at (609) 519-8588



Read the original article on People
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Sunday, as Israeli forces intensified their assault on northern Gaza, resulting in the destruction of another high-rise building and the deaths of at least 12 Palestinians.

Mr Rubio stated prior to his visit that he would be seeking clarity from Israeli officials regarding their proposed path forward in Gaza.

This comes in the wake of Israels recent attack on Hamas operatives in Qatar, an action that reportedly derailed ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire.

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The two-day visit also serves as a demonstration of support for Israel, which faces increasing international isolation, particularly as the United Nations prepares for a potentially contentious debate on the establishment of a Palestinian state  a proposal strongly opposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Mr Rubios trip proceeded despite President Donald Trumps reported anger at Mr Netanyahu over the Israeli strike in Doha, which Mr Trump claimed the United States was not informed of in advance.

On Friday, Mr Rubio and Mr Trump met with Qatars prime minister to discuss the repercussions of the Israeli operation.

These consecutive high-level meetings with both Israel and Qatar underscore the Trump administrations efforts to balance relations between key Middle Eastern allies amidst widespread international condemnation of the attack.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is greeted upon arrival by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, at Ben Gurion International Airport (REUTERS)

The Doha attack also appears to have ended attempts to secure an Israel-Hamas ceasefire and the release of hostages ahead of the upcoming U.N. General Assembly session, at which the Gaza war is expected to be a primary focus.

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On Sunday, at least 13 Palestinians were killed and dozens were wounded in multiple Israeli strikes across Gaza, according to local hospitals.

Local hospitals said Israeli strikes targeted a vehicle near Shifa hospital and a roundabout in Gaza City, and a tent in the city of Deir al-Balah that killed at least six members of the same family.

Two parents, their three children and the childrens aunt were killed in that strike, according to the Al-Aqsa hospital. The family was from the northern town of Beit Hanoun, and arrived in Deir al-Balah last week after fleeing their shelter in Gaza City

The Israeli military did not have an immediate comment on the strikes.

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As part of its expanding operation in Gaza City, the Israeli military destroyed a high-rise residential building on Sunday morning, less than an hour after an evacuation order posted online by the military spokesman Avichay Adraee.

Residents said the Kauther tower in the Rimal neighborhood was flattened to the ground. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

A bomb dropped during an Israeli military strike approaches a building in Gaza City (Associated Press/Yousef Al Zanoun)

This is part of the genocidal measures the (Israeli) occupation is carrying out in Gaza City, said Abed Ismail, a Gaza City resident. They want to turn the whole city into rubble, and force the transfer and another Nakba.

The word Nakba is Arabic for catastrophe and refers to when some 700,000 Palestinians were expelled by Israeli forces or fled their homes in what is now Israel, before and during the 1948 war that surrounded its creation.

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Israeli strongly denies accusations of genocide in Gaza

Separately, two Palestinian adults died of causes related to malnutrition and starvation in the Gaza Strip over the last 24 hours, the territorys health ministry reported Sunday.

That has brought the death toll from malnutrition-related causes to 277 since late June, when the ministry started to count fatalities among this age category, while another 145 children died of malnutrition-related causes since the start of the war in October 2023, the ministry said.

The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, abducting 251 people and killing some 1,200, mostly civilians. There are still 48 hostages remaining in Gaza, of whom 20 Israel believes are still alive.

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Israels retaliatory offensive has killed at least 64,803 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not say how many were civilians or combatants. It says around half of those killed were women and children. Large parts of major cities have been completely destroyed and around 90% of some 2 million Palestinians have been displaced. ___

Magdy reported from Cairo. Associated Press writer Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed to this report.
So many important events happened in the past week over the past week that it is not clear how it will be remembered, but there may be several regional trends which are reshaped by the events.

The week of September 7 to September 13 should be remembered as one marking a possible turning point in the Middle East.

That said, so many important events have happened during those few days that it is unclear how they will be recorded in history. The September 9 strike on Qatar by Israel was that weeks major event, one that may reshape several trends in the region.

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However, that attack on Qatar was not the only significant trend unfolding in the region. Israel was also pressing ahead with its policy in Gaza of leveling high-rise buildings.

Dozens of buildings have been destroyed. Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned that Gaza City could end up looking like Beit Hanun or parts of Rafah.

This essentially means that Israel will likely level Gaza City, completely destroying it. While some say that this is part of a military campaign aimed at wrecking Hamass infrastructure, the current campaign of leveling buildings seems more and more like a systematic doctrine of destroying civilian homes. If it were about hitting Hamas sites within such compounds, then this could involve precision strikes.

Still more developments unfolded during that same week. Videos appeared showing Hamas continuing its reign of terror, breaking the legs of people in Gaza who the terrorist organization had detained.

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Hamas continues to harm civilians. It controls the two million civilians in the enclave who Israel has told to evacuate. Meanwhile, the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has reported increased challenges at the sites where it distributes aid.

On September 11, the organization said, Unfortunately, these Hamas threats are forcing us to change how we operate. Today, after successfully serving 4,000 women, we were preparing to serve another 1,500 when we made the tough call to shut down SDS3 early due to these escalating threats. As of now, we will not be operating a women-only distribution center tomorrow anywhere.

10 Israelis killed in a single day

Separately, on September 8, four soldiers were killed in Gaza. These are the latest casualties in the 700-day war in the enclave. The war does not appear to be ending anytime soon. As for the 48 hostages still in Gaza, they are not getting as much media attention as they did before.

The four soldiers who were killed did not make many headlines either because this occurred on the same day as a terrorist attack in Jerusalem.

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In the days before October 7, 2023, the murder of six people in a Jerusalem terrorist attack would be a big deal, as would the killing of four soldiers. Yet, Israelis have been conditioned to accept death on multiple fronts now. With more than 900 soldiers killed in the war, there is a sense that this is normal.

Then, om Friday, September 13, the UN General Assembly backed a French and Saudi initiative to recognize a Palestinian state. Israel has objected to this move.

France24 noted that 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.

This kind of UN move would have also been seen as necessary in years past. Nowadays, it is regarded not only as typical but also as a move that is unlikely to have much of an effect.

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Many European countries are moving toward recognizing a Palestinian state. While the move seeks to exclude Hamas, this terrorist organization continues to control Gaza despite undergoing 23 months of war.

Simply put, Israel has been unable to remove Hamas or support an alternative government. The unwillingness to support an alternative to Hamas suggests that it will remain in control of Gaza in some form.

At the same time that France and Saudi Arabia were pushing in the UN for the two-state solution, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on September 11 that there would be no Palestinian statehood.

He made these comments while pushing for construction in E1, which is east of Jerusalem in an area of the West Bank near Maaleh Adumim, essentially between that area and Mount Scopus. Critics claim that resettlement in this area would essentially split the West Bank in half. Notably, this same criticism was made regarding Har Homa and Maaleh Adumim.

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Turning back to the strike on Qatar, this also came after US President Donald Trump had said he was issuing a final warning to Hamas.

This was supposed to get the terrorist organization to cut a deal. Trump made the push on September 8. Hamas members apparently gathered in Qatar to discuss the deal. The airstrike then took place.

It is unclear if the strike was timed to eliminate Hamas members who oppose making an agreement. However, the result may be the derailment of yet another opportunity to bring Israeli hostages home and end the war.

Abraham Accords partners cool relations amid upcoming fifth anniversary

Qatar is angry and is seeking to get other countries together to oppose Israel. This may, potentially, chill relations with the Abraham Accords countries. The fifth anniversary of those accords is coming up soon, but the UAE and Bahrain do not seem inclined to celebrate them.

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In the interim, reports about the Doha strike made it unclear if any Hamas leaders had actually been killed. Other reports discussed how Israel may have conducted the strike and whether there were disagreements within Israeli security circles about conducting the strike.

While the UN Security Council did condemn the attack, Israel was not mentioned. Qatars Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, visited Washington on September 12 to meet US officials after the strike.

Some good news did take place that very same week. Kidnapped Israeli Russian Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was held for over 900 days by Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq, was finally freed. She arrived in Israel several days later, where footage showed her walking with difficulty at a local hospital. The Trump administration had played a significant role in freeing her. It has also sought to set hostages in Gaza free.

Lastly, Egypt said it was toning down security coordination with Israel.

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Saudi-owned Al Arabiya reported that Egypt decided to scale back security coordination with Israel until further notice in response to the Doha strike. Sources cited by the network said Cairo was carrying out a reorganization of its security communications with Israel, according to Ynet.

Similarly, Iraqi officials said that they feared Israeli strikes and, therefore, they were seeking to get Egypt and other states to stand against Israel.

Meanwhile, in Syria, the president of the Syrian transitional government met with the head of the US Central Command. Ahmed al-Sharaa is heading to Washington next week to deliver speeches, showcasing how Syria has reengaged with the international community.

Significantly, pro-Israel supporters are messaging more about Qatar and also against the moves for a Palestinian state. The new narrative is that Israel will hunt Hamas members wherever they are.

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In essence, what this means is that Syria, which went through a decade of civil war, will be pushing for stability in Washington. In juxtaposition, Israel will be viewed as a country pushing for the possibility of expanding the conflict to include not only Gaza, but also Doha.

It should be mentioned that Qatar is a major non-NATO ally.

What this adds up to is the prominence of several essential trends. Many of these incidents would have been considered unprecedented in the past, such as the cooling of ties between Israel and Egypt and Israel and the UAE.

The attack on Qatar, the E1 move, Iraq openly talking about possible Israeli strikes, and trying to coordinate against Israel  these are all singular developments.

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Moreover, Iraq releasing Tsurkov, Trump sending a final warning to Hamas, Israels continued airstrikes on Lebanon, the destruction of high-rises in Gaza, the outwardly overlooked death of four more soldiers, six people being killed in a terrorist attack in Jerusalem  these are all abnormalities, especially considering they all occurred within one single week.

September 7 to September 13 was an unprecedented week, but so many important events were seemingly buried as part of the continuing chaos and war unleashed by Hamass October 7 massacre.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Two people are dead after a crash triggered by a damaged stop sign in northern Michigan.

Michigan State Police say the crash happened shortly after midnight on Friday at County Road 633 and Miller Road in Grand Traverse County. Investigators found two Jeeps crashed at the intersection, one travelling westbound and the other heading south.

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The white Jeep was supposed to have come upon a stop sign at the intersection of Miller and County Road 633. However, the stop sign had been damaged in a previous incident and was laying in the ditch, MSP said in a statement. Because of this, the westbound Jeep did not stop and was struck by the southbound Jeep on the passenger side.

The driver of the westbound Jeep, identified as a 33-year-old woman from Northport, was rushed to a nearby hospital but eventually died from her injuries. Her passenger, a 39-year-old man from Gaylord, was pronounced dead on scene.

The other vehicle was driven by a 47-year-old woman from Copemish. She and her passenger, a 15-year-old girl, were taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Based on witness statements, MSP believed the stop sign was upright at least two hours before the crash and that an unreported incident damaged the sign sometime between 10 p.m. and midnight.

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If anyone traveled through the area during that time frame and has information regarding the stop sign that could assist investigators, please call the Gaylord Regional Communications Center at 989.732.5141, MSP stated.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Israel's President Isaac Herzog made the statements at a service honoring fallen president Shimon Peres and prime minister Moshe Sharett.

President Isaac Herzog called for strengthening ties with the UAE during his speech at the national memorial ceremony for Israels deceased Presidents and Prime Ministers on Sunday.

The service was held at the President's residence in Jerusalem and specifically honored the fallen president Shimon Peres and former prime minister Moshe Sharett.

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"There are countless countries where, alongside disagreements, Israel has extensive and significant ties," the President remarked. "We must not forsake our ties. We must not burn our bridges.

His statements come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following Israel's strikes on Hamas leaders in Qatar last week.

The UAE, which is a close US ally and also the most prominent Arab state to normalize ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords, summoned the deputy Israeli ambassador on Friday over the attack and subsequent remarks by Netanyahu, which it described as hostile.

US President Donald Trump stands alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the foreign ministers of the UAE (right) and Bahrain at the signing of the Abraham Accords at the White House in 2020. (credit: TOM BRENNER/REUTERS)

The UAE has described Qatar's stability as an "inseparable part of the security and stability of the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council," which includes Saudi Arabia.

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Arab-Islamic leaders are expected to meet in Doha on Monday to rally support for Qatar.

Israel to continue defending itself with all tools available

Nevertheless, Herzog stressed that Israeli is fighting a hostility it has never before faced, and therefore must use "all tools, on all fronts" to fight against it. This seemingly alluded to the Qatar strikes, which has caused tensions in the region but has majority support from the Israeli public.

As well as expressing gratitude for Israel's more established allies, specifically the US under President Donald Trump, Herzog also highlighted the "countless other countries with whom, alongside disagreements, sometimes very deep disagreements, and even positions I strongly reject, Israel has extensive and significant ties."

"They are part of the Western-facing world in which we seek to remain, and in these countries there is also a large and important public supportive of Israel, who yearn to hear our voice."

The president stressed the need for Israel to act diplomatically and with public diplomacy.

"We are not to accept the isolation our enemies seek to impose upon us," he concluded.
Hagai Reznik warns decades of neglect towards Israels Bedouin community in the Negev could lead to a catastrophe, citing illegal weapons, crime, and lack of state support as key issues.

Decades of neglect towards Israel's Bedouin community could lead to catastrophe, the Rifman Institute for the Development of the Negev's Hagai Reznik warned on Saturday.

Most of the Bedouin sector is normative, Reznik commented; however, he highlighted major issues, including the tens of thousands of illegal weapons circulating in the community, as well as repeated extortion and crime.

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The state "does not understand that their conception of Bedouins in the Negev will explode in the public's face," he warned.

Reznik clarified that his dispute is not with any particular prime minister or government's policy, but with neglect and a lack of understanding from the state as a whole. "Without aggressive treatment with state tools on the issue, including economic development, integration into the workforce, and boundaries and legislative rules being enforced, the situation is becoming a catastrophe."

"Some government ministries are listening, but there is no understanding that this requires inter-ministerial cooperation," he added.

Members of the Bedouin community in Southern Israel, convene a meeting with journalists, demanding justice for the death of their relative, Osama Abu Eissa, who was executed by Hamas terrorists during the October 7th attack, near Hura village, Israel November 9, 2023 (credit: REUTERS/AMMAR AWAD)

Due to his work at the Rifman Institute, Reznik has worked on plans to promote the Negev and improve the quality of life for both Jewish and Bedouin residents of the region. However, he warned that the "fact that there are 150,000 Bedouins living in tin shacks, while the regulating body has no legal powers, and regulates only a few percent, if any at all, of property claims," is a major issue, which leads to Bedouin settlements suffering from terrible neglect, in his view.

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Reznik is also working on an educational program in the community. He argues that many Bedouin students do not study in the Israeli education system, which widens the gap between the communities.

He accuses the state of being at fault for this, alleging that "Instead of fostering quality Israeli education for integration into society, there is a lack of significant economic encouragement and encouragement of serious crime. Instead of the necessary searches and administrative detention needed for illegal weapons."

Over 100,000 illegal weapons, firearms

The presence of over 100,000 illegal weapons and firearms, according to the Rifman Institute's estimates, means that criminals in the region are almost as well armed as Israel Police's Southern District. "This endangers everyone, both Jewish residents and the majority normative Bedouin population," Reznik warned.

"The Negev is already paying a price and will continue to pay a heavy price. This will also harm central Israel, let's not be mistaken," he continued.

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"Most of the Bedouin residents are law-abiding and amazing people, but the balance will be disrupted if the neglect continues. We are one step away from there," he added.

Those among Reznik's Bedouin friends who speak out against the state's neglect feel like they cannot do so under fear of being threatened, he claimed.
Nepal's new interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Sunday described the country's sudden youth-led uprising as a "revolution that turned everything upside down."

She spoke as the situation in the Himalayan nation calmed following the brief but violent revolt left at least 72 people dead and thousands injured.

"I feel extremely bewildered," Karki told senior bureaucrats at an introductory meeting attended by the media. "It has never happened in the world. I don't know about any revolution that has turned everything upside down in 27 hours."

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She said governance now faces huge challenges, with many state offices and documents destroyed, and hinted at a possible conspiracy behind the burning of key institutions, including the prime minister's office and the Supreme Court.

Officials said the death toll includes 59 protesters, 10 prisoners and three security personnel. At least 191 people, among them 57 police officers, remain hospitalized, and the number of dead may rise as security forces recover charred bodies from locations like supermarkets that were set ablaze during the unrest.

The uprising erupted Monday after young people took to the streets to protest corruption and a government-imposed social-media ban. Within hours it escalated into riots, jailbreaks and arson attacks nationwide. About 13,000 prisoners escaped as mobs stormed detention centres; 10 inmates were killed in prison riots.

The turmoil forced prime minister KP Sharma Oli to resign on Tuesday.

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After days of talks between President Ram Chandra Paudel, youth protest leaders and civil-society figures, 73-year-old Karki was appointed interim prime minister on Friday, becoming the first woman to hold the office.

Karki's caretaker government has pledged to hold elections by March 5, 2026. On Sunday, it granted "martyr" status to protesters killed, promised compensation to each victim's family and ordered free treatment for the injured.
Agricultural economist John Newton, right, answers questions from Don Wick of the Red River Farm Network at the Big Iron farm show in West Fargo, North Dakota, on Sept. 10, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor)

WEST FARGO, N.D.  North Dakota soybean growers rely heavily on exports to China, but with harvest on the horizon, those exports are nowhere in sight.

China hasnt made a single purchase commitment, John Newton, a longtime ag economist and executive head of Terrain, a farm credit services company, said last week at the Big Iron farm show. We need to start seeing those commitments come in right now. And I think thats really whats weighing on the farm economy.

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Newton said export commitments for the crop of soybeans that is about to be harvested are at the lowest point since 2018-19, which is keeping prices low.

Newton, who was previously the Republican chief economist for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, said he thinks the Trump administration tariff policies have worked to the extent that there have been deals with the European Union, Canada, Mexico and other countries. But where we havent seen anything yet, is with China, and where that hits hard is with soybeans, Newton said.

The North Dakota Soybean Council hosted a trade delegation from China in August despite the trade dispute between the two countries.

Scott German farms near Oakes and is a director for the North Dakota Soybean Growers Association.

Scott German of the North Dakota Soybean Growers Association, speaks with a visitor to the groups booth at the Big Iron farm show in West Fargo, North Dakota, on Sept. 10, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor)

I think its important to note the fact that the lines of communication are open with the buying and the selling, German said while representing the association at Big Iron last week. Weve just got to get the politics out of it.

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Farmer Mark Knutson of Fargo was part of the Chinese delegations tour of a North Dakota farm and grain elevator.

They want to do business with us, but were just more expensive than the Brazilian soybean right now, Knutson said.

Newton said it is unclear how long the Chinese can rely on Brazil to be its main source of soybeans, which it uses to feed hogs.

He said China had built up its soybean supplies before President Donald Trump took office.

It is feasible to think that they can get everything they need by drawing down their stocks and then purchasing from Brazil, Newton said. They cant do that very long, maybe just for this crop season.

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But China also is good at playing the long game, he said, with the Communist regime not facing the same political forces that are at play in the United States.

So their strategy can be a little bit different than what our strategy is here at home, Newton said.

Newton said negotiations may be affected by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling after it hears arguments in November on the legality of Trumps tariff policies.

If tariffs are ruled illegal, it takes a lot of the leverage off the table for the Trump administration, Newton said.

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German said that China sitting out of the U.S. market is creating other changes in the soybean market. Southeast Asian countries that may have purchased from Brazil are buying some U.S. soybeans, he said.

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Unfortunately, a lot of that product is going to be shipped out of the Gulf or the East Coast, so producers in North Dakota might not reap any benefits of it, German said.

North Dakota soybeans destined for Asia go through the Pacific Northwest.

North Dakota farmers are also being affected by storms that obliterated storage bins on farms and elevators, giving some farmers little option but to take low cash prices at harvest instead of waiting for a market rebound.

There are a couple of good signs for farmers. Newton said corn export commitments are strong and beef prices are at record highs.

Soybeans in a Cass County, North Dakota, field on Sept. 10, 2025 are turning color as harvest approaches. (Photo by Jeff Beach/North Dakota Monitor)

The development of soybean crush plants in the region, which can take delivery of soybeans year-round, also helps make that possible.

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North Dakota saw two soybean crush plants open last year at Jamestown and Casselton. South Dakota has added crush plants, too.

German said they are helping keep poor soybean prices from being even worse.

Theyre a godsend right now, German said.

In Trumps first term, a trade dispute with China led to the federal government paying out $23 billion in relief to farmers who suffered a loss of trade because of lost exports.

Newton said there is again talk of a similar economic bridge for farmers but again with many factors at play.

Newton said some in Congress see the $66 billion targeted to farmers over the next decade in the so-called one big, beautiful bill as giving the ag industry the help it needs. But he said many of the benefits included in the bill, such as improvement to crop insurance and other programs, wont show up for many farmers until next harvest.

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He said some in Congress dont understand that those potential payoffs are a long way away.

Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., chairs the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee. He said in a statement to the North Dakota Monitor that he is working with Sen. John Boozman, R-Mont., chair of the Agriculture Committee, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and the Agriculture Department to find ways to support our producers while the Trump administration works to put in place better long-term trade agreements.

North Dakota Monitor Deputy Editor Jeff Beach jbeach@northdakotamonitor.com.

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California officials are considering a proposal that will allow hunters and landowners to shoot swans to bring their numbers down, CalMatters reported.

What's happening?

Mute swan populations in California have been on the rise in the past decade. In 2008, the state implemented a ban on the import and domestication of mute swans to deter the growth of the species. But it didn't work.

Since 2022, there has been an estimated 800% increase in swans, from 1,500 to 12,000. According to CalMatters, most of these mute swans live in the Suisun Marsh.

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However, mute swans are not indigenous to California. They come from Europe and Asia, introduced in the U.S. for their beauty in private properties and parks. Due to their large size, these birds make a huge impact on the wetland ecosystem, destroying plant life and even drowning smaller animals.

"If the population gets too large and out of control, it may be beyond our ability then to really effectively manage them," said Mark Hennelly, a lobbyist for the California Waterfowl Association, per CalMatters. "So we want to get ahead of the problem."

Why is this hunting proposal important?

Invasive species are plants and wildlife that are not indigenous to a specific area and spread aggressively. These living organisms are introduced to a location and then outcompete the native species for critical resources, causing harm to animals, humans, and the environment. Examples of these include the zebra mussels in the Great Lakes and the spotted lanternfly on the East Coast.

Invasive species, like the mute swan, can destroy habitats and animals, causing over $20 billion in economic damages and interrupting the life cycle for so many members of the environment around them.

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The proposed hunting law could help state officials and residents control the spread of the mute swan population. However, animal rights groups are against the use of lethal means of control.

"The birds arrived here through no fault of their own, brought by humans, and they don't deserve to be killed for it," said Nicole Rivard, a spokesperson for Friends of Animals, per CalMatters.

The perceived beauty of the mute swan makes it more difficult to pass bills for lethal means of controlling the population.

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"They might be a pretty, big, white bird  and they may be charismatic, but they can be pretty nasty," said Brad Bortner, a retired chief of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's migratory bird management programs in Washington D.C., per CalMatters.

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According to CalMatters, Dave Strayer, a retired invasive species expert with the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in New York, shared a similar sentiment. He said, "I never had even one person stand up for zebra mussels and say, 'No, these are beautiful, elegant God's creatures' and so forth."

It's important to stop the spread of the mute swan and the effect it has on California's ecosystems, especially in a state that has lost much of its natural habitats and is home to more than 24% of all endangered plants and animals in the U.S.

"They don't move around the state all that much, and they really like the Delta-Suisun Marsh area, so it's still easy to handle the issue," said Melanie Weaver, waterfowl coordinator for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, per CalMatters. "The longer we wait, it won't be."

What's being done about mute swans?

Wetlands are important for protecting water quality in the U.S. and for the safety and reproduction of waterfowl. This is why they are protected in the country.

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However, mute swans are impacting wetlands, which are already struggling. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, over 50% of wetlands are gone from the continental 48 U.S. states.

It remains to be seen whether the hunting proposal will be put in place. However, other states have found success through other means. In Indiana and Wisconsin, officials control the population by removal of nests and eggs from habitats, known as egg addling. The birds can be captured and transferred to wildlife facilities. This has also been used in New York to great success, with the state keeping the population of mute swans from growing too rapidly and keeping it steady at 2,000-3,400 birds.

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The recently released U.S. Department of State Human Rights Reports have stirred significant controversy about notable cuts in length and issue coverage, delayed release, and perceived bias, particularly on countries like Hungary, Brazil and South Africa.

Equally concerning is the disconnect between migration policy and the reports coverage of countries like Haiti, Ukraine and Afghanistan and the unduly rosy reporting of countries like El Salvador. Each case highlights this troubling inconsistency, as well as the willingness to deport people to dangerous situations, and  more broadly  a significant divergence from American foreign policy.

The State Department should seriously review the concerns voiced by journalists and democracy defenders about the mischaracterization of human rights situations in countries aligned with the U.S. and those with which tensions exist.

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The Department of Homeland Security should carefully review those past or pending deportation cases to highly insecure countries. Given its important oversight responsibility, Congress should investigate whether deported migrants face life-threatening situations due to U.S. deportation, since that would be both inhumane and counter to Americas democratic values.

The inconsistency between U.S. human rights reporting and immigration policy is most clearly seen in efforts to lift protective designations such as temporary protected status for certain foreign nationals in the United States. This provisional legal classification is granted when a home country is considered temporarily unsafe or unable to adequately handle the return of its nationals.

Haitians initially received temporary protected status due to a 2010 natural disaster, followed by extensions triggered by extreme security conditions which make return unsafe. The Human Rights Report found that the human rights situation there worsened significantly because of the lack of state capacity to protect civilians from expanding gang violence and individuals decreasing rights in areas such as freedom of expression.

Nevertheless, the administration recently sought to lift temporary protected status for Haitians and has terminated the Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela Parole Program that allowed some nationals from those four countries to legally enter and work in the United States temporarily. The courts blocked the effort to remove Haitians temporary protected status, but the Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela Parole Program termination was allowed to proceed. The administrations position on these programs illustrates a troubling gap between the reports and humanitarian immigration policy.

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Similarly, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced in May that the United States would rescind temporary protected status for Afghan nationals, many of whom supported U.S. objectives in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan has had an improved security situation, and its stabilizing economy no longer prevent them from returning to their home country, Noem argued in determining that the conditions no longer meet the statutory requirements for temporary protected status.

But the Human Rights Report stated that there was significant deterioration in respect for womens rights during the year and that Taliban members reportedly killed persons in retaliation for their association with the pre-August 2021 government.

This is particularly concerning for those Afghans who served U.S. interests and face a heightened threat of retaliation upon return. Leaving aside the moral argument against sending back Afghans who helped the U.S., the State Departments report makes the case that deporting them would place them in grave danger.

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Similarly, Ukrainians who have fled the brutal Russian war were granted a temporary humanitarian status due to the war. The administration withdrew this status which means over 120,000 Ukrainians will be forced to return to their homeland during an active war if they lack an existing asylum request.

Of additional concern is the U.S. deportation of migrants to third countries that have deeply problematic human rights records as clearly delineated in the Human Rights Reports, such as South Sudan, Rwanda and Eswatini.

In the case of El Salvador, whose president is a close partner in the administrations deportation efforts, the State Department assessments diverged from widespread evidence by respected sources that there are major human rights violations, including against children. The country report states that there are no credible reports of significant human rights abuses, raising questions about its credibility.

While deporting people from the United States is within the purview of any American administration and removing people with criminal records is standard policy, sending these individuals to countries where they may face significant abuse and danger is a troubling divergence from traditional U.S. standards and simple decency. So is cutting deals and providing U.S. financial and/or political support to problematic regimes and leaders who host deportees but are also sanctioned by the United States, as is the case with South Sudanese leader Benjamin Bol Mel.

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Historically a powerful tool in American policymaking, the Human Rights Reports have traditionally provided an objective source to inform foreign and domestic policy, reflect American values, and project American democratic global leadership. Immigration enforcement, including removals, is a necessary component of immigration policy. But it should not undermine American values and foreign policy objectives.

Any distance between American human rights standards and our handling of migration policy undermines American values and the United States position in the world. It also damages Americas credibility and ability to secure its interests globally at a time where these interests are threatened by global competitors.

Nicole Bibbins Sedaca is the Kelly and David Pfeil Fellow at the George W. Bush Institute. Laura Collins is Director of the George W. Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative at the George W. Bush Institute.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 remarkable bush-telegraph would have immediately alerted Samburu tribes-people of our arrival in their vicinity. The speedy word-of-mouth system had already spread news throughout northern Kenya that young foreigners were bringing special healing medicines.

We were Peace Corps Volunteers working in several small teams on a joint USA-Kenya-World Health Organization expedition in December 1968. Our mission was to help in the worldwide campaign to eradicate smallpox from Earth. Our task was to offer vaccinations to people in the worlds last pockets of smallpox in Kenya near Ethiopia and Somalia.

We were definitely not tourists in a luxury safari camp with guards.

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Locating a site to set up camp before equatorial sunset, our team of four could find no human in sight in that remote region. Each night the only sounds were local fauna  likely, rhinoceros, elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards, hyenas  snorting and howling nearby. Though Id grown up camping often in Western North Carolinas wild mountains, I remember those nights in Kenyas high desert, listening, worrying those animals in total darkness might trip on our tent cords.

Awakening at sunrise a few hundred miles north of the equator, we would quickly set up our vaccinating operation in the shade of a few acacia thorn-trees: a table with little boxes of bifurcated smallpox needles and camp chairs to wait for our first voluntary visitors.

Soon groups of people, initially women with children, began appearing on the barren landscape and slowly, but determinedly, walking to greet us. Advance word had already prepared them that medicine would be delivered by our injecting a number of quick punctures with a sharp little spear-needle in each persons arm.

A larger group of us volunteers had initially gathered in Isiolo town to learn how to administer the smallpox inoculations before we spread north in different directions the next two weeks.

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All in our 20s or older, we recalled getting our own still visible smallpox vaccinations. Each of us also remembered from childhood in U.S. knowing friends suffering, some dying, from polio, and also our own measles-chicken pox-mumps feverish nightmares before vaccines for all those diseases. I recalled hearing my grandmother talk of surviving yellow fever and her describing friends debilitated by malaria and deformed by smallpox.

We PCVs were proud of medical-scientific advances by American scientists shared freely, globally by U.S. Centers for Disease Control in coordination with WHO.

Throughout those memorable days working to reach people in smallpoxs last domain, it was always like a miracle that suddenly people began trustingly showing up. Many smiling women came with their arms outstretched for their shots and holding childrens hands to help bravely extend their little arms.

At first there would be no men with them, but, slowly, tall, regal warrior-men holding long spears would arrive, standing like sentinels for hours on the periphery. Often the women would indicate to us, some speaking in Kiswahili, a second language for them and us, or just in sign language, that they would persuade the males, young and old warriors, to come next day if we would stay another night. Eventually the men would step forward for their jabs.

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This voluntary program was health diplomacy in action. In this case also it was vaccines diplomacy.

Americans serving our country by serving the world in sharing our bounty was what President John F. Kennedy and his brother-in-law, Sargent Shriver, the first Peace Corps director, envisioned upon establishing the volunteers corps in 1961. The idea was the United States should lead by sharing our wealth through soft power, practicing positive diplomacy of all kinds, including health, medical, voluntary, and vaccine diplomacy, around the world.

A little over a decade after our vaccinating mission, WHO with international scientists in December 1979 announced final eradication of smallpox. It was an achievement ending a scourge that had devastated human communities thousands of years. Along with fellow volunteers involved, I felt proud reading the news, remembering our participation in the global medical effort to eradicate the deadly, ancient disease.

Our vaccinating expedition, diplomatically coordinated by Kenya-USA-WHO, had a positive impact on eradicating smallpox. We U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers had participated in global health diplomacy. Our small diplomatic contribution helped make a big difference in the world.

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Opinion: My world career: Lessons learned following our dreams in unpredictable times

Opinion: US has always welcomed tourists, visitors. Politics, tariffs, bullying ends that.

Elizabeth Liz Colton, Ph.D., author, diplomat, Emmy Award winning journalist, professor, former UN development planner and Peace Corps Volunteer in Kenya, now teaches diplomacy and the media worldwide for UNITAR and partner international universities. Shes an active member of the Western North Carolina-Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and National Peace Corps Association.

Journalist and diplomat Elizabeth "Liz" Colton, of Asheville, is an author, diplomat, educator and Emmy Award winning journalist, who teaches diplomacy and the media worldwide for UNITAR and partner international universities global courses.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Health diplomacy between US, WHO has made positive global impact
GULF COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  The Patriot Tour unites Americans across all 50 states. Thousands of volunteers come together to escort one American flag across every state.

By taking one flag through all 50 states, it gives every American who takes part in this a chance to pay their respect to that flag. And to the people who serve that flag in the military and those who serve that flag, even if they are not in the military. Its just the idea that one flag can unite this whole country, Nation of Patriots Florida Panhandle Coordinator Dan Smith said.

The flag left from Lafayette, Louisiana, on May 27th. On Saturday, bikers drove it from Tallahassee to Port St. Joe.

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We need to become a presence in the Panhandle. There are a lot of vets here that need to be supported and celebrated. So we decided we needed to get this part of the country actively participating in the Nation of Patriots Patriot Tour, Nation of Patriots Florida Panhandle Coordinator Becki Smith said.

When they arrived, they completed a flag transfer ceremony to pass the flag to its next rider. Veterans and community members came out to support the cause.

Foodies unite for PCB Food Truck & Craft Beverage Festival

The event not only honors the flag, but also helps raise money for veterans and their families.

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We have helped over 700 families in the United States with over $2 million in issues that weve been able to take care of and let them lead a normal life. This is what we do, what we strive to do, Nation of Patriots Vice President of Operations Rick Bitzer said.

However, the hard part is finding veterans in need.

It is so hard to find them because veterans are very proud people. They do not want to admit to anybody around them that they cannot do it on their own, even when they cant. We lose too many veterans every year. If we can help, if we can give them a hand up to give them over these financial hardships at any given point in their lives, so that they can move on thats what we do, Smith said.

Eligible veterans must have a financial hardship, a service-related injury, and a dependent.

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The Nation of Patriots will take the flag to Pensacola on Sunday. It will continue on its journey until it reaches Lafayette, Louisiana, on September 20th.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
(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.

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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.

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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)
Stephen Miller, the influential White House official spearheading much of the Trump administrations immigration agenda, was reportedly so widely disliked during his earlier time on Capitol Hill that Republican staffers invented a rumor he liked to play with porcelain dolls to embarrass him.

Such mockery hasnt subsided since Miller left the office of then-Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama to join the Trump camp, with the president allegedly gossiping about Miller behind his back over his intense and awkward manner, according to a new report.

These claims come from an in-depth Rolling Stone profile of Miller, Trumps deputy chief of staff and homeland security adviser, which paints a picture of the California native as a powerful force inside the administration, acting as the shadow boss of supposedly independent agencies like the Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security.

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Elsewhere in the article, Trump officials and Republicans told the magazine Miller is known internally by nicknames like the REAL Attorney General and President Miller for his wide-ranging portfolio.

Stephen Miller has been one of President Trumps longest serving and most trusted advisers for nearly a decade, and I can personally attest to the respect that President Trump has for Stephen because I witness it every day, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told The Independent in a statement. Thats why Stephen serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security adviser because the President has the utmost faith in him and his proven leadership abilities. In addition to being extremely effective at his jobs, Stephen is a loyal colleague and friend. Any suggestion otherwise is false gossip from people who dont actually know him.

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller is the architect of the Trump administrations major immigration policies, but has earned mockery from some of his Republican colleagues on Capitol Hill, according to a new magazine profile (AFP via Getty Images)

Miller has guided the White House on its most controversial initiatives, such as building immigration detention camps around the country, sending the military and masked ICE agents into Democrat-led cities, and invoking the Alien Enemies Act to summarily deport alleged gang members.

In another episode described in the profile, a childhood friend of Millers claims the future politico cut ties because of his Latin heritage.

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Its not the first time Miller has been accused of childhood animosity towards Latinos.

As a kid, Miller would allegedly tell Spanish speakers at his diverse Southern California high school to learn English or go back to their home countries, according to reporter Jean Guerreros book Hatemonger: Stephen Miller, Donald Trump, And The White Nationalist Agenda.

Now that Miller is back in the White House, Miller has reportedly berated immigration officials and insisted they arrest 3,000 immigrants a day, even if it means making random stops in Home Depot parking lots. (The administration has denied in court that it has formal immigration detention quotas.)

The Republican has also brushed off stories of families being divided by the immigration crackdown as sob stories meant to emotionally blackmail people, according to the Rolling Stone piece.

More than 60 percent of those arrested by ICE in July had no U.S. criminal convictions, according to the Deportation Data Project. (Illegal immigration on its own is generally a civil offense, not a criminal one.)
The family of Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre has asserted Lord Peter Mandelson should never have been appointed UK ambassador to the US.

Their comments follow the Labour grandee's dismissal on Thursday, after emails emerged revealing he sent supportive messages to Epstein, even as the paedophile faced jail for sex offences.

Ms Giuffre, who died in Western Australia in April aged 41, was a leading accuser of convicted sex offenders Epstein and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell.

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Her brother, Sky Roberts, and sister-in-law Amanda Roberts, gave their first UK broadcast interview on BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg.

When asked if Lord Mandelson should have been given the role in February, Mr Roberts said: Absolutely not. He should not have been given the position in the first place.

Ms Roberts said: Why does it take us to have to pull out the skeletons for people to be held accountable?

Lord Mandelson was sacked as the UKs ambassador to the US after emails were published showing he had sent supportive messages to Jeffrey Epstein

Our governments have allowed these people to hold their status and their title without shame, and so part of me is like, we should have done something sooner. He should have never been given that title.

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Ms Giuffre also sued the Duke of York for allegedly sexually assaulting her when she was 17 after she was trafficked by Epstein, which eventually led to Andrew paying millions of pounds to settle the case.

She alleged they trafficked her to the duke, with the duke denying the claim and saying they never met.

Andrew stepped down from public life after the furore over his friendship with the paedophile financier.

Ms Roberts said the royal family had not reached out to their family in any way following the settlement, and that she believes more revelations will come to light.

A memoir of Giuffres life, titled Nobodys Girl, is scheduled to be released in October.
Philippe Goddin, who has died aged 81, was a dedicated scholar of the adventures of Tintin, the bequiffed cartoon hero created by Herge; he was often cited as the worlds leading Tintinologist.

Goddin befriended his fellow Belgian Georges Remi (whose pen-name, Herge, derived from the French pronunciation of his initials in reverse) in the 1970s, and after Remis death in 1983 he published a librarys worth of fat volumes analysing his life and work. From 1989 to 1999 he served as secretary-general of the Herge Foundation, founded by Remis widow, Fanny, to promote his work.

Tintin was already globally popular  General de Gaulle had once referred to him as my only international rival  but Goddin worked tirelessly to ensure that there was no slackening of interest in the exploits of the fearless boy reporter following his creators demise.

Goddin published a librarys worth of books on Tintin and Herge

He organised Tintin conventions and conferences around the world, and took a supervisory role on the French-Canadian television series The Adventures of Tintin (1991-92)  ensuring that, unlike the 1950s series Herges Adventures of Tintin, the storylines stuck closely to the original strips.

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Some commentators found Goddin rather too ready to obstruct other critics work. In 1995 Marcus Berkmann revealed in The Daily Telegraph that a Tintin Companion he had co-written with Harry Thompson had gone unpublished because Goddin  whose latest book on Tintin was described by Berkmann as an incomprehensible poststructuralist treatise  had viewed with disfavour [the books] accessible nature and withdrawn the Foundations authorisation.

Thompson had gone on to publish a biography of Herge in 1992, but, having earned Goddins disapproval, was not allowed to include a single illustration from the Tintin books. When he interviewed Herges assistants and collaborators, Berkmann reported, most of them asked not to be quoted by name, as they feared the retribution of the Foundation.

Goddin was particularly successful in promoting Herges comic books in the United States, previously one of the more Tintin-resistant markets. Under his watch, the Tintin books  which have now sold more than 280 million copies  remained as popular with readers as ever. When we ask children today when they think Tintin lived, they always say now, Goddin noted in 1994.

Philippe Goddin was born in Schaerbeek, near Brussels, on May 27 1944. He studied at the Saint-Luc Institute art school in Brussels and subsequently became an art teacher and lecturer. Taking what was then the unusual position that comic books were worthy of serious study, he published his first book, a biography of Herges protege Paul Cuvelier, in 1981.

Herge (the pen name for Georges Remi) in the 1970s - Jacques Pavlovsky/Sygma via Getty Images

Goddin remembered Herge as a very open, welcoming, attentive man but discovered a more complex character when he began to research his life. His friendship with Fanny Remi secured him access to private papers and letters denied to other biographers, and in his many books about Herge  including a 1,000-page biography published in 2007  he provided some juicy revelations.

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He brought to light the fact that the bout of depression that had led to a long hiatus in the serialisation of Prisoners of the Sun in 1947 was the result of Herge falling out with his first wife after he had made romantic overtures to a much younger family friend. Goddin also caused controversy by suggesting that Herge had died of Aids as the result of a contaminated blood transfusion.

The most upsetting revelation for many of Herges fans was that this great humanist and satirist of totalitarianism took a position of neutrality while Belgium was occupied during the Second World War: I am neither pro-German, nor pro-British, he wrote to a friend. Although he revered Herge, Goddin did not shy away from pointing out that as late as 1942 he was including anti-Semitic jokes in the Tintin strips.

Goddins books on Tintin were detailed to the point of obsession in the view of some critics

He did, however, attempt to defend the controversial early story Tintin in the Congo (1931), noting in 2020 that although Tintins bumptious dog Snowy makes comments about Congolese people being lazy, a couple of such remarks doesnt make [Herge] systematically racist.

Goddins magnum opus was his seven-volume Herge: Chronologie dune oeuvre, an exhaustive collection of sketches, photographs and other documents showing how the Tintin strips came into being: some critics thought it more of a record of Goddins obsessive nature than a practical reference work.

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Goddin was a striking, bearded figure with the look of a handsomer version of Tintins sidekick, Captain Haddock. Three rooms in his home in Brussels were occupied by his collection of Tintinalia, with thousands more files and binders housed in his cellar.

Philippe Goddin, born May 27 1944, died September 8 2025

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NATO allies Poland and Romania both scrambled fighter jets to respond to Russian drone and missile attacks in Ukraine on Saturday, as the alliance looks to bolster its defensive options in response to repeated violations of allied airspace by Russian munitions.

The Polish military said no airspace violations were recorded on Saturday after jets were deployed in the airspace along the border with Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donad Tusk reported in a post to X that defenses "reached the highest state of readiness" in response to "the threat posed by Russian drones operating over Ukraine near the border with Poland."

But, farther south along NATOs eastern flank, a Russian drone did violate Romanian airspace, according to a statement published by the Defense Ministry in Bucharest.

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Two F-16 fighters were dispatched "to monitor the air situation on the border with Ukraine, following Russian air attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure on the Danube," the ministry said. The Danube River forms the border between Romania and Ukraine. Russian drones and missiles have repeatedly targeted Ukrainian port and shipping targets there.

Xinhua News Agency via Getty Ima - PHOTO: A Romanian F-16 fighter jet is pictured during the Bucharest International Air Show 2025, at Baneasa airfield in Bucharest, Romania, on Aug. 30, 2025.

As Poland downs drones amid Russia strike, NATO braces for new era on eastern front

The aircraft "detected a drone in national airspace, which they tracked to approximately 20 kilometers southwest of Chilia Veche, where it disappeared from radar," the ministry said. "The drone did not fly over populated areas and did not pose an imminent danger to the safety of the population."

The Defense Ministry told ABC News that its "preliminary reports show the drone flew back to Ukraine. A search team have been dispatched to look out for potential debris."

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"President of the Republic of Poland Karol Nawrocki signed a resolution expressing consent for the stay on the territory of the Republic of Poland of a component of the armed forces of foreign States-Parties to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as reinforcement of the Republic of Poland within the framework of the 'Eastern Sentry' operation," Poland's National Security Bureau said in a social media post on Sunday.

"The President's resolution is classified," the post added.

Saturdays violation of Romanian airspace by a Russian drone was the eleventh such incident since the start of Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, according to data provided to ABC News by the Defense Ministry in Bucharest.

One day before the latest violation, a ministry spokesperson said there had been approximately 50 attacks involving Russian drones on Ukrainian territory near Romanias borders to date, of which 30 saw drone debris falling on Romanian territory.

Dariusz Stefaniuk via Reuters - PHOTO: 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.

NATO downs Russian drones over Poland after 'unprecedented' aggression

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In 10 instances, Russian drones "briefly penetrated Romanias airspace," the spokesperson said.

After Saturdays incident, Romanian Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu said in a post to X that Bucharest "condemns Russias reckless behavior, which threatens regional stability. Together with our NATO allies, we remain vigilant and ready to defend every inch of allied airspace."

Romania is yet to shoot down any Russian drones. The first instance of NATO nations downing drones came last week, when Polish and Dutch fighters destroyed three Russian drones over Poland. At least 19 drones penetrated Polish airspace in that instance, according to Warsaw.

The Romanian defense ministry spokesperson told ABC News that the country has adopted "a completely new legislative approach" since the outbreak of Russias invasion of Ukraine, which includes the use of "non-kinetic (e.g. taking control of the drone through specific devices) and kinetic (their destruction) measures."

Kacper Pempel/Reuters - PHOTO: A police officer stands below as firefighters work on the destroyed roof of a house, after Russian drones violated Polish airspace during an attack on Ukraine, in Wyryki, Lublin Voivodeship, Poland, September 10, 2025.

NATO allies close airspace along Russia, Belarus borders after drone incursions

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"The aircraft that cannot be neutralized by non-kinetic measures may be destroyed, depending on the level of threat, if there is a real danger to national security, the peoples lives or property," the spokesperson said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a post to X that the Russian drone that violated Romanian airspace on Saturday flew around six miles into the country, operating in NATO airspace for around 50 minutes.

"The Russian military knows exactly where their drones are headed and how long they can operate in the air," Zelenskyy wrote. "Their routes are always calculated. This cannot be a coincidence, a mistake, or the initiative of some lower-level commanders."

"It is an obvious expansion of the war by Russia -- and this is exactly how they act," he added. "Small steps at first, and eventually big losses."

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Ukraines air force, meanwhile, said Russia launched 58 drones and one missile into the country overnight into Sunday morning. Air defenses downed or suppressed 52 drones, the air force said, with the missile and six drones impacting across three locations. Falling drone debris was reported in two locations, the air force said.

Russia's Defense Ministry, meanwhile, said its forced downed at least 103 Ukrainian drones overnight into Sunday.

ABC News Patrick Reevell and Victoria Beaule contributed to this report.
STORRS, Conn. (WTNH)  UConn police are investigating an attempted sexual assault at the University of Connecticut.

The incident took place on Saturday at approximately 5:45 p.m., in the area of the Hilltop Apartments parking lot, according to an alert sent to the Storrs campus.

UConn working to meet housing demand in Storrs, Hartford

Police said the alleged suspect, a DoorDash delivery driver, lured a victim into his car while completing a delivery.

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The victim entered the car and was allegedly assaulted by the driver. The victim was able to exit the vehicle and the driver left the area.

Officials believe the driver is a Hispanic man in his 30s driving a 1998 gold Toyota Camry.

As of 3:39 p.m. Sunday, police have made contact with the suspect and are continuing to investigate.

On Monday, a DoorDash spokesperson shared the following statement with News 8:

This is something that no one should ever have to go through. We are urgently investigating these disturbing reports, and have deactivated the associated account while we obtain more information. Our team is fully cooperating with law enforcement in hopes that whoever is responsible will be brought to justice.

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The official said theyre working to get in touch with the customer to express their support.

According to the spokesperson, all drivers are required to verify their identity and undergo a criminal background check.

A spokesperson with university told News 8 it remains an active investigation and said the school takes crimes committed in the community very seriously.

We are working to ensure that the victim(s) involved have access to support, services and resources, the UConn spokesperson said.

This is a developing story. Stay with News 8 for updates.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said that a "wave of pro-Russian sentiment" has been growing in the country, and it is the role of politicians to stop it.

Source: Tusk on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: On Sunday 14 September, Tusk stated that a wave of pro-Russian sentiment and hostility towards Ukraine is currently growing in Poland.

He said this wave has been "created by the Kremlin based on real fears and emotions".

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"The role of politicians is to stop this wave, not to give in to it. This is a test of patriotism and maturity for the entire Polish political class," the Polish prime minister emphasised.

Background:

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Qatar is rallying Arab and Islamic nations after Israels strike on Hamas leaders in Doha, an attack that drew Gulf condemnation and raised questions about regional stability.

Qatar is seeking to rally support in the region and globally after Israels airstrike on a Hamas meeting last week. According to Arab News, Qatar's hosting of leaders from Arab and Islamic countries in Doha on Monday is the strongest demonstration yet of its anger after Israel carried out an air strike on Hamas leaders in its capital on September 9.

This is an important meeting, and Gulf countries, as well as other countries, are preparing to try to meet Dohas needs and requests.The Israeli airstrike on Doha was unprecedented. Over the last two years, Israel has been fighting a multi-front war. Most of the fighting has been done in Gaza after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.

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However, Israels ground operations also expanded to Lebanon in September 2024 to confrontHezbollah. Iranian proxies had attacked Israel hundreds of times from numerous places, including from Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. Iran also attacked Israel twice in 2024.

Israel responded. However, the strikes on Qatar were different. Doha hosts Hamas leaders, but it claims to do so because the US and others asked Doha to do so back in 2012.

Cash transferred from Qatar to Hamas-run Gaza before October 7 was done in coordination with Israel. As such, Doha is shocked that despite being a major non-NATO ally of the US, it was also a victim of an Israeli airstrike.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, attends a funeral held for those killed by an Israeli attack in Doha, including Corporal Badr Saad Mohammed Al-Humaidi Al-Dosari, a member of the Internal Security Force, at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque in Doha, Qatar, September 11, 2025 (credit: Qatar TV/Reuters TV via REUTERS)

Many questions remain about that strike. Will it affect Hamas and Hamas's sense that it is safe in Doha? Will it affect Doha? Qatar sent its prime minister to Washington after the strike.

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While Israel has been at war with the Palestinian group in Gaza since 2023, its decision to attack Hamas in the territory of a fellow US ally shocked the region, especially since Qatar has played a leading role in trying to mediate an end to the war, Arab News says.

Israel's attack on Tuesday was immediately condemned by Qatar's Gulf neighbours as a breach of sovereignty and a setback to diplomatic efforts to end the war in Gaza. Several leaders, including UAE President Sheikh Mohamed, visited Doha in a show of solidarity with Qatar.

The UAE and Bahrain are members of the Abraham Accords. Will the Doha strike change the calculus in the Gulf regarding those accords, which are now almost five years old? Al-Ain Media in the UAE noted that a preliminary meeting is taking place among foreign ministers of Arab and Islamic countries as Doha gears up for a summit on Monday.

Dr.. Majid bin Mohammed Al-Ansari, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said via his Twitter account that Doha will host the emergency Arab-Islamic summit next Monday, which is being held in light of recent developments in the region.

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Trump also met with Qatars Prime Minister. They had a great dinner, the report said. Al-Ansari added, "The summit will discuss a draft statement on the Israeli attack on Qatar, submitted by the preparatory meeting of Arab and Islamic foreign ministers, which will be held on Sunday." He says this is an important meeting and Qatar will be clear about the next steps confronting Israels aggression.

Significant regional impact

The strike on Qatar has had a significant impact on the region. Many countries now feel they may come under attack by Israel. Cairo is considering changing its security relationship with Israel. Turkey is prodding countries to stand up to Jerusalem. Iraq is worried.

The National in the UAE noted that Arab nations are considering an Egyptian proposal to establish a joint military force comprising troops and arms contributed by members of the Arab League, sources have told The National.

The proposal, first mooted in 2015, is being resurrected in response to Israel's strike on the Qatari capital of Doha, which targeted senior Hamas leaders. The attack sparked strong condemnation from Arab nations as well as Western powers.

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What is interesting here is that several years ago, after the Abraham Accords, there was talk of Israel and the Arab states forming a defense alliance. In those days, talk of normalization with Saudi Arabia presented it as only a matter of time. Israel would soon be linked to the UAE as part of a corridor from India to Europe.

This was called I2U2, as in Israel, India, the US, and the UAE. There was the Negev Forum and Negev Summit process and the N7 Initiative. However, the last 700 days of war have changed all this. Today, there is still talk of an IMEC, an India-Middle East Corridor; however, the talk in the Arab world today is less about partnership with Israel and more about seeing Israel as a destabilizing force in the region.

After the Abraham Accords, there was talk of how Israel and the Arab states might coordinate against Iran. Now that talk seems squandered. The talk of an Arab NATO is now very different. In 2015, the talk was about confronting the Houthis.

Egypt is now understood to be pushing for Cairo to be the force's headquarters. Egypt, which boasts the Middle East's largest army, also wants the commander's position to rotate among the 22 members of the Arab League, with an Egyptian serving the first term. A civilian would serve as secretary-general, The National said.

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The new Arab joint work may see Israel as more of a threat than others. This would be a major shift and risk to the Abraham Accords. Doha appears to be messaging about this.

Ankara is exploiting this situation. No one in the Middle East feels safe amid an increasing sense that the Israeli government is fueling region-wide instability, former Turkish prime minister Ahmet Davutoglu, toldThe National. The Doha strike may accelerate some processes or set in motion new trends. It was a brazen attack and a gamble.

If it had succeeded in eliminating top Hamas members, then it might have changed things. However, messaging now portrays it as having not killed the top people. However, the Hamas leaders appear to continue to be in hiding. It is not clear how the chips will fall. However, it may have altered the calculations of some Gulf and Arab states.
Israel Police appealed a ruling allowing Netanyahu adviser Yonatan Urich, a key suspect in the Qatargate probe, to return to the PMO despite allegations of security breaches.

Israel Police appealed to the Lod District Court on Friday against the Rishon Lezion Magistrate's Court's decision to loosen the restrictive measures onYonatan Urich, a senior advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and one of the chief suspects in the Qatargate investigations.

The Thursday decision by Judge Menahem Mizrahi permitted Urich to resume working at the Prime Minister's Office. During a hearing on the matter last month, police representative Supt. Aviv Porat warned against allowing such a move, as this is a man... under investigation and may legitimately be allowed to return to the same place from which he carried out the alleged crimes.

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In the Qatargate investigation, Urich is suspected of working for a pro-Qatar lobbying effort while simultaneously advising Netanyahu, allegedly to improve Qatars image during the Israel-Hamas War, as the Gulf state functioned as a negotiator in hostage and ceasefire talks.

He is suspected of passing on classified information with the intention of harming state security and obstruction of evidence, as well as contact with a foreign agent, breach of trust and security, fraud, money laundering, and corruption.

In particular focus is the Leaked Documents Affair, in which Urich is accused of orchestrating and planning, by the alleged execution of former PMO military spokesman Eli Feldstein, the illegal leaking of a classified document from the military reflecting Hamas's impressions of the successes of its efforts to rattle the Israeli public.

Eli Feldstein, one of the suspects in the so-called Qatargate investigation arrives for a court hearing at the Tel Aviv District Court on July 15, 2025. (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/FLASH90)

Feldstein allegedly leaked classified military documents to the German tabloid Bild after permission for their publication was denied by the IDF censor.

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The documents were eventually published, allegedly to sway public opinion on the hostage negotiations. This was around August 2024, when six hostages were killed by their Hamas captors in a tunnel: Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Almog Sarusi, Eden Yerushalmi, Ori Danino, Carmel Gat, and Alex Lobanov.

Ruling in Urich's favor

This is not the first time the Magistrate's Court ruled in favor of Urich; the police appealed to the District Court, and it was overturned; this would be the fourth. A hearing before Lod District Court Judge Amit Michles has been set for Wednesday afternoon.

Israel Police wrote in the appeal that the Magistrate's Court again and again makes the fundamental mistake when it comes to our requests [regarding Urich]. It ignores the weight of the allegations, the inaccurate comparison to other suspects in the case, and its international effects, ramifications, and complications.

It further explained that the reason to keep Urich away from the PMO - and to prohibit him from contacting anyone connected to the Office or the company Perception, also at the heart of the investigations - is because the investigation has not yet concluded, and this could obstruct it.

Urich and Feldstein were both arrested on March 31.
The concept of fairness is critically important in an era defined by rapid technological advancements, economic fluctuations, and social transformations, according to the Investing in Fairness report published by the European Commission. Salary is one of the most significant aspects of this goal, with employees keen to receive appropriate compensation for their work.

Receiving a fair salary based on skills and experience supports the EUs commitment to promoting social justice and equality. However, two-thirds (67%) of people in the EU are concerned about not receiving a fair salary based on their skillset and experience. This highlights the importance of fair compensation for work, the report says.

Worries about not receiving a fair salary to meet household needs vary widely across Europe. According to the Eurobarometer survey in the report, it ranges from 19% in Denmark to 86% in Portugal and Cyprus.

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In 22 EU countries, at least half of respondents are worried about not receiving a fair salary.

The worry level represents respondents who are either very worried or fairly worried. A detailed breakdown of worry levels is shown in another chart below.

Southern Europe vs Nordic countries

In general, geographical patterns emerge when examining the levels of worry. People in Southern and Eastern Europe express higher concern about wage fairness, while those in Northern and Western Europe, in particular the Nordic countries, report lower levels of concern.

The highest levels of worry are clearly seen in Southern Europe. These include Portugal (86%), Cyprus (86%), Greece (85%), Italy (84%), Croatia (83%), and Spain (81%).

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In contrast, three Nordic countries and the Netherlands report the lowest worries about salary fairness: Denmark (19%), Sweden (26%), Netherlands (28%), and Finland (34%). These levels are significantly lower than the EU average, pointing to the population's trust in social justice and equality.

Germany (56%) and Ireland (59%) are still below the EU average but notably higher than the four countries at the bottom.

This makes Germany the least worried nation about fair pay among the EUs top four economies, while Italy and Spain rank in the highest group. France is also above the EU average at 73%.

Looking at the breakdown of worry levels, more than half of people in three countries are very worried about not receiving a fair salary based on their skills and experience. They are Cyprus (59%), Portugal (55%) and Spain (54%).

The proportion of people who are very worried is also 40% or higher in three more countries: Croatia (47%), Greece (45%), and Italy (40%).

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All six countries are located in Southern Europe.

In the EU, nearly one-third report being very worried (30%), while slightly more than one-third feel fairly worried (37%).

Share of people not worried about fair pay

By contrast, nearly one-third of respondents (31%) in the EU say they are not worried about receiving a fair salary based on their skills and experience. Among them, one fifth (20%) are not very worried, and slightly more than one tenth (11%) are not worried at all.

Do gender and age matter?

Gender does not play a significant role in the level of worry about fair salary, as the difference is only three percentage points (69% vs. 66%). The same holds true for age groups up to 54, all at around 74%, whereas the figure falls to 57% among those aged 55 and over.

Correlation between income and worry levels

There is a moderate negative correlation between annual net earnings and worry levels. This means that worry tends to decrease as income increases.

However, the correlation is not strong and explains only about 30% of the differences between countries. The chart also shows that some countries with similar income levels have significantly different worry levels.

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The correlation is slightly weaker when annual net earnings in PPS (Purchasing Power Standard) are used. This allows for better comparison across countries by removing price differences.

The survey was conducted in January and February 2025.
Texas Republican Congressman Michael McCaul announced Sunday that he will not seek re-election in 2026.

McCaul, a former chairman of the Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs committees, joins two other House Republicans who announced their retirement from public office this year: McCaul's fellow Texan Rep. Morgan Luttrell and Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska.

McCaul, who was first elected to Congress in 2004 and is serving his 11th term, told This Week co-anchor Martha Raddatz that he was looking for a new challenge.

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MORE: With Poland drone attack, Putin is testing Europe and Trump: ANALYSIS

It's been an honor to serve for over two decades in the Congress, McCaul said, adding that while he planned to serve the remainder of his term, he wanted to continue to serve the people in this country in national security and foreign policy and do what I've done the last two decades: make America stronger and the world safer.

ABC News - PHOTO: Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, appears on ABC News' "This Week" on Sept. 14, 2025.

McCauls district, which represents parts of Austin and spans as far east as the Houston suburbs, leans heavily Republican. He handily won reelection in 2024, defeating his Democratic opponent by nearly 30 points.

Texas Republicans redrew their congressional maps last month in an attempt to capture five new GOP-leaning House seats in next years midterms, slightly weakening McCauls district. Under the previous map, 61.6% of the district's population voted for President Donald Trump, compared to 60.5% of the population under the newly drawn lines, according to data from the Texas Legislative Council.

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McCaul, who currently serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also reacted to the incursion of Russian drones into NATO ally Poland this week, dismissing Trumps assertion that the violation of Polish airspace may have been a mistake.

With all deference to the president, I don't think that was a mistake. I think Putin is testing the resolve of NATO, McCaul said.

McCaul also criticized Israels attempted strikes on Hamas leadership in Qatar last week.

We asked them to negotiate these negotiations with Hamas, he said. And then this shot across the bow, I don't think, you know, as the president said, this does not serve the interests of the United States or Israel well, long term.

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Here are more highlights from McCaul's interview:

On Putin's pressure on NATO

He wants to see how NATO reacts, how Poland reacts. The good news is Poland had a great response. They shot them down, but it shows you how aggressive Putin is getting in the region, not only the drones, but these war game exercises with Belarus right on the NATO border, the Baltic states, the nuclear bombers that flew to Poland around close to their airspace, and then these strikes up in the Arctic. He's really putting the pressure on right now.

On negotiating with Putin

Raddatz: Do you think President Trump was played, especially at that Alaska summit?

McCaul: I never had any good faith anticipation of these negotiations. Putin is a KGB once and always. And I don't think he's playing fair. I think he's manipulating the president, as a KGB officer would. I think the president, though the good news is, is waking up to the fact that Putin is not negotiating in good faith, not making concessions, and has to be dealt with. And I you know, the more Putin irritates the president, I think, the better we are in terms of defending NATO and Ukraine.
An extensive two-month survey of the wildlife in a key Southeast Asian nature reserve, conducted using camera traps, has revealed that the area is teeming with rare species.

An article in Saigon News reported that trail cameras were installed in the Ea So Nature Reserve and Krong Nang Watershed Protection Forest in Dak Lak Province, in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The results were stunning. Nearly 800 vascular plant species were documented, along with over 100 bird species, dozens of reptile species, and some of the rarest mammals on the planet.

One of the highlights is the appearance of the silver-backed chevrotain. Otherwise known as the Vietnamese mouse-deer, it's even more adorable than it sounds. According to a profile in National Geographic, these rabbit-sized critters are so rare that "almost nothing is known about them." The silver-backed chevrotain gets its name from the silver sheen of its rump. Thought to have gone extinct, they were rediscovered after a 30-year absence in Vietnam in 2019.

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Another rare treat was the much larger gaur, a bovine species found in fragmented pockets ranging from India to Malaysia. They are known to inhabit Dak Lak, but the status of the Vietnamese gaur is very poorly understood. Their numbers have fallen dramatically because of habitat destruction and poaching, per Thai National Parks.

The cameras also captured images of the Vietnam pheasant, which Aviary described as the world's most endangered pheasant species, that had not been seen in central Vietnam for 25 years.

The thrilling discoveries underscore the immense value that trail cameras bring to conservation efforts. Unlike a field worker sweating under the trees, a properly installed camera incurs minimal costs and captures everything, all without disturbing the wildlife. Some of the world's most elusive species have been captured on trail cameras. The critical insights gained help fill knowledge gaps and inform local efforts to protect vital habitats.

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.
Romanian aircraft did not shoot down a Russian drone that entered Romanian airspace on Sept. 13, as it eventually turned back to bomb Ukraine, Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu told Antena 3 CNN.

The drone crossed into Romania during a Russian attack on Ukraine, penetrating about 10 kilometers (six miles) and remaining in NATO airspace for around 50 minutes, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

The incident came days after at least 19 Russian drones entered Polish airspace in what Polish officials describe as a "deliberately targeted" strike and provocation. For the first time, the country's air force, together with NATO allies, has downed at least three of the incoming drones.

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According to Mosteanu, radar systems detected the drone as it approached Romanian airspace. Two F-16 fighter jets were scrambled to intercept it.

"The aircraft took off and spotted it (the drone), they were very close to shooting it down. The drone was flying very low and at some point turned back toward Ukraine," he said.

The jets tracked the drone until it "dropped off the radar 20 km southwest of the village of Chilia Veche," the Romanian ministry said in a statement, adding that the "drone did not fly over inhabited areas and did not pose an immediate danger to the (Romanian) population."

The estimated upper range of Russian Geran-2 drones puts almost all of Europe within range (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent)

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.

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While Russian drones were flying over Ukraine, Poland also deployed its aircraft and temporarily closed Lublin Airport.

According to Zelensky, early reports suggested Russia launched some drones into Ukraine from Belarus, heading toward western Volyn Oblast.

"The Russian military knows exactly where their drones are headed and how long they can operate in the air. Their routes are always calculated," the president said.

"This cannot be a coincidence, a mistake, or the initiative of some lower-level commanders. It is an obvious expansion of the war by Russia  and this is exactly how they act."

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Zelensky reiterated his call for tougher sanctions against Russia and urged international partners to establish a joint defense system.

Russian attack drones have repeatedly violated NATO airspace since 2022, targeting Lithuania, Poland, and Romania.

The drone incursion into Poland occurred on Sept. 10 just days ahead of the scheduled start of the Russian-Belarusian Zapad 2025 military exercises.

Russia denied targeting Polish territory.

Read also: Russias Shahed-type attack drones are bigger than you think

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Sept. 14 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has landed in Israel to meet one-on-one with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over operations in Gaza City to expand the war even after the Trump administration criticized Israel for a surprise attack against Hamas negotiators in Qatar, which has been mediating between Israel and Hamas throughout the war.

As Rubio meets with Netanyahu, an Arab-Islamic summit will be held Monday in Qatar's capital, Doha, where preparations have begun. The meeting seeks to draft a response to Israel's attack in Qatar, as Arab nations face pressure to take meaningful action rather than making statements that have been viewed as ineffective.

After Israel's strike, the United States reportedly asked the Persian Gulf nation to continue its mediation efforts as Prime Minister Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani said in a statement that Qatar "reserves the right to respond" to the attack.

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"My focus will be on securing the return of hostages, finding ways to make sure humanitarian aid reaches civilians, and addressing the threat posed by Hamas," Rubio posted on social media. "Hamas cannot continue to exist if peace in the region is the goal."

Last week, Israel issued an order calling for residents of Gaza's largest city to evacuate and said its military would operate with "great force." It was unclear where Palestinian civilians are expected to go.

The State Department said in a news release that Rubio, who will also be traveling to Britain, will emphasize the United States' position against the "unilateral" recognition of a Palestinian state while criticizing the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice for "lawfare" against Israel.

The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, on charges of war crimes in Gaza, while the ICJ is hearing South Africa's genocide case against Israel and has ordered provisional measures to safeguard Palestinian civilians.

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During his visit, Rubio is expected to meet with families of Israelis held captive by Hamas.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Prisoners' Society said in a report Sunday that Israeli forces carried out 540 arrests in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem in August, including some 49 children and 19 women, bringing the total of Palestinians arrested in those enclaves to more than 19,000 since the war started.

It is unclear how many Gazan prisoners have been held in Israeli detention, but the agency said such prisoner rights' groups have recently documented conditions at the underground "Rakevet" section of Ramleh Prison where Gazan detainees recounted "torture, abuse, starvation and terror" they have allegedly faced at the hands of Israeli guards.

The total number of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons is currently over 11,100, according to the agency, most of whom are held without facing charges or trial. Critics of the war have likened them to the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

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Hamas released its own statement Sunday condemning Israel for arresting academics, including female university students from Hebron University, in an operation Saturday night, calling it "systematic terrorism." Hamas called on human rights groups to document such incidents and submit them to courts like the ICC and ICJ with international jurisdiction.

The Quds News Network, a Palestinian youth news agency, reported Sunday that Israeli warplanes bombed a building at the Islamic University in Gaza on Sunday, killing and injuring civilians who were sheltering inside.
Speaking to reporters before departure, Rubio reiterated that the US and President Donald Trump were not happy about the strikes.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio landed in Israel on Sunday, amid tensions with fellow US allies in the Middle East over Israel's strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar and the expansion of settlements in the West Bank.

Speaking to reporters before departure, Rubio reiterated that the US and President Donald Trump were not happy about the strikes.

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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 terrorist group, and end the Gaza war.

"What's happened, has happened," he said. "We're gonna meet with them. We're gonna talk about what the future holds," he said.

"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."

This frame grab taken from an AFPTV footage shows smoke billowing after explosions in Qatar's capital Doha on September 9, 2025. (credit: Jacqueline PENNEY / AFPTV / AFP)

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.

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After Israel, Rubio is due to join Trump's planned visit to Britain next week.

Hamas still holds 48 hostages, and Qatar has been one of the mediators, along with the US, trying to secure a ceasefire deal that would include the captives' release.

Israel's attempt to kill Hamas leaders in Doha

On Tuesday, Israel attempted to kill the political leaders of Hamas with an airstrike on Doha. US officials described it as a unilateral escalation that did not serve American or Israeli interests.

The strike on the territory of a close US 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, US President Donald Trump held dinner with the prime minister in New York.

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Rubio's trip 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.

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.

ON Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed an agreement to push ahead with a settlement expansion plan that would cut across West Bank land that the Palestinians seek for a state. Last week, the United Arab Emirates warned that this would cross a red line and undermine the US-brokered Abraham Accords that normalized UAE-Israel relations in 2020.

Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu has stated that Russia has expanded its interference in the countrys parliamentary elections scheduled for 28 September, targeting voters living abroad.

Source: Financial Times, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Sandu, who relied on the diaspora to win a second term last year and secure support for the countrys accession to the European Union, said that Moscow has intensified its online disinformation campaign. "The Russians are targeting the diaspora," Sandu said.

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She accused Moscow of using Russian Orthodox priests to spread propaganda and of deploying the Matryoshka bot network to create fake content disguised as legitimate foreign media.

According to Sandu, Russia has spent the equivalent of 1% of Moldovas GDP on interfering in the 2024 elections.

Sandu noted that Russias tactics are now evolving. She said that criminals on Moscows payroll are also being used to incite unrest in Moldovan prisons.

"Its really a very wide range of tools that Russia is using . . . trying to overwhelm our institutions," she said.

She emphasised that, given the pressure from Russia and the risks confronting Moldova, "EU integration is the only way for us to survive as a democracy".

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"We do believe that the EU should find a solution so that both Moldova and Ukraine will get to the next steps," she said.

Sandu described the upcoming parliamentary elections as the final hurdle on Moldovas path to joining the EU.

Background:

Parliamentary elections in Moldova will be held on 28 September and are considered decisive for the countrys future direction.

A poll by iData released on 8 September showed that Sandus party had the support of less than 25% of respondents, while the pro-Russian Patriotic Electoral Bloc led the rankings.

However, on 12 September, reports indicated that a poll by the International Republican Institute showed nearly 40% support for the incumbent presidents party ahead of the elections.

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Scientists have spotted something dramatically unusual in the ocean, and it could be a warning sign of things to come.

Warm air dances with cold air; cold water chases warm water. It's all a part of a predictable, stable dance of currents and climate patterns that naturally happen all across the Earth. Until it doesn't.

For the first time since records began 40 years ago, the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Gulf of Panama failed to emerge this year. Scientists aren't sure if it's a fluke or a new normal.

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Specifically, the Gulf of Panamas seasonal upwelling system has consistently delivered cool, nutrient-rich waters via northerly trade winds every January-April for at least 40 years. But not this year.

"Time will tell if this is a real-life example of a climate tipping point  if the failure of upwelling continues in future years," said Tim Lenton, of the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom, a tipping point expert who was not involved in the new research.

The findings were reported last week in the peer-reviewed journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

What are 'tipping points'?

Scientists have long feared that some major features of the Earth's climate could dramatically come undone if human-caused climate change continues. It's the premise behind the science fiction movie "The Day After Tomorrow," which is (very) loosely based on a real concern that a major ocean current could relatively rapidly collapse in a warming world.

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Researchers have chronicled a host of similar climate change tipping points. While the Gulf of Panama isn't one of those tipping points, it does bring concerns about coral reefs that are a part of the conversation.

"Whether it is a tipping point or not, it is bad news for a different tipping point that is underway  the loss of coral reefs, linked to extreme warmth of tropical sea surface temperatures  as much needed cooling from the upwelling has not happened this year," Lenton said.

"The change could also trigger tipping points in the open ocean ecosystem and associated fisheries as there will be much less primary production this year."

For the first time since records began 40 years ago, the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Gulf of Panama failed to emerge this year.

What is upwelling?

According to the Smithsonian Institution's Tropical Research Institute, which led the study, during the dry season in Central America (generally between December and April), northern trade winds generate upwelling events in the ocean waters of the Gulf of Panama.

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Upwelling is a process that allows cold, nutrient-rich waters from the depths of the ocean to rise to the surface. This dynamic supports highly productive fisheries and helps protect coral reefs from thermal stress. Thanks to this movement of water, the sea along Panamas Pacific beaches remains cooler during the "summer" vacation season.

However, researchers recently recorded that in 2025, this vital oceanographic process did not occur for the first time. As a result, the typical drops in temperature and spikes in productivity during this time of year were diminished.

Upwelling events support highly productive fisheries and help protect coral reefs from thermal stress.

Further research is needed

What are the likely causes of this upwelling suppression? "The prime suspect is a reduction in winds," said Aaron O'Dea, the Smithsonian's lead scientist on the project. "Upwelling typically occurs every year when the trade winds blow over the Isthmus. That didn't happen as frequently or as strongly as normal years, so it makes sense."

"The more important question is, why did the winds not blow? We currently do not know why and deciphering this will take a little more time," he told USA TODAY.

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It's not clear if human-caused climate change played a part in the upwelling suppression this year.

Regardless, this study reveals how climate disruption can quickly alter fundamental oceanic processes that have sustained coastal fishing communities for thousands of years, according to the Smithsonian Institution. Still, further research is needed to determine a more precise cause and its potential consequences for fisheries.

What's next?

According to O'Dea, "We're monitoring it daily through various means including satellite and direct measurements. We also have a cruise planned to sample the subsurface waters early next year to see if the same thing happens or not."

"To better understand what happened and why, and predict if it will happen again, we have gathered a team of collaborators from the Smithsonian and the Max Planck Institute to analyze atmospheric and ocean data together more rigorously and apply high-resolution modelling approaches for future predictions."

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"One of my hopes for this paper was that it spurs interest and directed research into this and events like this in tropical waters that have always been assumed to be reliable but which in fact, may no longer be so reliable. I think we have now ignited that interest and the next, and more challenging task, will be to sift through data and figure out the details. At least we have started!" O'Dea told USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ocean current fails for first time in decades, prompting concern
Artificial Intelligence giant OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has collaborated with the Association for Reinventing School Education (ARISE) to bring advanced artificial intelligence tools and training to K-12 educators across India. ARISE, a body for private school reform in collaboration with FICCI, hosted a Masterclass on "Empowering School Education Through AI" as part of its 8th Annual Education Conference held in the national capital. The Masterclass, delivered by OpenAI, offered practical demonstrations of how artificial intelligence can support teachers in lesson planning, improve student engagement, and personalize learning experiences. It highlighted the potential of AI not as a replacement for educators, but as a powerful ally in strengthening the teacher-learner relationship. The session also underscored the purpose of the ongoing collaboration between ARISE and OpenAI to provide structured training, awareness programs, and usage enablement for ARISE's member schools. By equipping academic staff with the skills to integrate AI responsibly, the initiative aims to ensure schools are future-ready, while maintaining a strong focus on pedagogy, ethics, and India's diverse educational realities. Praveen Raju, President of the ARISE Governing Board & Co-Founder, Suchitra Academy, said, "School education in India is on the cusp of a major transformation, and OpenAI is already playing a pivotal role in that journey. Its tools are among the most widely adopted by students and educators, making complex concepts more accessible and classrooms more engaging. The Masterclass highlighted this impact and reaffirmed our guiding principle of 'Student First.'" Raghav Gupta, Head of Education, India & Asia Pacific, OpenAI, said, "Our collaboration with ARISE allows OpenAI to engage deeply with India's K-12 ecosystem, benefitting from ARISE's strong school network and policy alignment. We are committed to ensuring AI adds real value for teachers and students, and this Masterclass was an important step in that journey." Vinesh Menon, Director General & CEO, ARISE, further stated "The Masterclass was a resounding success, underlining how our collaboration with OpenAI aligns with ARISE's mission to be a corridor for innovation in education. The session focused on the practical integration of AI into classrooms, and what stood out was OpenAI's ability to combine global technology leadership with a readiness to listen, adapt, and customise solutions for India's unique pedagogical needs. This makes them not just a technology provider, but a true partner for schools." ARISE said in a release that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening India's school education ecosystem by equipping teachers and schools with the tools to adapt to emerging technologies. With initiatives like the Masterclass, ARISE and its partners aim to ensure that innovation is introduced thoughtfully, keeping pedagogy and students at the heart of the learning process, ARISE added. (ANI)
Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the killing of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, was deliberate in the messages he left behind after he allegedly fired the fatal shot at Utah Valley University earlier this week, according to investigators.

The 22-year-old carefully inscribed bullet casings with references to obscure online subcultures and left them at the scene, they said. When piecing together what else they knew about Robinson to make sense of his alleged crime, investigators said he had recently expressed his open dislike of Kirk, that he spent lots of time online, and that he had an affinity for guns.

But days after the shooting, authorities have yet to determine a coherent motive for the killing of Kirkthe founder of Turning Point USA and a popular figure on the American rightand experts on extremism are similarly baffled by the possible motivations.

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Read more: The Killing of Charlie Kirk and the Political Violence Haunting America

Robinson's alleged decision to leave messages to be interpreted in his wake is common for perpetrators of political violence. What makes this case unique, however, is how obscure the messages were; they contain references to memes and in-jokes that could only be understood by a niche community of online gamers.

Those messages, and the scant information about his past that has emerged so far, have given both sides of the political spectrum enough room to claim him for the other side.

Messages on bullet casings

In the aftermath of the killing, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said that investigators found inscriptions engraved on the bullet casings found with the gun found at the scene of the crime, and on a spent casing from the bullet that was fired. All of the inscriptions referenced obscure memes and language common to online gamer culture.

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Even the engravings with ostensibly political meanings may not be so clear-cut. On one of the bullets were the words: Hey fascist! CATCH! (up arrow symbol, right arrow symbol, and three down arrow symbols), Cox said.

I think that speaks for itself, Cox said.

Those words, though, are likely a reference to a sequence of moves on a controller that unleashes a powerful bomb and accompanying phrase in a third-person shooter video game called Helldivers 2. The phrase has morphed into a meme that is commonly used on message boards to signal an end to a conversation.

Read more: Gabby Giffords: I Mourn for Charlie Kirks Family

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Another message, inscribed on a separate bullet, Notices bulges OwO whats this? is often used as an insult in online role-playing communities. Another read: If you read This, you are GAY Lmaohumor that is also common to online male-dominated communities.

While they gave no clear indication of a political affiliation, all of the messages revealed that Robinson was a person who spent a lot of time online. They would have been indecipherable to anyone who was not immersed in the same circles.

Professor Joan Donovan, assistant professor of journalism at Boston University and an expert in extremism who has written a book about meme culture, said Robinson appeared to have relied heavily on memes to express his own personality.

There is nothing expressively conclusive about his participation in specific online groups as of now. His social media and posting histories are not available. But these memes tend to be posted on more politically incorrect anonymous message boards and gamer chat apps, she told TIME.

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The ambiguity is the point, she added.

"What memes say about people can be complicated, but they can illustrate what someone finds to be funny or signal their affiliation with certain online subcultures," Professor Donovan said.

"In the set of engravings, he referenced some more ambiguous symbols and a clearly homophobic joke. The ambiguity is a crucial element of memes because not everyone is in on the reference or knows its origins," she added.

Another inscription featured the words to the Italian antifascist anthem Bella Ciao. But the song has since been used in the popular Netflix show Money Heist, and in the first-person shooter game Far Cry 6.

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Activists and lawmakers have pored over these messages in search of meaning and motive.

The antifascist connotations of Bella Ciao led some to believe Robinson may have been a leftist, but members of Robinsons family have said the entire family is MAGA supporters, and the link to the gaming community suggests it may not be that simple.

Charlie Kirk hands out hats before speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. Tess CrowleyThe Deseret News/AP

Some have attempted to draw a link between Robinson and the far-right Groyper movement, a decentralized group of white nationalists who follow Nick Fuentes and coalesce online around obscure and extremist meme culture. The movement had been at odds with Kirks brand of conservatism for some time. Some noted that a Halloween costume worn by Robinson closely resembled a Groyer mascot, and that the Bella Ciao song appeared on a recent public Groyper playlist. But experts on the group have downplayed the evidence released so far.

Fuentes, the unofficial figurehead of the Groypers, has publicly condemned the shooting of Kirk, writing on X that my followers and I are currently being framed for Kirks killing based on literally zero evidence.

More political

Robinson grew up in a conservative Utah family and community and became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at a young age, according to a church spokesperson, although its unclear if he still attended services.

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He appeared to be a gifted student: A video posted to a family member's social media account shows him reading his acceptance letter from Utah State University for a prestigious academic scholarship. But he only attended for one semester, according to the Utah Board of Higher Education. At the time of the shooting, he was a third-year engineering apprentice at Dixie Technical College.

According to the Washington County Clerk, although Robinsons parents are registered Republicans, he is not affiliated with either party and has not voted in the last two elections.

Robinson had an affinity for guns. Social media posts from his family show years of him shooting and posing with various weapons at gun ranges and shows alongside his siblings.

According to Utah Governor Cox, Robinson had reportedly become more political in recent years. Cox referenced a specific conversation with a family member in which Robinson spoke about Kirks visit to Utah Valley University.

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The family member referenced a recent incident in which Robinson came to dinner prior to September 10, and in the conversation with another family member, Robinson mentioned Charlie Kirk was coming to UVU. They talked about why they didnt like him and the viewpoints that he had, Cox said. He added that Robinson had said Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate.

In an interview with NBC on Sunday, Cox said Robinson "does come from a conservative family, but his ideology was very different than his family... There clearly was a leftist ideology with this assassin in recent years." He did not provide any further details.

Cox said in a separate interview with CNN on Sunday that Robinson's romantic partner and roommate was a transgender person "transitioning from male to female."

This partner has been incredibly cooperative, had no idea that this was happening and is working with investigators right now, said Cox, who declined to speculate whether that relationship was connected to the motive.

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Cox also confirmed on NBC that Robinson had a fascination with the gaming world and the internet.

"There was a lot of gaming going on. Friends have confirmed that there was that deep, dark internet  Reddit culture and other dark places of the internet where this person was going deep. You saw that on the casings. I didn't have any idea what those inscriptions meant, but they are certainly the meme-ification that is happening in our society today," he said.

The crowd reacts after Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, is shot at the Utah Valley University Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025, in Orem, Utah. Tess CrowleyThe Deseret News via AP

Robinson's family has yet to make a formal statement to the media, but authorities said it was Tylers father, Matt Robinson, who convinced him to turn himself in.

Tylers grandmother, Debbie Robinson, 69, told the Daily Mail on Friday that the 48-year-old father is a Trump supporter.

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My son, his dad, is a Republican for Trump, she told the outlet. Most of my family members are Republican. I dont know any single one whos a Democrat.

Im just so confused, Debbie said of her grandsons arrest. [Tyler] is the shyest person, she said. He has never, ever spoke politics to me at all.

A crackdown on the left

What investigators conclude about Robinsons motivations may have far-reaching consequences beyond his own criminal case. In the aftermath of the killing, many Republicans and conservative commentators called for a sweeping crackdown on leftwing groupsassuming that the perpetrator would likely be someone from the opposite side of the political spectrum as Kirk.

If proven to be true, those calls will likely grow louder.

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President Donald Trump and his officials have promised grave consequences for the radical left, which he claimed was directly responsible for the terrorism that were seeing in our country today.

Read more: This Is War: Trump and Others on Right Call for Crackdown on Left After Charlie Kirks Murder

My Administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity and to other political violence, including the organizations that fund it and support it, as well as those who go after our judges, law enforcement officials, and everyone else who brings order to our country, he said.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said on Friday that the Trump Administration planned to launch a crackdown on radical left organizations that he also blamed for Kirks killing.

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Under President Trump's leadership, I don't care how  it could be a RICO charge, a conspiracy charge, insurrection  but we are going to do what it takes to dismantle the organizations and the entities that are fomenting riots, that are doxxing, that are trying to inspire terrorism, that are committing acts of violence; it has to stop!, Miller said.

My message is, to all of the domestic terrorists in this country spreading this evil hate, you want us to live in fear? We will not live in fear, but you will live in exile, because the power of law enforcement under President Trump's leadership will be used to find you, to take away your money, take away your power. And if you've broken the law, to take away your freedom.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
TAIPEI/BEIJING (Reuters) - The Taiwanese and Chinese foreign ministers are both visiting Europe at the same time this week, a rare alignment of schedules in the same location given Beijing's efforts to stop Taipei from having any form of foreign diplomatic engagements.

China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, saying it is a Chinese province with no right to state-to-state ties, a view the government in Taipei strongly rejects and has pushed back against.

Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung arrived in Prague on Thursday, attending an event at the Czech National Museum which is hosting an exhibition of imperial Chinese artefacts from Taiwan's world-renowned National Palace Museum.

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The Taiwanese museum said in a statement that also attending the opening of the exhibition with Lin was Czech Senate speaker Milos Vystrcil, who visited Taiwan in 2020, stoking Beijing's anger.

The Czech foreign ministry declined to comment.

The Czech Republic, which like most countries only formally recognises Beijing and not Taipei, has grown increasingly close to Taiwan, seeing parallels between the threat Europe faces from Russia and the threat the island faces from China.

Taiwan's foreign ministry said Lin's trip to Europe was to promote the Taiwan Culture in Europe Year - a series of Taiwanese cultural events in the continent - "as a bridge connecting European and Taiwanese values, while fostering exchanges and interactions with European partners".

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It did not say which other countries he might visit.

Separately, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi starts a three-nation visit to Europe on Friday. He will be going to Austria, Slovenia and Poland.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the government strongly opposes any official exchanges with Taiwan, referring to Taiwan minister Lin as "merely a local foreign affairs official in China".

China and Taiwan earlier this week engaged in a bitter war of words over the Prague exhibition, where one of the National Palace Museum's crown jewels, the Qing dynasty Jadeite Cabbage, is on display.

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Asked about the show, China's Taiwan Affairs Office said Taiwan was trying to exploit Chinese treasures for "cultural independence" and that Taipei's aim was "de-Sinification".

On Thursday, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council responded that China was the one responsible for not protecting antiques.

"It wasn't us who engaged in the Cultural Revolution, it was the Chinese communists," spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh said, referring to the 1966-1976 period when Mao Zedong declared class war and the sweeping away of old China.

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Ryan Woo; Additional reporting by Joe Cash, and Jason Hovet in Prague; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Shri Navaratnam)
The visit of the American Secretary of State is a testament to the strong relationship between the United States and Israel. We greatly appreciate the visit," Netanyahu said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived at the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Sunday afternoon.

The visit of the American Secretary of State is a testament to the strong relationship between the United States and Israel. We greatly appreciate the visit," Netanyahu said at the conclusion of the visit.

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US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee was also in attendance.

Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio visited the Kotel on September, 14, 2025 (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)

Rubio arrives in Israel

Earlier, after arriving in Israel, Rubio addressed Israels war in Gaza and the Israeli strikes on Hamas leadership in Qatar, among other regional issues.

Speaking to reporters before departure, Rubio reiterated that the US and President Donald Trump were not happy about the strikes.

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 terrorist group, and end the Gaza war.

Seth J. Frantzman and Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Two Texas nursing students have returned home after spending a summer on board a floating hospital ship in Madagascar, where they helped deliver life-changing care to patients.

Tom Strandwitz, a recent nursing graduate from Texas Christian University and an Austin native, and Valerie Moon, a senior at Baylor Universitys Louise Herrington School of Nursing, were among just five students nationwide selected for Mercy Ships first-ever nursing internship.

RELATED: Texas nursing professor is using AI to teach students how to handle difficult patients

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The students journey was made possible through community support. Community members in Austin and Dallas raised more than $11,000 through GoFundMe donations, covering the students travel costs to Madagascar.

Valerie Moon, Vision Trip nursing internship guest.

Tom Strandwitz, Vision Trip nursing internship guest.

How it started

Moon first heard about the internship through a faculty email, which encouraged nursing students to apply. We had to basically write an essay as to why we wanted to become a nurse and share our background. I got a call a week later saying I got accepted, Moon said.

For Strandwitz, the internship aligned with his interest in pursuing nontraditional nursing paths. The dean of my nursing school also just happened to be my academic advisor, and I had talked to her previously about how I wasnt really sure if I wanted to be a nurse in the hospital she sort of flipped it to me and said, hey, based on our conversations, this seems like something that would be really interesting to you. I was like, Yeah, Im sold,' Strandwitz said.

Life on board the Africa Mercy ship

Based in the port city of Toamasina, the Africa Mercy Ship offers free surgeries and medical care in regions with limited health care access. Moon explained that the students rotated through departments ranging from the operating room to the ships galley.

Different areas of expertise that we wouldnt typically see here in the U.S., Moon said.

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Strandwitz shared that their first week on board the ship offered a broad overview of how the ship operates.

We talked to the director of the training program for all the medical professionals from the country where Mercy Ships is stationed. Part of their mission is a surgical aspectWe also talked to the director of the Hope Center, who does all of the appointment coordination for all the people who are coming from all over the country to have their surgeries, and then for the second week, that was when we had our actual rotations, he said.

RELATED: St. Edwards nursing program aims to help with healthcare worker shortage

The students most impactful moments

Both students recalled powerful patient experiences that left lasting impressions. Strandwitz described a cataract surgery patient who broke into song moments after regaining his sight.

There was a patient who, after having his cataracts removed and a new lens replaced in his eye, asked the surgeon if he could sing him a song. And so we all sat there and listened while the patient had his hand on the surgeons shoulder and was singing a song in Malagasy, it was really beautiful, he said.

Moon said her most impactful experience was also from the eye clinic, involving a young boy and his mother.

Tom Strandwitz, Vision Trip nursing internship guest, with patient on deck 7. Tom Strandwitz, Vision Trip nursing internship guest, with patient on deck 7. Tom Strandwitz, Vision Trip nursing internship guest, with patient on deck 7. Valerie Moon, Vision Trip nursing internship guest, in outpatient. Valerie Moon, Vision Trip nursing internship guest, in outpatient. Tom Strandwitz, Vision Trip nursing internship guest, with patients during rehab. Tom Strandwitz, Vision Trip nursing internship guest, with patients during rehab. Valerie Moon, Vision Trip nursing internship guest, playing a game of Uno with patients at the ward. Valerie Moon, Vision Trip nursing internship guest, during shift handover. Valerie Moon, Vision Trip nursing internship guest, during shift handover. Valerie Moon, Vision Trip nursing internship guest, during shift handover. Tom Strandwitz, Vision Trip nursing internship guest, with patient on deck 7.

There was this patient, he was probably five or six, and his mom was there She had a hard time trusting at first, and one of the volunteers was able to really, you know, sit with her and talk with her and convince her that, you know, her son needs a surgery. So I was able to see the after process of that and how thankful and grateful she was, she said. The students said the internship helped them bring home a new perspective on global health care. It underscored the importance of creating robust health systems that deal with the problems as early as they rise, Strandwitz said.

How the communitys support made this experience possible

For the students, getting to Madagascar was no small trek. Mercy Ships covered the cost of housing and meals aboard the Africa Mercy, but students were responsible for raising money for international airfare and travel expenses. Thats where their local communities stepped in.

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Family, friends, and even strangers donated through GoFundMe fundraisers, which together brought in more than $11,000. That money allowed Strandwitz and Moon to pay for their flights to Madagascar and back, along with travel insurance and other expenses tied to the two-week internship.

The support that we got from our, you know, GoFundMe and our schools honestly meant so much. I mean, its just amazing to see how many people wanted to be a part of this journey with us, and whether it was donations or prayers or just encouragement, it showed us how powerful community actually can be, Moon said.

After returning from their transformative internship abroad, both Texas nursing students said they wouldnt hesitate to do it all over again.

Moon, who is set to graduate in December 2025, plans to begin her career in an intensive care unit before rejoining Mercy Ships for more hands-on global health experience.

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Strandwitz hopes to first work in public health, with aspirations to return to international healthcare, and possibly serve aboard the Mercy Ship once again.

For the students, the internship was more than just a summer abroad  it was a chance to live out their calling as future nurses. And they say theyll carry the lessons, the patients, and the community that made it all possible with them for years to come.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Unknown perpetrators have stolen almost all the ripe grapes from two vineyards in Germany's Rhineland, covering an area of around 8,000 square metres.

The grape varieties affected are Riesling and Sauvignon blanc, the police said on Sunday.

The two independent winemakers in the village of Gundheim near the city of Worms in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate are estimated to have lost several thousand euros due to the theft.

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The police described the perpetrators' approach as professional. "Due to the amount of stolen goods, it must be assumed that at least one larger vehicle or several means of transport were used," the police said.

The theft was discovered by employees when they wanted to start the harvest.

Anyone who noticed suspicious people or vehicles near the vineyards between September 6 and Sunday have been asked to contact the police.
Judges at the United Nations highest court have handed France a legal victory in its long-running legal battle with Equatorial Guinea over a Paris mansion once owned by the son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema.

The International Court of Justice ruled on Friday that France does not have to hand back the luxurious residence on Avenue Foch  one of the French capitals most exclusive addresses  which it seized during a corruption probe into Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue. He is Equatorial Guineas vice president and the son of long-time ruler Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.

The case was launched in 2022, with Equatorial Guinea accusing France of breaching international law by holding onto the property.

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The government argued that the confiscation violated the UN Convention against Corruption and asked the court for urgent provisional measures to stop France selling the mansion and to return it immediately.

Equatorial Guinea accuses France of 'neo-colonialism' in Paris mansion row

But presiding judge Yuji Iwasawa said the country had not demonstrated a plausible legal right to reclaim the building.

French lawyers had told the court there was no question of a fire sale, describing the request as yet another abusive manoeuvre by Malabo.

This dispute should be settled through negotiation, not courtroom theatrics, Frances agent Diego Colas said during a July hearing.

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Equatorial Guineas representative, Carmelo Nvono-Nca, bristled at that stance, accusing France of being paternalistic and even neo-colonial and dismissing the treatment of his country as disdain for our sovereignty.

Not a diplomatic mission, just a lavish 'pied a terre'

This is not the first time the ICJ has been asked to weigh in on the dispute. In 2020, judges ruled that the mansion was a private residence rather than a diplomatic building, rejecting an earlier claim that its seizure violated diplomatic protections.

The sprawling property  fitted out with a private cinema, a nightclub and even a Turkish-style hammam  was confiscated in 2021 after French courts found Obiang guilty of embezzling millions in state funds.

He was given a three-year suspended sentence in 2017, and prosecutors seized not only the Paris property but also luxury cars and other assets.

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57-year-old Obiang has long been dogged by corruption allegations well beyond France. The UK sanctioned him in 2021, citing his lavish use of public money  including splashing out $275,000 on Michael Jacksons iconic bejewelled glove from the Bad tour. Switzerland and Brazil have also probed his finances.

Luxury cars seized from Equatorial Guinea leader's son auctioned in Switzerland

The legal wrangling is a stark contrast to the situation at home. Despite Equatorial Guineas oil and gas wealth, much of the population struggles in poverty, while the ruling elite live in opulence.

The country has been led since 1979 by Obiangs father, Africas longest-serving president.

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While the ICJ has batted away this latest request, the broader case over the confiscated assets isnt finished.

Equatorial Guinea maintains that France is obliged to return the property under international anti-corruption rules.
Over the weekend, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani visited Washington, where he met with the Trump administration.

The Trump administration is holding a new round of talks with Israeli and Qatari officials in an attempt to restart stalled negotiations over a hostage release agreement, The Jerusalem Post has learned.

Over the weekend, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani visited Washington, where he met with US President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. According to two sources familiar with the talks, US officials stressed the need to find a proper path to resume negotiations.

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Despite a recent Israeli airstrike in Doha, Qatar remains committed to its mediation role, the Qatari prime minister said following his return to the Gulf state.

Israeli attack 'a grave precedent'

The Israeli attack is a grave precedent that must be addressed with strength and determination, Al Thani said. We will continue our efforts, alongside the US and Egypt, to bring an end to the war.

Washington has also held direct conversations with Israeli leaders as part of the renewed push. Rubio, who arrived in Israel on Sunday, is expected to meet with senior government officials to discuss terms for restarting the talks.

US President Donald Trump seen over an image of protests demanding a hostage deal (illustrative). (credit: Canva, Noamgalai/Shuttershock, YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

A diplomatic source told the Post that the administration may soon present a new initiative aimed at breaking the deadlock in hostage negotiations.

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Against the backdrop of these efforts, as well as reports that the US was not informed in advance of Israels operation in Qatar, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accompanied Rubio to the Western Wall during the Secretary of State's visit to Jerusalem.

I believe the secretary of states visit is a testament to the resilience and strength of the USIsrael alliance, which is as steadfast as the stones of the Western Wall we just touched, Netanyahu said.

Before departing for Israel, Rubio acknowledged that the Trump administration had expressed displeasure over the Israeli strike.

I am going to get a much clearer understanding of their plans going forward, he said. What happened, happened. Obviously, we were not pleased by it. The president was not pleased.

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Rubio added that the administration remains focused on securing the release of the hostages still held in Gaza.

Now we need to move forward and determine the next step. Because at the end of the day, when all is said and done, there is still a group called Hamas, and there are still 48 hostages who deserve to be freed immediately, all of them, together.
Donald Trump has said he is ready for major sanctions on Moscow  but only when Nato gives up the shocking purchasing of Russian oil.

In a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform Saturday morning, the US president said he believes the Russia-Ukraine war would end if all Nato countries stopped buying oil from Moscow and placed tariffs on China of 50 per cent to 100 per cent for its purchases of Russian petroleum.

He 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. Anyway, I am ready to go when you are. Just say when?

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Since 2023, 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. Other members of the 32-state alliance involved in purchasing Russian oil include Hungary and Slovakia.

Trump's post arrives after the Wednesday flight of multiple Russian drones into Poland, an escalatory move by Russia as it was entering the airspace of a Nato ally. Poland shot down the drones, yet Trump played down the severity of the incursion and Russia's motives by saying it could have been a mistake.

Donald Trump has said he is ready for major sanctions on Moscow  but only when Nato gives up its shocking purchasing of Russian oil (PA Wire)

US secretary of state Marco Rubio said on Saturday that the drone incursion was "unacceptable and unfortunate and dangerous", as he judged Nato's response so far to be appropriate. Still, Rubio said it was unclear if the drones were intentionally sent to Poland.

"The question is whether the drones were targeted to go into Poland specifically," Rubio said. "If that's the case, that the evidence leads us there, then obviously that would be a highly escalatory move."

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While 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 Trump last month hosted Putin in Alaska for talks that failed to deliver on progress toward 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.

Territorial defence officers clean up debris from the destroyed roof of a house, after multiple Russian drones struck, in Wyryki near Lublin, Poland, on Thursday (AP)

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, including businesses based in China and Turkey, that have supplied Russia with electronics, chemicals, explosives and other weapons components.

Trump, in his post on Saturday, said a Nato ban on Russian oil plus tariffs on China would "also be of great help in ENDING this deadly, but RIDICULOUS, WAR".

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The president said that Nato members should put the 50 per cent to 100 per cent tariffs on China and withdraw them if the war that began with Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine ends.

"China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia," he posted, and powerful tariffs "will break that grip".

Firefighters work at the site of a Russian drone strike in Sumy, Ukraine, on Friday (via REUTERS)

The US president has already imposed a 25 per cent import tax on goods from India, specifically for its buying of Russian energy products. He has placed in total a 50 per cent tariff on India, though Trump has indicated that negotiations with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi could help settle differences.

The prospect of further import tax hikes on China and its retaliation could carry collateral damage for the US and European economies.

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Earlier this year, Trump hit Chinese goods with new tariffs totaling 145 per cent, prompting China to respond with 125 per cent import taxes on American goods. Taxes at that level were essentially a blockade on commerce between the world's two largest economies, causing worries about global growth that led to negotiations that ratcheted down the tariffs being levied by both nations.

While 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 (Sputnik)

So that trade talks could proceed, America lowered its tariffs against China to a still-high 30 per cent, while China took its rate to 10 per cent.

In his post, the Republican president said responsibility for the war fell on his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. He did not include in that list Putin, who launched the invasion.

Trump's post builds on a call on Friday with finance ministers in the Group of Seven, a forum of industrialised democracies. During the call, US trade representative Jamieson Greer and treasury secretary Scott Bessent called on their counterparts to have a "unified front" to cut off "the revenues funding Putin's war machine," according to Greer's office.
ISTANBUL (AP)  An Israeli strike on a meeting of Hamas officials in Qatar has cast a cloud of growing concern across Turkey that it could be the next target.

Turkish Defense Ministry spokesman Rear Adm. Zeki Akturk warned in Ankara on Thursday that Israel would further expand its reckless attacks, as it did in Qatar, and drag the entire region, including its own country, into disaster.

Israel and Turkey were once strong regional partners, but ties between the countries ran into difficulties from the late 2000s and have reached an all-time low over the war in Gaza sparked by the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack in southern Israel. Tensions also have risen as the two countries have competed for influence in neighboring Syria since the fall of Bashar Assads government last year.

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been a long-standing supporter of the Palestinian cause and of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The Turkish president has criticized Israel, and particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with strident rhetoric since the start of the Gaza war, accusing Israel of genocide and likening Netanyahu to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.

Hamas officials regularly visit Turkey and some have taken up residence there. Israel previously accused Turkey of allowing Hamas to plan attacks from its territory, as well as carrying out recruitment and fundraising.

Erdogan is close to Qatars leaders and Turkey maintains strong military and commercial ties to the emirate. He is due to travel to Qatar this weekend for an Arab and Muslim leaders summit.

After Israels attacks on the territory of Iran, Syria, Yemen and now Qatar, Ankara is bound to be concerned by Israels ability to freely use the airspace of neighboring states.

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Israels ability to conduct strikes with seeming impunity, often bypassing regional air defenses and international norms, sets a precedent that deeply worries Ankara, said Serhat Suha Cubukcuoglu, director of Trends Research and Advisorys Turkey program.

Turkey sees these attacks as a broader Israeli strategy to establish a fragmented buffer zone of weak or pacified states around it, he added.

Turkey has superior military might

In crossing a previously unthinkable line by attacking Qatar, a close American ally that has been serving as a mediator in Gaza ceasefire talks, Israel also has raised the question of how far it will go in pursuing Hamas targets.

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Through its NATO membership, Turkey would seem to have a greater degree of protection against Israeli attack than that afforded to Qatar by its close ties to the United States.

Turkey also boasts significantly greater military might than the Gulf state, with its armed forces second in size only to the U.S. among NATO countries and an advanced defense industry.

As tensions rise, Turkey has boosted its defenses. During Israels attacks on Irans nuclear facilities in June, Erdogan announced an increase in missile production. Last month he formally inaugurated Turkeys Steel Dome integrated air defense system, while projects such as the KAAN fifth-generation fighter have been fast-tracked.

Ozgur Unluhisarcikli, director of the German Marshall Fund in Ankara, said an Israeli airstrike on the territory of a NATO member would be extremely unlikely, but small-scale bomb or gun attacks on potential Hamas targets in Turkey by Israeli agents could be a distinct possibility.

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Cubukcuoglu, meanwhile, said the Qatar attack could harden Ankaras support for Hamas.

This resonates with Turkish anxieties that Israel may eventually extend such operations to Turkish territory, he said. The Turkish government calculates that abandoning Hamas now would weaken its regional influence, while standing firm bolsters its role as a defender of Palestinian causes against Israeli aggression.

Tensions could play out in Syria

While attention is focused on tensions surrounding the war in Gaza and Turkeys relations with Hamas, Unluhisarcikli warned the greater danger may be in Syria, where he described Israel and Turkey as being on a collision course.

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To think that targeting Turkish troops or Turkish allies or proxies in Syria would be to go too far is wishful thinking, he said.

Since Syrian rebels unseated Assad in December, rising tensions between Turkey and Israel have played out there. Ankara has supported the new interim government and sought to expand its influence, including in the military sphere.

Israel views the new government with suspicion. It has seized a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone in southern Syria, launched hundreds of airstrikes on Syrian military facilities and positioned itself as the protector of the Druze religious minority against the primarily Sunni Muslim authorities in Damascus.

Tensions also could spill into the wider eastern Mediterranean, with Israel potentially drawing closer to Greece and Greek Cypriots to challenge Turkeys military presence in northern Cyprus.

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Turkey mixes deterrence and diplomacy

Turkey appears to be pursuing a mixture of military deterrence and diplomacy in Syria aimed at defusing tensions to avoid a direct conflict with Israel.

Turkish and Israeli officials held talks in April to establish a de-escalation mechanism in Syria. The move followed Israeli strikes on a Syrian airbase that Turkey had been purportedly planning to use. Netanyahu said at the time that Turkish bases in Syria would be a danger to Israel.

Ankara and Damascus last month signed an agreement on Turkey providing military training and advice to Syrias armed forces.

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Erdogan also may hope Washington would take a hard line against any Israeli military incursions.

While Netanyahu has sought support from U.S. President Donald Trump in the faceoff with Turkey, Trump instead lavished praise on Erdogan for taking over Syria and urged Netanyahu to be reasonable in his dealings with Turkey.

But as the strike in Qatar showed, having strong relations with Washington is not necessarily a safeguard against Israel.

The Qatar attack showed there was no limit to what the Israeli government can do, Unluhisarcikli said.

___

Sewell contributed from Beirut.

___

Follow the APs coverage of the Israel-Hamas war at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war.
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.
The withdrawal of some Western companies from the Russian market has created significant voids across key sectors, opening up new opportunities for Indian MSMEs and other firms, said Dmitry Zavgorodniy, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ITE Group, a Russian company. Global exhibition leader ITE Group has been organising roadshows for small and mid-sized players in India for the market entry across Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) or Eurasia. "There are some Western companies who have left, and we know India's economic potential is growing, not every year, every day. So, India becomes more and more competitive, and India wants to diversify its export network. So, the Russian CIS countries are here. There is a clear demand from Russia for Indian products, Indian food, technology, and equipment. Now our task is to explain, to give the businesses a chance to understand each other," ITE Group CEO said. Talking about enhanced communication with the companies of the two countries, he said, "We should do much more communication. We explain to Russian and Indian businesses that we should talk more, communicate more, and visit each other more. And we invite Indian businesses to visit our exhibition, where they will find a lot of customers who are looking for new products. They are looking for a new experience. They are looking for a cost-effective, competitive proposal. And being here in India, I understand India can offer very competitive cost and very good and or excellent quality," Zavgorodniy added. He pointed to a significant trade imbalance, noting that while Russia is exporting more to India, Indian exports remain relatively lower--largely due to limited awareness and communication gaps. Among the key sectors ripe for Indian participation are food and agriculture, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, textiles, and industrial machinery. Russian buyers, Zavgorodniy said, are actively looking for cost-effective, high-quality alternatives to products once sourced from Europe and the US. Zavgorodniy noted that while trade between India and Russia is growing, the untapped potential remains significant. In 2021, only around 2,000 Russian companies were engaged in trade with India, but that number has grown to 10,000 by 2025. Looking ahead, he said there is an expectation that up to 30,000 Indian companies could be exporting to the Russian market in the near future. Zavgorodniy also highlighted the evolving role of BRICS and the shift toward South-South trade, with India playing a pivotal role alongside China, Brazil, and South Africa. According to the information available on the Indian embassy's website in Moscow, bilateral trade between India and Russia reached a record high of USD 68.7 billion in FY 2024-25, nearly five times higher than the pre-coronavirus pandemic trade of USD 10.1 billion. It comprises India's exports worth USD 4.88 billion and imports from Russia amounting to USD 63.84 billion. Key Indian exports include agri-products (fish, shrimp, rice, tobacco, tea, coffee, grapes), chemical products, pharmaceuticals, iron and steel, ceramic products, aeroplane components, machinery, glass and glassware, clothing and knitwear, leather goods, rubber articles, electrical machinery, and surgical tools. Major imports from Russia are dominated by oil and petroleum products, fertilisers, bituminous substances, mineral fuels, mineral waxes, machinery, equipment, precious metals and stones, wood, pulp and paper products, metals and vegetable oils. According to the information, both sides expect to reach the bilateral trade target of USD 100 billion by 2030. (ANI)
BARRY COUNTY, Mo.  A southwest Missouri man is dead following a two-vehicle crash in Barry County.

On Thursday (around 1:30 p.m.), one mile west of Purdy (on Route B), a 2012 Chevrolet Impala allegedly swerved into the same lane as a 2013 Freightliner Cascadia, where it struck the Freightliner head-on, according to a crash report by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The 30-year-old driver of the Impala, a Cassville man, was pronounced dead at the scene.

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This was MSHP Troop Ds 92nd fatality of 2025.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old student arrested and identified in connection with the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, will be formally charged on Tuesday, authorities said.

Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. A bolt-action rifle was found nearby; Robinson was identified after police released surveillance photos and footage that allegedly showed him departing the scene.

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Robinson was in his third year at Dixie Technical College at the time. At this point, there are more questions than answers surrounding the young adult accused of killing Charlie Kirk  here is what we know.

He grew up in Utah

Robinson and his family lived in Washington, Utah, and attended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the area. He also attended Riverside Elementary as a child, where his 66-year-old neighbor Kristin Schwiermann worked as a janitor.

Schwiermann told the Los Angeles Times she was shocked by the 22-year-olds involvement and added, Thats not the kid I knew.

Despite reports that paint Robinson as a loner, Schwiermann also insisted he had friends. He was quiet, but he had friends in school, and he never caused problems, she explained.

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A classmate who attended high school alongside Tyler told USA Today he was politically active and outspoken about peoples rights and believed both political sides were contributing to a country being in a worse place and not improving the world.

His father recognized him

Robinsons father, Matthew Robinson, realized his son was the target of the extensive, 33-hour manhunt following Kirks death after he saw images of Tyler online and on TV.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox told reporters Friday that a family member initially identified Tyler and then reached out to a family friend, who said Tyler confessed to them or implied that he committed the incident.

He held nonpartisan voter status

Tyler was registered nonpartisan. His father and mother, Amber Robinson, are registered Republicans.

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Also during a press conference Friday, Cox said Tyler had become more political in recent years and had described Kirk as being full of hate  an opinion that was allegedly shared between Tyler and at least one family member.

Cox added that on September 10, Tyler and another family member discussed Kirks upcoming visit. They talked about why they didnt like him and the viewpoints that he had, Cox said. The family member also stated Kirk was full of hate and spreading hate.

The bullets were inscribed with cryptic, internet-influenced messages

Tyler made a point of inscribing several bullets with references to memes and messages with deep roots on the internet. Hey fascist! Catch! one read alongside five arrows (one pointing up, one pointing right, and three pointing down); others were engraved with references to far-right online communities like 4chan (notices, bulges, OwO, whats this?).

OwO is a reference to a meme that mocks furry culture (furries are a fandom subculture who are interested in anthropomorphic animals  animals that share human characteristics like walking and walking  and often dress as such animals and/or characters).

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As reported by multiple outlets, the arrows that accompanied, Hey fascist! Catch match the buttons players use to spark a bomb strike in the video game Helldivers 2.

Tyler inscribed a third bullet with the words Bella Ciao  a reference to the WWII-era anti-fascist song also used in the Netflix series Money Heist.

Reports about his relationship status cannot be verified

On Sunday, Fox News correspondent Brooke Singman reported that unidentified sources told her Tyler lived with his transgender partner.

The individual, who is a male transitioning to a female, is fully cooperating with the FBI, Singman added. Sources tell me the FBI had texts and other communications between Robinson and the individual that helped FBI authorities solidify that Robinson was indeed the shooter.

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The FBI declined to comment on Singmans reporting when reached by TheWrap. Singman has not disclosed her sources or offered material evidence. The New York Post echoed Singmans report, writing that a law enforcement source confirmed it to the outlet.

And the Daily Mail, citing an affidavit, said a 22-year-old who lived with Robinson in Utah gave cops incriminating text messages leading to his arrest.

Why Nick Fuentes is connected

Some have suggested Tyler may be affiliated with Groypers  a self-imposed nickname for followers of far-right commentator Nick Fuentes.

Fuentes, a Holocaust revisionist and white nationalist, was hosted by Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago in 2022, though Trump later distanced himself from what he called an unexpected dinner guest.

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The Groyper Army is an online movement built around Fuentes and his work, and that is represented by Groyper  a cartoon frog related to the Pepe meme. Kirk often described Groypers as extremists, and there have been frequent online clashes between Fuentes followers and those of Kirks.

He will be charged next week

Tyler was arrested on September 11 for probable cause of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm and obstruction of justice and is currently being held at the Utah County Jail without bail.

The FBI declined to shed more light on Robinsons background Friday, but a spokesperson noted, We are confident we have the right individual in custody, but we are still working to establish the full picture of who he is and why he acted.

The post Who Is Tyler Robinson? What We Know About the 22-Year-Old Accused of Killing Charlie Kirk appeared first on TheWrap.
The United Nations' General Assembly overwhelmingly voted on Friday to support a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict and urge Israel to commit to a Palestinian state.

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. The United States was one of the 10 states that voted against.

Hours before the vote, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "There will be no Palestinian state."

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The resolution was sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia, who co-chaired a high-level conference on implementing a two-state solution in late July, where the wording of the declaration was agreed.

Displaced Palestinians check what remains of their tents following an overnight Israeli strike that leveled a building and damaged the surrounding temporary shelters in the Rimal neighbourhood of Gaza City. / Credit: Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto via Getty Images

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 on Sept. 22. The Palestinian delegation says they hope at least 10 more countries will recognize Palestine as a state, adding to the more than 145 countries that have already done so.

Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian U.N. ambassador, said the majority support for the resolution reflects "the yearning of almost everyone, the international community, to open the door for the option of peace."

But Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon dismissed the resolution as "theater," saying the only beneficiary is Hamas.

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"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.

The United States, Israel's closest ally, echoed that position.

The resolution "is yet another misguided and ill-timed publicity stunt that undermines serious diplomatic efforts to end the conflict," U.S. Mission counselor Morgan Ortagus said. "Make no mistake, this resolution is a gift to Hamas."

Flames and smoke rise from the Rimal neighborhood where the Israeli army launched an attack in Gaza City, Gaza. / Credit: Khames Alrefi/Anadolu via Getty Images

The declaration also condemns "the attacks committed by Hamas against civilians" in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, a rare condemnation by Arab nations of Hamas. The Hamas-led militants killed about 1,200 people, mainly Israeli civilians, and took about 250 hostages. Of those, 48 are still being held, including about 20 who are believed to be alive.

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The U.N. resolution also condemns Israel's attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Gaza and its "siege and starvation, which have produced a devastating humanitarian catastrophe and protection crisis."

In recent days, the Israel Defense Forces have intensified strikes across Gaza City, the largest urban area in the territory, destroying multiple high-rise buildings, which the IDF says Hamas has been using for surveillance purposes.

On Saturday, the army cited the same reason for striking another high-rise in the area. The IDF has ordered all residents to leave Gaza City, as it continues an offensive against what it calls Hamas' last stronghold. Hundreds of thousands of people remain there, struggling under conditions of famine, according to humanitarian agencies.

In a message on social media Saturday, Israel's army told the remaining Palestinians in Gaza City to leave "immediately" and move south to what it's calling a humanitarian zone. Army spokesman Avichay Adraee said that more than a quarter of a million people had left Gaza City  from an estimated 1 million who live in and around the city, in north Gaza.

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The U.N., however, put the number of people who have left at around 100,000 between mid-August and mid-September. The U.N. and aid groups have warned that displacing hundreds of thousands of people will exacerbate the dire humanitarian crisis.

Smoke rises from the Rimal neighborhood, where the Israeli army launched an attack in Gaza City, Gaza. / Credit: Khames Alrefi/Anadolu via Getty Images

Israel's offensive against Hamas has killed over 64,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, which doesn't distinguish between civilians and combatants.

The New York declaration envisions the Palestinian Authority governing and controlling all Palestinian territory, with a transitional administrative committee immediately established under its umbrella after a ceasefire 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," the declaration says.

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It also supports deployment of "a temporary international stabilization mission" operating under U.N. auspices to protect Palestinian civilians, support the transfer of security to the Palestinian Authority and provide security guarantees for Palestine and Israel  "including monitoring of the ceasefire and of a future peace agreement."

The declaration urges countries to recognize the state of Palestine, calling this "an essential and indispensable component of the achievement of the two-state solution." Without naming Israel but clearly referring to it, the document says "illegal unilateral actions are posing an existential threat to the realization of the independent state of Palestine."

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America now in an era of "violent populism," says University of Chicago professor Robert Pape

Face the Nation: Coons, Lankford, Pape
A significant Russian oil refinery was reportedly struck by Ukrainian drones overnight, sparking a fire, according to confirmations from both Russian officials and Ukraines military.

The attack on the Kirishi refinery, located in Russia's northwestern Leningrad region, marks the latest in a series of Ukrainian assaults on Russian oil infrastructure.

Kyiv asserts these strikes are aimed at disrupting Moscows war efforts. Operated by Russian oil major Surgutneftegas, the facility boasts a substantial annual output of nearly 17.7 million metric tons of crude, equivalent to 355,000 barrels per day.

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Ukraines General Staff reported explosions and a fire at the Kirishi refinery, sharing a photograph purportedly showing a blaze against the night sky.

Regional Governor Alexander Drozdenko confirmed three drones were intercepted in the Kirishi area, with falling debris igniting the fire.

He stated no injuries occurred and the blaze was extinguished. The incident underscores the increasing role of drones as a pivotal weapon for both sides in the conflict, now in its fourth year.

Regional Governor Alexander Drozdenko said three drones were downed overnight in the Kirishi area, with falling debris sparking a fire at the facility (Sputnik)

Concerns about the war extending beyond Ukraines borders were recently heightened when multiple Russian drones crossed into Poland, prompting NATO to scramble fighter jets.

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Russian officials have yet to comment on the full consequences of the strike.

Russia remains the worlds second largest oil exporter, but a seasonal rise in demand and sustained Ukrainian drone strikes have caused gasoline shortages in recent weeks.

Gas stations have run dry in some regions of the country, with motorists waiting in long lines and officials resorting to rationing or cutting off sales altogether.

To try to ease the shortage, Russia has paused gasoline exports, with officials Wednesday declaring a full ban until Sept. 30 and a partial ban affecting traders and intermediaries until Oct. 31.
Editor's Note: This item has been updated to reflect Reuters' reporting of a production halt of a key unit at the Kirishi oil refinery in Leningrad Oblast.

Key developments on Sept. 13-14:

Ukrainian drones strike major Russian oil refinery in Leningrad Oblast, key unit halts production, Reuters reports

Ukrainian drone hits chemical plant in Russia's Perm Krai 1,800 km from border, source says

Ukraine hits Russia's Black Sea Fleet communication hub in occupied Crimea, Navy says

Ukraine behind attack on Russian railway logistics, undermining offensive capabilities, military intelligence source claims

Romania scrambles jets, Poland closes airport over Russian drone alerts

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Ukrainian forces attacked the Kirishi oil refinery in Russia's Leningrad Oblast overnight on Sept. 14, Ukraine's General Staff confirmed.

The Kirishi refinery is one of the largest in Russia and has a processing capacity of over 17 million tons of oil per year.

Russian air defense intercepted three drones in the Kirishi area, Leningrad Oblast Governor Alexander Drozdenko claimed. Wreckage from a downed drone crashed on the site of the refinery, igniting a fire.

The fire has since been extinguished and there were no casualties, Drozdenko said.

Video footage and photos from local residents published by the Russian opposition news channel Astra appear to show a large blast and flames rising from the Kirishi refinery after the attack.

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The Kyiv Independent could not verify these reports.

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The attack forced the halt in production at a key processing unit at the refinery, Reuters reported, citing two industry sources.

Sources told Reuters that a furnace at the unit as well as other equipment was damaged in the strike, forcing production to be halted. The unit accounts for nearly 40% of the plant's production capacity, which totals to approximately 400,000 barrels per day.

Sources told Reuters that they expect maintenance at the unit to take a month.

The Kirishi refinery, also known as Kirishinefteorgsintez or KINEF, is one of Russia's top two oil refineries by volume, along with the Ryazan Oil Refinery. A subsidiary of Surgutneftegaz, the facility refines about 17.7 million metric tons per year (355,000 barrels per day) of Russian crude, amounting to 6.4% of the country's total.

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The refinery is located over 800 kilometers (497 miles) from the Ukrainian border.

Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) said it carried out a strike on the Kirishi refinery in March 2025.

The latest strike on the refinery comes shortly after one of the largest drone attacks against Leningrad Oblast of the full-scale war. Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) drones attacked Primorsk, Russia's largest oil-loading port on the Baltic Sea, overnight on Sept. 12.

Read also: Everything you need to know about Russian attack drones in 2 charts

Ukrainian drone hits chemical plant in Russia's Perm Krai 1,800 km from border, source says

A Ukrainian drone struck the Metafrax Chemicals plant in Russia's Perm Krai the evening of Sept. 13, a source in Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) told the Kyiv Independent on Sept. 14.

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Perm Krai lies over 1,800 kilometers (1,118 miles) from the Russian-Ukrainian border.

At around 9:20 p.m. local time on Sept. 13, Perm Krai Governor Dmitry Makhonin reported that a Ukrainian drone had hit an industrial enterprise in the city of Gubakha. He did not disclose details about the enterprise.

Russian opposition news channel Astra identified the target as the Metafrax Chemicals plant, a major complex located in Gubakha. The intelligence source confirmed that this was the enterprise hit in the strike.

"According to preliminary information, equipment for urea production has been damaged," the intelligence source claimed.

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Although urea is primarily used in agriculture, it can also serve as a component in the production of explosives.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify these claims.

In 2023, the Metafrax Chemicals plant in Gubakha launched a new Ammonia-Urea-Melamine (AUM) production facility that reportedly produced 300,000 tons of ammonia in its first eight months. The company has been sanctioned by the U.K. and Ukraine.

Read also: Putins clash with Russias top banker shows increasing disconnect over war economy, experts say

Ukraine hits Russia's Black Sea Fleet communication hub in occupied Crimea, Navy says

The Ukrainian Navy attacked a communications hub of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in occupied Sevastopol earlier this week, the Navy reported on Sept. 14.

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According to the statement, the communications center, responsible for coordinating operations of Russia's Black Sea Fleet units, was located at the site of the 184th Research and Testing Facility.

The attack reportedly took place overnight on Sept. 11. The Navy published photos purported to show the aftermath of the attack.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify these reports.

Sevastopol has served as the base for Russia's Black Sea Fleet since before the occupations of Crimea in 2014. Repeated Ukrainian attacks using naval drones, missiles, and long-range drones have forced the Kremlin to reduce its naval presence in the peninsula.

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Ukraine has destroyed several Russian vessels, including the Caesar Kunikov landing ship, the Sergei Kotov patrol ship, the Ivanovets missile corvette, and multiple high-speed landing crafts.

The shrinking Russian presence in Sevastopol comes as Ukraine steps up drone attacks against other Black Sea Fleet locations. On July 6, drones struck the fleet's facilities in Novorossiysk, Krasnodar Krai, a key port east of Crimea across the Kerch Strait.

Read also: Boris Johnson calls for European troops on Ukrainian soil, tells Russia to bog off

Ukraine behind attack on Russian railway logistics, undermining offensive capabilities, military intelligence source claims

Ukraine was behind a recent operation that disrupted railway traffic in Russia and killed two members of the Russian National Guard (Rosgvardia), a source in Ukraines military intelligence (HUR) told the Kyiv Independent on Sept. 14.

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"These railway lines are critical supply routes for Russian forces operating in the Kharkiv and Sumy directions," the source said.

HUR and the Special Operations Forces (SSO) reportedly carried out a "uniquely complex" operation on Sept. 13 that halted traffic on the Oryol-Kursk railway line in Russia.

Russian railway personnel found unidentified mines on the Maloarkhangelsk  Glazunovka section. A specialized engineering unit from Russias National Guard was sent to the site, but an explosion went off during demining, killing two soldiers and seriously injuring another, according to the source.

The blast halted train service in the area. Oryol Oblast Governor Andrey Klychkov also confirmed the incident.

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In a separate incident overnight on Sept. 14, another explosion targeted the Saint Petersburg  Pskov railway line near the StroganovoMshinskaya section. According to the source, the attack derailed a locomotive and destroyed 15 fuel tankers filled with fuel.

"As a result of the damage to these rail lines, Russia will face serious logistical challenges, which will significantly impact its ability to conduct offensive operations against Ukraines forces," they added.

Romania scrambles jets, Poland closes airport over Russian drone alerts

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.

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.

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Read also: Opinion is shifting towards this idea, says Polish FM Sikorski on NATO closing the sky over western Ukraine

Note from the author:

Ukraine War Latest is put together by the Kyiv Independent news desk team, who keep you informed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you value our work and want to ensure we have the resources to continue, join the Kyiv Independent community.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is condemning the latest gang attack in Haiti, a brutal massacre in a fishing village north of Port-au-Prince that resulted in the deaths of at least 40 people, including a 4-year-old child and their grandmother.

The killings happened Thursday afternoon in Labordrie, a village located 20 miles north of Haitis capital, between the cities of Cabaret and Arcahaie. Gunmen with the Viv Ansanm gang coalition, who have been fighting for control of Arcahaie, reportedly stormed the village and opened fire on the population, killing women, children and elderly.

The Secretary-General is alarmed by the levels of violence rocking Haiti and urges the Haitian authorities to ensure that perpetrators of these and all other human rights abuses and violations are brought to justice, Guterres spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement on Saturday strongly condemning the massacre.

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Guterres, he said, expresses his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the people and the government of Haiti. He is also calling on the U.N. Security Council member states to expedite efforts toward strengthening the Multinational Security Support mission with the required logistics, personnel and funding to effectively assist the Haitian national police in addressing gang violence in Haiti in full respect of international human rights law, Dujarric said.

Joseph Louis Baptiste, a local government official in Labordrie, told Port-au-Prince based Radio Caraibes that the killings preceded days of gun battles that started last weekend. Viv Ansanm, he said, has been trying to take control of Arcahaie but were being pushed back by police and a local defense brigade.

Every time they advanced, the brigade and police attacked them, and they could not penetrate, Baptiste said. But on Wednesday, the armed men entered the town. After killing two people near the ocean, and sending people fleeing in panic, they proceeded to storm the village, he said.

More than 42 residents were executed, Baptiste said, breaking down in tears as he explained a family of four, which included a 4-year-old child, their parents and grandmother, was killed.

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An entire family has been wiped out, he said. Theyre people I personally know.

Baptiste said gunmen broke down the doors of houses and opened fire on young boys, girls, the elderly, babies. Corpses, he said, were being eaten by dogs.

There are people hiding, there are people we are looking for and still havent yet found, he said.

Both Arcahaie and Cabaret are not far from Canaan, the sprawling post-earthquake settlement on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince that is under the control of a gang named the Taliban under the leadership of Jeff Larose.

During the radio interview, Baptiste pleaded for the central government to deploy armored vehicles to clean out Canaan.

Otherwise, they are going to finish off everyone in the community, he said.
Almost two years of displacement have left scars not only on infrastructure but on the very social fabric of northern Israel, and the question is no longer only how to rebuild.

The drive up the green slopes of the Upper Galilee still carries a deceptive sense of tranquility. Vineyards stretch across the hills, the valley opens into a vast plain, and villages appear nestled against the border with Lebanon. Yet behind this pastoral landscape lies a reality marked by rockets, evacuations, shuttered businesses, and mounting debts.

Almost two years of displacement have left scars not only on infrastructure but on the very social fabric of northern Israel, where the question is no longer only how to rebuild, but instead whether families will truly return and choose to rebuild.

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This is an opportunity we must come out stronger from after the war, said Asaf Levinger, head of the Upper Galilee Regional Council. It is a national imperative to build something different here.

Levinger, who represents dozens of communities stretching along Israels northern border, speaks with both urgency and defiance. He notes that around 85% of evacuated families have returned, and insists that the focus should not be on those who left.

There are new families joining, he said, pointing to Kibbutz Yiftach, less than a kilometer from the border, where thirteen new families have arrived. We even have forty sons of the kibbutz talking about coming back. In Manara, we are already placing temporary mobile homes, and there are hardly any empty houses left in many of our communities.

A huge 35 square meters Israeli national flag is raised on the eve of Yom Kippur to remember the fallen soldiers of the 1973 Kippur War in the Golan Heights, Tel Saki Memorial Site, Golan Heights, October 11, 2024. (credit: MICHAEL GILADI/FLASH90)

Resilience, though, stands alongside devastation. In Manara, nearly three-quarters of homes were damaged by Hezbollah fire. Seventy-five percent of the houses in Manara were hit, Levinger explained. It will take three years to fully rebuild, some of it through evacuation and reconstruction. We have already renovated part of the houses, and people are moving in, but most of it is still ahead. Roads and public infrastructure remain only partially repaired; a process the council chief admits is far from completion.

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Funding, he stresses, is the bottleneck. Under the current model, municipalities must finance projects upfront and only later request reimbursement from the state. Most of the money we received so far was for direct compensation to residents and some initial infrastructure repairs in evacuated communities, he said.

The rest has not arrived. Some of it has been approved in government decisions but not transferred, and in some cases, there is not even a government decision yet. We opened the school year, but the decision on special education programs for evacuated children hasnt even been made.

The result is a patchwork of unfinished reconstruction, with local councils forced to take loans and businesses left in limbo. The biggest challenge is restarting the economy and making this region attractive again, Levinger insisted.

Tourism, which should be flourishing, is empty. Cafes and small businesses cannot find workers. We are missing thousands of students from the local college, which has not returned. That is 5,000 students who are not living here, not consuming, not sustaining the local economy.

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For Levinger, the crisis also exposes a long-standing neglect. The Eastern Galilee is disconnected. We are not connected to the national railway, not connected to the national water carrier. This detachment is visible: fewer children came back here compared to the Western Galilee, he said.

There is enormous potential here, but without connectivity, without investment, families will not stay. We do not have full government support. It is not zero, but it is not complete. With the right backing, we can build a different reality.

That different reality, in his view, would combine world-class education, agricultural research, and cultural life with a revival of tourism and hi-tech. We want to turn the local college into a university, he explained.

We want to attract companies, connect hi-tech with agri-tech, and create a unique community that people will choose not only for the air and the landscapes, but for opportunities. The Galilee can be an example for Israel in food security and social resilience. But it requires decisions now.

With no government transfers, donations or loans are the only answer

Inbar Bezek, CEO of the Upper Galilee Economic Development Company and a former member of the Israeli parliament, describes the same reality from the ground level of construction and bureaucracy. We were promised 15 million shekels to build 55 safe rooms in kindergartens and schools. We started in January, we finished half of them, and until today we have not received even one shekel, she said.

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Municipalities have to raise donations or go to the bank and pay interest. Strong councils can borrow, but weaker ones cannot. And then small contractors get stuck without payment. Everyone suffers because the government does not transfer the money.

Her frustration is palpable. They promise billions on paper, but when you look for the money on the ground, it is not there. We cannot start new neighborhoods if we dont know when or if the state will reimburse us, she explained. In her view, the government has given up the periphery and is prioritizing coalition politics over reconstruction.

Living in the north means you earn less, you receive less, and your quality of life is lower. Yet we return because we were born here, because this is the most beautiful and green area in Israel. But for years, the state has invested only in the center. It is in Israels national interest to strengthen the north, yet everything pushes young families toward Tel Aviv instead.

Bezek also points to the social dimension. With Kiryat Shmona closed for nearly two years, restaurants, shops, and cultural activities disappeared, widening the gap with central Israel. About 50% of the restaurants we had have not reopened. Some relocated permanently. People who lived for two years in Haifa or Tiberias discovered a better quality of life. Why would they come back to closed shops and buses every two hours? she asked.

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The economic toll extends beyond services to the fields themselves. Ofer Barnea, CEO of the Upper Galilee Agriculture Company, describes a landscape of destruction and waiting. About 3,000 dunams of orchards near the border were destroyed, mainly apple groves, he said. Farmers have not received compensation. Bureaucracy is slow, it takes months and years. Unlike the south, where support programs are functioning, here in the north nothing has arrived. They talk, they appoint committees, they change project managers, but on the ground, nothing reaches us.

During the war, he explained, no foreign workers or labor contractors could enter. Harvests were lost, irrigation systems burned, and orchards uprooted. The labor force has returned now, but the damage is long term. When an orchard burns, it takes years to replace. Egg and poultry farms were badly hit, and this affects the entire country, not just the north. Food security is a national issue, he stressed.

Barnea, like Levinger, insists the crisis could be an opening. If funds arrive, recovery will be quick. This is the opportunity to provide planting grants for new orchards, to finally build water reservoirs. After war and drought, we need strategic water infrastructure. The plans exist. Everything is approved. The money has not arrived. That is the opportunity.

The sense of neglect runs deep across these conversations. Levinger does not hide his frustration. Haifa and Yokneam receive the same benefits as the Upper Galilee. So for a business, why would they come here, where everything is harder? Good air and flowing streams are not enough. We need to create an added value, a unique community. Otherwise, companies will always choose elsewhere, he said.

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And yet he insists on hope. It is amazing to see the embrace from communities abroad, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, during and after the war. This warmth gives us strength, he said. We must emerge stronger. It is the moment to build something different.

The words echo a choice Israel has faced many times: whether its periphery will remain a frontier of sacrifice or become a frontier of opportunity. In the Upper Galilee, leaders are warning that time is running out, and that the promises on paper must finally reach the ground.
Military tension between the United States and Venezuela continues to escalate as five US F-35 fighter jets landed in Puerto Rico, while Caracas slammed the US after it claimed armed personnel on a Navy destroyer raided a fishing boat that was sailing in Venezuelan waters.

News agency Reuters reported that the five US F-35 fighter jets landed on Saturday at the former Roosevelt Roads base in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, as part of the deployment ordered by President Donald Trump in the Caribbean to reinforce operations against drug trafficking.

Helicopters, Ospreys and military personnel were also spotted at the base, sparking protests in the area against Puerto Rico's militarisation.

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The move came soon after Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth paid a surprise visit to the Puerto Rico, and only days after Washington said it had carried out a strike in the souther Caribbean against a drug-carrying vessel, operated by the Tren de Aragua gang, which departed from Venezuela.

Related

Meanwhile, Venezuela's foreign ministry slammed the US for after it claimed personnel from a United States Navy Destroyer "illegally and hostilely" boarded a tuna boat that was sailing in Venezuelan waters.

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Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil told reporters that 18 armed personnel remained on the vessel for eight hours and prevented the nine fishermen's normal activities. They then released them under the escort of the Venezuelan navy.

Those who give the order to carry out such provocations are seeking an incident that would justify a military escalation in the Caribbean, Gil said, adding that the objective is to persist in their failed policy of regime change in Venezuela.

Earlier in the week, Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro mobilised the country's armed forces to secure all coastlines along 284 "battlefronts". Thousands of Venezuela's armed forces as well as militiamen took part in manoeuvres as part of "Plan Independencia 200."

Maduro said the move was intended to protect Venezuelan sovereignty in response to the US' moves in nearby waters as part of Donald Trump's stated aim of combatting criminal organisations.
(Adds picture and additional codes to September 13 story, no changes to text.)

By Ted Hesson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. judge on Saturday said it appeared that President Donald Trump's administration intentionally circumvented immigration laws this week when it deported Nigerian and Gambian migrants to Ghana.

Judge Tanya Chutkan, based in Washington, D.C., scheduled an emergency hearing after lawyers representing some of the migrants said their clients expected they could be moved to their home countries, where they fear torture or persecution.

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Chutkan later ordered the Trump administration to file a report by 9 p.m. EDT explaining how it was trying to stop Ghana from sending the migrants to Nigeria or Gambia.

The deportations are part of Trump's strategy to send migrants to "third countries" to speed their removal and pressure migrants in the U.S. illegally to leave.

Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama said this week that his nation struck an agreement with the U.S. to accept West African deportees and had already received 14 people.

Chutkan said it appeared the Trump administration crafted the deal as a way "to make an end run" around U.S. legal requirements that it refrain from sending migrants to danger in their home countries.

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"These are not speculative concerns," said Chutkan, an appointee of former President Barack Obama. "The concerns are real enough that the United States government agrees they shouldn't be sent back to their home country."

A lawsuit filed Friday on behalf of five of the migrants said they were taken from a Louisiana immigration detention center, shackled and put on a U.S. military plane without being told their destination. Several migrants on the flight were placed in straitjackets for 16 hours, the complaint said.

The five plaintiffs had U.S. legal protections against deportation to their home countries, the lawsuit said. One of the migrants, a bisexual man, has already been sent to Gambia and was in hiding, it said. The other four have been held in squalid conditions in an open-air detention facility operated by the Ghanaian military, it said.

In a court filing, the U.S. Department of Justice said it no longer had custody of the migrants, that the court lacked authority to intervene in diplomatic actions and that a Supreme Court decision in June allowed the government to send migrants to nations other than their country of citizenship.

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U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said that detainees on the flight were not made to wear straitjackets. She did not comment on the allegations of circumventing immigration law.

Plaintiffs are represented by two advocacy groups, the American Civil Liberties Union and Asian Americans Advancing Justice.

The deportations have sparked criticism in Ghana.

In a statement on Friday, opposition lawmakers called for the agreement to be suspended, saying it should have been approved by Ghana's National Assembly.

The deal "risks our country being perceived as aligning itself with the U.S. government's current immigration enforcement regime, one which has been criticized as harsh and discriminatory," the statement said.

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A Ghana government spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Ted Hesson in Washington; Additional reporting by Emmanuel Bruce in Accra; Editing by Scott Malone and David Gregorio)
Gov. Spencer Cox, R-Utah, said Sunday that the suspect in the shooting that killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk is not cooperating with authorities.

"He has not confessed to, to authorities. He is, he is, he is not cooperating, but, but, but all the people around him are cooperating. And I think that's, that's, that's very important," Cox told ABC News' "This Week" co-anchor Martha Raddatz.

Authorities identified Kirk's alleged shooter as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who now remains in custody. Charges are expected to be formally filed on Tuesday, Cox said.

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MORE: Erika Kirk delivers emotional remarks to the nation after killing of husband Charlie Kirk

Cox was also asked about a Sunday New York Times report that alleged Robinson had communicated with others on Discord after the shooting. The Times reported Robinson had made jokes about being the alleged gunman.

ABC News - PHOTO: Utah Gov. Spencer Cox appears on ABC News' "This Week" on Sept. 14, 2025

"All we can confirm is that those conversations definitely were happening, and they did not believe it was actually him. It was, it was all joking until, until he, you know, until he admitted that it actually was him," he said.

Authorities are reviewing a group chat between several people joking about how the shooter looked like Robinson, multiple law enforcement sources told ABC News.

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The messages were exchanged on Discord in the hours after the shooting, according to sources who told ABC News that one of the participants in the chat is believed to be Robinson, who allegedly made a comment in the chat about the killer being his "doppelganger."

In a statement to ABC News on Friday, a Discord spokesperson said, "[W]e identified a Discord account associated with the suspect but have found no evidence that the suspect planned this incident or promoted violence on Discord. The messages referenced in recent reporting about planning details 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."

The Utah governor, who has been the public face of the investigation, also addressed reports Saturday that the suspect's roommate is transitioning from male to female.

MORE: Tyler Robinson named suspect in Charlie Kirk shooting: What to know about him and how he was apprehended

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Cox previously told the Wall Street Journal that Robinson was "deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology." Asked if investigators have uncovered evidence to show that, Cox replied, "Well, so far that -- that has come from his acquaintance and his family members. That's where that initial information has come from. Certainly, there will be much more information that is released in the charging documents as they're bringing all of that together."

Cox said there will be "much, much more information" revealed in the coming days when charges are filed. The governor urged Americans to choose kindness in a time of high political tension.

"These are very tragic circumstances that impact all of us," Cox said.

Here are more highlights from Cox's interview and those with Gov. Jared Polis, D-Colo., and Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah:

On Trump not talking about political violence against Democrats

Raddatz: President Trump said nothing about the political violence against Democrats. In fact, he blamed the radical left. What's your reaction to that? Is that something you think he should be doing?

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Cox: Well, look, President Trump is very angry and, Charlie is his close personal friend. There is a lot of anger, a lot of anger on the right, on my side of the aisle. And I've certainly felt that. And in this case, it does appear that that's true. Again, more, more information is coming and we'll learn more over time.

You know, I don't know that that that matters as much as the the radicalization piece. I brought up the, the Democrats who were assassinated recently. And how quickly we move on from these things. But, but the body count is, is piling up. And so I'm so concerned about this radicalization piece. And that's what we're trying to understand. Again, this person made a choice, and it was this person's choice. And this person will be held responsible.

MORE: US college campuses experiencing epidemic of swatting calls following shooting death of Charlie Kirk

Cox on how to get out of the 'dark place' the country is in

Cox: Right now, we're in a dark place. Everybody gets that, I think, and we have choices and we in my political philosophy and my, and my religious philosophy, we believe in agency, that every one of us gets to make our own decisions ... Every one of us has to make a decision. Are we going to hate our neighbor? Are we going to hate the other side? Are we going to return violence with violence? Or are we going to find a different path? Are we going to get out of those social media, those dark places of the internet where the conflict entrepreneurs reside, who are praying upon us, these, these companies with trillion dollar market caps who are using dopamine just like fentanyl, to addict us to their product and, and lead us again -- those algorithms -- lead us to more outrage. Can we put that aside? Can we go and serve our fellow human beings? Can we do some good in our neighborhood? Can we hug a family member? Can we talk to a neighbor that we disagree with? That's, that's up to us. And that's the only way out of this. There is nothing else we can do to, to solve this, this dark chapter in our history.

ABC News - PHOTO: Gov. Jared Polis, D-Colo., appears on ABC News' "This Week" on Sept. 14, 2025.

Polis on the country's political division

Raddatz: How did we get to these moments?

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Polis: I think, as Governor Cox said, it really is an important reflection point. Violence in political theater, in our schools, on college campuses, is unacceptable. It's fine, and we should even celebrate, having different opinions on things, right? Charlie Kirk's catchphrase, "prove me wrong," encouraging peaceful debate, discussion.

But it's wrong to resort to violence and killing. And I think that's a message we need to reemphasize in this age when sometimes there's to many conflicting messages out there. We need to speak unequivocally, celebrate our differences. They should lead to discussion, not violence.

ABC News - PHOTO: Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah, appears on ABC News' "This Week" on Sept. 14, 2025.

Curtis on the pervasiveness of political violence

Curtis: If it were up to me, I think you need to take the word "radical" and remove "right" or "left," and radical coming from any direction is not good, it's not healthy, and it should be called out. And that's, that's my mission, is to say, look, this to me, this is this is not right. This is not left. We're talking about radicals, and that's where we need to put our attention...

Raddatz: Senator, how do you think we got to this point in this country with so much political violence?

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Curtis: You know, I was -- you mentioned I live not far from the university. I was mayor of Provo, Utah, right next to it. I know you know where that is. That was just a decade ago, and it wasn't like this.

And I think a number of things have come along. I don't think COVID helped. I think -- we have to look really hard. I mentioned social media before. I think we have to look really hard at what's just occupying nearly 100% of brain weight of not just the youth, but of all generations, and what's coming across, and actually what we're allowing to come across, and there's just zero liability for what people are putting out there. And I just think that's if we're going to fix this, we have to look really hard at that.
Comedian Bill Maher has slammed people who mocked the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, calling such reactions "gross". According to The Hollywood Reporter, the comedian, during a Friday episode of Real Time with Bill Maher, began by calling it "a very ugly week in America" pointing to political violence and division across the country. "It's a very ugly week in America with violence of all kinds: political violence, regular violence, and a lot of people talking about a civil war," Maher said, as quoted by THR. "And then today in Congress, because Charlie Kirk got assassinated, [Colorado Representative] Lauren Boebert stood up and said, 'We need to have a prayer.' So they started to have a silent prayer. And then she started screaming, 'No! Silent prayers get silent results.' As if praying out loud gets big results," Maher continued. "Then the Democrats started screaming at her that there was a school shooting in her state. I tell you, so far, the civil war is not very civil." Kirk was shot and killed on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University. The suspect gunman, identified as Tyler Robinson, was later taken into custody. The activist was discussing mass shootings in the U.S. when he was struck. Later in the show, Maher spoke in more detail about the reactions to Kirk's death, condemning "the people who mocked his death or justified it." "I like everybody, I talk to everybody, I'm glad I took that approach. But he was shot under a banner that said, 'Prove me wrong,' because he was a debater, and too many people think that the way to do that -- to prove you wrong -- is to just eliminate you from talking altogether," he said. "So the people who mocked his death or justified it, I think you're gross. I have no use for you. The people who are saying now we're at war, I have no use for you." "The governor of the state said, 'Social media is a cancer,' which I think is true because when you read some of the comments from people, they really are in such a bubble that they don't understand that it's happening on both sides," Maher added. "And I think the only way this starts to get better is if both sides admit, 'OK, let's not have this debate about who started it. Let's not debate about who's worse because, plainly, both sides do it now.' And the right has done it too. A lot." (ANI)
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY)  Virginias American Revolution 250 Commission is bringing its Mobile Museum Experience to Newport News, according to a press release.

The Mobile Museum Experience houses an interactive museum inside of a quad-expandable tractor-trailer. The public will be able to experience the museums exhibit, Out of Many, One, at The Peoples Revolution event in Historic Endview on Sept. 19 to Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Courtesy: Jay Paul

The Peoples Revolution gives the public the opportunity to explore The American Revolution, featuring battle reenactments, theatrical performances and food trucks. Admission to the event is free.

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For more information, you can visit the Mobile Museum Experiences page on Virginias American Revolution 250 Commissions website here.

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The recent Russian drone attacks on Poland not only demonstrate that Vladimir Putin is trying to see how far he can push Nato, which seems far, but also illustrates he is happy to kill civilians in Poland as well as in Ukraine.

As we were happy to shoot down Iranian drones and missiles aimed at civilian targets in Israel, so we must protect the people of Ukraine who are now suffering their fourth year of unprovoked Russian violence. And the way to do this is by shooting down Russian drones and missiles.

I was in Iraq in 1991 when the UK helped set up the no fly zone in north Iraq which saved 100,000s of Kurds and prevented their extermination by Saddam Hussein. I pleaded with the British government to set up a NFZ in north-west Syria in 2014 after one of my many trips hunting for president Assads chemical weapons. We failed to achieve this and subsequently 100,000s of civilians were murdered by Assad and Putins air strikes over the next 10 years.

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We now have an opportunity to set up a NFZ in western Ukraine to save potentially millions of lives, as the Russians continue to attack civilian targets with thousands of drones and missiles every week.

This time at least, it is reassuring to know that western officials have confirmed that further options to protect civilians in Ukraine are being looked at in detail, which one assumes includes some sort of defensive air shield. Even without US air power, the UK and European Nato countries have the fighter jets and air defence capabilities to do this  this would, of course, be far more preferable with the US.

In my years of lobbying for a no fly zone for north-west Syria, the counter lobby crowd rather overhyped Russian air defence and fighter jet capabilities, as though straight out of a Kremlin briefing, suggesting Nato capabilities were not up to the task.

However, after the US air operation to attack the Iranian weapons programme this year, we know western technology is well up to this task. F35 and other stealth jets completed their bombing runs completely unmolested by the apparently impenetrable Russian S400 air defence system, and the Iranian fighter jets, also Russian, did not even get airborne.

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Further, I understand from various sources that the S300 air defence missiles were even impotent against non stealth jets. Though I would never confess to be an expert on air power, I have consulted those who are, and it seems clear that with the huge number of F35s that European Nato countries have, allied with western intelligence and electronic warfare assets, we could deploy an effective air shield over civilian targets west of Kyiv and potentially east to the border.

This demonstration of European military air power may well be the catalyst to get Putin around the negotiating table, which no amount of sanctions or hot air has hitherto achieved. He will understand that if we flex our military muscles, his forces could soon be heading east rather than west.

Let us not be caught on the wrong side of history again; I hope the Prime Minister at least now understands that Putin exploits weakness but respects strength.

Time is of the essence, with Russian and Belarusian military forces once again exercising near Kyiv, as they did in February 2022 just before Putin ordered the full-scale invasion and the start of his special military operation.

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Ukraine has demonstrated its resolve in spades. Now it is our time, for the coalition of the willing, to at last show that the aggression and pure evil of Putins Russian tyranny will not prevail any further west; that directly killing civilians is never acceptable; that it is a war crime that I hope one day the tyrant will answer for.

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The fatal shooting of prominent conservative activist Charlie Kirk has brought renewed attention to the climate of political violence in America. Kirks death reflects a sizable increase in threats against officeholders and politicians at the local and federal level.

Alfonso Serrano, a politics editor at The Conversation, spoke with University of Massachusetts Lowell scholar Arie Perliger after Kirks shooting. Perliger studies political violence and assassinations and spoke bluntly about political polarization in the U.S.

Serrano: What were your initial thoughts after Charlie Kirks fatal shooting?

Perliger: It was a bit unusual that the attack was not against an elected official. Rarely have we seen political assassinations that are aimed at the nonprofit political landscape. Usually those people are not deemed important enough.

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Secondly, and its something I see a lot in my research, political assassinations come in waves. We see that not only in the United States but other countries. Ive looked at political assassinations in many democracies, and one of the things I see in a fairly consistent manner is that political assassinations create a process of escalation that encourages others on the extreme political spectrum to feel the need to retaliate. And that is my main concern. That this process creates legitimization and acceptance, that it provides the sense that this is an acceptable form of political action. This will not end here.

In 2024, there were two attempts to assassinate Donald Trump. Then, in early 2025, the residence of Gov. Josh Shapiro in Pennsylvania was firebombed on Passover, and within months the U.S. witnessed the killing of Minnesota state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, among other acts of political violence. The U.S., of course, is not immune to political violence, as we saw in the 1960s. But what stands out about this latest wave?

The data shows that theres a substantial increase in the level of threats against officeholders at the local and federal level. Whats different now is we see an increased support in political violence from both sides of the political spectrum. Consistently, almost a quarter of the public is willing to support political violence in some form, or see that as a legitimate form of political action.

And as we see an increased political polarization, and the increased demonization of political rivals, we see the decline and disappearance of political discourse and policymaking. The bipartisan political process in Congress in the past few years has been almost nonexistent. And that spills over to the public, where the other (political) side is seen as a one-dimensional figure that is a threat.

Weve had political polarization in the U.S. in the past, but usually it was around a specific issue like civil rights in the 1960s and the Vietnam War. But this time there is no specific issue that we can say, If we solve this, we solve the political polarization. The problem is that theres no space for convergence from both sides where they can work together, so theres no bridges they can rely on to come together.

Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025 before he was fatally shot. (Getty Images)

Does it strike you that Kirks assassination occurred on a college campus? It seems as if college campuses have become a flash point of violence in the U.S.

Campuses are becoming more and more contentious spaces. They were always intellectual hubs where political views were debated intensively. Activism was always part of campus life. But what weve seen in the past year is that campus life has become in some cases more violent. And the fact that Kirk was killed on a campus is, I think, heartbreaking because campuses symbolize a place where you can engage in political debate in a way that encourages intellectual exploration.

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Whats happened in the past year is that campuses are not those spaces anymore. Yes, we still see political activism, but its the activism that doesnt leave any room for actual debate. Its just two sides that are completely hostile to each other and unwilling to hear each other.

Trump on Wednesday night blamed the media and the radical left for language used to describe people like Kirk. He said this rhetoric is responsible for the terrorism that were seeing in our country today. Any thoughts?

I agree that language and rhetoric impact peoples behavior. Ive seen that again and again in my studies, that the discourse of political figures impacts the way people think of the legitimacy of violence. Of course, we need to understand the context here, which is that Trump himself was willing to pardon thousands of people who engaged in political violence.

So, on the one hand, I agree with him that political leaders should be responsible for how they discuss political issues. Its important for them to convey that political discourse can be constructive. However, we need to acknowledge that our own government, in many cases, sends signals that provide encouragement and support that legitimize violence. I think its important for politicians on both sides to be consistent in understanding that the way they discuss their political rivals is important.

Youre an expert on the history of political assassinations. How do countries untangle themselves from waves of political violence?

Political leaders need to insist on working together. There are lots of policy areas where politicians can work together. When we see that people can work together within the political system, that sends an important message, that there is a space where we can work together. The second thing is trying to think about how the U.S. can restructure part of the political process to ensure that there is a real competition of ideas, to incentivize a constructive, productive approach that will legitimize those who are willing to engage in constructive policymaking.

Any last thoughts?

As part of my work, I track the most extremist online social media accounts, and what we see right now is a strong sense that this assassination is being celebrated by parts of the left. And that has created an escalation of language from those in the extreme right social media ecosystem. There is much more willingness to discuss issues of retaliation, an actual civil war.

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And thats my biggest worry. If you look at social media, what we see is that both sides embrace this kind of rhetoric that really concerns me. More than ever, Ive seen calls for retaliation and a strong sense that the other side is unwilling to show any sympathy to what happened. Emotions are running very high, and Im very worried about what may happen in the next few weeks.

Arie Perliger is a professor and director of the graduate program in Security Studies at the School of Criminology and Justice Studies at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The post Why Charlie Kirks Killing May Fuel More Political Violence appeared first on Katie Couric Media.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  August and September are busy times for yellowjackets, wasps and hornets. This year, there are more of these pests than usual, and they can be dangerous.

Dennis House, whose grandfather died after an attack of yellowjackets, talks with Dr. Gale Ridge of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station on This Week in Connecticut.

Watch above.

THIS WEEK IN CONNECTICUT

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
WORCESTER  At one of Worcester Regional Airports four passenger gates Saturday, Sept. 13 a passenger jet sat in place with no flight plans for the day.

Instead, it hosted group after group of curious participants in the free Wings For Autism program, which allows people with autism to experience and practice airport travel without the pressure of making it to a flight on time.

Wings For Autism events take place multiple times a year at Massachusetts regional and international airports as a collaboration between Massport, the agency that runs the airport and the developmental disabilities nonprofit Charles River Center. Massport head of customer service Mia Healy-Waldron said that each year participants tell her they are glad they came.

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We always have a family that either writes to us or pulls us aside at the end of the day and says it's really life-changing, Healy-Waldron said. This gives them a level of comfort that they wouldn't have had otherwise.

Worcester Regional Airport provides accessibility services for travelers with disabilities as required by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Those services include escorting passengers who need aid or just extra time through the airport and to their flights.

The event is aimed primarily at families with young autistic children, but a wide age range was represented in Worcester.

Christine Puopolo has three sons in their 20s who have been diagnosed with autism and two of them came with her to the airport Sept. 13, one of whom said, What it's like going through the airport, boarding the plane, it seems very simple.

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Though the family lives in Dracut, they made the trek to Worcester in order to get used to the process of airline travel in time for an upcoming family trip.

We're an hour away, but we're flying out on Nov. 7 to Marco Island and the program in Boston is Nov. 8, Puopolo said. We were able to get our boarding passes, go through security. It was great that they were able to get on the plane and see it beforehand so they know what to expect more.

From loud announcements to unexpected flight delays to big crowds, a busy airport can be particularly overwhelming for people who have autism, as the neurological condition often makes sensory processing and schedule changes more difficult.

There are a lot of different sights and sounds in the airport, even checking in, all the lights and all the announcements. Some people even struggle going down the jet bridge, which is a confined space, or buckling in on the aircraft, Healy-Waldron said. There are lots of triggers around an airport.

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The Wings For Autism program began with one family whose autistic son was unable to travel by air due to those triggers.

When the family asked the Charles River Center for help, the result was a new idea: An event where children with autism could get used to the airport without any pressure by having what Healy-Waldron called, an authentic experience of traveling through the airport and getting onboard the aircraft.

Boston Logan International Airport has now been hosting those events for 14 years and the Sept. 13 Worcester event was the third to happen here, something that Massport plans to turn into an annual tradition.

During the program, volunteers from the airlines that serve Worcester Regional Airport stood at the ticket counters and took participants through the check-in process just like they would for a real flight.

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At the airports security checkpoint, Transportation Security Administration agents explained the screening process and on the jet parked at Gate 1, a pilot and crew took participants through flight announcements, buckling in and handing out snacks.

According to Healy-Waldron, the boy who, 15 years ago, could not board an airplane is now a man in his 20s who regularly returns to Wings For Autism events.

He is independent and able to travel on his own, coming from a place where he was unable to even get on a plane, and it's great to see that he's grown up, Healy-Waldron said.

The event was also personal for Healy-Waldron, as her 4-year-old nephew, who was recently diagnosed with autism, was one of the participants.

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He met lots of kids today and they always have a ball together experiencing the airport, Healy-Waldron said. One of the best parts is the kids get to go into the cockpit and see that travel is fun, that the airline attendants and the pilots are accessible.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Wings for Autism eases anxiety for airline passengers on spectrum
New Zealand police briefly joined Australias largest-ever police operation to find fugitive Dezi Freeman, who allegedly killed two officers in the Victorian town of Porepunkah.

Hundreds of police officers from Victoria, the Australian Federal Police, the army, and a contingent from New Zealand are part of a large-scale manhunt for Mr Freeman, who is accused of shooting dead a detective and a constable at his Porepunkah property last month.

Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart were tragically killed in the line of duty. A third police officer was seriously injured after being shot in the lower body, Victoria police said in a statement.

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Desmond Freeman (Filby), sometimes known to associates as Dezi, is wanted in connection to the shooting death of two police officers in Porepunkah on Tuesday, 26 August, police said.

Alleged police-killer Desmond Freeman (Victoria Police)

He is a conspiracy theorist and a self-described "sovereign citizen" who rejects government and law, according to local police.

The father of two was known to be a kind and polite person by locals, but seemingly changed during the Covid-19 pandemic and was outspoken about his deep distrust for government restrictions and lockdowns.

"He went from being just a pretty ordinary country bloke a normal dude you'd see at the local footy club all the time to quite a strange bloke. He fell down a bit of a rabbit hole and sort of disappeared and went off the radar, Sydney Morning Herald reported earlier this month.

Coffin of police officer Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, killed in a shooting at Porepunkah in Victoria's north-east last week (AFP via Getty Images)

Mr Freeman has now been on the run for over 20 days, with police searching for him across hundreds of properties in Victoria "with and without warrant", including in abandoned houses, caves and huts, ABC News reported.

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He is believed to be armed with firearms, and we urge people not to approach him, police said, adding that theres a reward of up to $664,000 (AUD 1M) for information leading to his arrest.

Authorities have eased a travel warning that urged people to avoid Porepunkah, but be vigilant and understand the environment.

Police say the search area contains "many places to hide", prompting authorities to put together a highly technical search that requires absolutely specialist capabilities to undertake because of the dangers that are involved.

"This is a really highly technical search that requires absolutely specialist capabilities to undertake because of the dangers that are involved, they said.

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Victoria Police released several photos of officers in search of the alleged killer, including one where a specialist officer can be seen lying before a tunnel and another where three officers are crouched in a dark, narrow cave.

Until now, there have been no further confirmed sightings of the alleged killer.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday condemned the presence of Russian drones in Romanian territory.

The Kremlins air surveillance in Ukraine has persisted while unmanned aircrafts have been reported in neighboring nations this week.

The Russian military knows exactly where their drones are headed and how long they can operate in the air. Their routes are always calculated. This cannot be a coincidence, a mistake, or the initiative of some lower-level commanders, Zelensky said in a statement on X.

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It is an obvious expansion of the war by Russia  and this is exactly how they act. Small steps at first, and eventually big losses, he continued.

The Romanian Air Force deployed two F-16 fighter jets to track the drone presence before it disappeared near Chilia Veche, according to officials.

The countrys leaders denounced the surprise onslaught of drones, citing security concerns for citizens.

Romania condemns Russias reckless behavior, which threatens regional stability. Together with our @NATO Allies, we remain vigilant and ready to defend every inch of Allied airspace, Ionut Mosteanu, Romanias Minister of National Defense said in a post on X, noting the population was never in danger.

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On Wednesday, Russian drones were found in Polish airspace causing the country to invoke NATOs Article 4, convening member nations to develop a collective response to a potential threat.

President Trump told reporters the crossover into Polish territory could have been a mistake, but other world figures rejected the notion, instead categorizing the measure as Moscows escalation of war.

Sanctions against Russia are needed. Tariffs against Russian trade are needed. Collective defense is needed  and Ukraine has proposed to its partners the creation of just such a system of protection, Zelensky said Saturday.

Do not wait for dozens of shaheds and ballistic missiles before finally making decisions.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized the importance of drones in defending his country against the Russian invasion and has simultaneously offered NATO support in countering Russian drones.

"The most effective sanctions  the sanctions that work the fastest  are fires in Russian oil refineries, at their terminals and oil depots," he said in his evening video address on Sunday, referring to a series of Ukrainian drone attacks targeting the Russian oil sector.

He said these attacks are painful for Russia and also impact Moscow's war efforts. The attacks have "significantly restricted the Russian oil industry, and that significantly restricts the war," Zelensky said.

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Ukraine recently attacked one of Russia's largest refineries in the city of Kirishi, 110 kilometres south-east of St Petersburg.

Before the official confirmation of the attack, images and videos showing large flames over the refinery were already circulating on social networks.

Zelensky said Ukraine is ready to share its experiences in countering Russian drone attacks with NATO, referring to the recent incursion by Russian drones into Polish airspace a few days ago and the recent incident with a Russian drone over Romania.

"We are ready to train all partners in this defence," said Zelensky. "Everyone sees that the Russians are looking for ways to expand the war into the territory of Poland and the Baltic States, and the Russian army is also testing Romania."

While NATO has effective defensive weapons, he said that Ukraine has developed "significantly more cost-effective, massive and systematic solutions."
Popular late-night show Jimmy Kimmel Live! has been taken off the air in response to comments made by its host about Charlie Kirk's killing, multiple media outlets report.

In his opening monologue on Monday's show, Kimmel accused the "MAGA gang" of trying to characterize the alleged shooter "as anything other than one of them.

ABC reportedly chose to remove the show from its schedule "indefinitely" after Nexstar Media, which owns many local TV stations throughout the United States, threatened to preempt it from airing on any of its ABC affiliates.

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The decision comes a day after 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was formally charged with murder in the death of the 31-year-old conservative activist.

Robinson was charged with aggravated murder, discharge of a weapon causing serious bodily harm, obstruction of justice and witness tampering. He briefly appeared in a virtual court hearing on Tuesday afternoon, and his next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 29.

Speaking at a press conference earlier on Tuesday, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray said he plans to pursue the death penalty against Robinson. "I do not take this decision lightly, and it is a decision I have made independently as county attorney, based solely on the available evidence and circumstances in nature of the crime," Gray said. "Because we are seeking the death penalty, the defendant will continue to be held without bail in the Utah County Jail."

Robinson is accused of firing a single shot from a rifle that killed Kirk while he was speaking at an event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10.

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According to Gray, Robinson's mother saw photos of the suspect that were released by the FBI and spoke to her husband about how the suspect looked like their son. Robinson turned himself in to the police in Washington County, Utah, the day after the shooting.

New details about the process that led to Robinson's surrender were shared by Washington County Sheriff Nate Brooksby, who told reporters on Wednesday that Robinson's fear of being shot by police played a role in his decision to turn himself in.

Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel  facing criticism for the confusion that ensued during the manhunt for the gunman  testified before Congress for the second straight day on Wednesday. Patel defended his actions to lawmakers and provided some new information about the ongoing investigation.
On the occasion of Hindi Diwas, the 'War' actor penned a long, thoughtful note and shared his views.

Rana highlighted how people have honoured the Hindi language, developed it, and made it famous, further adding, "Mother, mother tongue, and motherland are the sources of our civilisation and culture; they teach us to 'connect' with the world, not to stick and fight with the world. That's why their debt can never be paid off."

https://www.instagram.com/p/DOkywyoE2fU/

In his own words, the actor emphasised the need to protect the language and embrace it with love and respect, further referring to it as the "mother" who created all.

He further concluded by announcing the 300th stage of his play, 'Humare Ram', on Hindi Diwas.

Rana also shared pictures of his look. 'Humare Ram' features Ashutosh Rana as Ravan and Rahull Bhuchar as Lord Ram, Danish Akhtar as Hanuman, Tarun Khanna as Shiva, Harrleen Kaur Rekhi as Sita, and Karan Sharma as Surya Deva.

Hindi Diwas, celebrated annually on September 14, marks the adoption of Hindi as one of India's official languages. The day highlights the language's role in bridging diverse linguistic and cultural communities across India.

According to a press release, the Constituent Assembly on September 14, 1949, designated Hindi language in the Devanagari script as the official language of the Union of India.

On the work front, Ashutosh Rana was recently seen in 'War 2', which also stars Hrithik Roshan and NTR Jr in the lead roles. He was also seen in Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor starrer 'Loveyapa'. (ANI)
Storage containers used to house the tanks after the process of vitrification at the Low-Activity Waste Facility in the Hanford Vit Plant near Richland on Feb. 8.
The Tamil Nadu government honoured music maestro Ilaiyaraaja on completing 50 glorious years in the music industry. Ilaiyaraaja was felicitated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin along with superstar Rajinikanth at the 50th Golden Jubilee Celebration on Saturday, September 13. Actor-politician Kamal Haasan also took part in the event, with visuals showing him sharing a heartwarming moment with the music legend. https://x.com/mkstalin/status/1966910208351105247 CM Stalin took to his X handle and shared pictures from the felicitation ceremony, featuring pictures showing him with Ilaiyaraaja, Rajinikanth, and Haasan. "May this moment freeze just like this forever! Long live 'Music' King @ilaiyaraaja," Stalin wrote in the caption. He also shared a video, capturing the memorable moments from the events. In a few visuals, Ilaiyaraaja could be seen sharing a candid conversation with Kamal Haasan, before taking to the stage to receive the honour. Actor Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan also extended their warm words on the stage, paying homage to the music composer. "Even though yesterday's evening melted away with Raja's ragas, calling it a golden hour, it remains frozen within the heart! Music sage, the pride of Tamil Nadu! Celebrating him is our duty!" CM Stalin wrote. https://x.com/mkstalin/status/1967080911536795847 In the meantime, Ilaiyaraaja shared a heartfelt message on his social media handle, expressing gratitude toward the state government's recognition. "At the felicitation ceremony by the Tamil Nadu yesterday, I was unable to do much due to joy. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Tamil Nadu government, the Honourable Chief Minister Mr. M. K. Stalin, the Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, and the esteemed Ministers for conducting this event splendidly. I also extend my sincere thanks to Superstar Mr. Rajinikanth, World Hero Mr. Kamal Haasan, and the public who participated and made this event special," he wrote in an X post. https://x.com/ilaiyaraaja/status/1967161424268153290 Earlier this year, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister met Ilaiyaraaja and announced the celebration of his contribution to the industry. https://x.com/mkstalin/status/1900209448943251474 "We have decided to celebrate his half-century-long journey in film music on behalf of the government! This event will shine with the participation of fans living in Raja's musical kingdom!" he wrote in the tweet. Recognised as one of the most prolific composers in India, Ilaiyaraaja is known for working in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi films. He also received the prestigious Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan in 2010 and 2018, respectively. (ANI)
Japan's beloved icon, Shin Chan, is all set to land on Indian soil, bringing his friends and their chaotic dynamics back on the big screen. Directed by Masakazu Hashimoto, best known for his 'Crayon Shin Chan' films, the upcoming feature titled 'Shin Chan: The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers in India' will premiere across the country on September 26, 2025. Ahead of its release, director Masakazu Hashimoto got candid about the film, spilling details about the plot, Indian viewers, inspiration and more. Speaking to ANI, Hashimoto opened up about having multiple reasons behind putting India in focus. He stated, "I am a huge fan of Indian movies, which made me very fascinated towards the country. I love travelling and I usually visit the places where I work. This is when India caught my attention, and I decided to bring a story on it. I also found India to be a perfect example to present my theme around friendships and self-discovery." The director went on to discuss that the dance and music elements have been specifically added to cater to the Indian audiences. "I feel Indians have a lot to do with dance and music," he added. Expressing his high anticipation for 'Shin Chan: The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers in India', Hashimoto said that he looks forward to how the Indian audiences would react to it. "Every country has different reactions. It was quite challenging for me to understand which portions would be well-received." The director revealed visiting different Indian cities for the film's production, sharing how he came across multiple shops selling Shin Chan merchandise, which left him surprised. As the film nears its release date, Shin Chan fans in India can look forward to connecting more deeply with the beloved character, Hashimoto said. "When I started making this film and decided to focus on India, I really wanted the people to watch it. However, I wasn't aware that it would actually have a theatrical opening in India. I feel very happy. In this film, we have only five minutes in Japan, and the rest of the narrative is set in India. I really wish the fans could enjoy the film," he shared. Reiterating his admiration for Indian films, Hashimoto also expressed a wish to know more about Indian animation. According to the director, 'Shin Chan: The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers in India' will follow the 'Bo-chan', who gets a piece of paper stuck in his nose, turning him into a tyrant. What follows next is how Shin Chan and his friends join forces to help Bo, further exploring the true meaning of friendship. (ANI)
The accident, which occurred around 1-1:30 PM on Ring Road near Metro Pillar No. 67 in Dhaula Kuan, involved a BMW car reportedly driven by a woman. According to eyewitnesses, the BMW collided with a motorcycle carrying a couple, identified as residents of Hari Nagar. The man, a Ministry of Finance employee, died from his injuries, while his wife sustained serious injuries.
Gambhir, who earlier expressed opposition to playing Pakistan amid ongoing terror tensions, has urged the team to prioritize professionalism. Ten Doeschate added that there was no special preparation for facing Pakistan; the build-up was business as usual. The former Dutch batter acknowledged the sensitivity of the boycott sentiments but stressed that players are strictly adhering to directives from the BCCI and Indian government.
Haryanas Directorate of School Education has banned the sale of tobacco, gutkha, and intoxicants within 100 yards of schools, directing officials to monitor and report violations for immediate action. Scroll down to read more.
Indias dominance in the Asia Cup is consistent across both formats. Reflecting on the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, both teams head into the Dubai clash on the back of convincing wins. This encounter not only promises a classic rivalry but also plays a decisive role in shaping the road to the Super Four in Asia Cup 2025.
The university of Jammu is expected to release the provisional answer key for the Jammu and Kashmir State Eligibility Test (JKSET) soon at jujkset.in. Scroll down to check more details.
Harjit Kaur, a longtime resident of Hercules with no prior criminal record, had gone to the ICE office in San Francisco on September 8 for what her family believed would be a routine appointment. Instead, she was detained and transferred the following day to the Mesa Verde ICE Processing Center in Bakersfield.
DNA test of the biggest immigration fraud, 700 Indian students have taken to the streets after the announcement of their expulsion from the country in Canada. It is being told that most of these students had gone from Punjab to Canada to study. After this decision of this, his dream of getting Canadian citizenship has been shattered.
Kristen Fischer, an American in India, praises low costs and easy access in Indian healthcare. She still gives US hospitals credit for better overall facilities.
Communist Party of India (CPI Maoist) Central Committee Member Sujatha aka Kalpana surrendered to the state police, marking a serious blow to the Maoist movement in the Dandakaranya region, confirmed officials. Bastar Inspector General of Police (IGP) P Sundarrai stated that the member arrested surrendered before the Telangana Police on September 13, carrying a reward of Rs 40 lakh, and had been wanted in more than 70 criminal cases across several districts of Bastar. "On 13th September, the banned CPI (M) Central Committee member Sujata alias Kalpana, surrendered before Telangana Police. In 2025, more than 250 bodies, including of CPI (M) General Secretary Basavaraju, Central Committee member Gautam, State Level Committee Cadres Sudhir, Renuka, and Bhaskar Rao, were recovered by DRG, STF, COBRA, Baster Fighters, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, and other security agencies, were recovered after various ambushes," Sundarraj said. The surrender of the Maoist member not only reflects the deep crisis of confidence and is a result of the relentless and aggressive operations launched by the police, in close coordination with Central Armed Police Forces, intelligence agencies and security units across the interstate border areas. Welcoming the surrender, the IGP stated that more than 850 cadres had surrendered and come to mainstream due to the government's rehabilitation policies, further calling Kalpana's arrest a "significant event." "With the government's rehabilitation policies, more than 850 cadres have surrendered and come to the mainstream. Amid all this, the Central Committee member and the in-charge of the South Sub-Zone Bureau, Sujata alias Kalpana, is a significant event. The CPI (M) is becoming directionless and without leadership..." he added. The arrest of Maoists in recent times has led to a large recovery of weapons and explosives, and the dismantling of multiple hideouts in their strongholds. The sustained operations have denied these Maoists the space to regroup or expand, apart from forcing their top leadership to lose confidence. (ANI)
Tripura Governor, Indrasena Reddy Nallu, graced the inaugural ceremony as the Chief Guest. The workshop is being presided over by Prof. Shaymal Das, Vice Chancellor of Tripura University.

Kishore Barman from the Ministry of Higher Education, Government of Tripura, attended the programme as the Guest of Honour. Prof. Rajsharan Shahi, Dean, School of Education, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), a Central University, delivered the keynote address.

Prof. Debraj Panigrahi, Head of the Department of Sanskrit, Tripura University, is the Convenor of the workshop.

The two-day event aims to deliberate on various aspects of NEP 2020 and its implementation in higher education. (ANI)
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday launched an attack against the NDA government in Bihar over the "deplorable state" of the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Purnea, flagging issues including no ICU, multiple patients on a single bed and doctors' posts being vacant. Tejashwi Yadav inspected the hospital ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bihar visit on September 15 and slammed Health Minister Mangal Pandey, calling him an "incompetent and rhetoric-spouting" leader. Sharing visuals from inside the hospital, Tejashwi wrote on X, "Last night, a surprise inspection was conducted at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Purnea. Watch a glimpse of the deplorable state of the healthcare system under 20 years of NDA in the video." "This deplorable condition is not of some district hospital, community health centre, or primary health centre, but of the so-called medical college. Learn about the ground reality and send your curses to the incompetent, rhetoric-spouting health minister of this disastrous government," he added. He noted that the hospital has no ICU, an operational trauma centre, or a cardiology department, and the toilets are inaccessible and unclean. "This is a medical college and hospital, but there is no ICU here. The trauma centre is not operational. There is no cardiology department, i.e., no heart disease department. Three patients are made to lie on a single bed. Bedsheets of patients are not changed even after 15-20 days. The toilets for patients with orthopaedic issues and those requiring disability-related surgeries are two feet high. There is absolutely no cleanliness," the RJD leader wrote on X. Flagging a lack of doctors and nurses in the hospital, he alleged that only 55 nurses are working in three shifts, with 80 per cent of doctors' posts vacant. He stated, "GMCH is a Medical College Hospital, but out of the sanctioned 255 nurse posts, only 55 nurses are working, and that too in three shifts. This means only 18 nurses are on duty at a time. If some are on leave, the number is even lower. 80 per cent of the doctor posts at GMCH are vacant. There is not a single permanent dresser at GMCH. The entire college and hospital have only four OT assistants. Many of the 23 departments are closed. Professors and assistant professors are present only in name. Medical interns have not received their salaries for 6 months." Further, Tejashwi Yadav accused the NDA government of corruption, alleging commissions in building structures and the purchase of medical equipment. "Due to the lack of doctors, healthcare workers, medical equipment, healthcare services, and facilities in government hospitals and medical colleges, 10,000 patients visit private hospitals in Purnea daily. The corrupt ministers and officials of the NDA government spend thousands of crores of rupees just to build structures, eating commissions in corruption, but they do not appoint doctors, healthcare workers, lab technicians, dressers, assistants, etc. They purchase medical equipment worth thousands of crores for commissions but do not hire technicians to operate them," he alleged. Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ahead of his upcoming visit, Tejashwi referred to the NDA government as "double jungle raj". He stated, "Tomorrow, Prime Minister Modi ji is coming to Purnea in Seemanchal to shower rhetoric. Despite occupying such a high position, will he not see the massive shortcomings of his 20 years of governance in Bihar and 11 years at the centre under the double-engine government before indulging in petty and small talk?" "Prime Minister Modi ji will surely give a sermon on the corruption, unemployment, poverty, failures of the NDA government, looting of the poor in the name of treatment, and the deplorable state of education and healthcare systems, as well as the double jungle raj of the double-engine government in Bihar over the past 20 years," the RJD leader added. The Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly asked PM Modi to visit the GMCH in Purnea along with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. "Prime Minister ji, please do visit this medical college in Purnea tomorrow and make sure to bring along the Chief Minister from 2005 onwards; otherwise, he will say, was there anything before 2005?" he said. Tejashwi's remarks precede the Prime Minister's visit to Purnea on September 15, where he will inaugurate the Purnea Airport. He will also address a public rally at Shishabari village, where people from Purnia, Katihar, Araria, and Kishanganj districts are expected to gather. (ANI)
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said that strict action should be taken against 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. Speaking to the reporters, the Union Minister said, "This is highly unfortunate, and I think strict actions should be taken against this." Earlier, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari slammed the Congress party and said that the Congress party consistently breaches all moral and ethical standards. "Standards of ethics are not meant for Congress. They keep breaking all scales of immorality. Whatever happens legally will happen, but the biggest judge is the public, and the public will teach them a lesson," Tiwari said. Meanwhile, 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. Meanwhile, 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 a 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 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). (ANI)
Amit Shah noted that Hindi is emerging as the language of "technology, science, and research".

Sharing an X post, he wrote, "Heartfelt greetings on Hindi Diwas! Hindi, serving as a bridge among the country's languages and dialects, is promoting national unity and is becoming the language of technology, science, and research."

He added that the language united citizens during the freedom struggle and the Emergency.

"From the freedom struggle to the difficult days of the Emergency, Hindi has played a crucial role in binding the citizens of the country together. Hindi will continue to play an important role in building a 'developed' and linguistically 'self-reliant' India by taking all languages along," he wrote.

Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and S Jaishankar also extended wishes on the occasion.

Union Minister Gadkari wrote, "Heartfelt wishes to all countrymen on Hindi Diwas."

"Heartfelt greetings on Hindi Diwas. Hindi is an important aspect of the growing global interest in our culture and traditions. Special congratulations to all linguists and Hindi enthusiasts engaged in the promotion and propagation of the Hindi language worldwide," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on X.

Hindi Diwas, celebrated annually on September 14, marks the adoption of Hindi as one of India's official languages. The day highlights the language's role in bridging diverse linguistic and cultural communities across India.

According to a press release, the Constituent Assembly on September 14 in 1949, designated Hindi language in Devanagari script as the official language of the Union of India. The Department of Official Language under the Ministry of Home Affairs has played a vital role in promoting the use of Hindi in official matters since its inception in 1975.

Last year, the central government celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of the Official Language. (ANI)
Polish President Karol Nawrocki is due in Berlin for talks on Tuesday, with his past criticism of Germany looming over Warsaw's diplomatic drive to bolster allied support after a Russian drone incursion.

Poland is seeking greater military and political backing after its army, together with its NATO allies, scrambled jets to down Russian drones violating its airspace early on Wednesday.

While Russia denied targeting its eastern European neighbour, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned his country was closer to "open conflict" than at any point since World War II in the wake of the intrusion.

Nawrocki -- a right-wing nationalist who has often locked horns with Tusk -- is to meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Tuesday before travelling to Paris.

The political novice was elected in June and is a former director of the Institute of National Remembrance, which is responsible for prosecuting historical Nazi and Communist crimes.

A fervent admirer of US President Donald Trump, Nawrocki has repeatedly accused Germany of treating Poland as a "minor partner" and of sending undocumented asylum seekers back to Poland.

On the election campaign trail, he vowed to demand reparations from Germany over the treatment of Poles during the Second World War -- a position that sets him at odds with Tusk's pro-European government.

Nearly six million Poles, including three million Jews, died during World War II.

Nawrocki repeated his reparations call on September 1 during commemorations of the invasion of Poland in 1939 by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.

While Poland needed clarity in its relationship with Germany, it also needed financial compensation, he argued.

Analyst Wojciech Przybylski said Nawrocki might use his trip to Berlin to appeal to his electoral base at home, which is strongly anti-German.

In 2022, the right-wing nationalist government in power in Warsaw at the time estimated Polish losses during the Second World War at 1.3 trillion euros ($1.5 trillion).

Germany argues that Poland renounced any claim to reparations in 1953, while under pressure from the Soviet Union, and has similarly countered reparations claims from Greece.

Merz's spokesman Stefan Kornelius said on Friday that the German chancellor had taken note of Nawrocki's remarks but the German government's position remained unchanged.

Shortly after Nawrocki's election, Kornelius said Berlin's stance did not imply that "the issues of remembrance and reconciliation with the past are definitively closed", but that any further action must take a form other than financial reparations.

The Polish foreign minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, has said seeking financial compensation is futile, arguing that Poland should resign itself to that fact in the name of Polish-German relations.

But he recently suggested that Berlin could make a gesture by investing even more than at present in the defence of Poland -- an EU and NATO member that shares a border with Ukraine, Belarus and Russia.

Sikorski was speaking before what Warsaw called the incursion of 19 Russian drones into Polish airspace during the night of September 9-10.

Warsaw's NATO allies responded by saying they would bolster Poland's air defences on its eastern border, with Germany doubling the number of Eurofighter jets it deploys to protect Warsaw's flank to four.

That backing from Berlin undermines Nawrocki's position, as it shows Germany has cards to play on security matters, said Kai-Olaf Lang of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs.

And Nawrocki's well-documented fondness for Trump has also weakened the Polish president's position, said analyst Marcin Zaborowski from the Globsec think tank.

Trump took Poland's government and public aback on Thursday by saying the drone intrusion may not have been intentional and "could have been a mistake".

"We're getting signals that Washington might not help us in these difficult times," Zaborowski told AFP.

That called into question Nawrocki's strategy of staking everything on an alliance with the United States and "should have an impact on what he says in Germany and France", Zaborowski added.
Communist Party of India (Marxist) MLA KK Shailaja on Saturday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Manipur, but said that he should have come earlier, as it could have saved lives. "We are very happy that the Prime Minister visited Manipur. However, he should have visited a little earlier. Some people's lives can be saved if he visits sooner," Shailaja told ANI. During his visit, PM Modi appealed to various ethnic groups in Manipur to shun violence and work towards restoring peace in the state. He said that a new dawn of "hope and confidence" is emerging in the northeastern State. This was PM Modi's first visit to Manipur since the ethnic conflict broke out in May 2023. The clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities have since left deep scars, damaging the state's economy, disrupting its social cohesion, and unsettling its politics. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore in Churachandpur. 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. On Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's meeting with CPI (M) leaders, Shailaja said that it was a routine meeting. "This is a routine meeting. Every two months, we meet here. Central committee members of CPIM today discussed issues from the states and the policies we need to adopt next year, according to our last party conference, focusing on political matters... Tomorrow we are going to discuss the current political developments," she said. (ANI)
The expedition was conducted under the noble banner of Operation Sadbhavana, symbolising the spirit of adventure and partnership between the Indian Army and locals, said an official press release.

The expedition was flagged off on August 23 from Pooh by Lieutenant General DG Misra, General Officer Commanding, Uttar Bharat Area, with a team of 17 civilians, along with a few individuals from the Army to guide and oversee the climb.

This team underwent rigorous training, including acclimatisation, rock climbing, jumaring, rappelling and base securing before embarking on the challenging journey.

The team moved through Nako, Base Camp, Advanced Base Camp and Summit Camp, braving bad weather on multiple occasions before finally ascending to the summit on September 9.

The expedition not only tested physical endurance and mental strength but also showcased unwavering determination in the face of hostile terrain and harsh climatic conditions.

In the flag-in ceremony held at Pooh, the team were lauded for their indomitable spirit and the successful completion of the mission.

Speaking on the occasion, the Army officials commended the synergy between the Army and civilians in making the expedition a resounding success, stating that it epitomised the essence of Operation Sadbhavana, building bridges of trust, courage and shared achievement.

The Mount Reo Pargial Expedition stands as a testament to India's adventure spirit, the Army's unwavering commitment to fostering military-civil ties, and the triumph of human will over nature's toughest challenges. (ANI)
Congress leader P Chidambaram on Sunday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his visit to Manipur, accusing him of failing to apologise for not coming earlier and questioning the short duration of his stay. In a post on X, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Chidambaram claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "not even bothered" to visit Manipur and "did not apologise for not coming." The Congress leader wrote, "In the 2023 riots in Manipur. 258 people lost their lives, 1,108 people were injured, 532 places of worship were damaged, 60,000 people were displaced, thousands of people are still in refugee camps today. For two years, Prime Minister Modi has not even bothered to visit Manipur." "Mr. Modi, who went to Manipur yesterday, did not express a single word of regret, nor did he apologise for not coming for two years. Can you buy the people of Manipur for Rs 7,300 crore projects, Rs 1,200 crore projects?" he added. This is PM Modi's first visit after an ethnic conflict erupted in Manipur in May 2023, and the discord between the Meitei and Kuki communities has persisted for a significant length of time. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,300 crore at Churachandpur and inaugurated projects worth over Rs 1200 crore in Imphal. Amid a political row over the visit, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also took a dig at PM Modi. In a post on X, Ramesh criticised the PM for spending less than five hours in the state, questioning his commitment to addressing the plight of Manipur's people. "The people of Manipur have been undergoing tremendous pain, distress, suffering, and agony for the past 28 months ever since the state erupted. The people of Manipur have waited patiently for the PM to visit the state. He has finally obliged them today. But he was in the state, from landing till take-off, for less than 5 hours," he said. Highlighting the brevity of the visit, Ramesh further remarked on X, "The PM has the time (and the inclination) to spend days campaigning and travelling across the world. But is Manipur worth only so much to him? It is shockingly insensitive." He concluded with a Hindi phrase, "der aae par durust nahi aae" (PM's visit delayed, however, not adequate). Meanwhile, during his visit to Manipur on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi 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. (ANI)
The Gujarat government has disbursed over Rs 1,000 crore to more than 10.49 lakh girl students under the Namo Lakshmi Yojana, while under the Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana, over 1.50 lakh students have been provided assistance amounting to over Rs 161 crore, an official statement from the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said. CM Bhupendra Patel completed four years of governance on September 13. During this period, he has consistently carried forward Gujarat's development journey initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. To advance the Prime Minister's vision of "Viksit Bharat@2047" and ensure that students in Gujarat have access to high-quality, future-ready education in Amrit Kaal, the CM launched two new schemes in March 2024, Namo Lakshmi Yojana and Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana. According to the press release, recognising that no girl should have to discontinue her education due to financial hardship, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel introduced Namo Lakshmi Yojana to ensure daughters can complete their secondary and higher secondary studies. The scheme covers girls studying in Classes 9 to 12 in schools recognised by the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Importantly, even those already receiving benefits under other government scholarship schemes remain eligible for this assistance. Under the Namo Lakshmi Yojana, each girl student receives a total financial aid of Rs 50,000 spread across four years. Since its launch, more than 10.49 lakh girls have benefited, with total disbursements crossing Rs 1,000 crore. To ensure transparent and efficient management, a dedicated Namo Lakshmi Portal has also been introduced for implementation across schools, the press release said. To encourage students to take up science in Classes 11 and 12, the Government of Gujarat, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has implemented Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana. The scheme is open to students who score 50 per cent or more marks in Class 10 and pursue science in recognised government, grant-in-aid, or self-financed higher secondary schools. Under this initiative, eligible students in the science stream of Classes 11 and 12 receive a total financial assistance of Rs 25,000 over two years. Since its launch, more than 1.5 lakh students have benefitted, with disbursements crossing Rs 161 crore. For its smooth execution, a dedicated Namo Saraswati Portal has also been launched. This scheme plays a crucial role in encouraging more students to pursue science, opening pathways to quality education and future opportunities in science and technology, the release added. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday extended his heartfelt greetings on the occasion of Hindi Diwas and called upon citizens to collectively work towards enriching all Indian languages and passing them on to future generations with pride. In a post shared on X, PM Modi said, "Heartfelt greetings to all on Hindi Diwali. Hindi is not merely a medium of communication, but a vibrant heritage of our identity and values. On this occasion, let us all together resolve to enrich Hindi along with all Indian languages and to pass them on to the coming generations with pride." He further said that the growing respect for Hindi on the global stage is a matter of pride and inspiration for everyone. https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1967093426220134434 Earlier today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised the importance of Hindi to be seen as a friend of Indian languages rather than a competition. While addressing the fifth Rajbhasha Sammelan in Gandhinagar on the occasion of Hindi Diwas, Shah said, "I always say that Hindi is not a competition to Indian languages. Hindi is a friend of Indian languages. There are no conflicts between Hindi and Indian languages." Citing the example of Gujarat, he said, "The biggest example of this is our Gujarat. Gujarat is not a Hindi-speaking state. The State language is Gujarati." He noted that although Gujarati is the state's primary language, prominent figures such as Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and KM Munshi had embraced and promoted Hindi, making Gujarat a brilliant example of the development of both Hindi and Gujarati through co-existence. Shah also said that Hindi should not be just a spoken language and the language of just the administration, but it should be the language of science, technology, and the judiciary, as well as the Police. "When all of these are done in Indian languages, the direct connection with people increases on its own," he added. Moreover, the Union Home Minister also highlighted that this year's Sammelan was being held in his parliamentary constituency. He also pointed out that, until recently, this program was held in Delhi. However, to make the Hindi language accessible to the people and encourage them to speak Hindi as much as possible, programs have been organised in Hyderabad, Pune, Surat, and now Gandhinagar. Shah also urged Chief Ministers and Ministers from all states to correspond with him in their respective languages. "I will reply to them in the same language in which they correspond," he said. (ANI)
Spiritual leader Jagadguru Rambhadracharya reiterated his 'Western UP is like a mini Pakistan' remark on Sunday and said that many people are dominating Hindus in Uttar Pradesh to migrate. Speaking to ANI, the Spiritual leader said, "I am saying this today as well. Why are Hindus migrating so much from Sambhal? In Meerut and Muzaffarnagar as well, many people are dominating Hindus. What wrong did I say?" The controversy stems from a statement made by Ramabhadracharya, who said that being in western Uttar Pradesh felt like being in a "Mini Pakistan." Earlier, on August 31, following the acquittal of all accused in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, Spiritual leader Jagadguru Rambhadracharya on Thursday said that Congress could not collect any evidence and legal action should be taken against them. While speaking to ANI in Chitrakoot, Rambhadracharya said, "This has exposed Congress. They could not collect any evidence... We won today and all the acquitted must collectively file a defamation suit against Congress and there should be legal action against them." "Hindus can never be terrorists, take a look at the history..." he further told ANI. His remarks came after the Mumbai Special National Investigative Agency Court (NIA) acquitted all seven accused of being involved in the 2008 blasts in Malegaon, with the court saying the prosecution failed to establish the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Seven accused, including former MP Sadhvi Pragya, Major (retired) Ramesh Upadhyay, Sudhakar Chaturvedi, Ajay Rahirkar, Sudhankar Dhar Dwivedi (Shankaracharya) and Sameer Kulkarni, are charged under the UAPA, Arms Act and others. The 2008 Malegaon blast case was transferred to the NIA in 2011 from the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). After a 17-year-long wait and examination of hundreds of witnesses, the NIA special court today acquitted all seven people accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Arms Act and all other charges. (ANI)
Former Director General of Police (DGP) of Jammu and Kashmir, SP Vaid on Sunday sharply criticised Pakistan following reports that Islamabad is directly funding the terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba's headquarters' reconstruction. Speaking to ANI, the former J-K DGP expressed concern that donations meant for flood relief in Pakistan are being diverted to rebuild the Lashkar-e-Taiba's headquarters in Muridke. SP Vaid said, "I think it was 7th May when India demolished 9 terror training camps, including Muridke - the LeT Headquarters. It is very surprising. I would like people of Pakistan to understand that on the pretext of providing assistance to the affected people in flood, you are collecting donations and that is being used to rebuild a terror HQ at Muridke. I am told that as per media reports, it will cost around PKR 15 Crores and PKR 4 Crores have been given by Government of Pakistan." Slamming the Pakistan government, Vaid said that instead of helping poor and affected people they are rebuilding terror factories. He stated, "People should watch what kind of rulers you have. What kind of Army generals who run the show in Pakistan are there who are providing government money which actually should have gone to the poor people who have been affected by terrible floods in Pakistan. I think let people of Pakistan understand this, that instead of helping poor and affected people they are rebuilding terror factories." Lashkar-e-Taiba's (LeT) headquarters at Muridke, Markaz Taiba, was reduced to rubble by Indian Air Force strikes in Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025. The precision attack flattened key buildings including cadre accommodation, weapons storage, and the group's "Umm-ul-Qura" training blocks, crippling LeT's command hub. Fresh intelligence inputs now reveal that Pakistan is directly funding the terror outfit's reconstruction. Islamabad has already allocated PKR 4 crore to LeT, while the group estimates the rebuild will cost over PKR 15 crore. Senior commanders Maulana Abu Zar and Yunus Shah Bukhari are overseeing the project, with a deadline set for February 5, 2026, timed with LeT's annual Kashmir Solidarity Day convention According to a dossier prepared by agencies, "LeT cadres have also launched fundraising campaigns under the guise of "flood relief", repeating a historical pattern where humanitarian aid was diverted to terror infrastructure. In 2005, nearly 80% of earthquake relief funds collected by LeT's front, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, were channeled into building militant camps. Despite Pakistan's repeated claims at global platforms of fighting terrorism, the dossier confirms its Army and ISI remain complicit, ensuring LeT's survival and resurgence. Analysts warn that this deliberate rebuilding effort reflects Islamabad's double standards on counter-terrorism and signals the likelihood of fresh cross-border attacks being planned from Pakistani soil. Markaz Taiba, Muridke, not only serves as residences to major commanders of the outfits but also serve as epi-centre for radicalization and various training courses on intelligence, arms handling etc. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the country's first 2nd-generation bioethanol plant using bamboo feedstock at Numaligarh Refinery at a cost of Rs 5000 crore on Sunday. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of the Polypropylene Plant with a cost of Rs 7230 crore. He will also address a mega public rally at Numaligarh. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation of several developmental projects of Rs 6,500 crores in Darrang, Assam, on Sunday. While addressing the crowd in Darrang, PM Modi claimed that their government is committed to transforming Assam into a hub of connectivity and healthcare excellence. These projects will further reinforce this dedication to achieving this vision. "Development projects worth approximately Rs 6,500 crore have been initiated from this platform. Our double-engine government is committed to transforming Assam into a hub of connectivity and healthcare excellence. Our double-engine government is committed to transforming Assam into a hub of connectivity and healthcare excellence. These projects will further reinforce our dedication to achieving this vision," said PM Modi. In his speech, the prime minister emphasised that Viksit Bharat is a dream for young people, and Northeast India plays a very significant role in achieving this resolve. "The entire country is today uniting and moving forward for the construction of Viskist Bharat. Especially our young companions. For them, a developed India is both a dream and a resolve. Our North East has a very significant role in the fulfilment of this resolve... 25 years of the 21st century have passed. Now the next part of the 21st century belongs to the East, to the North East..." added PM Modi. The Prime Minister also asserted that the government of India is committed to enhancing connectivity in the region of Northeast India. "Connectivity plays a crucial role in the development of any region, and our government is committed to enhancing connectivity in the Northeast. This includes developing physical infrastructure such as roads, railways, and airways, as well as digital connectivity through 5G, the internet, and broadband services. These advancements are transforming lives and driving business growth, paving the way for a brighter future..." PM Modi said. Prime Minister Modi is on a two-day visit to Assam. During his visit, he laid the foundation stone for several important projects, including the Darrang Medical College and Hospital, the General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) School, and a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Nursing College in Darrang district. Additionally, he also laid the foundation of the Guwahati Ring Road Project, which aims to enhance urban mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and improve connectivity in and around the capital city. Furthermore, he laid the foundation stone for the Kuruwa-Narengi Bridge over the Brahmaputra River, which is expected to boost connectivity and promote socio-economic growth in the region. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was also present at the event. He presented a memento to PM Modi, marking Krishak Swahid Diwas in remembrance of the 1894 massacre in Darrang. (ANI)
Odisha Police on Saturday announced a cash reward of Rs 25,000 for information on the whereabouts of a woman traffic constable missing from Bhubaneswar since September 6. The missing constable has been identified as 25-year-old Subhasmita Sahoo, a native of Paradeep in Jagatsinghpur district, who was posted in Bhubaneswar. Speaking on the matter, DCP Bhubaneswar Jagmohan Meena said, "A missing report has been filed. We are trying to find her by using all intelligence and technical surveillance. We have also put up posters on social media at different places. We are also talking to her family." He further added, "We are talking to all those who were in contact with her. We are trying to rescue her by finding her location. She had gone to her home after her duty was over. She has been missing since then. An investigation is going on from all angles. An MMR report has been registered." According to police, she had left her residence in Surya Nagar for duty around 10 am on September 6. Her duty ended at 7 pm, but she did not return home. Family members complained to the local police station and also met the Twin City Commissioner of Police, requesting urgent action to trace her. Further investigation is underway. (ANI)
In a major step to boost clinical research in India, government hospitals are partnering with Roche Pharma India to strengthen their capacity to conduct clinical trials. Roche Pharma India also on Sunday announced the successful completion of the first phase of its Advanced Inclusive Research (AIR) Site Alliance initiative in India, having partnered with 10 government hospitals from across the country and trained nearly 400 professionals, including investigators, ethics committee members and support staff to global Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards. The 10 government hospitals involved in the initiative include AIIMS Rishikesh, Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, PGIMS Rohtak, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre in Muzaffarpur, Balco Medical Centre in Raipur, Government Medical College in Aurangabad, Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health in Bengaluru, Dr. Bhubaneswar Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI) in Guwahati, Kalyan Singh Super Speciality Cancer Institute & Hospital in Lucknow, and Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute of Cancer in Cuttack. Officer In-Charge at Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Ravikant Singh, said the partnership has helped build research capacity, set up ethics committees, and train staff. The Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre is now running six cancer-related trials, aiming to improve access to advanced research and treatment. Speaking to ANI, Ravikant Singh said, "This is a very important project started by Roche Pharma. They have developed our institutional capacity for conducting clinical research. They helped us establish our own institutional ethics committee, and the entire team received guidance through various training sessions and supportive supervision to set up the clinical research secretariat. Currently, we are conducting six randomised clinical trials. Since our hospital specialises in oncology, most of these trials are related to oncology." He highlighted the need to boost clinical research in India, pointing out that only 4 per cent of global clinical trials are currently conducted in the country. Singh stressed that building research capacity among government institutes, faculty, and staff is key to moving forward. "At present, we have only three ICMR-funded projects, with two related to cancer and one on antimicrobial resistance. We also have NIHR UK grants. The main aim is to build the capacity of the institute, faculty, and staff to carry out high-end clinical research. This is a very positive development, and I believe this project should be expanded to other government institutes. In India, only 4% of clinical trials are currently conducted. To move forward, we must increase our capacity," Singh said. Medical Director at Roche Pharma India, Sivabalan Sivanesan, said the aim is to support hospitals, especially those treating large numbers of patients, to join international research efforts. "These government institutions see a large number of patients every day. Some of these institutions are specialised cancer and training institutes. They see many cancer patients daily. The main purpose of this alliance is to enable them to conduct industry-sponsored global clinical trials more effectively, allowing Indian patients to participate in international trials..."Sivanesan told ANI. Sivanesan stated that most of the planned trials are already underway, with key steps, such as ethics committee approvals, now occurring more quickly, making it easier to launch additional trials in the future. "Most of the trials in the event we previously discussed are already underway; they are now able to accelerate the process to start these trials. Important procedures, such as ethics committee approvals, are being completed more quickly, allowing for more trials," Sivanesan said. The project aligns closely with India's national priorities, including the CDSCO's encouragement for greater participation of government sites in Phase 3 and 4 trials and the Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation Policy (PRIP) initiative that explicitly encouraged industry-academia partnerships to strengthen R&D capabilities, build clinical trial infrastructure and enhance India's global competitiveness in innovative research. This initiative supports the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 - creating a future-ready, world-class healthcare ecosystem where India emerges as a global hub for clinical research, accelerates access to breakthrough innovations, and delivers equitable health outcomes for every citizen. (ANI)
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath concludes visit to Geneva

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath concluded his visit to Geneva where he addressed the 60th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on September 8, 2025, delivering the Government statement during the Interactive Dialogue on Sri Lanka.

Minister Herath reiterated Sri Lankas commitment to achieving reconciliation through domestic processes and outlining the measures already taken by the Government for transformation to advance the rights and well-being of all Sri Lankans.

The Foreign Minister further reaffirmed Sri Lankas opposition to externally imposed mechanisms.

The Minister also met the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk where the discussion focused around the cooperation and assistance that the UN can provide to the Government in taking forward the measures undertaken within the country to promote and protect human rights. In this regard the need to address all human rights, including the economic, social civil and political rights, of all Sri Lankans, was emphasized. Minister Herath provided further updates on issues referred to in his statement to the Council, reiterating the need for time and space for the Government to carry them through to completion.

High Commissioner Volker Turk expressed his deep appreciation for the opportunity to visit Sri Lanka and the facilitation provided by the Government and further underlined the historic opportunity the Government has to bring about lasting reconciliation in the country.

Minister Herath also met with the President of the Human Rights Council Ambassador Jurg Lauber of Switzerland, who welcomed the Ministers visit as a symbol of high-level political engagement with the Council. Interacting with a large number of Ambassadors from like-minded countries who spoke in support of Sri Lanka during the Interactive Dialogue Minister Herath expressed Sri Lankas appreciation for their continued support and solidarity.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism

Colombo

14 September 2025
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel completed his four-year tenure of governance in the state on September 13. During this period, he has consistently carried forward Gujarat's development journey initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a CMO release said. To advance the Prime Minister's vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and ensure that students in Gujarat have access to high-quality, future-ready education in Amrit Kaal, the CM launched two new schemes in March 2024, Namo Lakshmi Yojana and Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana. Notably, under Namo Lakshmi Yojana, more than 10.49 lakh girl students have received financial assistance of over Rs 1,000 crore, while under Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana, over 1.50 lakh students have been provided assistance amounting to over Rs 161 crore. Recognising that no girl should have to discontinue her education due to financial hardship, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel introduced Namo Lakshmi Yojana to ensure daughters can complete their secondary and higher secondary studies. The scheme covers girls studying in Classes 9 to 12 in schools recognised by the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Importantly, even those already receiving benefits under other government scholarship schemes remain eligible for this assistance. Under Namo Lakshmi Yojana, each girl student receives a total financial aid of Rs 50,000 spread across four years. Since its launch, more than 10.49 lakh girls have benefitted, with total disbursements crossing Rs 1,000 crore. To ensure transparent and efficient management, a dedicated Namo Lakshmi Portal has also been introduced for implementation across schools. To encourage students to take up science in Classes 11 and 12, the Government of Gujarat, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has implemented Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana. The scheme is open to students who score 50% or more marks in Class 10 and pursue science in recognised government, grant-in-aid, or self-financed higher secondary schools. Under this initiative, eligible students in the science stream of Classes 11 and 12 receive a total financial assistance of Rs 25,000 over two years. Since its launch, more than 1.5 lakh students have benefitted, with disbursements crossing Rs 161 crore. For its smooth execution, a dedicated Namo Saraswati Portal has also been launched. As Gujarat emerges as a hub for sectors such as semiconductors, green energy, and digital sciences, the demand for skilled technical manpower is set to grow. This scheme plays a crucial role in encouraging more students to pursue science, opening pathways to quality education and future opportunities in science and technology. (ANI)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday inaugurated 193 completed projects worth Rs 2,884.93 crore and laid the foundation for 1,114 new ones in Krishnagiri. Stalin said over 2.23 lakh people received welfare scheme benefits. In a post on X, Stalin wrote, "Good intentions spoken turn into action - its benefits reach each and every one. This is the Dravidian Model! Today in Krishnagiri Inaugurated 193 completed project works costing Rs.2884.93 crore, Laid the foundation stone for 1114 new project works, Provided government welfare scheme assistance to 2,23,013 beneficiaries." https://x.com/mkstalin/status/1967145987157438524 He also criticised opposition parties, saying false claims won't stop Tamil Nadu's progress and expressed confidence in winning the 2026 elections. "Can slanders cause a stain - can lies bring about darkness - can they pull back the development of Tamil Nadu? As always, we will defeat the cheap politics of those who think so in 2026 too! We will hold our heads high with Number 1 Tamil Nadu!" the post read. Earlier, on September 12, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief MK Stalin said that over a million families in the state have joined the party's outreach campaign, "Oraniyil Tamil Nadu." According to the DMK's official site, "Oraniyil Tamil Nadu" is an initiative dedicated to "safeguarding Tamil Nadu's land, language, and dignity." In a social media post on X, the Chief Minister said that on September 15, which marks the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister late CN Annadurai, people will take a pledge across more than 68,000 booths district-wide to support the cause. "Over a million families have joined our #OraniyilTamilNadu movement to protect the soil - language - honor of Tamil Nadu. All of them, united together, on the birth anniversary of Tamil Nadu's leader, the great scholar Anna (Sep. 15), are set to take the pledge district-wide through 68,000+ booths," the social media post reads. Stalin has initiated this programme to safeguard the land and people of Tamil Nadu, highlighting that the "Union Government has acted against" the welfare of the people, their culture, and has failed to provide adequate funds to the state. To convey this to the public, the DMK launched its state-wide outreach campaign "Oraniyil Tamil Nadu." (ANI)
Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday participated in "Mai-Bahin Maan Program" in Madhubani. Sharing a post on 'X', Tejashwi Yadav mentioned that the primary purpose of the "Mai-Bahin Maan Scheme" is to make women self-reliant, happy, prosperous, affluent, healthy, and to facilitate their lives. He also considered the "Mai-Bahin Maan Scheme" as a step towards reducing poverty in the state. Sharing a post on 'X', Tejashwi Yadav said, "I engaged in a dialogue with the maternal power at the "Mai-Bahin Maan Program" organised in Madhubani. Upon our government coming to power, every mother and every sister in Bihar will be provided with 2500 rupees per month under the "Mai-Bahin Maan Scheme" to make them self-reliant, happy, prosperous, affluent, healthy, and to facilitate their lives. Our Mai-Bahin Maan Scheme will be a powerful step towards reducing poverty in the state, promoting gender equality, and investing in the social and economic capabilities of marginalised citizens." Meanwhile, Tejashwi Yadav also interacted with the reporters in Patna and slammed the NDA state government, accusing them of having "no vision". "This (NDA) government has no vision of its own. We have a vision, which we are telling; if they have a vision, then they should tell," he said. Earlier, Tejashwi Yadav on Sunday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bihar on September 15, stating that he is coming to do "Jumle ki Barish" in the state. Yadav mentioned that PM Modi won't discuss any "real issues" and instead will focus on talking only about infiltrators. The former Bihar Chief Minsiter also urged the Prime Minister to visit the Purnea medical college and take CM Nitish Kumar along with him. "The PM is coming to do 'Jumle ki Barish'... No development work is being done. The PM will not speak on any real issue. He will only talk about infiltrators. He will not talk about Bihar's development or improving the lives of the poor. The PM is coming to Purnea, may he also visit the medical college there, 'sath mein mere chacha ko bhi le jaayein'. He will see what the reality is," Tejashwi Yadav told reporters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bihar's Purnea on September 15. He will also address a public rally at Shishabari village, where people from Purnea, Katihar, Araria, and Kishanganj districts are expected to gather. The Prime Minister will launch the National Makhana Board in Bihar. The Board will promote production and new technology development, strengthen post-harvest management, promote value addition and processing and facilitate market, export and brand development in Makhana, thereby benefiting the Makhana farmers of Bihar and the country. (ANI)
The three-day conference, to be held from September 15 to 17, will also be attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and other top officials.

On September 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi 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, PM Modi 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 the state of Bihar.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation of several developmental projects of Rs. 6,500 crore in Darrang, Assam.

While addressing the crowd in Darrang, PM Modi claimed that their government is committed to transforming Assam into a hub of connectivity and healthcare excellence. These projects will further reinforce this dedication to achieving this vision.

"Development projects worth approximately Rs. 6,500 crore have been initiated from this platform. Our double-engine government is committed to transforming Assam into a hub of connectivity and healthcare excellence. These projects will further reinforce our dedication to achieving this vision," said PM Modi.

In his speech, the prime minister emphasised that Viksit Bharat is a dream for young people, and North East India plays a very significant role in achieving this resolve. (ANI)
The Punjab Government has announced that compensation worth Rs 2 crore has been disbursed to 50 families who lost their loved ones in the recent floods that ravaged several parts of the state. In total, 56 people lost their lives in the calamity, and the remaining six families are also set to receive their compensation soon, officials said on Sunday. Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said the government is committed to standing by every family affected by the disaster. "The state has already begun the Girdawari (crop damage assessment) and compensation will be provided in full to all flood-hit persons for their losses," he assured. Alongside financial relief, the state has launched an extensive flood relief and rehabilitation programme across rural Punjab. Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that debris clearance and carcass disposal in flood-hit villages will be completed by September 24. "To restore normalcy, a special cleanliness drive has been rolled out in 2,300 villages. Silt and debris are being removed, while medical teams are visiting to sensitise people about water-borne diseases," he said. Health and animal welfare have been made a priority in the affected areas. Medical teams, led by doctors, are examining villagers as well as livestock. Vaccination of animals is also being undertaken to prevent outbreaks of disease. Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said that dedicated medical teams have been formed to prevent any epidemic-like situation. Local Government Minister Dr Ravjot Singh added that nodal officers have been deputed to support Executive Officers, ensuring cleanliness work is completed swiftly. Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian announced a five-day cleanliness drive across grain markets (mandis) to prepare for the paddy procurement season. "This step is crucial to ensure farmers face no inconvenience in selling their produce after the floods," he said. Reaffirming the government's stance, officials stressed that the administration is working around the clock to provide relief, restore agricultural land, and protect the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities. (ANI)
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board distributed prasad to the devotees at the Banganga entrance gate as the Yatra has been closed till further orders. The move has been warmly welcomed by pilgrims and locals, who expressed gratitude to the Shrine Board for keeping their faith and sentiments in mind during this prolonged suspension of the yatra. Meanwhile, the Vaishno Devi yatra remained suspended for the 20th consecutive day on Sunday due to adverse weather conditions and repeated landslides along the track leading to the holy shrine. Devotees, though disappointed by the continued suspension, remain hopeful for an early restoration of the pilgrimage. Durgesh Sharma, a devotee from Delhi who came for the darshan of Vaishno Devi, expressed happiness at receiving prasad. She said that although the weather did not allow for darshan, the arrangements were good and devotees were at least able to get prasad. Speaking to ANI, Durgesh Sharma, "We could not have darshan. There is rainfall up there. But we are lucky to have Prasad here. It is a good arrangement. People are coming from far away, they are at least getting prasad... I am just happy to be here..." In a post on social media X, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) requested devotees to stay updated through official communication channels. "Due to incessant rain at Bhawan & the track, commencement of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra scheduled from 14th September stands postponed till further order. Devotees are requested to stay updated through official communication channels," the post read. Earlier, the Shrine Board expressed gratitude to the devotees for their patience and understanding during the temporary suspension of the Yatra. "The resumption of the Yatra marks a reaffirmation of our collective faith and resilience, and the Board remains committed to upholding the sanctity, safety and dignity of this revered pilgrimage." The Vaishno Devi Yatra was suspended after a landslide on August 26 that killed 34 people and injured several. The disaster struck in the afternoon, around 3 pm, when heavy rains triggered a massive landslide near the Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkuwari, about halfway along the 12-kilometre trek from Katra to the shrine. (ANI)
Congress MP and Assam Congress chief Gaurav Gogoi on Sunday termed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Manipur as "unfortunate", alleging that PM Modi went there to improve his image rather than solve people's problems. He alleged further that PM Modi's visit rubbed salt on the wounds of people instead of applying ointment. "PM Modi's visit to Manipur is very unfortunate. He just goes there to improve his image rather than solve people's problems. The way he only focuses on his image, he rubs salt on the wounds of people instead of applying ointment," Gogoi told reporters. 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 at Imphal airport later on Saturday, 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. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Kolkata on Sunday after concluding his two-day visit to Assam. He was welcomed by Bharatiya Janata Party supporters, who had gathered in huge numbers. PM Modi will inaugurate the two-day 16th Combined Commanders' Conference-2025 here on Monday. "After programmes in Assam today, landed in Kolkata, where I will take part in the Combined Commanders' Conference tomorrow. After this conference, will go to Purnea, Bihar, to inaugurate the new terminal building of the airport. Development works worth Rs. 36,000 crore will be launched as well," PM Modi wrote on 'X'. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar said that whenever PM Modi comes to Kolkata, there is a special enthusiasm. Majumdar also expected more visits to the state ahead of the Assembly elections. "Whenever the Prime Minister visits Kolkata, there is a special enthusiasm among the people. We saw the same enthusiasm among the people and workers today. I think there will be more visits by the Prime Minister before the elections," Majumdar told ANI. In line with his commitment to a strong, secure and self-reliant India, Prime Minister will inaugurate and address the 16th Combined Commanders' Conference-2025 in Kolkata on 15th September. It is the apex-level brainstorming forum of the Armed Forces, that brings together the nation's top civilian and military leadership to exchange views and lay the groundwork for the future development of India's military preparedness. Held once in two years, the theme of this year's conference is 'Year of Reforms - Transforming for the Future'. After concluding his Kolkata visit, the Prime Minister will launch the National Makhana Board in Bihar. The Board will promote production and new technology development, strengthen post-harvest management, promote value addition and processing and facilitate market, export and brand development in Makhana, thereby benefiting the Makhana farmers of Bihar and the country. Bihar accounts for approximately 90 per cent of the country's total Makhana production. Key districts like Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnea, Supaul, Kishanganj and Araria serve as the primary hubs since they have favourable climatic conditions and fertile soil that contribute to the superior quality of makhana. The establishment of the Makhana Board in Bihar will give a major boost to the Makhana production in the State and the country and strengthen the presence of Bihar on the global map in this sector. (ANI)
Seven members of a family, including two children, were found dead after their car fell into a waterlogged underpass on the Ring Road in Chaksu area in Jaipur district on Sunday. Police said that the victims were returning from Haridwar after immersing ashes when the tragedy struck. An official said a passerby spotted a car half-submerged in the underpass around 12:30 pm and immediately informed authorities. Upon receiving the information, police rushed to the spot. Speaking to ANI, Jaipur South DCP said, "At around 12.30 pm, we got information that a car had fallen into the drain near Prahladpuri. Police reached the spot and found that there were seven people in that car: three men, two women, and two children, who were returning from Haridwar. The first impression was that the car fell into the drain due to overspeeding, and all of them had died inside the car." The police said the car was pulled out with the help of a crane. All the bodies were recovered and shifted to the mortuary of Mahatma Gandhi Hospital and informed the relatives. "The process of postmortem is underway...Three of these people are from Jaipur and four are from Kekri. They are from the same family and live in Jaipur and Kekri...They had gone to Haridwar as the father of one of the deceased had died a few days ago," the Jaipur South DCP said. According to the police, the deceased were identified as Ramraj Vaishnav, his wife Madhu, and their son Rudra and Rohit, along with their relative Kaluram, his wife Seema, and another man named Gajraj. All of them were residents of Phuliyavas (Kekdi) and the Vatika area of Jaipur. The initial investigations suggested that the car lost balance due to heavy waterlogging and overturned inside the underpass. Further investigation is underway. (ANI)
Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha founder Jitan Ram Manjhi reiterated his request to contest 20 seats in the upcoming assembly elections under the National Democratic Alliance, stating it is a "do or die" situation for HAM if the NDA doesn't allocate enough seats to his party. He mentioned that his party has not set any target, but they need to have enough seats to gain recognition in the Vidhan Sabha. "We haven't set any such target yet. But it is true that it is a do-or-die situation for us... We will request the NDA to allocate enough seats so that our party gains recognition in the Vidhan Sabha," Manjhi told reporters. On September 3, Jitan Ram Manjhi demanded 20 seats in the forthcoming Bihar assembly elections. "The common people and our workers demand that we need such seats that will save our dignity. If the NDA has sympathy for us in their hearts to grant recognition to our party, they should give us at least 20 seats in the Bihar legislative assembly election," Manjhi, the former Chief Minister of Bihar, told ANI. The Hindustani Awam Morcha is officially in alliance with the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Bihar elections are expected to be held in October or November; however, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has not 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 has a strength of 111 members with RJD leading with 77 MLAs, Congress-19, CPI(ML)-11, CPI(M)-2 and CPI-2. (ANI)
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday strongly condemned a deadly gang attack in Haiti that left at least 40 people dead, including women, children and the elderly, in the commune of Cabaret
The chief minsiter highlighted the efforts of Uttarakhand Bhasha Sansthan in supporting Hindi and other Indian languages.

Speaking at the Uttarakhand Long-Term Literature Service Honour Ceremony, CM Dhami said, "...Our government is working continuously with full commitment for the preservation and promotion of literature and culture. In this direction, Uttarakhand Bhasha Sansthan is making great efforts for the promotion and development of Hindi and other Indian languages."

He added that the government is honouring senior writers and also encouraging new talent by giving grants for publishing books in various languages.

"While on the one hand, we are honouring excellent litterateurs through Uttarakhand Sahitya Gaurav Samman, Sahitya Bhushan and Lifetime Achievement Award, on the other hand, we are also encouraging new and emerging writers by providing grants for the publication of books in various languages, including Hindi," Dhami said.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister participated in the Uttarakhand Long-Term Literature Service Honour Ceremony on the occasion of Hindi Diwas at the IRDT Auditorium in Dehradun.

Hindi Diwas, celebrated annually on September 14, marks the adoption of Hindi as one of India's official languages. The day highlights the language's role in bridging diverse linguistic and cultural communities across India.

Earlier on September 12, Chief Minister Dhami approved funding of Rs 3.81 crore under the State Plan for road widening from Government Primary School, Bhagwanpur, to Government Inter College, Lamachaur, connecting to the main Kaladhungi road in Nainital district's Kaladhungi assembly constituency.

In Bageshwar district, the Chief Minister approved Rs 4.73 crore for the Bodi Dhuraphat Pumping Scheme under the Bageshwar division, covering the completion of pending works and retrofitting of pumps/motors with energy-efficient centrifugal pump sets.

In Haridwar district, the Chief Minister sanctioned Rs 7.07 crore for the construction of the Prosecution Department's Divisional Directorate office and central malkhana at Roshnabad, with approval for release of 40 per cent of the funds as the first instalment. (ANI)
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Tripura on September 22 to inaugurate the redevelopment and beautification of the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple. CM Saha made this announcement while addressing the closing ceremony of the Neermahal Jal Utsav at Melaghar. He stated that the present state government is working to develop all tourist spots across the state. "Replicas of all 51 Shakti Peeths are being constructed at Bandower in Gomati district at a cost of Rs 97 crore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is arriving on September 22 to inaugurate the redevelopment and beautification of Mata Tripura Sundari Temple. I have written to him and he is coming. He will also offer puja," he said. CM said this is indeed a special moment as the programme has been underway for the past three days. "We know such a palace you will not find anywhere else like Neermahal. We are working to promote Neermahal among the people. Many are still not aware of it. With the reach of social media, everyone must promote the culture and traditions of Neermahal so that people get to know about it. When more people visit, the local economy will also improve. Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore established Neermahal with a blend of cultures. This is truly a beautiful spot and we feel proud of it," said Saha. He informed that under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, the government will also develop the Raj Ghat of Neermahal. "PM Modi is working to preserve the old culture and traditions. In the North East zone, we are the second-highest in per capita GDP. We are working for the betterment and development of rural areas, and we must work unitedly to make Ek Tripura, Shrestha Tripura," he added. During the event, Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman, Sepahijala Sabhadhipati Supriya Das Datta, MLA Taffazal Hossain, District Magistrate Dr Sidharth Shiv Jaiswal, SP Bijoy Debbarma and others were present. (ANI)
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed deep sorrow after seven members of a family died in a tragic road accident in Jaipur. The Chief Minister called the tragedy "extremely heartbreaking" and "heart-rending." He also offered prayers for the departed souls and "extended condolences" to the grieving family. In a post on X, the CM said, "The news of the loss of lives in a road accident in the Shivdaspura area of Jaipur is extremely heartbreaking and heart-rending. My condolences are with the bereaved families. May the Lord grant a place at His divine feet to the departed souls." https://x.com/bhajanlalbjp/status/1967206383369306415 Further, Rajasthan Assembly Leader of the Opposition Tika Ram Jully also expressed deep condolences to the grieving family members of the Jaipur car accident. In a post on X, the LoP said, "The news of the death of 7 family members in a car accident on the Ring Road in Prahladpura, Shivdaspura (Jaipur) is extremely tragic and painful. I express my deep condolences to the grieving family members. I pray to the Almighty God to grant peace to the departed noble souls and strength to the family members to bear this unbearable sorrow. Om Shanti." https://x.com/TikaRamJullyINC/status/1967207362521133118 Seven members of a family, including two children, were found dead after their car fell into a waterlogged underpass on the Ring Road in the Chaksu area in Jaipur district. Police said that the victims were returning from Haridwar after immersing ashes when the tragedy struck. An official said a passerby spotted a car half-submerged in the underpass around 12:30 pm and immediately informed authorities. Upon receiving the information, police rushed to the spot. Speaking to ANI, Jaipur South DCP said, "At around 12.30 pm, we got information that a car had fallen into the drain near Prahladpuri. Police reached the spot and found that there were seven people in that car: three men, two women, and two children, who were returning from Haridwar. The first impression was that the car fell into the drain due to overspeeding, and all of them had died inside the car." The police said the car was pulled out with the help of a crane. All the bodies were recovered and shifted to the mortuary of Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, and the relatives were informed. "The process of postmortem is underway...Three of these people are from Jaipur and four are from Kekri. They are from the same family and live in Jaipur and Kekri...They had gone to Haridwar as the father of one of the deceased had died a few days ago," the Jaipur South DCP said. According to the police, the deceased were identified as Ramraj Vaishnav, his wife Madhu, and their son Rudra and Rohit, along with their relative Kaluram, his wife Seema, and another man named Gajraj. All of them were residents of Phuliyavas (Kekdi) and the Vatika area of Jaipur. The initial investigations suggested that the car lost balance due to heavy waterlogging and overturned inside the underpass. (ANI)
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy on Sunday slammed the Congress and the BRS and said that they never celebrated the Hyderabad Liberation Day because of their "vote bank politics". He also said that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will participate in this year's Hyderabad Liberation Day celebration. "Because of vote bank politics, Congress and BRS never celebrated Hyderabad Liberation Day in this area. On the occasion of 'Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,' PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah decided to hold an official event related to the Hyderabad Liberation Day every year. This is the third year of doing this," Reddy told ANI. "This year, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is going to participate in this, and it is going to be a big event. We have started a digital museum through which people of Telangana can watch the event through their phones from home. Almost 1000 artists and paramilitary troops are going to participate in this event. Villagers will also hoist Tiranga in their villages," he added. In August, in the 125th edition of his monthly radio programme 'Mann ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that on September 17, Hyderabad Liberation Day will be observed. It is to remember the courage of all those heroes who took part in 'Operation Polo'. Operation Polo was a military operation in 1948 to annexe the princely state of Hyderabad, led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, to integrate it into the Indian Union after the Nizam's resistance to joining India. The five-day campaign, often referred to as the "Police Action," successfully ended the Nizam's rule and secured Hyderabad's territory within India. In the 125th 'Mann Ki Baat' episode, PM Modi played an audio clip of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. In the clip, the Iron Man of India said, "So what you have written in the certificate that whatever I did for the states or whatever our government did for Hyderabad, it was fine, but you know how we handled the Hyderabad case, how difficult it was! We promised all the states, all the princes that we will not take any wrong decision for any prince or king. Everyone will be treated equally; whatever happens to everyone, they will also be treated the same. But to that extent, for them, we made a separate agreement." Referring to this, the Prime Minister said that September 17 will be celebrated as Hyderabad Liberation Day. He added, "This is the same month when we will remember the courage of all those heroes who took part in 'Operation Polo'. You all know that when India got Independence in August 1947, Hyderabad was in a different situation. The atrocities of Nizam and Razakars were increasing day by day. People were slaughtered even for hoisting the tricolour or chanting 'Vande Mataram'. Atrocities were committed against women and the poor." (ANI)
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday appealed to everyone to create a mass movement and awareness through discussion on issues like drug addiction, HIV and AIDS, assuring that the government will cooperate in this regard. Saha said this while addressing the 44th Foundation Day and Blood Donation Camp organised by Nikhil Tripura Mahanam Sevak Sangha at Sree Sree Mahanam Angan, Banamalipur, Agartala. He said that through blood donation, we spread a message and also encourage others to come forward and donate blood voluntarily. "There is no alternative to blood. From this body, not only blood but also many organs, including the kidney and liver, can be transplanted. It is necessary to create public movement and awareness through discussion and review on issues like addiction, HIV, AIDS, etc. The government will cooperate in this regard. We must discuss these matters to unite everyone against drugs. We must work for strengthening the nation," he said. Saha said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been working for the betterment of the people, especially the poor. "We now have Lakhpati Didis, and the number of women SHGs has also increased. We must spread these positive developments and also extend our support to the government. We must work to promote entrepreneurship, as there are many opportunities. We must stand against evil practices. There are many who have worked against such practices. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been working to revive the nation's old culture and history, keeping these two aspects at the forefront. If anyone wants to achieve something in life, they must move forward with a clear direction. People must work with ideals, and through that, one can truly find themselves," he added. Saha also stated that the country has been progressing in all aspects, starting from the economy and infrastructure, among others. "Earlier, we were in 11th position and now we are in 4th position in terms of economy. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has been working with the vision of making India a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Every household must witness development and an increase in per capita income," he added. During the event, Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, Corporator Ratna Datta, and others were present. (ANI)
Speaking in Geneva on September 12, UNHCR's representative for Afghanistan, Arafat Jamal, urged Islamabad to halt expulsions of vulnerable Afghans, stressing that many asylum seekers require protection. He said the agency was ready to work with Pakistani authorities to identify and safeguard high-risk groups.

According to UN figures, nearly 100,000 Afghans crossed back from Pakistan in the first week of September alone. The sudden influx is straining Afghanistan's already fragile economy, with weak healthcare, scarce food supplies and limited shelter unable to absorb such numbers.

International aid agencies have raised alarm, warning that the return of large groups of refugees could push Afghanistan into deeper instability, as per Khamaa Press.

Jamal said the UNHCR has updated its regional appeal and is seeking $258.6 million to meet urgent needs. He cautioned that without fresh funding, the agency may not be able to continue life-saving assistance for Afghan families.

The crisis has been compounded by the Taliban's ban on women working in UN offices, forcing the UNHCR to suspend cash assistance for returnees. Jamal clarified that the suspension was an "operational necessity" as services cannot run without female staff.

The UN estimates that more than 2.6 million Afghan migrants have been deported from neighbouring countries since the beginning of 2025. The figure reflects the immense scale of forced displacement and the pressure on Pakistan to balance domestic concerns with international obligations.

Jamal warned that without coordinated regional and global action, both Pakistan and Afghanistan risk sliding into deeper humanitarian turmoil, Khamaa Press reported (ANI).
Emergency services confirmed that two victims were in a "serious" condition and three others were reported to be in a "potentially serious" state. Firefighters pulled four people out of the rubble.

The blast took place around 3 p.m. at the Mis Tesoros bar in the Puente de Vallecas district of Spain's capital. Citing local media, DW reported that a gas leak may have caused the explosion.

Carlos Marin, head of the Madrid City Council Fire Department, said the explosion was linked to gas, but the type and exact cause were still unclear.

Deputy Mayor Inmaculada Sanz told reporters it was "too early" to confirm the reason behind the blast, but said no further victims were trapped.

She added that residents of nine housing units in the same building would need temporary accommodation for the next few days.

Authorities said the building remained unstable. While some upper apartments were left intact, the entrance area was severely damaged, making access "completely impossible," Marin said, according to DW. (ANI)
Antonio Guterres expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the people and the Government of Haiti.

"The Secretary-General is alarmed by the levels of violence rocking Haiti and urges the Haitian authorities to ensure that perpetrators of these and all other human rights abuses and violations are brought to justice," Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, said.

"The Secretary-General calls on Member States to expedite efforts towards strengthening the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission with required logistics, personnel and funding to effectively assist the Haitian National Police in addressing gang violence in Haiti in full respect of international human rights law," he added. (ANI/WAM)
Tel Aviv [Israel] September 14 (ANI/TPS): The Israel Defense Forces said on Saturday that its aircraft, guided by the IDF's 91st Division, struck and killed a Hezbollah operative overnight in the area of Aitaroun in southern Lebanon. According to the military, the target had been working to rebuild the Iranian-backed group's military capabilities in the region. (ANI/TPS)
Stressing that "the free world must act, and America must lead," Republican Senator Lindsey Graham on Saturday said he and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick will move forward with legislation to authorise US President Donald Trump to impose major tariffs on countries supporting Russia's war in Ukraine. In a joint statement released on social media, Graham said he was "very pleased" with Trump's strong call for coordinated economic action. He argued that China was "propping up Putin's war machine" by purchasing discounted Russian oil and gas, and therefore must face punitive tariffs from the United States and its NATO allies. The two lawmakers said they have been working for months on a bill that would allow Trump to levy significant tariffs on China, India and Brazil, arguing that these countries continue to "finance Putin by buying his cheap oil and gas". "For months, we've worked together on legislation that would back up this strategy, authorizing the President to levy significant tariffs on countries like China, India and Brazil that continue to finance Putin by buying his cheap oil and gas," Graham and Fitzpatrick said. "We strongly support President Trump's call for joint action with Europe, and believe this is the right approach to bring maximum economic pressure to bear." They added that they would push colleagues from both parties in Congress to attach the proposed legislation to the upcoming Continuing Resolution (CR), calling it "a test of resolve" for America and its allies. Their endorsement follows Trump's direct appeal to NATO earlier this week, where he pressed member states to stop buying Russian oil and agree to major sanctions. In his letter, Trump said he was ready to act if the alliance moved collectively. "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. He also accused some NATO members of weakening the alliance's negotiating position by continuing to import Russian energy. The President went further, suggesting tariffs between 50 and 100 per cent on Chinese goods, to remain in place until the war ends. According to Trump, China's "grip" on Russia could be broken only through tough trade measures. Graham and Fitzpatrick argued that Trump's proposal fits into broader US efforts to tighten the economic noose around Moscow while simultaneously strengthening Ukraine's defences. "We firmly believe the combination of sanctions and tariffs, along with the sale of high-end American weapons to Ukraine, is the key to bringing Putin to the table for a just and honorable peace," their statement said. Graham added that time was running out. "This is more than a matter of policy, it is a test of resolve. The free world must act, and America must lead." Trump, meanwhile, has sharpened his rhetoric against Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking to Fox News, he admitted his patience with Moscow was "running out fast" and said the United States was prepared to move to a "second phase" of sanctions if the war dragged on. The push for tariffs on China also comes after Trump's earlier decision to raise tariffs on Indian goods over its continued purchase of Russian oil, although similar measures have not yet been taken against Beijing. (ANI)
HONG KONG, Sept. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A high-level delegation from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), led by President Professor Nancy Ip, has successfully concluded a strategic visit to Sweden, forging deeper partnerships with the country's leading academic and research institutions. The visit reinforced Hong Kong's role as a vital bridge for scientific and technological collaboration between Sweden and China, with a focus on advancing innovation in fields such as life sciences, HealthTech, ageing, energy, robotics, and sustainability.

Building on a Foundation of Sino-Swedish Collaboration

The visit builds on the longstanding partnership between Sweden and China, marked by decades of diplomatic, industrial, and scientific cooperation. As a global leader in innovation, Sweden's ecosystem of world-class research and industry applications aligns seamlessly with HKUST's mission to drive cutting-edge research and connect global innovation networks. By leveraging Hong Kong's strategic position, HKUST serves as a dynamic conduit for linking Sweden's innovation strengths with China's vast research capabilities and market potential, fostering impactful Sino-Swedish collaboration.

Synergizing Sweden's Innovation Ecosystem with HKUST's Research & Innovation Excellence

Sweden is renowned as a global leader in innovation, consistently ranking among the world's most competitive knowledge economies. Its unique model integrates academic research, industry innovation, and government investment in strategic fields. HKUST is a natural partner in this ecosystem, complementing Sweden's strengths not only with world-class research excellence but also with a powerful, action-oriented drive for innovation. This is evidenced by its distinguished track records for founding unicorn startups and translating research into tangible impact, particularly in life sciences, HealthTech, ageing, energy, robotics, and sustainability. The shared commitment to turning pioneering ideas into real-world solutions creates powerful synergies for transformative research and development.

Strategic Engagements and Future Collaboration Framework

The visit builds on existing partnerships, including robust student exchanges and a strong history of collaborative research, to drive innovation in areas of global significance. The HKUST delegation engaged in high-level strategic dialogues with Sweden's premier institutions, including the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA), Karolinska Institutet, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology. These discussions laid the foundation for a robust framework to advance collaborative research, talent development, and innovation. Key objectives include:

Strengthening joint research initiatives in life sciences, HealthTech, ageing, energy, robotics, sustainability, and other areas of mutual interest.

Expanding scholar exchange programs and collaborative educational opportunities.

Facilitating innovation commercialization and technology transfer between Europe and Asia .

Leadership Perspective on Global Innovation

President Professor Nancy Ip highlighted HKUST's pivotal role in the Swedish partnerships: "Sweden's innovation ecosystem is a global benchmark, and its historic ties with China provide a strong foundation for collaboration. HKUST is uniquely positioned to serve as the academic engine and connector in this relationship, fostering a strategic innovation corridor between Sweden and the Greater Bay Area."

"By combining Sweden's research and industrial leadership with HKUST's dynamic research environment and China's technological scale, we are accelerating breakthroughs that address global challenges. This partnership underscores Hong Kong's role as a leading international innovation hub," President Ip added.

This enhanced collaboration paves the way for transformative research, talent development, and innovation by strategically leveraging the Greater Bay Areahome to the world's top-ranked Guangzhou-Hong Kong-Shenzhen innovation cluster according to the World Intellectual Property Organization's (WIPO) Global Innovation Index 2025.

Download photos here: https://bit.ly/4poceSO

SOURCE The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
China on Sunday extended wishes to Sushila Karki upon her appointment as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal. The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said, "China congratulates Madam Sushila Karki on becoming Prime Minister of Nepal's interim government." The remarks highlighted how China and Nepal have a "time-honoured friendship" and said that it stands ready to further advance the bilateral ties. The statement, which was shared by the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria, said, "China and Nepal share a time-honoured friendship. China, as always, respects the development path chosen independently by the people of Nepal. We stand ready to work with Nepal to promote the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, enhance exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and further advance bilateral relations". Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki is scheduled to officially take charge of her office at Singha Durbar at 11:00 am on Sunday, marking a significant political shift for the Himalayan nation following days of violent protest. 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. Meanwhile, Karki has initiated consultations with close advisors and key figures from the Gen Z movement as she prepares to finalise her Cabinet, as reported by The Kathmandu Post. According to The Kathmandu Post, citing one of her aides, Karki will begin intensive discussions Sunday morning to form her Cabinet. Despite holding authority over all 25 ministries, she is reportedly committed to forming a streamlined Cabinet with no more than 15 ministers, a move aligned with calls from civil society and the Gen Z-led protest movement. Names being considered for ministerial roles include legal expert Om Prakash Aryal, former army official Balananda Sharma, retired justice Anand Mohan Bhattarai, Madhav Sundar Khadka, Asheem Man Singh Basnyat, and energy expert Kulman Ghising, The Kathmandu Post reported. Meanwhile, Gen Z members are holding parallel consultations, including discussions on platforms like Discord, to recommend potential candidates who align with their reformist agenda. If consensus is reached, the Cabinet could be sworn in as early as Sunday evening, though it may be delayed to Monday depending on the outcome of discussions, The Kathmandu Post reported. 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. (ANI)
Sammi Deen Baloch, a prominent human rights activist, condemned the delayed justice for Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) leaders. According to Sammi Deen Baloch, the sit-in by Baloch families demanding the safe recovery of their forcibly disappeared family members has entered its second month in the capital, highlighting a long history of persistent protests by the community against enforced disappearances and state repression. Taking to the social media platform X, she stated that Baloch families have repeatedly taken to the streets, enduring immense hardships in their struggle for justice. In 2010, relatives of missing persons marched from Quetta to Islamabad. Three years later, in 2013, a historic long march on foot lasted more than three months, covering Quetta, Karachi, and Islamabad. Subsequent years saw prolonged protests, including the 2021 sit-in at Islamabad's D-Chowk, the 55-day sit-in in Quetta's Red Zone in 2022, and the 2023 long march that stretched over a month in the capital. Alongside these, the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons continues its hunger strike camp, which has now crossed 5,900 days. Despite this relentless record of peaceful resistance, Baloch protesters are often dismissed as "non-political" or accused of fabricating grievances. Yet their demonstrations stand as testimony to their belief in democratic and non-violent struggle. Protesters have braved extreme weather, long nights under the open sky, police crackdowns, tear gas, and arrests, without backing down from their demands. Government representatives occasionally held talks, but protesters say promises were never fulfilled. At the same time, state authorities often chose to ignore the demonstrations in hopes that families would abandon their struggle, she highlighted. This dismissive policy only deepens the perception among Baloch communities that seeking justice from the state is futile. But for the families, especially mothers of the disappeared, giving up is not an option. For many, the protests are not driven by hope in the government but by the need to resist injustice and make their pain visible. As the Islamabad protest completes two months, participants vow to continue until their demands are acknowledged. (ANI)
The United States on Sunday welcomed the restoration of peace and stability in Nepal following the appointment of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the Prime Minister of the Interim Government after days of intense anti-corruption protests that gripped the capital and several other cities across the country. In a statement issued by US Ambassador to Nepal, Dean R Thompson, he praised the peaceful resolution after last week's unrest and reaffirmed Washington's commitment to working closely with the new leadership. "Rt. Hon. Sushila Karki has been appointed as the Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. We welcome the restoration of calm and a peaceful resolution following last week's tragic events," Thompson said in a statement posted on X. The statement further acknowledged the efforts of Nepalese President Ramchandra Paudel and youth leaders who, amid nationwide anti-corruption protests, pushed for a democratic and peaceful transition of power. "We commend President Ramchandra Paudel and youth leaders for their commitment to a democratic solution, even as we continue to mourn with Nepal over its losses," the Ambassador added. He also recognised the role played by the Nepalese Army, particularly Chief of Army Staff General Ashok Raj Sigdel, in helping restore order and ensuring a smooth transition to a civilian-led interim government. "We recognise the Nepali Army and Chief of Army Staff General Ashok Raj Sigdel for their vital role in restoring order and facilitating a peaceful transition of civilian government. We look forward to working with the interim government in the months ahead as they prepare for new elections," the statement added. Meanwhile, the streets of Kathmandu began returning to normal on Sunday morning following days of intense anti-corruption protests that gripped the capital and several other cities across Nepal. Light traffic returned to the streets, some shops were opened, and a visible easing of tensions signals a gradual restoration of public order. The protests on September 8, primarily led by Gen Z youth activists, were sparked by growing frustration over corruption, a lack of accountability, and the perceived failure of political elites, triggered by the Nepalese government's ban on social media. However, the recent appointment of Sushila Karki as the country's first female Prime Minister has injected a new sense of hope among many citizens. Karki, who will officially assume office at Singha Durbar today as the interim PM, has already begun consultations with aides and representatives from the Gen Z movement to shape a smaller, reform-oriented Cabinet. According to The Kathmandu Post, citing one of her aides, Karki will begin intensive discussions Sunday morning to form her Cabinet. Despite holding authority over all 25 ministries, she is reportedly committed to forming a streamlined Cabinet with no more than 15 ministers, a move aligned with calls from civil society and the Gen Z-led protest movement. 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 Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli after the widespread protests. (ANI)
The Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, holding its 10th session of the 17th Parliament in Dharamshala, is set to formalise standards for the Tibetan National Flag, an essential symbol of the Tibetan freedom movement. A committee formed by the exile parliament will present proposals on the flag's dimensions, colours, and design during the next parliamentary session. This move comes as the Tibetan national flag has never been officially standardised by any of the previous exile governments, resulting in inconsistencies in its production. Speaking on the development, Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering highlighted that the Tibetan national flag has never been officially standardised by any of the Kashag, the Tibetan Secretariat, and the select committees from the parliament are being enlisted to examine laws and regulations, update the status of democracy in exile, and work on the national flag, including how to make it more recognisable. "We have some parliamentary select committees being recruited to look into rules and regulations and to update the evolution of democracy in exile, and a committee on the national flag and how to make the national flag more defined. They haven't finished their job, so their work will be postponed till the next session. The length, the width, and the colour of the Tibetan national flag it was never standardised by any of the Kashag (Tibetan secretariat). Though even before this session, there were so many queries, and there were so many questions about how to make it a more standard one because the flags that are being made in Taiwan have a different colour," she stated. Tibetan MP Dorjee Tsetan emphasised the flag's historical significance, saying, "The Tibetan national flag was introduced during independent Tibet and symbolises freedom globally, both inside and outside Tibet. However, in exile, different organisations produce flags of varying sizes and colours. The need for a uniform standard, similar to other national flags, was openly discussed in Parliament." "The committee's work has been extended to the next session, as this is a crucial symbol for the Tibetan freedom movement," he added. The standardisation of the Tibetan National Flag is seen as a symbolic yet significant step in strengthening the identity and unity of Tibetans worldwide. The tenth session of the 17th Tibetan Parliament-in-exile is underway in the hill town of Dharamshala and is scheduled to be held from September 10 to 18. (ANI)
Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration (CGA) confirmed Saturday that it had dispatched vessels to repel both a Chinese coast guard ship and a Chinese fishing boat operating near Dongsha Island, heightening maritime tensions in the South China Sea, as reported by Focus Taiwan. According to Focus Taiwan, the Chinese coast guard vessel was detected at 6:15 a.m. by the CGA's Dongsha-Nansha Branch on Thursday, some 28 nautical miles (52 kilometres) northeast of Dongsha, edging close to the island's restricted waters that extend 24 nautical miles from shore. In response, the CGA deployed its 2,000-tonne cutter Tainan to shadow the ship. The vessel ultimately left the area by 2:39 pm Friday, following nearly a full day of monitoring. Hours later, another incursion took place. At 6:31 p.m. Friday, a Chinese fishing boat was spotted east of Dongsha, directly within restricted waters. By late evening, two Taiwanese patrol vessels intercepted a small raft belonging to the fishing boat, located northeast of the island. The fishing boat was expelled shortly thereafter, with no further Chinese activity observed as of Saturday, as reported by Focus Taiwan. The incident unfolded as Beijing announced the establishment of a national nature reserve at Scarborough Shoal, also claimed by Taiwan and the Philippines. China's State Council described the move as a step toward marine protection, though observers regard it as another manoeuvre to assert control over contested areas, as highlighted by Focus Taiwan. The CGA condemned repeated Chinese provocations in the South China Sea and wider Indo-Pacific, accusing Beijing of employing "grey zone tactics", persistent, low-level incursions designed to exert pressure without provoking outright military conflict. Taiwan's coast guard reiterated its commitment to defending national sovereignty, pledging to continue patrols and surveillance in the Dongsha region. The latest confrontations highlight the fragile balance in disputed waters, where overlapping territorial claims and China's assertive posture threaten to further destabilise regional security. (ANI)
The flood situation in Pakistan's South Punjab is gradually improving, with water levels significantly dropping in many areas as authorities declared Jalalpur Pirwala and Alipur tehsils of Multan district safe after a massive flood wave passed through Head Panjnad, easing fears of further devastation, Dawn reported on Sunday. According to Dawn, despite the declining water levels, evacuation and relief efforts remain in full swing across low-lying areas along the Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers. Officials described the operation as one of the largest in recent memory, involving over 1,500 rescue boats and leading to the evacuation of at least 12,427 people from flood-prone regions. Punjab Rescue spokesperson Farooq Ahmed said that Multan, Muzaffargarh, and Rahim Yar Khan were among the worst affected districts, with 3,274, 2,392, and 414 people rescued, respectively, Dawn reported. Additional evacuations were conducted in Lodhran, Bahawalpur, and Kasur, highlighting the widespread nature of the crisis. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported that around 2.5 million people have been evacuated across Punjab. The floods have so far claimed 101 lives and prompted the rescue of over 2.19 million cattle. As per Dawn, citing officials, water levels at Head Panjnad dropped dramatically, from 684,000 cusecs on Friday night to 492,695 cusecs by Saturday evening, a decrease of nearly 200,000 cusecs in 24 hours. The PDMA noted that flow levels at most major headworks along the three rivers were now "steady". However, the humanitarian impact remains significant. The entire union council of Lati Mari in Alipur tehsil, home to 40,000 people, has been completely submerged. Syed Kausar Shah, a resident of the Azeem Shah locality, said roughly 15,000 people were forced to flee on their own, with two reported dead due to delayed evacuations, as reported by Dawn. Many evacuees are now living with relatives or in government relief camps. Shah said the floodwaters reached depths of six to seven feet in some areas, leaving residents unable to recover their belongings or assess the safety of returning. Meanwhile, Multan Deputy Commissioner Waseem Hamid Sindhu stated that 100,000 people had been evacuated from Jalalpur Pirwala in just three days and added that breaches in Shujabad and Jalalpur Pirwala are being repaired, while helicopters and drones are being used to deliver medicine and food to inaccessible areas, Dawn reported. At a press briefing in Bahawalpur, PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said that Panjnad Headworks experienced extreme flooding, peaking at 700,000 cusecs three days ago and receding to 575,000 cusecs. He noted that all three rivers swelled simultaneously this season, causing widespread high-level flooding. According to the PDMA, floodwaters have affected 4,447 villages (mouzas) across 28 districts in Punjab. Alongside the human toll, the disaster has also impacted millions of livestock, with 2.19 million animals successfully relocated to safer areas, as reported by Dawn. (ANI)
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has sharply criticised the decision of community elders in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who reportedly formed an 11-member body to drive out all transgender persons from the district, Dawn reported. According to Dawn, in a statement shared on X, the HRCP said it "strongly condemns the reported decision by community elders in Swabi to create a committee tasked with expelling transgender persons from the district. Such actions are unconstitutional, discriminatory, and encourage violence against a community that is already marginalised." The body added that no Pakistani citizen can be denied the right to live, work, or pursue a livelihood based on gender identity. The HRCP has called on provincial and district administrations to safeguard the transgender community in Swabi, stating that their fundamental rights are guaranteed under the Constitution. The committee behind the decision includes the tehsil president of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl, Maulana Abdul Samad Haqqani, who argued that transgender persons should leave the district "peacefully." He claimed their presence encouraged musical events that negatively affected the youth. Another committee member, Yasir Khan, said the community would first be asked to depart voluntarily, but if they refused, police intervention would be sought, according to Dawn. Committee members stated they plan to meet again in the coming days and will also consult local police to devise a strategy for implementing the expulsion. The controversy arose after a police raid in Swabi in which more than 200 people, including two transgender persons, were arrested for allegedly resisting authorities during a music event. Police accused participants of using "abusive language" when officers tried to halt the gathering. In reaction, transgender representatives released a video message rejecting the committee's decision. They stressed that they respect cultural traditions while earning their living but warned that no one has the right to take the law into their own hands. They also said that if the state provided employment opportunities, they would willingly stop performing at social functions, Dawn reported. (ANI)
Ships departing from Italy have joined vessels from Greece, Spain, and Tunisia to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip under the banner of the "Global Sumud Flotilla," Euronews reported. On Saturday, 18 boats carrying aid set sail from Sicily, with four Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) also on board, joining other vessels that had departed from Greece, Spain, and Tunisia in late August. The flotilla mission includes 34 boats carrying around 600 people and approximately 500 tons of humanitarian aid. Organisers said the mission is the largest attempt so far to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, though Israel maintains strict control of the territory's shores and waters. A similar single-boat action last June was intercepted by Israeli authorities, with the crew detained for "illegal entry" before being repatriated, highlighting the potential challenges for this larger operation. Israel's National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, warned earlier that activists could be designated as terrorists, imprisoned, and denied special privileges, including television, radio, and choice of food. In the days leading up to the departure, two of the flotilla's vessels reportedly came under drone attacks in unclear circumstances while in Tunisian waters. The MEPs aboard the flotilla include Italians Annalisa Corrado (Socialists and Democrats) and Benedetta Scuderi (Greens/EFA), France's Emma Fourreau (The Left), and Ireland's Lynn Boylan (The Left), who chairs the Parliament's Delegation for Relations with Palestine. Boylan is on the legal monitoring boat accompanying the flotilla to document potential breaches of human rights or international law. As per Euronews, Scuderi said, "I think it's normal to be afraid of facing the Israeli government, which sets no limits in its destructive actions, acts contrary to international law, and has already stated it wants to treat us as terrorists. [...] But we will not be intimidated." Corrado added, "Of course, I am scared. However, this is a mission worth making oneself available for, even if the consequences may be heavy or difficult to manage. I cannot even imagine the fear Palestinian children feel under the bombs or when being amputated of their limbs without anaesthesia," according to Euronews. Both MEPs expressed hope that the flotilla would increase international pressure on Israel and push the European Union to act more decisively. Corrado urged that "the association agreements with Israel should be suspended, the State of Palestine should be recognised, and humanitarian aid should have full access [into the Gaza Strip]." Scuderi called on the EU to "break any trade and military deal with Israel" and to sanction the Israeli government, describing Ursula von der Leyen's pledge to sanction extremist ministers and violent settlers as "insufficient" but potentially a step towards concrete action. Spain's Foreign Affairs Minister Jose Manuel Albares confirmed that Spanish citizens aboard the vessels will receive consular and diplomatic protection, while Italian Foreign Affairs Minister Antonio Tajani said during a parliamentary debate that "Our embassy in Tel Aviv has been activated and has raised awareness with the Israeli authorities about respecting the rights of all Italian citizens on board the Flotilla." Two Italian MPs are also among the flotilla's participants. (ANI)
The strike comes amid escalating drone warfare as tensions persist in the deadliest European conflict since World War Two.

Surgutneftegaz's Kirishinefteorgsintez refinery, one of Russia's top two refineries, was targeted by Ukrainian drones, Russian officials confirmed.

Alexander Drozdenko, governor of the Leningrad region, said three drones were destroyed in the Kirishi area and that the fire, caused by falling debris, had been extinguished. "No one was injured," he added, according to France 24.

Ukraine's drone command confirmed it attacked the refinery and said it had "carried out a successful strike." The extent of the damage to the refinery could not be immediately verified by independent sources, France 24 reported.

Kirishi refines approximately 17.7 million metric tons of crude annually, equivalent to 355,000 barrels per day, or 6.4% of Russia's total output.

Meanwhile, Russia claimed more than 80 Ukrainian drones were destroyed overnight.

In a separate incident, a Ukrainian drone crashed into another of Russia's largest oil refining complexes on Saturday, causing a fire and minor damage.

The facility, owned by Bashneft, is located near Ufa, roughly 1,400 kilometres from the front line in Ukraine, France 24 reported.

Despite the attack, Radiy Khabirov, governor of Russia's Bashkortostan region, said the oil company would maintain production levels.

The recent strikes mark a significant escalation in drone operations, with Ukrainian forces targeting oil refineries and pipelines in Russia, while Russian drones have also been downed in NATO-member Poland, highlighting the widening scope of the conflict. (ANI)
In an unprecedented move, five United Nations special rapporteurs and working groups have issued a joint statement denouncing Beijing's interference in the Dalai Lama's succession. The experts on freedom of religion or belief, cultural rights, enforced disappearances, freedom of expression, and minority issues stated that the decision about the Dalai Lama's reincarnation belongs exclusively to His Holiness, the Tibetan people, and the Tibetan Buddhist community, as highlighted by International Tibet Network. According to International Tibet Network, this intervention marks a vital affirmation of what Tibetans have always maintained: the process of recognising the Dalai Lama's spiritual successor is a matter of faith, not politics. The group noted that China's ongoing attempts to control this centuries-old religious tradition are part of a larger pattern of repression in Tibet. The UN statement highlighted the unresolved case of the 11th Panchen Lama, Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, who was abducted by Chinese authorities in 1995 after being recognised by the Dalai Lama. His disappearance remains one of the most glaring examples of China's interference in Tibetan Buddhism. The experts demanded information about his fate and expressed deep concern over China's regulations on Tibetan Buddhist reincarnations. The International Tibet Network has called on governments worldwide to take decisive steps, including publicly affirming that only the Dalai Lama has authority over his reincarnation, rejecting any candidate imposed by Beijing, and applying targeted sanctions on Chinese officials who attempt to interfere. The organisation emphasised that these measures are essential to safeguarding Tibetans' fundamental right to practice their religion without state intrusion. For centuries, Tibetans have protected their religious traditions despite immense pressure. Beijing's attempts to impose control over the Dalai Lama's succession are not only an assault on Tibetan identity but also a violation of the universal right to religious freedom. Ensuring Tibetans can carry forward their spiritual heritage is now a test of the international community's commitment to religious liberty, as stated by the International Tibet Network. (ANI)
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's influential sister, Kim Yo Jong, has strongly criticised upcoming joint military exercises between the United States, Japan, and South Korea as "dangerous" and a "reckless show of strength," Al Jazeera reported. The remarks come a day before Seoul and its allies are set to launch drills combining naval, air, and missile defence operations off South Korea's Jeju Island. The exercises, named "Freedom Edge," are scheduled to continue through Friday. Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the North Korean governing party's central committee, described the drills as a "dangerous idea." "This reminds us that the reckless display of power displayed by the US, Japan, and South Korea in the wrong places, namely around the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, will undoubtedly bring about negative consequences for themselves," she warned. Al Jazeera noted that her statement follows a visit by Kim Jong Un to weapons research facilities this week, during which he said Pyongyang "would put forward the policy of simultaneously pushing forward the building of nuclear forces and conventional armed forces." Observers cited by Al Jazeera said North Korea is likely using the allied exercises as a pretext to accelerate both nuclear modernisation and conventional military upgrades. In addition to the trilateral exercises, the US and South Korea plan to stage the "Iron Mace" tabletop drills next week, aimed at integrating conventional and nuclear capabilities to counter North Korea's threats, according to South Korean media reports. South Korea currently hosts approximately 28,500 American troops. "Iron Mace" will be the first such exercise under US President Donald Trump and newly elected South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, both of whom have expressed a willingness to resume dialogue with North Korea. North Korea has also vowed to respond if "hostile forces" continue flaunting their military power through such drills. "More clearly and strongly" countermeasures will be taken, North Korea's top party official Pak Jong Chon said via the state news agency KCNA. Since a failed 2019 summit with the US on denuclearisation, North Korea has repeatedly asserted that it will never give up its nuclear arsenal, declaring itself an "irreversible" nuclear state. The country has also been emboldened by the war in Ukraine, securing critical support from Russia after reportedly sending thousands of North Korean troops to fight alongside Moscow. Moscow and Pyongyang formalised a mutual defence pact last year during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to the reclusive state, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI)
Leaders from across the Middle East are gathering in the Qatari capital to discuss a coordinated response to Israel's recent strikes on Doha, Al Jazeera reported. The attacks, which Israel said targeted Hamas leadership, have sparked concerns across the region and beyond. Israel launched missiles as Hamas members convened in their Doha office to discuss a deal proposed by US President Donald Trump to end Israel's two-year war on Gaza, Al Jazeera added. The attack came hours after Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar claimed that Israel had accepted the Trump proposal, which would release all 48 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel and a ceasefire. The airstrike killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security official, although it did not eliminate the Hamas leadership it targeted. The United Nations Security Council unanimously condemned the attack on Thursday. Qatar has invited leaders from Arab and Islamic nations to meetings leading up to an emergency Arab-Islamic summit on Monday. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that "the summit will discuss a draft resolution on the Israeli attack", which represents another instance of "state terrorism practised by Israel," Al Jazeera reported. A meeting of foreign ministers on Sunday will work on the draft, which is expected to strengthen international condemnation of Israel's actions. Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, who met Trump in New York on Friday, said Qatar will pursue a collective response to the attack, warning that it has put the entire region at risk. Qatar has historically played a mediation role, seeking to end Israel's war on Gaza and promote regional unity. During the upcoming meetings, it will leverage pro-Palestinian sentiment and opposition to Israel's strikes expressed across the region. Leaders from the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the 22-member Arab League are expected to attend, including Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. On Saturday, Iran's security chief Ali Larijani issued a stern warning to Islamic governments, saying they must "form a 'joint operations room' against the madness" of Israel rather than resorting to mere statements, Al Jazeera reported. The full list of dignitaries for Monday's summit has not yet been confirmed. The summit is expected to issue a strongly worded statement against Israel and explore measures to address Israeli aggression in the region. Israel's military operations have also extended to Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen as its war on Gaza and raids on the occupied West Bank continue. The strikes have undermined the sense of security in Qatar and neighbouring states, prompting some to consider new security or defence arrangements with the US beyond arms purchases. Political dynamics remain sensitive, as Washington continues to support Israel despite rising international frustration. As leaders and ministers arrived in Doha on Sunday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio travelled to Israel to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top officials to discuss, among other issues, plans to annexe large parts of the West Bank. The UAE has described this annexation as a "red line" that could undermine the US-sponsored Abraham Accords, while Saudi Arabia and other regional states are seen as increasingly distant from normalising ties with Israel, Al Jazeera reported. Potential responses by Arab states could include downgrading diplomatic relations, leveraging financial influence, or using sovereign wealth funds with international investments to impose trade limitations on Israel. Qatar has also indicated that part of its response will be legal, including pursuing Israeli violations of international law. (ANI)
After praying together at Jerusalem's Western Wall, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio toured the nearby underground tunnels, with Netanyahu hailing the US-Israel alliance as "durable as the stones" of the holy site, The Times of Israel reported. The pair, joined by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and the three officials' wives, were guided by Suli Eliav, CEO of the Western Wall Heritage Center, as per The Times of Israel. "I think [Rubio's] visit here is a testimony to the durability, the strength of the Israeli-American alliance, that is as strong and durable as the stones of the Western Wall that we just touched," Netanyahu told reporters at the site after the tour. "Under [US] President [Donald] Trump, and Secretary Rubio, this alliance has never been stronger, and we deeply appreciate it," the premier continued, before the two shook hands and left the site together. In a post on X, Netanyahu said, "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu participated in the cornerstone-laying ceremony for the US President Donald Trump promenade in Bat Yam, together with US Ambassador in Israel Mike Huckabee, Bat Yam Mayor Tzvi Brot and members of the Bat Yam City Council." https://x.com/netanyahu/status/1966952862216306803 Meanwhile, Leaders of Gulf countries will gather on Sunday and Monday in Doha to discuss how to react to the unprecedented Israeli attack on Qatar, as per Al Jazeera. They will focus on reviewing a long-term strategy on security coordination, said Muhanad Seloom from the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies said. "We are talking about diversifying the types of weaponry, their air defences, the way they monitor the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] airspace, and more close cooperation between these countries. Because the radars ... they would have picked up a signal not only of the approaching jets, but also of the missiles fired," Seloom told Al Jazeera, referring to the Israeli attack that involved at least 10 missiles. US bases in the region, from Kuwait to Saudi Arabia, must have known the Israeli jets were approaching, making it a necessity for Gulf states to strengthen their military capacity - considering the US failure, or unwillingness, to inform Qatar in time. "Long term, GCC countries will have to boost their military capabilities, diversify them as well, and look at what kind of gaps they have so this would not happen again," Seloom said. (ANI)
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday backed the people's right to protest after the "Unite the Kingdom" rally that took place on Saturday. However, PM Starmer denounced the attacks on the police personnel. Starmer also condemned the racism in the nation, calling for tolerance. In a post on X, he said, "People have a right to peaceful protest. It is core to our country's values. But we will not stand for assaults on police officers doing their job or for people feeling intimidated on our streets because of their background or the colour of their skin. Britain is a nation proudly built on tolerance, diversity and respect. Our flag represents our diverse country and we will never surrender it to those that use it as a symbol of violence, fear and division." https://x.com/Keir_Starmer/status/1967213048382234804 Over 1,10,000 people protesting against immigration marched through the United Kingdom's capital, London, in one of the country's biggest right-wing demonstrations, with some protesters clashing with the police and wounding at least 26 officers. The violence at the "Unite the Kingdom" march on Saturday came as police tried to keep the right-wing protesters apart from a group of some 5,000 rival demonstrators gathered at White Hall in central London. London's Metropolitan Police said the march, organised by anti-immigrant activist Tommy Robinson, drew an estimated 1,10,000 to 1,50,000 people, far surpassing expectations. The police force said its officers faced "unacceptable violence" from some of the protesters and that four of them sustained serious injuries, among them broken teeth, a possible broken nose, a concussion, a prolapsed disc and a head injury. "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 in a statement, as per Al Jazeera. "They confronted officers, engaging in physical and verbal abuse and making a determined effort to breach cordons in place to keep everyone safe," Twist said. At least 25 people were arrested over the violence, Twist said, describing the detentions as "just the start," as per Al Jazeera. "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, as per Al Jazeera. UK Secretary of State for the Home Department Shabana Mahmood also condemned "those who have attacked and injured police officers" and insisted that "anyone taking part in criminal activity will face the full force of the law," as per Al Jazeera. Robinson's latest "Unite the Kingdom" march comes at the tail end of a highly charged summer in the UK that featured several protests staged outside hotels housing asylum seekers in England, following the arrest of an Ethiopian man who was later convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in a London suburb, as per Al Jazeera. Demonstrators carried the Union flag of the UK and the red and white St George's Cross of England, while others brought those of the United States and Israel. Some wore the "Make America Great Again", or MAGA, hats of US President Donald Trump. They chanted slogans critical of Prime Minister Keir Starmer and carried placards, with some saying, "Send them home". Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, and who is known for his anti-immigrant and anti-Islam views, called the march "a show of patriotic unity like nothing seen before," Al Jazeera reported. "Today is the spark of a cultural revolution in Great Britain. This is our moment," the 42-year-old activist told his supporters. He billed the march as a demonstration for free speech, British heritage and culture, and pumped up the crowd with claims that migrants now had more rights in court than the "British public, the people that built this nation". Other speakers at Robinson's event included US billionaire Elon Musk, who joined via video-link, French far-right politician Eric Zemmour, and Petr Bystron of the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, as per Al Jazeera. "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," Musk said, calling for a change of government in the UK. Several speakers also paid tribute to slain US conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was remembered in a moment of silence, followed by a bagpiper playing Amazing Grace. Several people who attended the rally said they were motivated by concerns over immigration. At the counterprotest, organised by the "Stand Up to Racism" campaign group and attended by left-wing lawmakers Zarah Sultana and Diane Abbott, the crowd held signs saying, "Refugees welcome" and "Smash the far right", and shouted "Stand up, fight back!". Abbott accused Robinson and his allies of spreading "nonsense" and "dangerous" lies that asylum seekers were a threat, Al Jazeera reported. The number of arrests at Saturday's rally also contrasted sharply with the 890 people detained at the previous week's Palestine Action protest, where protesters holding up placards calling for the UK's ban on the group to be lifted, and for a stop to the Israel-Gaza conflict, had demonstrated peacefully. (ANI)
Billionaire Elon Musk called for "revolutionary government change" in the United Kingdom while speaking virtually at a far-right anti-immigration protest in London, CNN reported. The world's richest man, who previously served as an adviser to US President Donald Trump, made the comments days ahead of Trump's upcoming state visit to Britain, four years before the next scheduled general election in the UK, CNN added. "There needs to be massive government reform in Britain and the people need to be in charge, not some bureaucracy that doesn't care," Musk said during a Q&A session with far-right political activist Tommy Robinson, the organiser of the rally, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon. "We must have revolutionary government change... This really requires everyone to sort of marshal the people, to take charge, reform the government, and make sure that you actually have a government that is for the people, by the people," he stressed. In other incendiary remarks on Saturday (local time), Musk warned the audience via livestream, saying: "violence is coming to you. You either fight back or you die." He also referenced the killing of American political activist Charlie Kirk in the United States on Wednesday, claiming that "people on the left" were "openly" celebrating his death. "The left is the party of murder and celebrating murder," Musk said, CNN reported. According to CNN, Musk has increasingly involved himself in UK politics over the past year. Last summer, amid a wave of violent anti-immigration riots in Britain, the Tesla CEO and owner of X had warned that "civil war is inevitable." In January, Musk sparked controversy by saying that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer should be in prison after raising a historic child sex abuse scandal in parts of England. Musk had previously aligned himself with Nigel Farage, leader of the populist Reform UK party, but their alliance broke down earlier this year when Farage declined to echo Musk's support for Robinson, the founder of the now-defunct anti-immigration English Defence League (EDL), who was jailed in the past for contempt of court over false accusations against a Syrian refugee. (ANI)
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has closed several of its aid centres in Afghanistan, including those supporting Afghans returning from Pakistan and Iran, after the head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) urged the Taliban authorities to address the issue of restrictions on female staff, Tolo News reported. Arafat Jamal, UNHCR's chief in Afghanistan, underlined that women's participation is essential for their operations. "On the 9th of September, we took the decision to close our encashment centers. We didn't take this lightly and we knew that it would have consequences for many returnees. These centers are essential to distribute the initial cash that people receive, to register people biometrically, and to provide protection, screening, and interviews," he said. Women's rights advocates have raised concerns that the clampdown on female participation will further damage Afghanistan's fragile economy and worsen the humanitarian crisis. Tafsir Siahposh, a women's rights activist, told Tolo News: "We hope attention will be paid and women will be allowed to continue working as daughters of this nation, alongside their brothers, for the country that needs them. Women must be allowed to work." Responding to the criticism, the Ministry of Economy of the Islamic Emirate rejected conditional assistance and criticised UN-affiliated organisations for linking aid to female employment. Abdul Latif Nazari, deputy minister of economy, said: "The Ministry of Economy calls on all aid agencies, including UN-related organisations, to continue their assistance to the people of Afghanistan, especially our returning refugees, without attaching any conditions." Earlier, Roza Otunbayeva, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative in Afghanistan, had also condemned the ban on female UN staff. She stressed that while efforts are underway to mobilize international support, restrictions on women's employment are "unacceptable and must be resolved," according to Tolo News. Her remarks come at a time when the UNHCR has also warned that Pakistan's mass deportations of Afghan nationals risk worsening Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis without urgent global support. Speaking in Geneva on September 12, UNHCR's representative for Afghanistan, Arafat Jamal, urged Islamabad to halt expulsions of vulnerable Afghans. He stressed that many asylum seekers require protection and said the agency was ready to work with Pakistani authorities to identify and safeguard high-risk groups. According to UN figures, nearly 100,000 Afghans crossed back from Pakistan in the first week of September alone. The sudden influx is straining Afghanistan's already fragile economy, with weak healthcare, scarce food supplies and limited shelter unable to absorb such numbers. International aid agencies have raised an alarm, warning that the return of large groups of refugees could push Afghanistan into deeper instability. Jamal said the UNHCR has updated its regional appeal and is seeking USD 258.6 million to meet urgent needs. He cautioned that without fresh funding, the agency may not be able to continue life-saving assistance for Afghan families. The crisis has been compounded by the Taliban's ban on women working in UN offices, forcing the UNHCR to suspend cash assistance for returnees. Jamal clarified that the suspension was an "operational necessity" as services cannot run without female staff. The UN estimates that more than 2.6 million Afghan migrants have been deported from neighbouring countries since the beginning of 2025. The figure reflects the immense scale of forced displacement and the pressure on Pakistan to balance domestic concerns with international obligations. Jamal warned that without coordinated regional and global action, both Pakistan and Afghanistan risk sliding into deeper humanitarian turmoil, Khamaa Press reported. (ANI)
As Nepal's Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki took charge, the clouds of uncertainty dispersed, and daily life resumed. Traffic returned to normalcy in the Himalayan nation after the GenZ protests, its eerie silence in the aftermath following up to Karki's oath-taking ceremony. However, all is seemingly not well as the death toll in the GenZ protests in Nepal rose to 72 on Sunday, a police official told ANI. Amongst the dead, 59 were protestors, three police officials and 10 inmates who were attempting to flee. Meanwhile, after taking charge as Karki announced that those killed during the anti-corruption protest in Nepal would be known as martyrs and a compensation amount of 1 million Nepali rupees would be given to their families. She made the announcement in her remarks after assuming charge. During the press conference, Karki said, "All those who died on September 8 will be known as 'Martyrs' and will receive one million Nepali rupees each. The government will bear the expenses of the injured, and they will also be compensated. Transfer of the bodies from Kathmandu to other districts will be facilitated by the government." Karki delivered a strong message of humility and accountability, stating that her administration is not in office to "taste power" but to stabilise the country, address demands for justice, and prepare for fresh elections within six months. "I and my team are not here to taste the power. We won't stay for more than six months. We will hand over the responsibility to the new parliament. We won't succeed without your support," Karki said during a press conference after formally assuming office at the Singha Durbar. The interim Prime Minister also assured families that the government will assist in transferring the bodies of the deceased to their home districts and acknowledged the destruction caused during the protests, including damage to personal property, and said that the state will step in with support. Karki also made it clear that the government will also investigate acts of vandalism and violence. (ANI)
A senior US State Department official on Sunday expressed regret over the recent mass detention of South Korean workers in America and vowed to prevent similar occurrences, Yonhap reported. Christopher Landau, deputy secretary of state, visited Seoul for a meeting with South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo. According to Seoul's foreign ministry, Landau conveyed his deep regrets over the detention of hundreds of South Korean workers in an immigration crackdown earlier this month at an electric vehicle battery plant construction site for a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solution in Bryan County, Georgia. A total of 316 South Korean workers returned home Friday, after being held in a detention centre for a week, as per Yonhap. Landau also told Park that the two allies should try to use the incident as an opportunity to further strengthen their bilateral ties and improve relevant systems where necessary, according to the ministry. Landau also said US President Donald Trump has a keen interest in the matter and ensured that those who have returned home will not face any disadvantages when reentering the United States. The state department official said Washington would try to ensure there would be no further incidents of a similar nature in the future. Landau proposed working-level talks on issuing proper visas for South Korean workers in the US, citing a need to provide institutional support for South Korean corporations' investments that contribute to the American economy and manufacturing. In response, Park touched upon inconveniences that South Korean workers faced while in detention and said the general public in South Korea, in addition to the workers themselves, felt deeply shocked by the crackdown, as per Yonhap. According to the ministry, Park also strongly urged the US to take practical steps and implement systematic improvements to ease South Korean people's concerns, Yonhap reported. (ANI)
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Sunday described the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk as "an attack on a political movement," The Hill reported. "I see this as an attack on a political movement," Graham told NBC News' Kristen Welker on Meet the Press. "I see this being different. Charlie Kirk is one of the top three people in the country that allowed President Trump to win in 2024 by his efforts. And I think President Trump sees this as an attack on his political movement, what he created," he added, The Hill noted. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of President Trump, was shot and killed on Wednesday during an event at Utah Valley University. The alleged gunman, Tyler Robinson, was taken into custody by the FBI late Thursday evening. Kirk played a pivotal role in Trump's 2024 campaign ground game. Trump blamed the "radical left" for the shooting during an address on Thursday and told NBC News on Saturday that the group obstructed efforts to unify the country. The president has frequently referenced political violence, including two assassination attempts against him last year, the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and shootings involving Rep. Steve Scalise, Capitol Police officer Crystal Griner, congressional aide Zack Barth, and lobbyist Matt Mika, The Hill reported. However, Trump has spoken less about attacks on Democrats, such as the arson at Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence, the kidnapping plot against Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the assault on Paul Pelosi in 2022, and the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots. Utah voter records show Robinson was registered as unaffiliated. Utah Governor Spencer Cox (R) said Friday that the alleged gunman became "more political" prior to the shooting. Lawmakers across the political spectrum condemned Kirk's killing. Graham urged people to use words, not violence, to settle political disagreements. "Charlie was a symbol of MAGA to so many, young people felt disenfranchised," he said. "He said things that people don't like. I understand that. But the answer is not to kill him," The Hill reported. (ANI)
The five US F-35 jets arrived on Saturday at the former Roosevelt Roads base in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, as part of a deployment ordered by US President Donald Trump to strengthen operations against drug trafficking in the Caribbean, Euro News noted.

Helicopters, Ospreys, and military personnel were also seen at the base, sparking local protests over Puerto Rico's militarisation.

The deployment came shortly after Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth paid a surprise visit to Puerto Rico, and only days after Washington carried out a strike in the southern Caribbean against a drug-carrying vessel operated by the Tren de Aragua gang, which departed from Venezuela, Euro News added.

Meanwhile, Venezuela's foreign ministry accused the US of sending personnel from a Navy destroyer to "illegally and hostilely" board a tuna boat in Venezuelan waters.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil told reporters that 18 armed personnel remained on the vessel for eight hours, preventing the nine fishermen from performing normal activities, before releasing them under the escort of the Venezuelan navy.

"Those who give the order to carry out such provocations are seeking an incident that would justify a military escalation in the Caribbean," Gil said, adding the objective is to "persist in their failed policy" of regime change in Venezuela, Euro News reported.

Earlier this week, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro mobilised the country's armed forces along 284 "battlefronts" to secure all coastlines.

Thousands of troops and militiamen participated in manoeuvres under "Plan Independencia 200," aimed at protecting Venezuelan sovereignty in response to US actions, Euro News added. (ANI)
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum on Sunday demanded that the leaders discuss the prevention of the deaths of Israeli hostages in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to convene a meeting this evening on the hostages in Gaza, the office of one of the ministers attending told The Times of Israel. "The Hostages Families Forum demands that the senior officials in the negotiation team, the National Security Council, Shin Bet, IDF, and Mossad address the following ahead of this evening's discussion: Do everything possible to prevent the killing of living hostages and the loss of those already deceased - Do not allow preventable and deliberate harm to the hostages," the statement read. "Security establishment leaders, make no mistake - you will be held responsible for every hostage who is harmed. Netanyahu is determined to wage an endless war for political reasons while knowingly and immediately endangering all 48 hostages," it added. The statement further demanded an end to the conflict. "History, morality, and the core values of Israeli society will not forgive anyone who enables this act of sacrifice that the Prime Minister is pursuing. Two years have passed since October 7th, two years since the greatest abandonment in our nation's history - Do not follow this path! Secure a comprehensive deal to bring home all the hostages. End this war," the statement said. The meeting takes place after Netanyahu visited the Western Wall with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio is meeting with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar tomorrow in Jerusalem. Crowds assembled in Tel Aviv and across Israel on Saturday evening (local time) to demand that the government reach a ceasefire deal for the release of the 48 remaining hostages in Gaza, as the families denounced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for Tuesday's strike targeting Hamas's leadership in Qatar, which appears to have set back talks for a Gaza hostage-release and ceasefire deal, as per The Times of Israel. (ANI)
Romania's Ministry of National Defence on Sunday (local time) condemned Russia for violating its airspace during an attack on Ukraine, calling the action by Moscow "irresponsible". In a statement, the ministry stated that the action represented a new challenge to the regional security and stability in the Black Sea area, noting that such incidents demonstrated Russia's "lack of respect" for international law. It further stated that it endangered not only the safety of Romanian citizens, but also NATO's collective security. "Such incidents demonstrate the Russian Federation's lack of respect for the norms of international law and endanger not only the Romanian citizens' safety, but also NATO's collective security," the statement read. The Ministry in its statement further mentioned that Romania continued to remain committed to fulfilling its commitment as a member of the Alliance and would continue working closely with its partners. "Romania remains firmly committed to fulfilling its commitments as a member state of the Alliance and will continue to closely work with its partners and allies to monitor and defend the national airspace," the statement read. It also assures the public opinion that all the necessary measures to gurantee national security were permanently enforced, and defence structures were prepared promptly to respond to any familiar situations. "The Ministry of National Defence assures the public opinion that all necessary measures to guarantee national security are permanently enforced, and the defence structures are prepared to promptly respond to any similar situation," the statement read. According to the Ministry, a Russian Geran drone used in strikes against Ukraine entered the Romanian airspace on September 13, and was intercepted by two F-16 fighter jets on a routine patrol mission over northern Dobruja. It further stated that the drone remained in the skies of Romania for 50 minutes, while flying from the northeast of Chilia Veche to the southwest of Izmail, before exiting near Pardina and returning towards Ukraine. Additionally, the Ministry mentioned that Germany's deployed forces at Mihail Kogalniceanu air base scrambled two Eurofighter Typhoon jets to assist the Romanian aircraft, with the joint patrol monitoring the airspace until 9:30 p.m This is the second time in the last week that a NATO member has reported an intrusion by Russian drones on its airspace. Earlier, Poland had stated that said Russian drones had violated its airspace and shot down several of them, describing the moves as "provocations". It was the first known instance of a NATO country firing at drones linked to the war in Ukraine. (ANI)
NAGASAKI, Sep 14 (News On Japan) - The Emperor and Empress, accompanied by Princess Aiko, visited a care facility in Nagasaki Prefecture where survivors of the atomic bombing reside, as part of events marking 80 years since the end of World War II.

Around 10:30 a.m., they arrived at the Megumi no Oka Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Home, which houses about 340 survivors. They spent roughly 30 minutes speaking with residents, often bending down to meet them at eye level.

Princess Aiko asked attentive questions about daily life at the facility. When one resident recounted their experience of being exposed to the bombing at home, she responded with words of compassion, saying, "I am glad you made it through safely."

The Emperor and Empress later released a statement, noting that Princess Aiko had "directly felt the reality of the atomic bombing and has deeply engraved in her heart the strong desire for peace held by the people of Nagasaki who overcame hardship."

In the afternoon, the imperial couple visited the Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum to view the National Exhibition of Works by People with Disabilities. They looked at various artworks and spoke with the creators.

Among the highlights was a live demonstration by 35-year-old Yoshihiro Watanabe, who creates intricate cutout works using scissors in a single, continuous motion. The Emperor and Empress watched as he completed a depiction of a triceratops. When Watanabe offered the finished piece, saying, "Please take it home," the imperial couple accepted it warmly, replying, "Is that all right? Thank you very much," and smiling as they received it.

For Princess Aiko, it was her first visit to Nagasaki. She departed from Nagasaki Airport around 4:30 p.m., returning to Tokyo ahead of the Emperor and Empress.

On the following day, the Emperor and Empress are scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the National Cultural Festival and other related events.

Source: TBS
TOKYO, Sep 14 (News On Japan) - A male company employee was arrested after allegedly molesting a woman multiple times on a train, with the victim herself chasing him down and restraining him.

Police said Takehiro Kusaki, a 52-year-old company employee from Zama City, was arrested late at night on September 12th on suspicion of repeatedly touching the lower body of a woman in her 30s inside an Odakyu Line train.

According to police, the woman confronted Kusaki several times inside the carriage, but he did not stop. After getting off at Shin-Yurigaoka Station, Kusaki attempted to flee by boarding another train waiting on the opposite platform. The woman pursued him and managed to detain him until police arrived.

At the time, Kusaki was intoxicated. He reportedly told investigators he had no memory of the incident.
An exhibition entitled Arab Pop Art: Between East and West, is held in the Washington-based Middle East Institutes Art Gallery September 11 through January 23.

The exhibition, sponsored by the Moroccan Embassy in the United States, showcases Moroccan and Arab artistic identities and cultural creativity as a universal language and bridge between nations. It shows the many facets of Moroccan art through the captivating works of Hassan Hajjaj and Mous Lamrabat, two leading figures in the art scene of the North African country.

As part of an advanced collaboration between the Moroccan Embassy in Washington and the Middle East Institute, one of the leading American centers for cultural dialogue and reflection, this event also features the participation of several Arab artists.

During the inauguration ceremony, attended by members of the cultural, intellectual, and diplomatic community in Washington, Moroccos Ambassador to the USA, Youssef Amrani, emphasized that this colorful cultural event aims to honor a burgeoning artistic movement: Arab Pop Art. As an heir to international pop culture, this movement represents a unique expression of the symbols, stories, and images of Arab culture through a bold and contemporary approach, he said.

A genuine expression of senses and sounds, it is also a universal language that brings cultures together, strengthens identities, and forges a shared understanding between nations, their histories, and their common destinies, the diplomat added.

Referring to the works of art exhibited at this event, the diplomat noted that they examine multiple identities, between heritages and visions of the future, local roots, and global influences.

In this connection, he praised the important role played by the MEI and its leadership in promoting Arab culture in the United States and intercultural dialogue. This exhibition goes far beyond a simple artistic event, in that it constitutes a true platform for reflection and encounter, offering a diverse and engaged perspective on contemporary Arab society, Amrani emphasized.

The artists challenge conventions, reinvent symbols, and affirm the vitality of their heritage. Morocco stands out in particular through the participation of Hassan Hajjaj and Mous Lamrabat, internationally renowned artists, who combine subversive humor and Moroccan cultural references in their contemporary creations, offering an inventive and unique interpretation that opens a window onto the Kingdom, its history, and its particularities, the diplomat said.

Their works powerfully reflect the creativity and dynamism of Moroccan society today, he emphasized. By supporting its artists, Morocco is clearly making art a bridge between peoples, a lever for mutual understanding, and an instrument of peace.

For his part, Middle East Institute President Stuart Jones underscored the importance of this exhibition within the American capitals artistic landscape.He praised the richness of contemporary Arab creativity, while highlighting the contribution of Moroccan artists, whose works embody dialogue between tradition and modernity.

In the same vein, MEI Vice President for Arts and Culture Kate Seelye told MAP that the exhibition highlights artists who, while drawing inspiration from Western pop culture, strive to address themes deeply rooted in contemporary Arab reality.

Referring to the participation of Moroccan artists Hassan Hajjaj, an internationally renowned designer, and Mous Lamrabat, a photographer with a unique visual universe, Kate Seelye emphasized that their works, although imbued with symbols of Western pop culture, remain intrinsically Moroccan through the characters they depict and the cultural references they evoke, thus building true bridges between East and West.

Designed to engage with an international audience, including through digital and media outlets, the Arab Pop Art: Between East and West exhibition stands out as an ambitious and visionary artistic event, according to its organizers. It carries a powerful message: that of a young, creative, and dynamic Arab world, resolutely open to global cultural exchange.
The United Nations Chair for the Alliance of Civilizations at Moroccos Euromed University of Fez (UEMF) was awarded the prestigious Alliance University of the Year prize in Prague as part of the 2025 Triple E Awards.

Organized by the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU), the worlds only accreditation body focused on university engagement and entrepreneurship, this award recognizes the most innovative and committed institutions in societal transformation, according to a press release from UEMF.

The award was presented at a gala dinner at the Lobkowicz Palace in Prague as part of the Global ACEEU Forum, bringing together over 150 decision-makers from around the world, the press release continues, noting that the UN Chair for the Alliance of Civilizations was ranked first among hundreds of candidate universities and institutions worldwide.

The Triple E Award is the first global recognition dedicated to the Third Mission of universities, i.e. their role beyond teaching and research, in the service of otherness, the Alliance of Civilizations, and development, the same source emphasizes.

This is a major international recognition for the only United Nations Chair in this field in an international context dominated by tensions, fragilities, and global geopolitical instability.

This distinction falls perfectly in line with both Moroccos widely acclaimed and recognized vision of peace and the strategy of the Alliance of Civilizations, the statement said.
Human rights advocates have presented several testimonies at the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, exposing the dire conditions of Sahrawis in the Tindouf refugee camps in Algerian soil and the persistence of slavery practices in these camps.

The speakers also pointed to the denial of development rights, drawing a parallel with the tremendous progress scored in Moroccos southern province.

Speaking during the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, jurist Lucia Ferreyra Perea denounced the reality of hereditary slavery and ongoing racial segregation in these camps run by the polisario armed group.

Taking the floor on behalf of the Independent Center for Research and Initiatives for Dialogue (CIRID), Ferreyra Perea mentioned the case of Mohammed Salem, a young Sahrawi who was barred from marrying because his family was considered to be of servile origin.

She described this situation as a flagrant violation of human dignity, calling on the HRC to launch an independent investigation into these practices.

For his part, Mostafa Maelainine, from the International Committee for the Respect and Application of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (ICRAC), referred to testimonies from former Sahrawi refugees reporting systemic discrimination targeting populations of servile descent.

He accused the polisario of instrumentalizing these practices to maintain social and political control over the camps populations, in blatant violation of international conventions on the abolition of slavery.

Maelainine also called on the Special Rapporteur to conduct an on-site visit and include these violations in his next report to the Council.

Both speakers stressed the urgency of guaranteeing the fundamental rights to freedom, dignity, and justice for the victims in the camps of Tindouf.

Dealing with the lack of development in the camps, other speakers, including Dahi Ahl El Khattat, a civil activist, exposed the blatant denial of the right to development for Sahrawis living in the Tindouf camps.

He stressed that this fundamental human right is being systematically violated, as the camps have been transformed into militarized zones controlled by armed groups with the backing of Algerian authorities.

This reality denies Sahrawis not only their right to development, but also their rights to property and economic independence, El Khattat deplored.

In contrast, he highlighted the progress made in Moroccos southern provinces, where an $8 billion development program launched in 2015 has brought tangible improvements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and employment.

These gains, which have been recognized in several United Nations reports, have translated into significant improvements in peoples daily lives.

He urged the Human Rights Council to address the plight of Sahrawis in Tindouf and hold Algeria, the host state, accountable for its international human rights commitments.

El Khattat stressed that Algeria has an obligation to guarantee Sahrawi civilians their right to development, just as their counterparts in Moroccos southern regions already enjoy.

The activist emphasized that the Sahrawis still trapped in the Tindouf camps are deprived of their freedom and the opportunity for a dignified life.

Aicha Douihi, a human rights advocate, described the Tindouf camps in Algeria as a place where the rule of law is absent and the right to development is out of reach.

She explained that with the camps, now militarized zones controlled by Polisario and backed by Algeria, Sahrawis are deprived of core freedoms.

These include the rights to work, to own property, to move freely, and even to be formally recognized by international bodies like the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

She urged the Human Rights Council to hold Algeria accountable to its international obligations.

She said that Sahrawis in Tindouf are denied their right to development, unlike their counterparts in Moroccos southern provinces, where the $8 billion program launched in 2015 has brought real improvements and opportunities.

Douihi concluded with an urgent appeal for international action to ensure that the right to development is no longer just a theoretical promise, but a lived reality for everyone.
The hypocrite Algerian regime has always said it does not recognize Israel and stands with Palestine either oppressed or oppressor, lashing out vehemently at Arab countries which have normalized relations with Israel within the frame of the Abraham accords brokered by Washington.

Yet, Algiers has made a sudden U-turn over the weekend at the UN General Assembly convening in New York. Its contradictory discourse was exposed when it joined the outright majority of UN member countries in endorsing a declaration setting tangible, timebound, and irreversible steps towards a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.

Algerias vote for the two-state solution declaration represents an official position recognizing the legitimacy of the existence of the State of Israel alongside a Palestinian State, two democratic and sovereign States, living side by side in peace & security within their secure and recognized borders on the basis of the 1967 lines, including the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza.

The volte-face has left everyone scratching his head about the reasons behind this swift change of heart. Is it really a genuine political shift, or just a tactical move to weather and absorb the growing international pressure the Algerian junta is facing from all fronts?

The UN General Assembly declaration condemns the attacks against Israel by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023, which triggered the war in Gaza. It also calls for the disarmament of Hamas and its exclusion from governance in Gaza, and normalization between Israel and Arab countries.

in July 2020, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune told France 24 TV station: Palestine is a sacred cause for us and it is enshrined in our constitution. Algerias position is constant: we are against normalization.

This position has been reaffirmed multiple times, notably during his speech at the UN General Assembly in September 2023, where he described the Palestinian cause as central to Algerian foreign policy.

But now, the Algerian regime has softened its stand and kept low profile to avoid risky clashes with the United States and Israel. It has aligned its position with Arab and Western countries and many others around the globe.

The seven-page declaration is the culmination of an international conference organized at the U.N. in July by Saudi Arabia and France on the decades-long conflict. A resolution endorsing the declaration received 142 votes in favor and 10 against, while 12 countries abstained.

The text also 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.

The declaration says that only by ending the war in Gaza, releasing all hostages, ending occupation, rejecting violence and terror, realizing an independent, sovereign and democratic Palestinian State and providing solid security guarantees for Israel and Palestine, can normal relations and coexistence among the regions peoples and countries prevail.

Hostage taking is prohibited under international law, says the text, rejecting any actions leading to territorial or demographic changes, including forced displacement of the Palestinian civilian population, which constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.

According to some analysts, the vote of Algeria for the two-state solution sends a message to Trump administration and Tel Aviv that it opposes Hamas and welcomes normalization with the Hebrew State.

The Algerian regime has finally bowed and capitulated after years of defiance and hatred for imperialism, capitalism and Jews. But its endgame is ONE thing: preserving the status quo on the Sahara issue and its Polisario militias. But will its tactics work? And will Washington be fooled by the deceitful and traitor ruling Junta in Algeria?
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan have worked out detailed swap arrangements covering water and electricity, aiming to improve agricultural productivity in areas experiencing dry conditions.

Under the key agreement signed at a trilateral meeting in the Kyrgyz resort town of Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan will receive electricity from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan; in return, Bishkek will release additional water supplies from the Toktogul Reservoir, local news outlets reported September 7. Astana also agreed to facilitate electricity transmissions to Kyrgyzstan from Russia via the Kazakh power grid, while Uzbekistan pledged to supply up to 900 kWh of power to southern Kazakh areas in 2026 to cover expected shortages there when local power systems get upgrades.

According to Kazakh Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov, the agreements feature precise delivery timetables. Work in the water and energy sectors requires maximum precision and strict adherence to schedules, the inbusiness.kz news outlet quoted the minister as saying, adding the agreements create the basis for stability of energy systems and water supply for the entire region.

Areas of southern Kazakhstan have grappled with especially arid conditions in 2025, with little rainfall and high temperatures.

In its September update, the GEOGLAM crop monitor notes that dry conditions continue to negatively impact crop development in most areas of Central Asia. It notes that Uzbekistans wheat yield, for example, is expected to be roughly 10 percent lower this harvest season, compared with the same season in 2024.

The lone area bucking the arid trend in northern Kazakhstan, which is responsible for generating roughly 95 percent of the countrys annual wheat harvest, the crop monitor reports. GEOLOGAM, or the Group on Earth Observations Global Agricultural Monitoring, is an initiative of the G20 grouping of states.

By Eurasianet

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The Africa Climate Summit 2 (ACS2) was hosted in September by the Government of Ethiopia and the African Union to advance Africas climate agenda and sustainable development priorities, ahead of the United Nations November global climate summit COP30. ACS2 brought together 25,000 African leaders, policymakers, youth, civil society, development partners, and the private sector to discuss the potential for a unified African stance on the global climate agenda.

The conference aims to support a green, prosperous, and climate-resilient future through climate finance, nature-based solutions, renewable energy, sustainable food systems, green cities, e-mobility, and indigenous knowledge, according to organisers. It draws attention to the climate issue in Africa and seeks to understand priorities across the continent to present at COP, as well as attract international funding to help meet regional targets. The first ACS was held in Nairobi in Kenya, in 2023 and spurred over $20 billion in investment, with governments across 54 African states uniting through the signing of the Nairobi Declaration, which established a common position on the regions climate issues.

Africa is rapidly emerging as a key region for low-carbon investment as its green economy begins to grow, largely driven by solar power. Across the continent, 20 countries have broken records for the import of solar panels in the previous year, up to June, with imports of photovoltaic panels from China increasing by 60 percent, from 9 MW of capacity in 2024 to 15 MW.

However, despite this rise in solar imports, Africa is not meeting its full potential in terms of solar power capacity, as solar installations lag behind other regions of the world. Around 4 percent of global solar generation came from Africa in 2024, even though the continents solar potential is extremely high, mainly due to funding challenges.

Richard Muyungi, the climate envoy and adviser to the president of Tanzania, stated at the conference, Africa is ready to be part of [the global climate fight] provided we are supported with finance, technology and capacity-building. Muyungi added, There has been an increase of investments in some areas, but Africa still needs a lot of financing to be able to be part of the global solution, and to address the challenges we are facing.

According to energy think tank Ember, last years solar panel imports will add around 5 percent to the current electricity generation capacity of 16 African countries. Meanwhile, around 600 million people in Africa do not have access to electricity, and roughly one billion people use firewood or dirty fuels for cooking.

Many view renewable energy as vital for providing energy security in Africa. In addition, as more African countries industrialise, developing the regions renewable energy sector is vital to deterring more widespread investments in polluting fossil fuel operations, which will also support the global goal of a green transition. In addition, greater connectivity with other regions of the world could enhance clean power sharing, particularly between North Africa and Europe.

Political leaders at the conference highlighted the need for long-term and reliable funding rather than short-term grants in supporting the regions renewable energy development. While several countries have shown political support for industry expansion, there is insufficient public and private funding to achieve most green energy goals, particularly following cuts in overseas aid from several governments over the last year.

The effects of climate change are already being seen across Africa. One report published at the summit demonstrated that although Africa required at least $70 billion a year to adapt to the effects of the climate crisis, just $15 billion was spent on adaptation activities across the continent in 2023. Meanwhile, Africa is responsible for only 4 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to investing in Africa to help the region tackle climate change, there are various potential global benefits of developing Africas renewable energy and related industries. The continent is home to some of the biggest critical mineral reserves, which are needed to develop the worlds renewable energy and tech industries. It also has vast amounts of natural gas, which continues to be viewed by many as a transition fuel, and vast solar power potential. Africa holds around 60 percent of the worlds best solar resources.

At the conference, several states responded to United States President Donald Trumps Climate Agenda  or lack thereof. Some called on the U.S. to reinstate climate finance. Meanwhile, the European Unions executive vice-president, Teresa Ribera, reminded delegates that the EU is still the biggest investor in Africa, telling them that Europe will continue to stand by you.

Through ACS2, African leaders and other representatives are showing the world that Africa is key to the future of the worlds energy and a global green transition. The conference helped align regional priorities and targets ahead of COP30, which will be held in Brazil in November and will provide African climate leaders a platform to communicate the needs and expectations of the region on a global platform.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

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University of Victoria postdoctoral fellow Nathaniel Brunt views an image from a collection of photos of the Yazidi people in their northern Iraq homeland in the 1930s, during an interview at the Penn Museum Archives in Philadelphia, Aug. 27, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Matt Rourke

Archeologists studying ancient civilizations in northern Iraq during the 1930s also befriended the nearby Yazidi community, documenting their daily lives in photographs that were rediscovered after the Islamic State militant group devastated the tiny religious minority.

The black-and-white images ended up scattered among the 2,000 or so photographs from the excavation kept at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, which led the ambitious dig.

One photoa Yazidi shrinecaught the eye of Penn doctoral student Marc Marin Webb in 2022, nearly a decade after it was destroyed by IS extremists plundering the region. Webb and others began scouring museum files and gathered almost 300 photos to create a visual archive of the Yazidi people, one of Iraq's oldest religious minorities.

The systematic attacks, which the United Nations called a genocide, killed thousands of Yazidis and sent thousands more into exile or sexual slavery. It also destroyed much of their built heritage and cultural history, and the small community has since become splintered around the world.

Ansam Basher, now a teacher in England, was overwhelmed with emotion when she saw the photos, particularly a batch from her grandparents' wedding day in the early 1930s.

"No one would imagine that a person my age would lose their history because of the ISIS attack," said the 43-year-old, using an acronym for the extremist group. Basher's grandfather lived with her family while she was growing up in Bashiqa, a town outside Mosul. The city fell to IS in 2014.

"My albums, my childhood photos, all videos, my two brothers' wedding videos (and) photos, disappeared. And now to see that my grandfather and great-grandfather's photo all of a sudden just come to life again, this is something I'm really happy about," she said. "Everybody is."

University of Pennsylvania doctoral student Marc Marin Webb displays an image from a collection of photos of the Yazidi people in their northern Iraq homeland in the 1930s, at the Penn Museum Archives in Philadelphia, Aug. 27, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Matt Rourke

A cache of cultural memory

The archive documents Yazidi people, places and traditions that IS sought to erase. Marin Webb is working with Nathaniel Brunt, a Toronto documentarian, to share it with the community, both through exhibits in the region and in digital form with the Yazidi diaspora.

"When they came to Sinjar, they went around and destroyed all the religious and heritage sites, so these photographs in themselves present a very strong resistance against that act of destruction," said Brunt, a postdoctoral student at the University of Victoria Libraries. The city of Sinjar is the ancestral homeland of the Yazidis near the Syrian border.

The first exhibits took place in the region in April, when Yazidis gather to celebrate the New Year. Some were held outdoors in the very areas the photos documented nearly a century earlier.

"(It) was perceived as a beautiful way to bring memory back, a memory that was directly threatened through the ethnic cleansing campaign," Marin Webb said.

Basher's brother was visiting their hometown from Germany when he saw the exhibit and recognized his grandparents. That helped the researchers fill in some blanks.

University of Pennsylvania doctoral student Marc Marin Webb, right, and University of Victoria postdoctoral fellow Nathaniel Brunt, view images of photos of the Yazidi people in their northern Iraq homeland in the 1930s, during an interview at the Penn Museum Archives in Philadelphia, Aug. 27, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Matt Rourke

The wedding photos show an elaborately dressed bride as she stands anxiously in the doorway of her home, proceeds with her dowry to her husband's village, and finally enters his family home as a crowd looks on.

"I see my sister in black and white," said Basher, noting the similar green eyes and skin tone her sister shares with their grandmother, Naama Sulayman.

Her grandfather, Bashir Sadiq Rashid al-Rashidani, came from a prominent family and often hosted the Penn archaeology crews at his cafe. He and his brother, like other local men, also worked on the excavations, prompting him to invite the westerners to his wedding. They in turn took the photos and even lent the couple a car for the occasion, the family said.

Some of the photos were taken by Ephraim Avigdor Speiser, the Penn Museum archaeologist who led excavations at two ancient Mesopotamian sites in the area, Tepe Gawra and Tell Billa.

"My grandfather used to talk a lot about that time," said Basher, who uses a different spelling of the family surname than other relatives.

Her father, Mohsin Bashir Sadiq, 77, a retired teacher now living in Cologne, Germany, believes the wedding was the first time anyone in the town used a car, which he described as a 1927 model. It can be seen at the back of the wedding procession.

University of Pennsylvania doctoral student Marc Marin Webb, left, and University of Victoria postdoctoral fellow Nathaniel Brunt, view images of photos of the Yazidi people in their northern Iraq homeland in the 1930s, during an interview at the Penn Museum Archives in Philadelphia, Aug. 27, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Matt Rourke

Basher has shared the photos on social media to educate people about her homeland.

"The idea or the picture they have in their mind about Iraq is so different from the reality, " she said. "We've been suffering a lot, but we still have some history."

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Found photos, history awakened

Other photos in the collection show people at home, at work, at religious gatherings.

To Marin Webb, an architect from Barcelona, they show the Yazidis as they lived, instead of equating them with the violence they later endured. Locals who saw the exhibit told him it "shows the world that we're also people."

An isolated minority, the Yazidis have been persecuted for centuries. Many Muslim sects consider them infidels; many Iraqis falsely see them as worshippers of Satan. They speak Kurdish and their traditions are amalgamated, borrowing from Christianity, Islam and the ancient Persian religion of Zoroastrianism.

University of Pennsylvania doctoral student Marc Marin Webb speaks during an interview at the Penn Museum Archives in Philadelphia, Aug. 27, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Matt Rourke

Basher is grateful the photos remained safeif largely out of sightat the museum all this time. Alessandro Pezzati, the museum's senior archivist, was one of several people who helped Marin Webb comb through the files to identify them.

"A lot of these collections are sleeping until they get woken up by people like him," Pezzati said.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Blue-green algae infested water is pictured in Battery Harbour on the shores of Lough Neagh, in Northern Ireland, on August 22, 2025.

For the third year running toxic blue-green algae blooms that look like pea soup and smell like rotten eggs have covered much of Lough Neagh, the largest lake in the UK and Ireland.

But this summer, the thick green veneerso widespread it is visible from spacehas been worse than ever, according to locals living near the Northern Ireland landmark.

"The lake is dying," Mary O'Hagan, an open water swimmer, told AFP at Ballyronan, on its western shore, as ducks struggled over slick green-coated stones.

The algae growthfueled by industrial, agricultural and sewage pollution, as well as climate change, according to expertshas ravaged fishing and watersports, and prompted concerns about drinking water safety.

Signs banning bathing dot the lake's 78-mile-long shoreline, including at Ballyronan, 34 miles (54 kilometers) west of the Northern Irish capital Belfast.

Nutrient-rich fertilizer and slurry run-off from farms supplying mega-firms like chicken processor Moy Park are being blamed for contributing to the pollution.

Untreated sewage spills and septic tank effluent are also suspected.

Moy Park deny polluting the lake and say the poultry sector is "highly regulated with strict limits set for wastewater quality" at all its local sites.

The algae growth is a "complex issue not specifically linked to any one sector," a spokesperson told AFP.

'Heartbreaking'

Lough Neagh was O'Hagan's "training ground" during the COVID years, but she has hardly dipped a toe in the water since.

Nutrient-rich fertilizer and slurry run-off from farms supplying mega-firms are seen as a chief contributor to the lough's pollution, as well as untreated sewage spills and adding phosphorus to the water supply.

The 48-year-old told AFP she suffers from chronic health problems and swimming is her only exercise. Now she must rely on local swimming pools.

"Swimming here with its spectacular sunrises helped me when I was in a bad place in my life. It's heartbreaking to see it now," she said as green-tinted waves lapped the shore.

O'Hagan has joined a campaign group, "Save Lough Neagh", and at a recent protest urged Northern Ireland's regional government to act faster.

"Fine the polluters!" she said, calling in addition for the creation of an independent environmental agency able to punish factory farms and agri-food giants guilty of pollution.

The invasive zebra mussel species, a recent arrival in the lake's waters, filter water but any benefit is far outweighed by the mollusks also stimulating algal photosynthesis, worsening the green water effect.

Meanwhile the algae has decimated the Lough Neagh fly, a staple for fish and birds, local fisherman Mick Hagan told AFP while casting a line in a nearby tributary river.

"This river used to be full of trout, but no longer," said the 38-year-old wading back to dry land without a catch.

Europe's largest eel fisheryalso on the loughsuspended operations this year due to quality concerns.

Hagan's is the first of many generations in his family not to fish for eels in Lough Neagh.

Now he runs a pizza truck at a campervan site near Ballyronan, but the powerful stench from the lough kept most tourists away this summer.

Birds feed on the shore of Lough Neagh covered in Blue-green algae, in Northern Ireland, on August 22, 2025.

'Doctor Sludge'

According to Gavin Knox, whose paddleboard small business also fell victim to the sludge, the foul smell can reach miles inland.

The 48-year-old launched his venture in 2022 to help people safely have fun on the water.

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Working with people with learning disabilities and brain injuries as well as families, Knox said bookings gradually dried up after the algae appeared.

"Doing business became impossible," he told AFP. "Even if there are safe places to paddle, nobody wants to do it when the fish are dying and the birds are covered in green slime."

Forced to repay a large start-up loan, he is angry that no compensation was ever offered by the government to affected small businesses.

"It's not fair that the people most impacted haven't been responded to in a meaningful manner," said Knox.

Last July the regional government launched an action plan to kickstart a fix.

But less than half the planned measures have been delivered.

The remaining steps have "delivery timelines extending into 2026 and beyond," said a government statement sent to AFP. It did not provide further details.

With around 40% of Northern Ireland's drinking water supplied by Lough Neagh, the risk of a health emergency might force swifter action by authorities, said Les Gornall, a local slurry expert whose nickname is "Doctor Sludge".

"If Belfast suddenly cannot guarantee a clean water supply, then there would be a property and tourism crash," he predicted.

"Maybe that prospect will jolt them into fixing the lake."

 2025 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

This plot shows gravitational-wave signals recorded by the LIGO Hanford detector almost 10 years apart. The top shows data from LIGO's first-ever detection of gravitational waves, an event called GW150914, captured in 2015. The bottom shows the signal known as GW250114, captured in 2025. Both events involve colliding black holes about 1.3 billion light-years away with masses between 30 to 40 times that of our sun. The purple line shows the data, which are a combination of the signal plus background detector noise. The noise comes from a variety of sources, including seismic motions that jiggle giant mirrors inside LIGO. The green line shows the best-fit prediction from general relativity for each signal. The much lower noise seen today is thanks to cutting-edge improvements made to the LIGO detectors that hush unwanted noise. Credit: LIGO/J. Tissino (GSSI)/R. Hurt (Caltech-IPAC)

On September 14, 2015, a signal arrived on Earth, carrying information about a pair of remote black holes that had spiraled together and merged. The signal had traveled about 1.3 billion years to reach us at the speed of lightbut it was not made of light. It was a different kind of signal: a quivering of space-time called gravitational waves first predicted by Albert Einstein 100 years prior.

On that day 10 years ago, the twin detectors of the US National Science Foundation Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (NSF LIGO) made the first-ever direct detection of gravitational waves, whispers in the cosmos that had gone unheard until that moment.

The historic discovery meant that researchers could now sense the universe through three different means. While light waves, such as X-rays, optical, radio, and other wavelengths of light as well as high-energy particles called cosmic rays and neutrinos had been captured before, this was the first time anyone had witnessed a cosmic event through its gravitational warping of space-time.

For this achievement, first dreamed up more than 40 years prior, three of the team's founders won the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics: MIT's Rainer Weiss, professor of physics, emeritus (who recently passed away at age 92); Caltech's Barry Barish, the Ronald and Maxine Linde Professor of Physics, Emeritus; and Caltech's Kip Thorne, the Richard P. Feynman Professor of Theoretical Physics, Emeritus.

This artwork imagines the ultimate front-row seat for GW250114, a powerful collision between two black holes observed in gravitational waves by the US National Science Foundation LIGO. It depicts the view from one of the black holes as it spirals toward its cosmic partner. Ten years after LIGO's landmark detection of gravitational waves, the observatory's improved detectors allowed it to "hear" this celestial collision with unprecedented clarity. The gravitational-wave data enabled scientists to distinguish multiple subtle tones ringing out like a cosmic bell across the universe (imagined here as intertwining musical threads spiraling toward the center). Though only LIGO was online during GW250114, it now routinely operates as part of a network with other gravitational-wave detectors, including Europe's Virgo and Japan's KAGRA. Credit: Aurore Simonnet (SSU/EdEon)/LVK/URI

Today, LIGO, which consists of detectors in both Hanford, Washington and Livingston, Louisiana, routinely observes roughly one black hole merger every three days. LIGO now operates in coordination with two international partners, the Virgo gravitational-wave detector in Italy and KAGRA in Japan.

Together, the gravitational-wave-hunting network, known as the LVK (LIGO, Virgo, KAGRA), has captured a total of about 300 black hole mergers, some of which are confirmed while others await further analysis. During the network's current science run, the fourth since the first run in 2015, the LVK has discovered about 220 candidate black hole mergers, more than double the number caught in the first three runs.

The dramatic rise in the number of LVK discoveries over the past decade is owed to several improvements to their detectorssome of which involve cutting-edge quantum precision engineering. The LVK detectors remain by far the most precise rulers for making measurements ever created by humans.

This video compares a newly detected gravitational-wave signal called GW250114 with the first gravitational-wave signal ever detected, GW150914, in 2015. Both signals came from colliding black holes, each between 30 to 40 times the mass of the sun. The video converts the signals to sounds (called "chirps") and plays each detection twice. The first round is played at the original frequencies, in which the gravitational-wave frequencies have been converted directly into sound waves. In the second round, the pitch has been increased by 30% to make the chirps easier to hear. Credit: California Institute of Technology

The space-time distortions induced by gravitational waves are incredibly minuscule. For instance, LIGO detects changes in space-time smaller than 1/10,000 the width of a proton. That's 700 trillion times smaller than the width of a human hair.

"Rai Weiss proposed the concept of LIGO in 1972, and I thought 'this doesn't have much chance at all of working,'" recalls Thorne, an expert on the theory of black holes.

"It took me three years of thinking about it on and off and discussing ideas with Rai and Vladimir Braginsky [a Russian physicist], to be convinced this had a significant possibility of success. The technical difficulty of reducing the unwanted noise that interferes with the desired signal was enormous. We had to invent a whole new technology. NSF was just superb at shepherding this project through technical reviews and hurdles."

MIT's Nergis Mavalvala, the Curtis and Kathleen Marble Professor of Astrophysics and dean of the School of Science, says that the challenges the team overcame to make the first discovery are still very much at play.

"From the exquisite precision of the LIGO detectors, to the astrophysical theories of gravitational-wave sources, to the complex data analyses, all these hurdles had to be overcome, and we continue to improve in all of these areas. As the detectors get better, we hunger for farther, fainter sources. LIGO continues to be a technological marvel."

A numerical relativity simulation of the recently observed GW250114 event. The blue and white surface shows a two-dimensional slice of the gravitational waves spiraling outward as the black holes orbit one another. Throughout this inspiral, the gravitational waves grow in magnitude, peaking as the black holes merge, and then decreasing rapidly as the newly formed remnant black hole settles. Credit: Deborah Ferguson, Derek Davis, Rob Coyne (URI) / LIGO / MAYA Collaboration. Simulation performed with NSF's TACC Frontera supercomputer.

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The clearest signal yet

LIGO's improved sensitivity is exemplified in a recent discovery of a black hole merger referred to as GW250114 (the numbers denote the date the gravitational-wave signal arrived at Earth: January 14, 2025).

The event was not that different from LIGO's first-ever detection (called GW150914)both involve colliding black holes about 1.3 billion light-years away with masses between 30 to 40 times that of our sun. But thanks to 10 years of technological advances reducing instrumental noise, the GW250114 signal is dramatically clearer.

"We can hear it loud and clear, and that lets us test the fundamental laws of physics," says LIGO team member Katerina Chatziioannou, Caltech assistant professor of physics and William H. Hurt Scholar, and one of the authors of a new study on GW250114 published in the Physical Review Letters.

Visualization of the binary black hole merger called GW250114. The animation shows the inspiral and merger of the two black holes, then continues a few milliseconds into the ringdown phase. At that point the gravitational waves are separated into the two modes of the ringing remnant black hole that were identified in the observation. A predicted third tone (that the data place limits on) is also shown. Credit: H. Pfeiffer, A. Buonanno (Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics), K. Mitman (Cornell University)

By analyzing the frequencies of gravitational waves emitted by the merger, the LVK team was able to provide the best observational evidence captured to date for what is known as the black hole area theorem, an idea put forth by Stephen Hawking in 1971 that says the total surface areas of black holes cannot decrease.

When black holes merge, their masses combine, increasing the surface area. But they also lose energy in the form of gravitational waves. Additionally, the merger can cause the combined black hole to increase its spin, which leads to it having a smaller area. The black hole area theorem states that despite these competing factors, the total surface area must grow in size.

Later, Hawking and physicist Jacob Bekenstein concluded that a black hole's area is proportional to its entropy, or degree of disorder. The findings paved the way for later groundbreaking work in the field of quantum gravity, which attempts to unite two pillars of modern physics: general relativity and quantum physics.

In essence, the LIGO detection allowed the team to "hear" two black holes growing as they merged into one, verifying Hawking's theorem. (Virgo and KAGRA were offline during this particular observation.)

The initial black holes had a total surface area of 240,000 square kilometers (roughly the size of Oregon), while the final area was about 400,000 square kilometers (roughly the size of California)a clear increase.

This chart plots discoveries made by the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA (LVK) network since LIGO's first detection, in 2015, of gravitational waves emanating from a pair of colliding black holes. The detections consist mainly of black hole mergers, but a handful involve neutron stars (either black hole-neutron star collisions or neutron star-neutron star collisions). Credit: LIGO/Caltech/MIT/R. Hurt (IPAC)

This is the second test of the black hole area theorem; an initial test was performed in 2021 using data from the first GW150914 signal, but because that data was not as clean, the results had a confidence level of 95% as compared to 99.999% for the new data.

Thorne recalls Hawking phoning him to ask whether LIGO might be able to test his theorem immediately after he learned of the 2015 gravitational-wave detection. Hawking died in 2018 and sadly did not live to see his theory observationally verified. "If Hawking were alive, he would have reveled in seeing the area of the merged black holes increase," Thorne says.

The trickiest part of this type of analysis had to do with determining the final surface area of the merged black hole. The surface areas of pre-merger black holes can be more readily gleaned as the pair spiral together, roiling space-time and producing gravitational waves. But after the black holes coalesce, the signal is not as clearcut. During this so-called ringdown phase, the final black hole vibrates like a struck bell.

In the new study, the researchers were able to precisely measure the details of the ringdown phase, which allowed them to calculate the mass and spin of the black hole, and subsequently determine its surface area. More precisely, they were able, for the first time, to confidently pick out two distinct gravitational-wave modes in the ringdown phase.

The modes are like characteristic sounds a bell would make when struck; they have somewhat similar frequencies but die out at different rates, which makes them hard to identify.

The improved data for GW250114 meant that the team could extract the modes, demonstrating that the black hole's ringdown occurred exactly as predicted by math models based on the Teukolsky formalismdevised in 1972 by Saul Teukolsky, now a professor at Caltech and Cornell.

Another study from the LVK, submitted to Physical Review Letters, places limits on a predicted third, higher-pitch tone in the GW250114 signal, and performs some of the most stringent tests yet of general relativity's accuracy in describing merging black holes.

"A decade of improvements allowed us to make this exquisite measurement," Chatziioannou says.

"It took both of our detectors, in Washington and Louisiana, to do this. I don't know what will happen in 10 more years, but in the first 10 years, we have made tremendous improvements to LIGO's sensitivity. This not only means we are accelerating the rate at which we discover new black holes, but we are also capturing detailed data that expand the scope of what we know about the fundamental properties of black holes."

Jenne Driggers, detection lead senior scientist at LIGO Hanford, adds, "It takes a global village to achieve our scientific goals. From our exquisite instruments, to calibrating the data very precisely, vetting and providing assurances about the fidelity of the data quality, searching the data for astrophysical signals, and packaging all that into something that telescopes can read and act upon quickly, there are a lot of specialized tasks that come together to make LIGO the great success that it is."

Pushing the limits

LIGO and Virgo have also unveiled neutron stars over the past decade. Like black holes, neutron stars form from the explosive deaths of massive stars, but they weigh less and glow with light. Of note, in August of 2017, LIGO and Virgo witnessed an epic collision between a pair of neutron starsa kilonovathat sent gold and other heavy elements flying into space and drew the gaze of dozens of telescopes around the world, which captured light ranging from high-energy gamma rays to low-energy radio waves.

The "multi-messenger" astronomy event marked the first time that both light and gravitational waves had been captured in a single cosmic event. Today, the LVK continues to alert the astronomical community to potential neutron star collisions, who then use telescopes to search the skies for signs of kilonovae.

"The LVK has made big strides in recent years to make sure we're getting high quality data and alerts out to the public in under a minute, so that astronomers can look for multi-messenger signatures from our gravitational-wave candidates," Driggers says.

"The global LVK network is essential to gravitational-wave astronomy," says Gianluca Gemme, Virgo spokesperson and director of research at INFN (Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare). "With three or more detectors operating in unison, we can pinpoint cosmic events with greater accuracy, extract richer astrophysical information, and enable rapid alerts for multi-messenger follow-up. Virgo is proud to contribute to this worldwide scientific endeavor."

Other LVK scientific discoveries include the first detection of collisions between one neutron star and one black hole; asymmetrical mergers, in which one black hole is significantly more massive than its partner black hole; the discovery of the lightest black holes known, challenging the idea that there is a "mass gap" between neutron stars and black holes; and the most massive black hole merger seen yet with a merged mass of 225 solar masses. For reference, the previous record-holder for the most massive merger had a combined mass of 140 solar masses.

Even in the decades before LIGO began taking data, scientists were building foundations that made the field of gravitational-wave science possible. Breakthroughs in computer simulations of black hole mergers, for example, allow the team to extract and analyze the feeble gravitational-wave signals generated across the universe.

LIGO's technological achievements, beginning as far back as the 1980s, include several far-reaching innovations, such as a new way to stabilize lasers using the so-called PoundDreverHall technique.

Invented in 1983 and named for contributing physicists Robert Vivian Pound, the late Ronald Drever of Caltech (a founder of LIGO), and John Lewis Hall, this technique is widely used today in other fields, such as the development of atomic clocks and quantum computers.

Other innovations include cutting-edge mirror coatings that almost perfectly reflect laser light; "quantum squeezing" tools that enable LIGO to surpass sensitivity limits imposed by quantum physics; and new AI methods that could further hush certain types of unwanted noise.

"What we are ultimately doing inside LIGO is protecting quantum information and making sure it doesn't get destroyed by external factors," Mavalvala says. "The techniques we are developing are pillars of quantum engineering and have applications across a broad range of devices, such as quantum computers and quantum sensors."

In the coming years, the scientists and engineers of LVK hope to further fine tune their machines, expanding their reach deeper and deeper into space. They also plan to use the knowledge they have gained to build another gravitational-wave detector, LIGO India. Having a third LIGO observatory would greatly improve the precision with which the LVK network can localize gravitational-wave sources.

Looking farther into the future, the team is working on a concept for an even larger detector, called Cosmic Explorer, which would have arms 40 kilometers long (the twin LIGO observatories have 4-kilometer arms). A European project, called the Einstein Telescope, also has plans to build one or two huge underground interferometers with arms of more than 10-kilometers long. Observatories on this scale would allow scientists to hear the earliest black hole mergers in the universe.

"Just ten short years ago, LIGO opened our eyes for the first time to gravitational waves and changed the way humanity sees the cosmos," says Aamir Ali, a program director in the NSF Division of Physics, which has supported LIGO since its inception.

"There's a whole universe to explore through this completely new lens and these latest discoveries show LIGO is just getting started."

More information: GW250114: testing Hawking's area law and the Kerr nature of black holes, Physical Review Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1103/kw5g-d732 Black Hole Spectroscopy and Tests of General Relativity with GW250114, arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2509.08099 Journal information: Physical Review Letters
September 15, 2025: Since 2014 and Russias seizure of Crimea, individual Russian dissidents and small groups of Russian expatriates have occasionally opposed the Russian invasion in public. Their open opposition usually focuses on the harm Vladimir Putin and his dictatorial regime do to Russia, but they also oppose the regimes war against Ukraine.

The Kremlin criminalizes any form of open opposition. The goal is silenceterrorized silence. For example, in February 2024, Putin had the Federal Security Service (FSB) arrest a Russian ballerina when she traveled to Russia from the U.S. to visit her family. The dancer held both Russian and U.S. citizenship (a dual national). The FSB accused the woman of raising money to support Ukraines military and quickly charged her with treason. The woman was distraught and afraidthe reactions the Kremlin wanted. Despite U.S. objections, in August 2024, a court convicted her of treason. Her act of treason? She made a small donation (around fifty dollars) to a U.S. nonprofit organization that provides refugees with medical and disaster relief supplies. The organization does criticize Russias government, but it is not an arm of the Ukrainian military.

In April 2025, Russia released the ballerina in a prisoner swap arranged by the U.S. State Department. Moscow exchanged the ballerina for a Russian-German dual national. The man was arrested in 2023 for obtaining sanctioned microelectronics from U.S. sources and smuggling the devices to Russia. He was definitely part of an illicit Russian military procurement network. The ballerina? She returned to the U.S.

From 2014 to February 2022, Russia waged a slow war in Ukraine. The media would feature Ukrainian citizens who were ethnic Russians and opposed the Russian seizure of Crimea and the war in Donbas. After the February 2022 all-out invasion failed, Putins government was shocked to learn that ethnic Russian communities preferred the Ukrainian government to the Kremlin. This was particularly evident in Kharkiv, which has a large ethnic Russian community. Thousands of ethnic Russian Ukrainian citizens serve in Ukraines military forces.

Since 2022, there have been an increasing number of reports of Russian soldiers defecting to Ukraine. Some now serve with the RDK, a Ukrainian paramilitary group initially formed in August 2022. RDK is the abbreviation for Russian Volunteer Corps (Russkiy Dobrovolcheskiy Korpus). The Kremlin calls the RDK a terrorist organization. Some media refer to the RDK as neo-Nazi. This is certain: RDK personnel are not frightened ballerinas.

Ukrainian intelligence sources acknowledge that RDK personnel have carried out sabotage operations inside Russia. RDK soldiers participated in the March 2023 raid into Russias Bryansk Oblast. RDK fighters posted video of the raid on the internet and later claimed the raid demonstrated that the Russian border was poorly defended. The Kremlin called the raid terrorism. The RDK participated in the 2024 Kursk incursion. Being native Russian speakers, they were a perfect choice for reconnaissance and sabotage missions preceding the Kursk incursion. RDK volunteers come from various backgrounds. A British source says it has interviewed RDK soldiers who claim they once served with Wagner (Yevgeny Prigozhins mercenary force). Other RDK soldiers have diverse backgrounds: Russian policemen, some former prison inmates, and a handful of expatriate businessmen. There are also Russian civilians serving because they oppose Putins regime.

There are two other small Russian volunteer groups fighting with Ukrainian forces: the Freedom of Russia Legion and the Siberian Battalion. The Freedom of Russia Legion says most of its soldiers were Russian prisoners of war captured by Ukraine. They decided to fight Putins regime. The Siberian Battalion is an actual unit of the Ukrainian Army. Its personnel are native Russian citizens opposed to Putin. Several ethnic Buryats and Yakuts serve with this unit. Buryats are ethnic Mongols from the Republic of Buryatia and the Lake Baikal region. Ethnic Yakuts (also known as Sakha) live in several places in Siberia, including the Yakut Autonomous Republic. In 1689, imperial Manchu Qing China ceded control of the Buryat territory to Czarist Russia (Treaty of Nerchinsk). One source says the Buryats and Yakuts ultimately want to end Kremlin control of their home territories. (AB)
Mexico most affected in Caribbean: International specialists meet to talk sargassum barrier strategies

Akumal, Q.R.  Akumal hosted the first sargassum barrier forum lead by six leading international suppliers. The September 11 meeting was held to discuss strategies for the proper use and installation of the anti-seaweed containers.

State government and sargassum committee officials were part of those who attended the September 11 forum.

Ivan Pennie, a specialist in integrated coastal management and collaborator with Oceanos International and EcoProteccion Akumal, explained that the forum arose from the need to promote a comprehensive approach to the use of barriers. He says the anti-sargassum barriers are an essential part of a broader strategy for controlling sargassum near the coast.

Ivan Pennie

He noted that although booms have been used for years to contain hydrocarbons, their application in sargassum management is relatively new which has led to errors and an often negative perception due to misuse or lack of knowledge.

Pennie reported that the first edition of the forum brought together six of the leading international suppliers and specialists in sargassum barriers who were willing to discuss and share experiences with members of the State Committee for Sargassum Management in Quintana Roo and the states government officials.

Specialists explained the success of the barriers depends on their proper installation.

He made it clear that the forum did not have a commercial focus but rather a technical and practical one aimed at determining what types of barriers work in each specific coastal context, since there is no one-size-fits-all solution for all Quintana Roo beaches.

Pennie explained that the effectiveness of anti-sargassum barriers depends on factors such as bathymetry, seafloor slope and its relationship to the flow of sargassum driven by trade winds.

Pennie says barriers need to be installed correctly to divert sargassum, not necessarily capture it.

He stressed that the objective is not to completely contain the sargassum, but rather to divert its trajectory to facilitate its collection in more suitable locations.

Its not about containing such a large mass but rather diverting it to a more convenient location for collection. Thats the smartest thing you can do with barriers, said Pennie.

Forum speakers said approximately 19 countries in Central America and the Caribbean currently use sargassum barriers, however, Mexico faces the greatest impact in the Caribbean with more than 800 kilometers of coastline affected.

Pennie explained that the coast of Quintana Roo is the most impacted due to its location perpendicular to the main flow of the macroalgae. Despite this, Mexico leads in the development of knowledge and technologies of sargassum compared to other nations in the region, he added.

Divers are seen here installing a sargassum barrier off the coast of Tulum.

We are in the most perpendicular position to the main flow of sargassum which makes us the most impacted country, although we are also the ones with the most knowledge and development on this issue, Pennie said.

The state of Quintana Roo is currently working on turning sargassum into a renewal resource with the construction of its first Comprehensive Sanitation and Circular Economy Center. Once built, the state will transform sargassum into a sustainable economic opportunity to provide long-term sustainable solutions.
September 13, 2025: In the last four months, Ukrainian long-range drones have scored several hits on Russian energy production and distribution facilities. Western media have published figures suggesting Ukraine has achieved some success. In August, Ukraine attacked at least 12 large refineries. Those attacks disrupted 17 percent of Russias daily oil production capacity, a little over one million barrels a day.

Vladimir Putin has also noticed Russia faces energy shortages, though he doesnt say why. On September 4, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is facing a natural gas shortageand Russias winter is on the way. You need natural gas to battle General Winter.

Ukraines anti-energy offensive echoes the Allies strategic bombing campaign that targeted German oil production in World War II. Despite the best efforts of the 8th Air Force, the Germans managed to keep the oil flowing, but the campaign hurt. The most famous World War II anti-fuel raid occurred on August 1, 1943. Bombers from the 8th and 9th Air Forces hit the oil refineries in Ploiesti, Romania. In 1944, Allied tactical air strikes on railroads (fuel cars) and oil depots definitely limited the Germans ability to fuel aircraft and panzers.

For a strategic drone anti-energy campaign to be effective, Ukraine would have to conduct a sustained aerial offensive targeting and destroying Russian facilities deep inside Russian territory. To sustain the UAV offensive requires building several hundred more long-range drones each month. The drones are expendable, so fuel capacity is one-way. However, the UAVs must be agile and stealthy enough to penetrate 300 to 1,000 kilometers of Russian airspace. Ukraine has demonstrated its current long-range drones can hit oil production targets over 500 kilometers inside Russia and do significant damage. However, military analysts suspect producing the drones for a sustained long-range campaign would require a very large resource commitment.

Ukraine has shown it can produce thousands of indigenous drones very quickly. Its willing to spend the cash. However, to pursue an effective, sustained anti-Russian energy campaignone with harsh economic and political impact on the KremlinUkraine needs to be able to use missile and aircraft systems (supplied by the U.S. and other key allies) that currently have range and targeting restrictions. These systems can be used to suppress Russian air defenses so the drones can go deep.

Russias September 10 drone probe of Poland might lead to the elimination of weapon range and targeting restrictions. Poland has called the drone penetrations a planned and purposeful attack. The NATO Article 4 consultation would be a first step.

Ukraines energy target list does tell the Kremlin that Kyiv understands how crucial energy is to Russias economy. Damaging production ultimately affects Russias operational forces in Ukraine.

Ukraine has attacked numerous Russian energy targets this month. On September 5, Ukrainian drones struck Russias Ryazan oil refinery. They also hit a large oil depot in Ukraines occupied Luhansk region (an operational strike). Russian authorities in Ryazan claimed they shot down eight drones. Ukraine also struck Ryazan in early August. Subsequently, Ukraine and independent sources claimed that particular refinerys capacity was cut in half. On September 7, Ukrainian drones attacked the Ilsky oil refinery in Russias Krasnodar Krai Oblast (located along the Black Sea). Drones struck the refinery in July. Ilsky is about 500 kilometers from Ukrainian territory. Drones also hit a major pipelines control station (the 8-N pipeline) in Bryansk Oblast. A tank farm near the control station was badly damaged. Reports also claim Ukrainian special forces participated in the Ilsky raid. (AB)
On September 4, 2025, Vice President Han Zheng met in Beijing respectively with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, who are in China for the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

When meeting with Robert Fico, Han Zheng stated that President Xi Jinping held a fruitful meeting with Prime Minister Robert Fico today, reaching new and important common understandings on the development of the China-Slovakia strategic partnership. The Chinese side highly appreciates Prime Minister Robert Fico's steadfast friendship with China and is ready to work with the Slovak side, guided by the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries, to strengthen exchanges of governance experience, and expand and deepen practical cooperation. Noting that the Global Governance Initiative put forth by President Xi Jinping is of great significance under the current international circumstances, Han Zheng expressed the belief that the Slovak side will actively support the initiative.

Robert Fico congratulated China on the successful holding of the commemoration on September 3. President Xi Jinping's important statements that justice will prevail, peace will prevail, and the people will prevail demonstrated the foresight and wisdom of a statesman. The Slovak side is firmly committed to deepening the Slovakia-China strategic partnership, supports the Global Governance Initiative, and hopes to strengthen inter-party exchanges with China.

When meeting with Gan Kim Yong, Han Zheng stated that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Singapore 35 years ago, the two countries have always treated each other as equals, respected each other, learned from each other, and achieved mutual benefit and win-win results. In June this year, President Xi Jinping held a friendly meeting with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, making strategic plans for the development of China-Singapore relations in the next phase. China is ready to work with Singapore to jointly implement the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries and further advance bilateral relations. The Global Governance Initiative put forth by President Xi Jinping meets the urgent needs of today's world and is bound to gain widespread recognition from the international community.

Gan Kim Yong congratulated on the successful holding of the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, spoke positively of the Global Governance Initiative, and stated that China's economic outlook remains sound in the long run with enormous development potential. Noting the broad prospects of Singapore-China cooperation, he looks forward to deepening and expanding practical cooperation while enhancing friendly exchanges between the two countries.
On September 4, 2025, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection Li Xi met respectively in Beijing with First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party and President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who are in China for the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

When meeting with Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, Li Xi said that in the morning, General Secretary and President Xi Jinping held a fruitful meeting with Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, drawing a new blueprint for the development of bilateral relations. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cuba. China is ready to work with Cuba to implement the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two parties and the two countries, carry forward the traditional friendship, deepen strategic coordination, and ensure that the building of a China-Cuba community with a shared future continues to yield new outcomes. Li Xi also briefed on the CPC's efforts to advance Chinese modernization, strengthen Party building, and carry out study and education to fully implement the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving work conduct.

Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez highly praised the great development achievements China has made under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and extended congratulations on the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Cuba fully supports the Global Governance Initiative and is committed to deepening the building of a China-Cuba community with a shared future.

When meeting with Emmerson Mnangagwa, Li Xi said that President Xi Jinping and President Emmerson Mnangagwa reached important common understandings on jointly building a China-Zimbabwe all-weather community with a shared future, providing new strategic guidance for the development of bilateral relations. China is ready to work with Zimbabwe to consolidate strategic mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, enhance people-to-people bonds, and continuously promote bilateral relations and cooperation across various fields to new heights. Li Xi also briefed on the CPC's efforts to carry out study and education to fully implement the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving work conduct and shared China's experience in the work of combating corruption, and expressed readiness to continue strengthening exchanges and cooperation with Zimbabwe in the field of combating corruption.

Emmerson Mnangagwa extended warm congratulations on the complete success of the commemoration, saying that Zimbabwe fully supports the multiple global initiatives put forth by President Xi Jinping, firmly abides by the one-China principle, and works with China to build an all-weather community with a shared future.
On September 4, 2025, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) Zhao Leji met respectively in Beijing with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Woo Won-shik, who are in China for the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

When meeting with Aleksandar Vucic, Zhao Leji said that President Xi Jinping paid a successful visit to Serbia in May last year, and together with President Aleksandar Vucic, guided China-Serbia relations onto a new journey of building a community with a shared future in the new era. China highly appreciates President Aleksandar Vucic's firm commitment to friendly cooperation with China, and is ready to work with Serbia to implement the important common understandings reached by the two heads of state, maintain steadfast mutual support, strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the legislative bodies, and promote greater development of bilateral relations.

Aleksandar Vucic said that on the previous day, the world witnessed the great achievements made by the Chinese people under the leadership of President Xi Jinping. The Chinese people are invincible. The Serbian people feel deeply proud to have a friend like China. Serbia supports the Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, firmly supports China in safeguarding its core interests, and looks forward to further enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation with China.

When meeting with Luong Cuong, Zhao Leji said that in the morning, General Secretary and President Xi Jinping and President Luong Cuong had a cordial meeting. China and Viet Nam have always adhered to the socialist path suited to their respective national conditions. China is ready to work with Viet Nam to follow through on the outcomes of General Secretary Xi Jinping's visit to Viet Nam in April this year, enhance strategic mutual trust, maintain firm mutual support, and work together for development and revitalization. The NPC of China is ready to strengthen exchanges with the National Assembly of Viet Nam and make positive contributions to advancing the building of a China-Viet Nam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

Luong Cuong said that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the Chinese people have created great development miracles. Viet Nam is ready to work with China to implement the common understandings reached by the leaders of the two parties and the two countries, enhance solidarity and mutual trust, strengthen practical cooperation, maintain close exchanges between the legislative bodies, and promote the continuous development of Viet Nam-China relations.

When meeting with Woo Won-shik, Zhao Leji said that China and the ROK are not only close neighbors but also cooperation partners. In June this year, President Xi Jinping had a phone call with President Lee Jae-myung, during which they reached important common understandings on elevating the China-ROK strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level. China is ready to work with the ROK, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, to promote the sustained, sound and steady development of bilateral relations. The NPC of China is ready to maintain close exchanges with the ROK National Assembly to provide legal guarantees for practical cooperation between the two countries and better boost the development of China-ROK relations.

Woo Won-shik congratulated China on the successful holding of the commemoration on September 3. He said that the ROK highly appreciates President Xi Jinping's important vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind. He said that under the current circumstances, the ROK and China should strengthen communication and cooperation to advance bilateral relations toward greater maturity and stability. The ROK National Assembly is willing to make active efforts in this regard.
On the morning of September 4, 2025, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council Ding Xuexiang met in Beijing with General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, who is in China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit 2025 and the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and for a working visit.

Ding Xuexiang said that General Secretary and President Xi Jinping held an important meeting with General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith, which is of great significance for guiding the future development of China-Laos relations. China is ready to work with Laos to follow the guidance of the important common understandings reached between the top leaders of the two parties and the two countries, to enhance political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, strengthen multilateral coordination, and advance the building of a high-standard, high-quality, and high-level China-Laos community with a shared future.

Thongloun Sisoulith said that Laos is sincerely pleased with the great achievements made by the Chinese comrades and is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China to continuously deliver new outcomes in building a Laos-China community with a shared future.

On the same day, Ding Xuexiang met in Beijing with Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Woo Won-shik, who is in China for the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

Ding Xuexiang said that in June this year, President Xi Jinping had a phone call with President Lee Jae-myung and reached important common understandings on advancing the China-ROK strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level. Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China is ready to work with the ROK to accommodate each other's core interests and major concerns, enhance friendship and mutual trust, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and push forward the sound and steady development of China-ROK relations for the greater benefit of the people of both countries.

Woo Won-shik extended congratulations on the complete success of the commemoration and expressed willingness to work with China to implement the common understandings reached by the two heads of state, expand mutually beneficial cooperation between the ROK and China in such fields as economy, trade, and science and technology, and promote the continuous development of bilateral relations.
On September 5, 2025, Vice President Han Zheng met in Beijing with President of the National Parliament of Timor-Leste Maria Fernanda Lay, who is in China for the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War and pays a visit to China.

Han Zheng said that last year, President Xi Jinping and President Jose Ramos-Horta agreed to advance bilateral relations in the overarching direction of building a community with a shared future, which has guided the sustained and robust development of bilateral relations. China is ready to work with Timor-Leste to carry forward the fine tradition of mutual trust and win-win cooperation, implement the important common understandings reached by the leaders of both countries, maintain firm mutual support, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, work together to improve people's well-being, enhance mutual understanding and affinity, raise the level of comprehensive strategic cooperation, and jointly promote regional peace and stability.

Maria Fernanda Lay congratulated China on the successful holding of the commemoration on September 3. She thanked China for its valuable support to Timor-Leste over the years. Timor-Leste firmly adheres to the one-China policy. The National Parliament of Timor-Leste is willing to make active contributions to advancing practical cooperation between the two countries.
On the morning of September 5, 2025, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) Zhao Leji held talks with President of the National Parliament of Timor-Leste Maria Fernanda Lay, who is in China for the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War and pays a visit to China.

Zhao Leji said that last year, President Xi Jinping and President Jose Ramos-Horta reached important common understandings on the overarching direction of building a community with a shared future between China and Timor-Leste, opening up broad prospects for the development of bilateral relations. China is ready to work with Timor-Leste to implement the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries, carry forward traditional friendship, deepen strategic coordination, and advance bilateral relations toward the building of a community with a shared future at a faster pace, so as to deliver greater benefits to the two peoples.

Zhao Leji pointed out that China firmly supports Timor-Leste in following a development path suited to its national conditions, and supports Timor-Leste in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security, and development interests. He expressed the belief that Timor-Leste will, as always, give firm support to China on issues concerning its core interests. The two sides should consolidate the foundation of political mutual trust and safeguard the growth of bilateral relations with high-level strategic mutual trust. The two sides should expand the scope of mutually beneficial cooperation, implement the Belt and Road cooperation plan, and create more practical results in areas such as industrial revitalization, infrastructure construction, agriculture, and healthcare. The two sides need to tighten the bonds of people-to-people connectivity, expand cooperation in education and sports as well as among the youth and at the sub-national level, and cement the foundation of public support for everlasting friendship between the two countries. The two sides should also strengthen solidarity and coordination in multilateral fora, advocate the correct historical view of World War II, defend international fairness and justice, and jointly promote peace, development and prosperity.

Noting that the NPC of China and the National Parliament of Timor-Leste have long maintained friendly exchanges, Zhao Leji said that the NPC of China is ready to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation among senior members of the legislative bodies, between bilateral friendship groups, and between deputies to the NPC and parliamentarians, deepen exchanges of experience on state governance, legislation and supervision, and better serve the development of bilateral relations. He said that the two sides should also step up coordination within multilateral mechanisms such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, and send a common voice of the Global South.

Maria Fernanda Lay extended congratulations on the successful commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. She expressed gratitude to China for its long-standing, significant assistance to and support for Timor-Leste's accession to ASEAN. Timor-Leste remains unswervingly committed to the one-China principle and hopes to expand cooperation between both sides in such areas as infrastructure, scientific and technological innovation, renewable energy, agriculture and food security, development of special economic zones, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges. The National Parliament of Timor-Leste is willing to maintain close exchanges with the NPC of China, carry out exchanges and mutual learning on topics such as legislation and the development of democracy and the rule of law, and advance the growth of bilateral relations.

Tie Ning attended the talks.
Quick: Where are you while youre reading this? You might be at work. Or relaxing in a cafe. Perhaps youre driving your car (please dont read Slate while driving your car). Or you might be sitting on the toilet.

Honestly, youre probably sitting on the toilet. According to one assuredly scientific survey conducted by an electronics trade-in website, 75 percent of Americans bring their smartphone with them to the bathroom. But this is a terrible idea. We already spend all day on our computers or our phones, feeling those repeated blasts of rage and despair and envy. And then we retire to the bathroom and dive right back into the same mess?

Look, I do it too: keying while peeing, scrolling while unrolling. But I wish I didnt! Because thats not what the bathroom is for. The bathroom ought to be a respite from the loud, angry world, a place to purge our bodies of waste and clear our minds for the time ahead.

Our forefathers, and foremothers, had a solution for this problem: the bathroom book.

You remember, right? Your mom or your best friends mom placed a small basket or magazine stand on the floor of the powder room. Within, a few paperbacks: a travel guide, or a collection of National Geographic photographs. More likely a quirky humor tome, impulse-purchased at the Barnes and Noble or Urban Outfitters register. A Far Side collection. Deep Thoughts, by Jack Handey.

A bathroom book has one simple job: It must be briefly diverting. Sometimes the bathroom book diverts with facts, as in the Guinness Book. Sometimes it diverts with jokes, as in The Preppy Handbook or collections of Onion headlines. The bathroom book is not meant to compel, to whisk you to another world, like a novel; after all, you have a job to do in there. Its not meant to challenge you, as in the best narrative nonfiction; you get enough of that in all the other rooms of your house. Its merely meant to deliver two to eight minutes of mild interest.

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For a long time, readers had to find their own bathroom-oriented literature. The publishing industry ignored bathroom reading as a category. But that changed in the late 1980s, when brothers John and Gordon Javna created Uncle Johns Bathroom Reader, the first purpose-built bathroom book. At the time Readers Digest was the go-to, John Javna told me when I Zoomed with the brothers recently. We thought that was boring. You could do more interesting stuff. They compiled historical oddities, eyebrow-raising trivia, I-cant-believe-they-said-that apocrypha, and proto-memes into a single tome. Most New York publishers rejected itcomments ranged from dumb to disgusting, Gordon saidbut St. Martins Press bought it.

In 1988, putting an actual toilet on the cover of a book seemed cheeky, maybe even a tiny bit naughty. St. Martins sent bookstores a toilet-shaped dump display for the sales counter during the 1988 holiday season, and Uncle Johns Bathroom Reader was a huge success. Soon there were moreupwards of 30 editions, now. People bought it as a joke gift for people who spent too much time in the bathroom, said Gordon, and then it became an expected gift every year. The series inspired innumerable copycats and, by the time the Javna brothers stepped away from the line in 2016, they estimated theyd sold more than 14 million books.

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But things are different in the 21st century. Theres been a real change in reading behavior since smartphones came around, Gordon Javna said. The ubiquity of the smartphone seems to have made the bathroom book seem superfluous. Bathroom books still get published, of course; just last year the comedian Joe Pera released the delightfully titled A Bathroom Book for People Not Pooping or Peeing But Using the Bathroom as an Escape. But I hardly ever see them in the wild, in the powder rooms of my friends and neighbors.

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Several interior designers told me that in recent years a trivia compilation atop the toilet tank has come to seem old-fashioned, not to mention a tiny bit gross. I have designed lots of bathrooms, said Susan Sutter, a Northern Virginia designer, and I have never had a request for books in the bathroom. I think people now might view that as a cleanliness issue, having books that everyone touches in there.

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But I say its time to bring back the bathroom book! Nothing is keeping you from a more civilized powder-room experience. Buy a little wicker basket at Pottery Barn. Stock it with what I believe to be the worlds most perfect bathroom books: Death in Yellowstone and Death in Grand Canyon. These historical compilations attempt to document every single time someone has died in our nations showcase parks, and while they are somberly written, they remain gruesomely diverting. Turn to any page and youll land on a compelling story of foolhardiness, ill fortune, or just plain cosmic absurdity: poachers falling into 175-degree hot springs, hikers traipsing down Bright Angel Trail in flip-flops, foragers eating the wrong parsnip. (The sheer number of dudes who have shown off for girls on the rim of the Grand Canyon and then fallen straight in! Its astonishing.)

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The fact is, books are way more satisfying to read on the john than phones are. Theyre bigger; theyre more tactile; they wont cost $800 to replace if you drop them on a tile floor (or, god forbid, in the bowl). And the best bathroom books are engaging but not addictive, the way your phone is. Screens hypnotize you into staying there longer, Gordon Javna pointed outnot necessarily what you want in a bathroom environment, where sitting more than 10 or 15 minutes is counterproductive, even unhealthy. You want reading material that conforms to your needs, not that entices you to sit in one place forever, legs eventually going numb.

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So what is standing in your way of becoming, once more, a Bathroom Reader, instead of a Bathroom Scroller? Lets dispense with the germ issue, to start with: Yes, you pick up a bound block of paper that has been in the bathroom, touched by othersbut if you follow proper hygiene practices, thats the lesser of two evils. Just wash your hands after you put the book down, as you should do anyway. Thats certainly better than holding your phone while crapping, washing your hands, and then picking your phone back up again.

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And if youre worried about your bathroom seeming old-fashioned, Rebecca Quandt, another Northern Virginia interior designer, says bathroom books, chosen wisely, can feel on trend. The powder room is a place you can get a little more playful, Quandt told me. People are starting to have more fun in this space, trying to integrate humor. Is it a design feature that I specifically recommend to my clients? No, but I might throw an idea out. (Quandt says she keeps a copy of the cartoon collection T. Rex Trying in hers.)

Think of the bathroom book as a gift you give to everyone who enters the sanctum of your powder room. Open me, the bathroom book whispers, and step away from the braying news, the wheedling ads, the braggadocio of social media. And it can serve, in its way, as a statement of household values: a declaration by the family, writ large, that this item, these facts, these jokes, are how a person ought to spend her most contemplative moments. Its OK to let your guard down. On the can, no one can hear you chuckle.
Both OpenAI and Microsoft have announced that they signed a new preliminary deal that marks the first step towards revising the terms of their long-standing partnership, which has recently reportedly soured.

There have been significant moves made by both sides which were out of the ordinary in their partnership agreement that left the industry asking if they are still on good terms. One of those moves involved Microsoft reportedly speaking to Anthropic, an OpenAI rival, regarding the use of its Claude AI model to power its Office 365 Copilot features.

OpenAI, Microsoft Sign Preliminary Deal on Partnership

OpenAI and Microsoft shared a joint statement which revealed that both companies have signed a new preliminary deal focusing on a "non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the next phase of our partnership."

Both companies claimed that, while this new MOU has not specified anything yet, they are working towards finalizing the agreement for the future of their partnership.

According to the statement, the pair is working towards finalizing its contractual terms "in a definitive agreement" pertaining to their existing partnership, which was renewed last year.

Both OpenAI and Microsoft have not yet shared any concrete information as to what this new development may be, but speculations and reports have claimed that the relationship has soured between the two.

Reports of Relationship Strain Between the Partners

ArsTechnica revealed in its latest report that previous speculations have discussed the growing tensions between OpenAI and Microsoft's relationship, particularly as both companies are turning to other partners for their tech.

First, OpenAI is known for recently reaching a deal with Oracle for its AI infrastructure and cloud hosting needs, as well as joining the $500 billion Project Stargate initiative.

On the other hand, Microsoft turned towards the likes of Meta, xAI, DeepSeek, and, most recently, Anthropic, to look at AI models and chnology to power platforms like Azure, Office 365, and Copilot.

OpenAI and Microsoft's Relationship

Microsoft remains the largest backer behind OpenAI, with the Redmond-based software giant also being one of its longest partners as their relationship started in 2019. Since then, Microsoft has already invested $13 billion in Sam Altman's company to develop generative artificial intelligence technology, with 2024 seeing another $1 billion in funding.

While Microsoft remains a massive stakeholder of the company, the company was only given an observer seat last year amidst the firing and reinstating of Altman. However, Microsoft has given up that seat amidst the regulatory scrutiny over the company, but it still retained its investments in OpenAI and has not changed its partnership terms.

While the recent announcement assured the industry that their partnership will continue and that its latest deal is non-binding, many are left wondering what will happen to their relationship as both look elsewhere for partnerships.
The Little Brown Jug and the Delaware County Fair have named veteran journalist Nicole Kraft as the recipient of the 2025 Tom White Media Award.



Krafts roots in harness racing run deep. Beginning her involvement at a young age in California, she worked on both sides of the sport, grooming horses for top trainers such as Ross Croghan and Brett Pelling during the day, and producing media coverage at night. Her early commitment to the industry paved the way for a trailblazing career in harness racing journalism.



In 1996, Kraft broke new ground when she became the first female editor of Hoof Beats magazine and took on the role of Director of Communication for the United States Trotting Association (USTA). During her tenure, she helped launch several key initiatives, including Youth Beats, STARS, and the Little Brown Jug speaker series and autograph sessions, all of which have helped grow the sports audience and community.



Over her career, Kraft has covered nearly 30 Little Brown Jug races for outlets such as Hoof Beats, Harness Racing Update, the Associated Press, and The Columbus Dispatch.



A former Vice President of the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA), Kraft was named the organizations Member of the Year in 2003, a testament to her significant contributions to the sports media landscape.



In 2010, Kraft transitioned from industry media to academia, becoming a media and journalism professor at The Ohio State University, where she continues to influence the next generation of reporters.



Kraft will be formally honoured with the Tom White Media Award during a ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at the Delaware County Fair Log Cabin.



The award commemorates the legacy of Tom White, a celebrated Hall of Fame publicist and long-time Little Brown Jug media representative, who passed away in 2019.



Past Tom White Media Award winners include Paul Ramlow (2019), Brad Schmaltz (2021) and Dean Hoffman (2022), Dave Briggs (2023) and Brad Conrad (2024).

(Little Brown Jug)
In a battle of the undefeated rookies, Windemere Skye extended her perfect record to seven while handing Saulsbrook Rolo her first lifetime defeat in the highlight of the afternoon half of Saturdays P.E.I. Colt Stakes doubleheader at Red Shores Racetrack and Casino at the Charlottetown Driving Park.

In the first of two $22,500 P.E.I. Colt Stakes Gold divisions for two-year-old pacing fillies, Windemere Skye seized early command and never looked back. She left from post three for driver Adam Merner and put up the panels of :28.4, :58.1, and 1:27.2 before handily brushing aside the first-over bid of Saulsbrook Rolo (Marc Campbell) and widening her margin to five lengths while pacing home in a sparkling 1:55. Serenity Now (Jason Hughes) edged out Beach Jewels (Gilles Barrieau) for second. Saulsbrook Rolo faded to sixth.

The winning Atlantic-bred daughter of Somewhere Fancy-Howmac Missy has a spotless record through seven starts, now with earnings of $51,805. Windemere Skye ($3.70) is trained by Earl Watts for owners Windemere Farms of Springvale, P.E.I. and Matt Burke of Stratford, P.E.I. She took a new mark with the win.

Bayonetta added to her own win streak in the other $22,500 Gold filly split and remained unbeaten on the east coast. She went gate to wire, setting a tempo of :27.2, :57.2, and 1:27.4 and came home a one-length winner in 1:57.4 for trainer Landon Campbell, with his father Marc Campbell in the race bike. Uptown Tonight (Myles Heffernan Sr.) was second over Saulsbrook Desi (Brodie MacPhee).

Bayonetta ($3.60) is a daughter of Cattlewash-White Satin owned by Daniel Gaudreault of Mont-Joli, Que. and Louis-Philippe Roy Racing of Campbellville, Ont. She is now seven-for-eight with $27,875 in the bank and is on a six-race streak of success. She has made her last four starts in the Maritimes after starting her career on the Quebec fair circuit.

The $18,600 Gold events for rookie pacing colts produced the days fireworks. In the first split, Zero Two Sixty went to the front through :28.3 and :58.2 fractions for Barrieau, came under fire from Darbies Fancy (Merner) through three-quarters in 1:28.4, and rebuffed that foe to prevail by 2-3/4 lengths in a career-best 1:56.3. Sporty Anthony (Ken Murphy) finished third.

Zero Two Sixty ($6.90) is trained by Sifroi Melanson for Ultimate Stable of Greater Lakeburn, N.B. The gelded son of Tobago Cays-J J Mistress has won four of 10 outings and earned $32,036.

Kapueno ($32) then landed a 15-1 upset in the second division. Marc Campbell had him third through :29.3 and :58.3 splits, pulled him out approaching three-quarters in 1:27.1, and the gelding circled late to win in a new mark of 1:56.4 by three-quarters of a length. Mclovin (Kenny Arsenault) was second with Windemere Barkley (Zach Mullins) third.

Vaughan Doyle trains Kapueno, a son of Betterthancheddar-Kellys Keepsake, who now has three wins and $16,426 in the bank from six starts. He is owned by Chris Kelly of Calgary, Alta.

Grassroots action filled out the program with purses of $9,300 for two-year-old pacing colts won by Woodmere Bullet ($5.60) in 1:58.4 for Corey MacPherson and trainer Jamie Smith, Windemere Britt ($5.20) in 1:58.1 for Langille and trainer Kyle Williams, plus a double by trainer Ron Matheson with Barrieau aboard as Streakantonio ($3) won in 1:57.4 and Cattle Call ($2.80) was victorious in 1:56.1. Disko Bay ($5.70) wrapped it up with a 1:58.3 blast for driver-trainer Paul Langille.

The $11,250 P.E.I. Colt Stakes Grassroots divisions for fillies were claimed by Bakers Dozen ($4.60), front-ending in 1:57.1 for driver Langille and trainer John Clarey, Mysterious Ways ($10.20) in 1:57.2 for Jason Hughes and trainer Stephen Quinn, and Isle Mach Da Money ($2.80) controlling the action in 1:58.1 for trainer-driver Barrieau.

Barrieau had a four-win driving performance, while Langille scored three victories on the early card.

On the evening card, the $18,500 Gold divisions for three-year-old pacing colts produced a mix of favourites and pari-mutuel fireworks.

BarrieauMcIsaac champion One Wicked Man rallied from the backfield to win the first division. He was away seventh for trainer-driver Kenny Arsenault to the quarter in :28.1, advanced second-over through the middle panels of :57.2 and 1:26.4, and closed to a three-quarter-length victory in 1:55.3 over Moonfall (Brodie MacPhee) with Evil Lou (Corey MacPherson) third.

One Wicked Man ($4.60) is owned by James Perrot of Stratford. The Mcwicked-Alexander Valley colt improved his record to 10-for-23 and his bankroll to $108,617.

In the second colt division, Bentley took charge early, posted fractions of :29.3, :58.4, and 1:28.2, and delivered Gold in 1:56.2 for trainer John Clarey and driver Paul Langille. DJ Mustang (Marc Campbell) was second by 2-1/4 lengths, and Like A King (David Dowling) finished third. Bentley ($4.70), a son of Pang Shui-Western, has won nine of 20 career starts and has banked $53,682 for owner-breeder Mike Clarey of Montague, P.E.I.

Dusty Lane Levi shocked the crowd at 18-1 with a pocket-trip score engineered by Hughes in the final split for males. He tracked Phil My Beer (Marc Campbell) through :28.2, :57.1, and 1:26.4 panels, then eclipsed him late by a head in 1:55 for trainer Greg Weatherbee. He upset Phil My Beer (Campbell), who was second, and odds-on Malevolent (Langille), who completed the ticket. Dusty Lane Levi ($38.90), now an eight-time winner in 21 starts, is owned by Tammy and Kathy Johnston of Tenmile House, P.E.I. The gelding has banked $31,705.

The three-year-old pacing fillies also battled in three $20,250 Gold divisions.

Lady Llamrei captured the first contest, sitting fourth through :28.1, :57.4, and 1:26.2 splits before closing strong to prevail in 1:55.1 for trainer-driver Adam Merner and owner Marsha Knox of Stanhope, P.E.I. Jafetica (Myles Heffernan Sr.) was a length back in second with Elm Grove Talia (David Dowling) third. Lady Llamrei, a daughter of Arthur Blue Chip-Sestina, returned $25.20 to win as she notched her fifth win in 26 attempts and raised her earnings to $40,412.

Badgirl Bridgette (Hughes) extended her stakes dominance in the second division, fronting the field to :28, :57.1, and 1:26.1 sections en route to a 1:54.3 score by six lengths for owner-trainer William Lanigan of Montague. My Happy Place (Barrieau) was runner-up, while Steady Heart (Campbell) finished third. Badgirl Bridgette, who has won her last eight stakes starts, has won 14 times in 17 career attempts and has earned $90,264. The daughter of Stonebridge Terror-Whatabadgirl paid $3.

Tobins Dream exploded in the final quarter of the third split. She was situated fourth for MacPherson through :28, :57, and 1:26.4 panels but roared past her three opponents on the final turn and drew away by 6-3/4 lengths to win in 1:55.4. Lorne Valley Liv (Myles Heffernan Sr.) was placed second with Isle Bea Wickedwon (Barrieau) placed third after the disqualification of Howmac Maleficent (Murphy) for interference. The win was Tobins Dream's fifth lifetime in 28 tries for trainer Kevin MacLean and owner Reg MacPherson. Tobins Dream upped her bankroll to $69,788 as she rewarded backers with $14.70.

The winners of the $10,125 Grassroots splits for three-year-old pacing fillies were Pop The Pin ($4.50), who went all the way in 1:56.4 for Hughes and trainer Ashley Gamester, and Molly Malone ($52), delivering the upset in 1:58 for driver Ken Murphy and trainer Fred Paynter.

The $9,250 Grassroots divisions for three-year-old pacing colts went to Redeyetoshanghai ($3.60) in 1:57.2 for trainer Wade Myers and driver Marc Campbell, Cheezwiz ($9) in 1:56.2 with Ken Murphy in the bike for trainer Clifford Murphy, and The Tulsa King ($5) in 1:55.3 for driver MacPherson and trainer Mike McGuigan.

In the card finale, Bee Two Bee made it a threepeat in the $9,000 Reliable Motors Richard Campbell Memorial Pace. He raced fourth to the quarter in :27.1 and pulled second-over for Hughes approaching the half in :55.4, then tracked cover through three-quarters in 1:25.1 and out-kicked Twin B Tuffenuff (Barrieau) by 1-1/4 lengths to triumph in 1:53.1. Nuttin But Finesse (Mike Downey) closed for third.

Bee Two Bee ($9.80) is co-owned by Donald MacRae of Vernon Bridge, P.E.I. and Blair MacLauchlan of Charlottetown, P.E.I. It was the third straight win in this event for the eight-year-old son of Sunshine Beach-Bee Fullof Steinam after triumphs in 2023 and 2024. The stallion, trained by Ashley Gamester, is now 40-for-168 lifetime with $526,540 in his coffers.

The Atlantic Aged Mares Pacing Series, presented by Standardbred Canada, had a pair of $5,000 divisions. Miss Dutton ($6) was a 1:55.2 winner for driver Langille and trainer Chris MacKay, while Avyanna ($2.80) scored in 1:54.1 for Barrieau and trainer Bo Ford.

Live racing continues Sunday at Red Shores Charlottetown at 12:30 p.m.

To view Saturday's afternoon card harness racing results, click here: Saturday Results - Charlottetown Driving Park (Afternoon).

To view Saturday's evening card harness racing results, click here: Saturday Results - Charlottetown Driving Park (Evening).

(With files from Red Shores; photo of Windemere Skye winning on Aug. 12, 2025)
by Philip Graham

Archipelago , the third novel by Natalie Bakopoulos, ranges among the Cycladic Islands of Greece, the coast of Croatia, and crosses the borders of various Balkan states until finallytemporarily?settling in a small town in the Peloponesian peninsula. All this traveling echoes (and is echoed by) the inner journey of the unnamed (and yet named) narrator of Archipelago, a translator who, as the novel progresses, seems to allow her own self to be written, to be translated.

Archipelago is a heady read, deceptively quiet and yet rife with private risk-taking and minute transgressions. Its a novel that sets its own pace and sets its own rules as the narrator, in the process of discovering herself, must also learn how to remember herself.

*

Philip Graham: I have so much to say and ask about this beautifully-written house of mirrors that is Archipelago, your latest novel, that I dont know where best to start. Perhaps the novels own beginning? The narrator, a translator of Greek literature on her way to a literary conference, has a brief but disturbing encounter with an aggressive man. A case of mistaken identity? She has no recollection of this man, but somehow she has become a character in his angry imagination. The possibility of being a someone else, seems to cling to her in different ways as the novel progresses.

Meanwhile, she decides to forego reading a noveltitled Occupationbefore beginning to translate it, a new professional process for her. I wanted to try translating something as I was coming to know it, she says, in order to tell a story before I knew its ending. Her translating blind sets the stage for another thread in the novel, an acceptance of unknowing how her own story will move forward.

As she notes near the end of Archipelago, the beginning is often many places at once.

Natalie Bakopoulos: Thank you so much, Philip, for starting this conversation, and for these wonderful observations and connections. Youre absolutely right, I was indeed playing with the idea of beginnings. Here in Greece, the narrator says, the rivers rarely have a single source: They spring from the mountains at several places. I also wanted to think about the arbitrariness of origin and a way of thinking about belonging that wasnt necessarily about rootsbut instead rhizomes, as Edouard Glissant, and others, might say.

Joan Silber, in The Art of Time in Fiction, writes: A story is already over before we hear it. That is how the teller knows what it means. I really appreciate this sentiment, and I even echo it in the book, but I also think the actual telling of the story helps the teller to understand it, and that each telling, or translation, might privilege different things. I fact, I might say that in Archipelago, her narration is as much the story as any other elements of the work.

The act of the telling creates a new story too. I like the way Sarah Viren puts it in her memoir, To Name the Bigger Lie. Shes discussing Virginia Woolfs distinction between the I who writes and the I on the page: the I then and the I now. But Viren notes that this divide assumes the I now remains static, that nothing ever happens to us while we are writing an essay or a book. I love this!

Its certainly the case that the narrator of Archipelago is changing as she tells the story, and is also being changed by its telling.

As for the man, no, she doesnt know him, yet in another way she deeply recognizes himshe recognizes a particular kind of male anger, one thats directed at a woman. Your point about her becoming a character in his angry imagination is really interestingand in the novel I was definitely thinking about the infinite number of narratives that can exist around any given situation. In the novel, the narrator does realize shes a character in someone elses story, and this realization is unsettling, to say the least.

PG: Some people ascribe the enduring power of the film Casablanca to the way it was written and filmed. The scriptwriters were working day by day and apparently delivered a new sheaf of pages to the actors and director each morning. Nobody knew how the film would end until mere days before the final scene was shot. Ingrid Bergman felt especially unsettled, and when she asked the director Michael Curtiz (himself in that same daily dark) who she was really supposed to be in love with, he always replied, Just play it down the middle. Bergman and Bogart responded to this indeterminacy with some of their most nuanced performances. Learning of this tidbit of film history, I realized that one of the greatest challenges of an actor is to pretend that their character doesnt know what is going to happen at the end of the moviethe actor, after all, has already read and studied the script!

So theres a kind of quiet, wild bravery to your narrators decision to not only translate a novel she hasnt read, but also her decision to accept the invitation of the writer Lukas to become a long-term guest in his as-yet unfinished novel.

NB: This story about Casablanca is wild. I didnt know this, and I have never really thought about this particularity of acting: the performance of surprise, of unknowing, of uncertainty, to allow the story to happen as its happening. To allow for that uncertainty to be embodiedso interesting. Play it down the middle!

I love your idea of the narrators wild bravery, because the underside of bravery of course is fear. I think if I could explain this strange decision she makes I would not have been able to write the novel; it would not exist. I recently listened to Torrey Peterss Tin House talk on Strategic Opacity, where she discusses these strange, puzzling things in life that make people gossip, or befuddle their loved ones, things that seem out of character or have no motive, and that these are the things that make life interesting and mysterious. The reason they become interesting is the very fact of their mystery, their inexplicable quality. Sometimes in fiction there are absolute action/reactions, cause/effect, motivations that explainof course! But I think Ive grown more interested in the enigmatic and unexplained. Im often skeptical of one motive, one reason, for anything, and that often the demand to know, the demand for legibility, the demand for certainty, is a demand for control. And I want the narrator to have the narrative control. I suppose these are some of the larger things the novel is working with.

Id love to touch on something you mentioned in the earlier question, her translation of a novel called Occupation, which she hasnt yet read. Shes never agreed to translate a project before having read it before, and she certainly hasnt embarked upon the translation before having read it. Part of the way I learn Greek, and continue to learn Greek, is trying my hand at translations. I know the best way to understand a language is not to translate but to live and think in that language. Yet for me, Ive found it so useful to translate while reading: to be a part of the way the sentence snaps into meaning for me, to really look not only at what is being said but what is meant, to allow meaning and subtext and voice to more slowly emerge. To recognize something.

This is not the case for the narrator, yet there was something about that projectan instinct that made her say yes. A knowing without knowing. And in many ways, the story shes translating is a sort of shadow text to the novel itself, a stranger thats a part of her too (and this also makes me think of your character of Jenny in your novel What the Dead Can Say, which makes me think of Ferrantes line about being a crowd of others).

Ferrante writes:

Our entire body, like it or not, enacts a stunning resurrection of the dead just as we advance toward our own death. We are, as you say, interconnected. And we should teach ourselves to look deeply at this interconnectionI call it a tangle, or rather, frantumagliato give ourselves adequate tools to describe it. In the most absolute tranquility or in the midst of tumultuous events, in safety or danger, in innocence or corruption, we are a crowd of others.

I used part of it as an epigraph to my second novel, Scorpionfish, and I continue to think about it.

PG: I admire your unnamed narrator of Archipelago for choosing to be attentive to receiving that mystery you speak of. Lukas calls her by the name of his main character and implies that this fictional character is at least in part inspired by the narrator herself. In embarking on an intimate relationship with Lukas, she is in a sense allowing him to translate her, in order to help him explore a character who remains as unfinished as his novel is unfinished, as its ending is unknown. A kind of echo of her own translation project.

As Lukas and the narrator travel together and deepen their relationship, two other narratives are also unfolding, though largely offscreen: his novel, and her translation of a novel. I imagine the two of them working away in separate rooms, traveling internally into the unknown. And something of those two novel projects in-progress are influencing the journey of the novel that we are reading.

NB: Yes, layers of story, layers of beginnings, layers of narrative controlbut I dont mean it completely literally; I dont think of them spending days together and then writing about it. In fact, that literalization is exactly what I was trying to work against. I like the way you put it: traveling internally into the unknown. Thats great! Your comment brings up so much and has me thinking in several directions.

I think the concept of allowing is really interesting too, as opposed to possessing or controlling or claiming. Or inviting. But even this I think is complicated, and I did want to think about allowance in various ways.

But she is realizing she has some sort of narrative control, a dual authority. Though as I say it I think its putting it too plainly or legibly; maybe its another reality playing out elsewhere. On this note of authority, though, I think literary translation has not been as respected in the academy as other scholarship or art because of the academys insistence that all good intellectual work be a sort of individual intervention, a claiming and staking out of territory. So I was trying to play with that a bit too: what happens when those boundaries blur; what happens when knowledge is not claimed but collaborative?

Though we dont see his novel, maybe its both something she recognizeswhat does she know?yet something she doesnt; that has to do with her but also doesnt. That his narrative of her is also his own shaping of a story, perhaps his own desire, his own fictional creation of a woman like herbut of course not her at all. How could it be? Thats what fiction is, after all, right? Where she enters in his writing process is impossible to know or map. The novel is the thing, not about a thing, and its explanation is the novel itself. And so much goes into it, a process that is impossible to explain. Once again: a crowd of others!

On a more thematic level, though, I wanted the book to engage with ideas of hospitality and tourism and being a guest. I was also playing with the idea of being a guest in a story, a guest in a country, a guest in a life. What are the burdens of hospitality? To be a host and to be hosted. What does it mean to be a good guest? Odysseus builds his own raft and in Archipelago, Luka also provides the narrator with, or at least gestures toward, a way to leave (the concept of pompe in the Odyssey. A sending off).

PG: Yes, could you say a little more about the raft that Lukas provides? Youre speaking of the car, which in a way becomes a character in its own right.

NB: Sure! Im interested in what you say about the car as a character but first Ill recap what happens in the novel. Theres one scene where the narrator is in the car with Luka, whos driving, and they go through this really long tunnel together, after which he seems a little rattled. They stop for a while, and he says to her: Maybe you want to drive. She realizes he needs to get himself back together, so she does. Later, he mentions to her hed like to get a new car, and offers her his old one, though he quickly takes it back. Not out of generosity but out of the fear that it might break down on her. And, later, after Luka has left unexpectedlydisappeared, reallyshe finds his car unlocked, with several of his plants inside, as well as some of her things. Here, its not clearly an offerthe offer of the car came earlier, and with nothing to do with this departurebut she decides to take it anyway.

Another question Luka poses to the narrator is this: Do you want to narrate or be narrated? And without making the always clunky attempt of a writer to try to explain something in their own work, something I was thinking a lot about was the idea of a sort of dual authority, something that happens in translation too. In my second novel, Scorpionfish, I tried to explore the idea of two narratives winding around one another. In Archipelago I may have been trying to take that even further.

PG: She takes the carthough not without some misgivingsand then drives through several Balkan countries (increasingly haunted by the strangeness of borders and their arbitrary lines) on her way to what might be regarded as her familys ancestral home in Greece. But her full circle in the novel to this home is only one of her many Ithacas, and even as she begins to settle in, her story refuses to end.

NB: I really like this reading of a story that refuses to end: without limits or borders or definitions, continuing off the page, but of course also limited and defined by the bound book itself. The narrator says in the middle of the novel: I am trying to impose a linearity on an experience that felt recursive, or even fractal: weeks nestled within weeks, stories within stories, bodies within bodies, words within words.

I wanted to challenge the rhetoric of home and homecoming, possession and belonging, while also playing with those themes. I also wanted the novel itself to literally cross borders, which Lauren Markham calls fictions of great consequence, so I dont mean to erase them. I wanted to write against discontinuity and into a sense of connectedness. And, because this is a novel about a translator, and because I was working on my own translations, I was also thinking about the metaphorical borders crossed when carrying works over from one language to another, and the seams or scars that remain.

PG: And then the car is taken from her! Someone steals it while shes swimming in the sea. Her belongings, however, have been carefully left behind. And something has been added: Strung over a bush, as if someone had been changing and hung it there to dry, was a long, navy-blue dress. The dress that might be the one that Lukas had once given to her, to Natalia.

NB: Yes! It befuddles her for sure. Though I think Id like to leave this one up to reader interpretation. Because its an instance of the meaning being absolutely clear to me and the reader is asked to figure it out; Im not interested in that sort of winking withholding or vagueness, which is different, to my mind, than ambiguitywhere the details of the moment are clear but the interpretation can be varied. (I always hated, when I was a kid, watching Scooby-Do, when they explained the entire episode, always a rational explanation. It depressed me! I wanted mystery and strangeness and an admission of those things that we cannot explain.)

Of course, if there were a clear explanation here Id definitely incorporate it into the narrative; Im not interested in quirkiness or cleverness. I wanted one of the preoccupations of the book to be this very juxtaposition of, and tension between, the familiar and strange, the mundane and the surreal. Between what she recognizes and what she does not.

PG: Throughout our conversation Ive been meaning to mention that Natalia is the name of the main character in Lukas novel-in-progress, its the name he playfully (or not-so-playfully) gives (its not actually her name) the narrator of your book, Archipelago, and it also happens to be your own name, of course. So many Natalias sharing space in a single novel, though in different dimensions. Yet somehow appropriate, in this fiction of mirrors upon mirrors.

NB: All these Natalias, all these Ithakas! In Greek, I usually go by Natalia, and the pronunciation is Na-tah-LEE-yah. In Ukrainian, the stress shifts: Na-TAH-lya. In English, though, I go by Natalie. She doesnt recognize that name as her own, though, or even close. And though I grant that names are politically charged and significant, theyre also another kind of bordering, a limit, a definition. Maybe at this point in her life she wouldnt recognize any name as her own.

***

Natalie Bakopoulos is the author of the novels Archipelago (Tin House, 2025), Scorpionfish (Tin House, 2020) and The Green Shore (Simon & Schuster, 2012), and her work has appeared in Ploughshares, Ninth Letter, Mississippi Review, Tin House, VQR, The Iowa Review, The New York Times, Granta, The Kenyon Review, O. Henry Prize Stories, and other publications. She received her MFA from the University of Michigan, has received fellowships from the Camargo and MacDowell foundations and the Sozopol Fiction Seminars, and was a 2015 Fulbright Fellow in Athens, Greece. Shes an associate professor at Wayne State University and has taught at the Helen Zell Writers Program at the University of Michigan, the MFA Program for Writers at Warren Wilson College, College Year in Athens, and Writing Workshops in Greece.

Author photo credit: Jeremiah Chamberlin.
This story is meant particularly for the people who know exactly what happened that afternoon 20 years ago, and why.

Those with information are encouraged to make the call that may unravel the mystery of May 14, 2003.
We are hearing a lot about the 10% to be paid to public servants, but nothing is said about 
Her birth name is not spoken by the Apache people. She is known as Gouyen, meaning Wise Woman or the one who is wise. The respect she is given was hard-earned.

Gouyen was born around 1857 into the Chihenne band of Chiricahua Apaches who lived in the Warm Springs, or Ojo Caliente, area of what is now New Mexico.

She rode with Chief Victorio and was the niece of Nana, a well-respected Apache warrior.

She married young and had a son, Kaywaykla, and a daughter.

In the early 1870s, Gouyens husband was killed during a Comanche raid. Gouyen watched as a Comanche warrior scalped her husband before her eyes.

Mourning her husbands death, Gouyen cut her hair, an accepted practice among the Apaches when one loses a spouse. Her knife was taken from her to prevent more harm.

Apache culture demanded vengeance for the death of a warrior as a matter of honor. However, Gouyens family only had elderly men, no one strong enough to avenge her husbands killing. She was determined to extract retribution from the Comanche assassin.

Knowing she would be stopped if her family knew her intentions, Gouyen waited until the moon fell behind the horizon before stealing out of the campsite and following the trail left by the Comanches. She took with her the formal dress from her puberty ceremony, but she dared not take a horse. She had few provisions and no knife.

For three nights, Gouyen ran. During the day, she rested while on constant watch for both pursuers and enemies.

On the fourth night, she saw the fires of the Comanches as they celebrated their victory over the Apaches. Crouching just beyond the firelight, Gouyen saw the warrior who had taken her husbands life. She also recognized his horse. Stealthily untying the animal, she led it away from the revelers.

Changing into her ceremonial dress, Gouyen furtively entered the circle of dancers around the fire. As she approached the warrior, she saw her husbands scalp suspended from the mans belt. He was drunk.

Again and again, she enticed the man with her gestures until he finally grabbed her hand and entered the dance circle with her. Before long, he led her away from the fire and into the darkness.

Gouyen wrested her hand from his grasp and ran ahead, just fast enough to stay out of his reach. But he soon angered at her flirtations and threw her to the ground.

Knowing he was much stronger, Gouyen tried to grab his knife and finish the job she had come to do, but just as she unsheathed it from his belt, the knife slipped out of her hand and fell out of reach. She had to act quickly before he overpowered her.

Struggling against his weight, she managed to sink her teeth deep into his neck. Blood spewed from the wound, spilling over her face and down her dress. But she knew this was her last chance to overpower him and held on with all the strength she could muster.

She felt him weakening and finally let go when he stopped moving. She knew he was dead.

Finding his knife, she quickly extracted his heart from his chest and deftly removed his scalp. Grabbing his headband, breechclout and moccasins, she ran to the hidden horse, leaped on, and fled into the night.

For two days and nights, Gouyen rode, only stopping when the horse needed a respite. She found water along the way but had no food. She dared not sleep as every time she loosened her grasp on the horse, it headed back toward the Comanche campsite.

She heard hoofbeats before she saw the men coming toward her. When she realized it was her own people, but fearing she might be punished for leaving camp without permission, plus on the brink of exhaustion and starvation, Gouyen fell to the ground, losing consciousness.

When she awoke, she was lying in the tepee of her in-laws, being cared for by her husbands mother. She gave the tokens she had extracted from the dead Comanche to her father-in-law, who took them to the tepee opening for all to see.

My daughter is a brave and good woman, her father-in-law proclaimed. She has killed the Comanche chief; and she has brought his weapons and garments to her people. She has ridden his mount. Let her always be honored by my people. And let her name be Gouyen.

Several years later, during the Battle of Tres Castillos  a hard-fought clash between Mexico soldiers and Victorios band of warriors that occurred on Oct. 14, 1880  Gouyen was with Victorio as the Apaches entered the fray. Victorio and 78 of his followers perished during the melee. Gouyen and her son, along with just a handful of others, escaped. During her flight, Gouyen lost sight of her young daughter and never saw her again.

Eventually, Gouyen remarried. Kaytennae was one of the few warriors who had escaped during the Battle of Tres Castillos. They had two sons.

After being captured and sent to the San Carlos Indian Reservation in Southeast Arizona, Gouyen and her son rode with Geronimo when he escaped from the encampment in 1883. She was also with Geronimo when he surrendered three years later.

Gouyen survived imprisonments in Texas, Florida and Alabama before arriving at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in 1894. She died there in 1903 and is buried at Fort Sill.

Gouyens son, Kaywaykla, was sent to the Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania and returned to the Fort Sill reservation in 1898. He was given the name of James.

James Kaywaykla recounted his childhood memories to historian Eve Ball, who recorded his words in several of her books. Until I was about 10 years old, James once said, I did not know that people died except by violence.

James Kaywaykla died in 1963.
WASHINGTON  Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released a sexually suggestive letter to Jeffrey Epstein on Monday purportedly signed by President Donald Trump, which he denies.

Trump claims he didnt write the letter or create the drawing of a curvaceous woman that surrounds the letter. He also filed a $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal for a report on the alleged letter.

The letter was included as part of a 2003 album compiled for sex trafficker Epsteins birthday. The president denies having anything to do with it.

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee received a copy of the birthday album Monday as part of a batch of documents from Epsteins estate.

The White House did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.

After the letter was released, White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich posted pictures on social media of Trumps signature and tagged The Wall Street Journals parent corporation, News Corp., writing: Time for @newscorp to open that checkbook, its not his signature. DEFAMATION!

These are not my words, not the way I talk. Also, I dont draw pictures, Trump previously said.

The letter released by the committee looks exactly as described by the The Wall Street Journal in its report.

The letter bearing Trumps name and signature includes text framed by a hand-drawn outline of what appears to be a curvaceous woman.

A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday  and may every day be another wonderful secret, the letter says.

The letters disclosure comes amid a bipartisan push in Congress for the release of the so-called Epstein files amid years of speculation and conspiracy theories. Calls for the release of the records came from Republicans, including Vice President JD Vance before he was sworn into the countrys No. 2 position.

Epstein, a wealthy and well-connected financier, killed himself in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial in 2019 on charges that said he sexually abused and trafficked dozens of underage girls. The case was brought more than a decade after he secretly cut a deal with federal prosecutors in Florida to dispose of nearly identical allegations.

Epstein was accused of paying underage girls hundreds of dollars in cash for massages and then molesting them.
SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro underwent a series of medical procedures in the capital city of Brasilia on Sunday, including laboratory tests and the surgical removal of skin lesions, the hospital treating him said.

The medical procedures come as Bolsonaro confronts legal and political setbacks. On Thursday, Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison after a panel of five justices convicted him of plotting a coup to remain in power after losing the 2022 election.

Doctors diagnosed Bolsonaro, 70, with iron-deficiency anemia and found residual signs of a recent pneumonia caused by bronchoaspiration during a chest CT scan, Hospital DF Star said in a statement.

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The former president also underwent minor surgery under local anesthesia and sedation to remove eight skin lesions located on his torso and right arm.

The procedure was completed without complications. Bolsonaro also received an intravenous iron infusion, the hospital said, adding that pathological analysis of the removed skin lesions will determine if further treatment is necessary.

Bolsonaro has faced various health issues since a near-fatal stabbing shortly before his election in 2018.

(Reporting by Victor BorgesWriting by Oliver Griffin; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
HA NOI  From September 14 to 21, Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang will lead a delegation to the United Kingdom and Italy to promote investment and strengthen economic ties.

During the working trip, Minister Thang will meet with financial regulators, stock exchanges, leading corporations and international financial institutions in the two countries. He will also chair and deliver remarks at the two major events: the Vietnam-UK Investment Promotion Conference in London on September 16 and the Vietnam-Italy Investment Dialogue in Milan on September 18.

The trip comes as Viet Nams economy continues to show strong momentum.

GDP growth reached 7.09 per cent in 2024, one of the highest in ASEAN and the world. In the second quarter of 2025, GDP expanded by 7.96 per cent, raising expectations that the country could meet its target of over 8 per cent growth for the year.

Viet Nams stock market has also stood out globally. Market capitalisation was estimated at 103.75 per cent of GDP in 2024. By August 2025, the VN-Index had climbed 33 per cent compared to the end of 2024, reflecting a dynamic and transparent investment environment.

The Ministry of Finance said the mission aims to highlight Viet Nam as a safe, transparent and sustainable investment destination. It also reaffirms the Governments commitment to green growth, innovation and deeper international integration, as well as its pledge to accompany global investors under the principle of transparency, fairness and shared benefits.

The visit is expected to open new cooperation opportunities in areas such as green finance, digital economy, circular economy, science and technology and renewable energy, further deepening Viet Nams economic and financial ties with the UK and EU member states.  BIZHUB/VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Finance is pushing ahead with a series of policy reforms aimed at drawing in greater foreign investment, increasing the volume of tradable securities and facilitating Viet Nams upgrade to emerging market status.

These changes, embodied in Decree No 245/2025/ND-CP, are designed to address long-standing barriers that have limited foreign participation and delayed the introduction of new products.

By aligning regulatory frameworks more closely with international practices, the Government expects to create a more transparent, efficient and investor-friendly market environment.

Under the new decree, the criteria for foreign investors to be classified as 'professional investors' have been aligned more closely with international norms.

Documentation requirements have been adjusted to better match foreign legal and regulatory frameworks, making it simpler for overseas institutions to participate in private placements and initial public offerings (IPOs).

One of the more significant changes is the reduction in time between approval of listing by the stock exchanges and the commencement of trading.

Previously, this period was set at 90 days. Now the new decree cuts this to 30 days. Officials estimate this move could reduce the overall time to bring new securities to market by three to six months.

The decree also removes provisions that allowed individual company charters or general shareholder meetings to impose foreign ownership limits below those permitted under law or international commitments.

Companies that previously notified lower caps may now increase them, perhaps gradually, to align with legal ceilings. This is expected to improve foreign investors rights and incentives.

Additionally, procedures for foreign investors to get securitiestrading codes will be streamlined.

For example, after applying for a trading code via the online system (ESTC), investors will no longer need to submit physical paperwork to the Vietnam Securities Depository Centre (VSDC) to receive their official registration certificate.

Other measures include easing requirements around opening accounts for indirect investment and payment accounts via banking regulations.

For fund managers, the decree offers greater operational flexibility. Under certain conditions, foreign funds may hold two trading codes, giving them more options to structure investment strategies.

At the same time, the reforms establish a legal basis for a centralised counterparty clearing mechanism, a critical upgrade to Viet Nams settlement infrastructure.

The new framework authorises a subsidiary of VSDC to act as the central counterparty, taking responsibility for clearing and settlement obligations in accordance with the Securities Law No 56/2024/QH15.

Transparency standards are also being strengthened. Listed companies and other public entities will be required to provide disclosures in both Vietnamese and English under a phased roadmap, ensuring that foreign investors have access to timely and accurate information on par with domestic market participants.

Regulators view this as an essential step toward improving corporate governance and meeting the expectations of global institutional investors.  BIZHUB/VNS
HA NOI  Party General Secretary To Lam on Sunday told Vietnam News Agency (VNA) to expand cooperation with major news agencies and reputable press organisations worldwide, enhancing VNAs position as a prestigious news agency in the region.

He was speaking while attending the ceremony that VNA held in Ha Noi to receive the Ho Chi Minh Order for the third time and to mark the agencys 80th founding anniversary (September 15, 1945  September 15, 2025).

He said in addition to promoting the image of Viet Nams land, culture and people to international friends, VNA needs to adopt innovative solutions in collaboration with partners to create positive information products about Viet Nams growth, spreading them on global platforms, while also bringing the progressive achievements of humankind and the world to the Vietnamese people.

In the context of the new situation, the Party chief said VNA must constantly innovate to develop in line with the spirit of the times and the countrys growth, continuing to affirm its role as the Party and States strategic and reliable news agency, a source of official information and a mainstream channel of positive journalism and ideology, he said.

VNA needs to closely monitor and grasp domestic developments as well as international changes, proactively collect and synthesise information sources, conduct comprehensive analysis, assessment and forecasting in a timely and accurate manner, he said.

He told the agency to provide valuable reports, even policy advice, proposals and recommendations to enable Party and State leaders to make appropriate decisions.

VNAs information must be accurate, objective, humane and beneficial to the nation and the people, he said.

Amid the wave of digital transformation and the fierce competition in the global media space, the General Secretary stressed that VNA journalists must continue to strongly innovate both their methods of journalism and ways of delivering information. They must take the lead in applying modern technologies, master digital platforms, artificial intelligence and big data.

VNA journalists must remain responsive to new developments while exercising utmost caution. It is essential to constantly sharpen knowledge and professional skills to ensure precise journalistic reflexes, while mastering technology to quickly identify, verify and handle fake news and misinformation.

At the same time, they should select and provide timely reporting on core emerging issues to the Party, State leadership and the media system, he said.

Party General Secretary Lam requested that VNA improve its data-building capacity, as data has become a fundamental resource in the digital era.

He said: Developing a scientific journalistic data system, including the information and documentation centre and the especially valuable national photo archive currently being preserved, will serve as an important foundation for VNA to advance creative journalism, data-driven journalism and contribute to the formation of the nations collective memory.

He advised that VNAs internal organisations should continue to be streamlined for greater efficiency, with improved incentives for the core workforce. At the same time, VNA must give strong attention to recruiting and training high-quality young human resources, those with aspiration, ambition, and dedication, to meet the demands of tasks in the new context and carry forward VNAs proud traditions.

It is also necessary to continue learning from and sharing modern journalism models to contribute to the development of Vietnamese revolutionary press, he said.

The General Secretary emphasised that the past 80 years have demonstrated that in every historical period, whether in war or in peace, VNA journalists have always shown firm political courage, a spirit of dedication, readiness to contribute and sacrifice and unwavering devotion to the Party, the State and the People.

The photos on display today, though only a small part of VNAs extensive photo archives, vividly reflect these enduring values, he said.

He expressed his hope that, in the new era of national development, every reporter, editor, technician and staff member of VNA will carry in their hearts a sense of pride in the agencys glorious tradition, follow in the footsteps of previous generations with a spirit of innovation and pioneering action and affirm their role, courage, and creativity.

With its heroic tradition, determination for innovation, and aspiration to rise, the General Secretary expressed his belief that VNA will continue to grow strongly, uphold the flow of official information, guide the current of public opinion and further affirm its role as the national news agency and the Party and States strategic, reliable information unit.

Addressing the event, Vu Viet Trang, Secretary of the Party Committee, General Director of the VNA, and Chairwoman of the VNA Journalists Association, recalled that on September 15, 1945, from the Bach Mai Radio Station, Viet Nam Thong Tan Xa (VNTTX), now Thong Tan Xa Viet Nam (Vietnam News Agency), the Declaration of Independence was broadcast to the entire world, in three languages: Vietnamese, English and French, proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam. Since that historic moment, September 15 has been celebrated as the Traditional Day of the national news agency.

Throughout the eight-decade journey of growth and development, the VNA has always received special attention from the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, guidance from the Government and the trust, support and affection of the people.

President Ho Chi Minhs words have been a guiding torch, urging generations of VNA journalists to overcome any hardships, bombs and gunfire to maintain an uninterrupted flow of information. Throughout the fiercest periods of the war, reporters from VNTTX and the Liberation Press Agency (LPA) were present on every battlefield and military campaign, she noted.

Nearly 260 reporters, editors and technicians of the VNA heroically laid down their lives on battlefields stretching from Viet Bac to Ca Mau, and in the course of fulfilling international missions. This number accounts for more than 25 per cent of the agencys personnel during the wartime period, and over half of all journalist-martyrs nationwide.

In peacetime, the VNAs information continues to resonate with the pulse of the times, vividly reflecting the nations dynamic development and remarkable breakthroughs.

With its excellent achievements, the VNA is proud to be the only press agency honoured three times with the Hero title: Hero of Labour during the Renewal period in 2001; Hero of the Peoples Armed Forces in 2005; and Hero of the Peoples Armed Forces awarded to the Liberation Press Agency in 2020.

Outstanding works by VNA journalists across generations have been awarded the Ho Chi Minh Award, the State Prize for Literature and Arts, as well as numerous national and international journalism awards, according to the official.

Trang emphasised that in response to the requirements of the new situation, the VNA continues to uphold traditions, maintain the core values, constantly make innovations, and effectively carry out the task of being a strategic information provider in the new context, serving as a source of accurate, reliable, and diverse information for the media system and readers at home and abroad and asserting its stature as a highly reputable national news agency in the region and the world.

She noted that anticipating the trends of digital media, the VNA has developed a comprehensive digital ecosystem, integrating modern communication technologies and artificial intelligence into its management, operation, information production and dissemination processes. The entire workflow is now interconnected on a shared platform, helping maximise resources and improve efficiency and quality. The agencys affiliated newsrooms consistently rank high in annual digital transformation maturity assessments.

Entrusted by the Party and State, the VNA has for many years directly delivered news coverage in the languages of 12 ethnic groups nationwide to communities in remote areas, promptly communicating policies of the Party and State to ensure accurate understanding and proper implementation by the people.

In many nationally important events, the VNA has served as the leading and sole provider of news and images; acted effectively as the host media for Viet Nams major events. With their information products, VNA reporters and editors have actively countered negative phenomena and false rhetoric of hostile forces in and outside the country, contributing to protecting territorial sovereignty and maintaining political and social stability, and affirming its vanguard role on the ideological front.

The General Director went on to say that as the strategic information centre of the Party and State, the VNA's reports and reference materials play a vital role in supporting leadership, direction, administration and policy-making. The agency's insightful and comprehensive information, including forecasts and situational assessments, has made a significant contribution to the early and from-afar struggle on the information and communication front.

As the countrys leading news agency for foreign services, the VNA continues to capitalise on its resources in external relations information activities. It has consistently diversified and innovated its communication methods to promote Viet Nam as a dynamic and modern nation with strong international integration, while showcasing the countrys distinctive traditional cultural values and contributing to the mobilisation of all resources for national development.

In addition, Trang said, the VNA has effectively tapped its cooperation with more than 40 news agencies worldwide and its position in the Executive Board of the Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA), which represents up to 40 per cent of global news. It has actively published information in foreign languages across international media channels, supporting broader foreign service efforts to enhance Viet Nams role and stature in the international arena.

At the ceremony, on behalf of the Party and State leadership, General Secretary Lam presented the Ho Chi Minh Order to the VNA in recognition of its longstanding tradition, outstanding contributions and particularly exceptional merits in the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation.

On this occasion, General Secretary To Lam and other leaders of the Party and the State inaugurated the official website of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam at https://daihoidang.vn.

The website is available in six languages: Vietnamese, English, French, Russian, Chinese and Spanish and features five forms of information: text, photos, videos, graphics and data.

It provides comprehensive coverage of current news, in-depth analysis, and extensive archives on Party documents and personnel across the 13 previous National Congresses. VNS
VIENTIANE  As the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) is celebrating its 80th founding anniversary (September 15), head of the External Relations Commission of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee Bounleua Phandanouvong has highlighted the agencys enduring contributions to consolidating and developing great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States, and peoples.

Having studied in Viet Nam and maintained close ties with Vietnamese leaders for years, Bounleua said he has long followed the VNA reporting, particularly dispatches from its bureau in Laos. He praised the agencys content quality, presentation methods, as well as timely and diverse coverage, particularly major political and diplomatic events between the two countries. He highlighted its importance in keeping Vietnamese and Lao citizens well-informed about guidelines, policies, and cooperation outcomes between the two sides, along with their time-tested relations.

The Lao official stressed that the VNA's diverse information delivery methods, spanning electronic newspapers to social media platforms, demonstrate its flexibility, creativity, and rapid adaptation capabilities in the digital communications era, contributing to enhanced public reach, especially among younger generations.

As the publics information access methods are changing dramatically, the VNA's proactive news distribution on social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok represents a very right direction, he said, stating the move helps bring official news to more readers, especially the young, helping raise public awareness of the role and significance of the Viet Nam  Laos special ties.

On the occasion of the VNAs 80th anniversary, the official extended his warmest congratulations to the agencys leaders, reporters, editors, and technical staff. He expressed his confidence that it will continue to serve as a leading information channel for the Vietnamese Party and State, and as a bridge fostering the special, faithful, and pure solidarity between the two countries. VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed ministries and sectors to urgently develop draft resolutions to submit to the National Assembly and an action plan of the Government to implement the Politburo's newly issued resolutions, aiming to rapidly translate policy directives into practice and help propel the nation into a new era  that of the nations rise.

At the Governments second law-making session in September to give opinions on 10 draft laws and one draft National Assembly resolution on September 13, PM Chinh ordered the review of legal obstacles currently hindering citizens and businesses, calling for amendments that would unlock barriers and create enabling conditions for fast and sustainable national development.

During the session, the Government engaged in extensive discussions on draft legislation covering ten proposed laws and one National Assembly resolution. The legislative package included amendments to the laws on anti-corruption, citizen reception, complaints and denunciations, urban and rural planning, construction, tax management, public debt management, insurance business, statistics, pricing, and investment. Meanwhile, the draft National Assembly resolution is about special mechanisms and policies for implementing the Politburo's Resolution No 59-NQ/TW, dated January 24, 2025, on international integration in the new context.

The PM instructed ministers to continue consulting widely with citizens, experts, scientists, businesses, and relevant organisations to ensure that the drafts are practical and of high quality before being submitted to the 10th session of the National Assembly this October.

He laid stress on the need for reforms in legislative mindset, methodology, and approach in the new situation. The legal system, he said, must provide effective tools for efficient governance and power control, prevent policy abuse for corruption and wastefulness while serving as a foundation for fast and sustainable development.

He noted that legislation should be concise, clear, and easy for enforcement and supervision, and designed to promote post-checks to reduce administrative burdens. Besides, PM Chinh tasked ministries and sectors with overhauling laws to facilitate the revolution in organisational structures, particularly the two-tier local government model, and institutionalising the latest resolutions of the Politburo and directives from central authorities.

PM Chinh demanded minimising administrative procedures, with at least 30 per cent to be streamlined this year, adding that decentralisation must go hand in hand with the enhancement of resources allocation, accountability, and supervision to prevent abuse of power and group interest.

Additionally, the Government leader urged efforts to attract both direct and indirect foreign investment, particularly in green, circular, digital, and high-tech sectors, underscoring the need to launch a national single-window investment portal, design transfer pricing management tools, and help Vietnamese firms integrate into global value chains. VNA/VNS
MOSCOW  Belarusian Deputy Prime Minister Anatoly Aleksandrovich Sivak has affirmed that Viet Nam remains Belaruss top priority partner in Southeast Asia, while speaking at a recent event marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day of Viet Nam (September 2).

The commemorative event was attended by around 400 guests, including the Deputy PM, and representatives of the Belarusian parliament, ministries, and local authorities. Notably, it welcomed Belarusian experts and military personnel who had supported Viet Nam during the wartime.

Deputy PM Sivak expressed his deep appreciation for the long-standing friendship between the peoples, which continues to be strengthened through dynamic exchanges at all levels, mutual support at international forums, and, notably, through people-to-people diplomacy.

He described Party General Secretary To Lams visit to Belarus in May and the signing of the joint statement establishing the Viet NamBelarus Strategic Partnership as a historic milestone, reflecting a high level of political trust and elevating bilateral relations to a new height.

The Deputy PM pledged that Belarus will make every effort to implement the agreements reached by the two countries high-ranking leaders, for the benefit and prosperity of both peoples.

On this occasion, the Vietnamese community in Belarus showcased a variety of cultural performances and traditional cuisine. The Vietnamese Embassy in Belarus also organised an exhibition highlighting Viet Nams land, people, and the enduring friendship between the two nations. VNA/VNS
HA NOI  The 12th meeting of the Viet NamHoly See Joint Working Group took place recently in Vatican City, discussing the bilateral relations and the current situation of the Catholic Church in the Southeast Asian country.

The event was co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang and Under-Secretary for Relations with States of the Holy See Monsignor Mirosaw Wachowski.

Both sides acknowledged the positive contributions of the Church to the overall development of Viet Nam, in the spirit of living out the Gospel in the world by being good Catholics and good citizens.

They expressed their delight over the progress in their bilateral relations since the 11th meeting, which took place in Ha Noi in May 2024, including through regular engagement and consultations, exchanges of delegations at various levels, especially at the high level, as well as the activities of the Resident Papal Representative in Hanoi Archbishop Marek Zalewski.

The two sides laid stress on the importance of further advancing ties through continued high-level exchanges and agreed to maintain regular sessions of the Joint Working Group.

The meeting took place in an atmosphere of friendship, trust and mutual respect.

On the occasion of the visit to the Vatican, the Vietnamese delegation was received by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, and paid courtesy calls to the Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and to the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organisations, Archbishop Paul Gallagher.  VNA/VNS
COPENHAGEN  National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairman Nguyen Khac inh paid a working visit to Denmark from September 1213, engaging with key Danish leaders and corporate executives to nurture bilateral ties and advance sustainable development goals.

inh met with Speaker of the Danish Parliament Sren Gade, Deputy Speaker Karsten Hnge, and Chairman of the Legal Affairs Committee Steffen Larsen. He also held working sessions with Lord Mayor of Copenhagen Lars Weiss, Chairwoman of the Danish Parliaments Economic and Trade Committee Louise Schack Elholm, and attended a roundtable with representatives of the Confederation of Danish Industry (DI) and major Danish corporations.

Speaker Gade praised Viet Nam's socio-economic strides, extensive global integration, and the growing comprehensive partnership and green strategic partnership between the two countries. He described the visit as a concrete step to deepen bilateral and inter-parliamentary relations.

Speaking highly of Viet Nam's strong commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, he pointed to the 2023 establishment of the Viet NamDenmark Green Strategic Partnership as a milestone for expanded cooperation.

inh expressed gratitude for Denmarks invaluable and effective support during Viet Nam's past struggles for independence and ongoing development. He outlined Viet Nam's recent achievements and ambitions, stressing that Viet Nam considers Denmark a model in legislation, public administration, green transition, and digital transformation.

Viet Nam values stronger bilateral cooperation across sci-tech, innovation; green, digital and circular economies, artificial intelligence, climate change response, and environment protection, he said.

He proposed increasing exchanges between the two legislatures and their committees, monitoring the progress of existing agreements, considering a cooperation agreement between the two parliaments, and establishing Viet NamDenmark parliamentary friendship groups. He also conveyed an invitation from NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man to Speaker Gade to visit Viet Nam, which was warmly accepted.

In a working session with Chairwoman Elholm, inh affirmed Viet Nam's strong support for Danish investment projects, particularly those in renewable energy and green growth, pledging all possible support for Danish investors.

Elholm highlighted Vietnam Airlines planned direct Ha NoiCopenhagen flight, set for December 2025, as a boost for trade, tourism, and cultural ties. She noted the presence of Danish giants such as Lego and Pandora in Viet Nam as proof of its promising investment climate, adding that Danish companies are eager to expand operations.

In his meeting with Lord Mayor Weiss, inh pitched partnerships between Copenhagen, Ha Noi and HCM City to develop Ha Noi's Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park and biotech zone, as well as HCM Citys International Financial Centre.

inh urged Denmark, as the EUs rotating president in the second half of 2025, to push for the ratification of the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and the removal of the European Commissions yellow card on Viet Nam's seafood exports.

On global and regional issues, Denmark reaffirmed support for settling disputes in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) by peaceful means in line with international law, the UN Charter, and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The Vietnamese leader thanked Danish authorities for supporting the Vietnamese communitys integration while preserving their cultural identity, urging continued assistance.

At a roundtable with executives from Lego, Pandora, Maersk, and other firms, inh showcased Viet Nam's investor-friendly environment and addressed business concerns.

Danish companies praised Viet Nam's growth potential and committed to expanding long-term investments. Danish Industry (DI), representing 19,000 firms, announced plans to open a Viet Nam representative office soon.

On September 13, inh visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Denmark and met with staff and representatives of the Vietnamese community.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) has premiered a special documentary, 80 Years of the Vietnam News Agency  Continuing the Epic, on the occasion of its 80th anniversary (September 15, 1945  2025).

The 25-minute documentary traces the VNAs journey, from the early days of the nation, through two prolonged resistance wars, to the era of renovation, international integration, and the digital age.

It portrays the VNA as the countrys news bank, capturing every historic moment through news reports and photographs, and honouring nearly 260 staff, reporters, and technicians who fell protecting the uninterrupted flow of information.

The documentary opens with the historic moment of September 15, 1945, just 13 days after President Ho Chi Minh declared the Declaration of Independence, when the first news dispatch of the VNA was issued in three languages: Vietnamese, English, and French. This was not only the event marking the birth of the national news agency but also a clear assertion from the very beginning of the VNAs pioneering role: conveying the independent and free voice of the Vietnamese people to citizens nationwide and to friends around the world.

A poignant detail highlighted in the documentary is President Ho Chi Minhs 1954 instruction: The faster the news, the sooner the resistance will triumph. This guidance became the lodestar for generations of VNA journalists. On May 7, 1954, VNA reporters at the ien Bien Phu stronghold transmitted a news dispatch announcing a victory that resonated across five continents, sending shockwaves around the world.

The documentary also spotlights the VNA in the digital era, showing how the agency has continuously upgraded its technical infrastructure, adopted modern technologies, and enhanced the skills and capabilities of its reporting staff.

In 2008, the VietnamPlus e-newspaper was officially launched, paving the way for multilingual, official digital information. Subsequently, the agency strongly developed data journalism, infographics, mobile journalism, television, and audio platforms to meet the increasingly diverse needs of the public.

In recent years, the VNA has intensified the application of artificial intelligence and big data technologies, producing modern, highly interactive journalistic products.

A key highlight is an interview with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh who affirmed that over the past 80 years, the VNA has excellently fulfilled its mission, receiving numerous high honours from the Party and State in recognition of the significant contributions of generations of journalists.

Expressing confidence in todays generation, he emphasised that the VNA must continue to uphold its traditions, leverage its infrastructure, technological platforms, and digital transformation to become a sharp weapon on the ideological front, while also serving as a strategic advisory body, providing reliable analytical information for the Party and State.

The VNA must maintain the spirit of fire in the heart, steel in the pen, contributing to the protection of the Partys ideological foundation, national sovereignty, and guiding the country into an era of wealth, prosperity, and happiness, the leader said.

The documentary concludes with the resonant message, Continuing the Epic, reinforced by VNA General Director Vu Viet Trang: "Amid rapid developments across all sectors, both domestically and internationally, and the shifting tides of the times, VNA journalists will continue to both chronicle historical milestones through diverse, engaging, and creative information products and contribute to the new era of the nation.

Upholding the heroic tradition of the national news agency, guided by the Partys ideology, the VNAs reporting will help mobilise strength and determination, translate strategic decisions into action, deliver tangible benefits to the public, and continue to assert its role as a strategic information hub serving the Party and State. This is not only a political duty but also a responsibility to history, to the people, and to the nations future," she said. VNA/VNS
Instead of pursuing a stable life abroad after years of study and work in Israel, Singapore and Denmark, a young man chose to return to his hometown in Quang Nam to build a farm that nurtures both the land and the community.

Tran Thanh Ha returned to his home town in the then Que My Commune, Que Son District, Quang Nam Province (now Que Son Trung Commune, when the province merged with a Nang City) to run a farm project aimed at revitalising the local community.

His initiative focuses not only on promoting sustainable agriculture but also on creating opportunities for local children to study English, develop life skills, and engage with international volunteers.

According to him, the effort stems from a simple motivation, a sense of responsibility to his hometown.

The Hygge Farm, a small farm about 30km from Hoi An ancient town, has become a popular destination for international volunteers and young families looking for authentic experiences.

Its founder Ha, born in 1993, studied advanced agriculture in Israel, experiential education in Singapore, and worked on organic farms in Denmark.

Many assumed that after those years abroad he would remain overseas, where opportunities and income were more secure. Instead, he chose to return home.

I grew up as a poor student in a village school. When I went abroad, I realised that my weakness in English was a huge barrier, preventing me from fully absorbing knowledge from developed agricultural systems, Ha said.

That struggle pushed me to create a place where local children could practise English in the most effective way.

Planting dreams

Ha began developing The Hygge Farm on the site of his familys old cattle farm in October 2021. His aim was threefold: to provide experiential education for children in traditional farming, life skills and English with native speakers; to promote agricultural tourism; and to encourage international cultural exchange.

The beginning was far from easy, especially in an area where most young people had already moved to the cities for better jobs.

When Ha returned, the land was barren, acacia plantations were eroding the soil, and local residents were sceptical.

People didnt believe in my plan, he said. They were used to traditional ways of farming. When they saw me trying to grow organic vegetables, build thatched cottages and welcome foreigners, they laughed. Some even said I wouldnt last more than a few days.

In 2022, Typhoon Noru struck, destroying nearly everything he had built overnight. Despite the setback, Ha refused to abandon his project.

If I werent determined, I would have gone back to the city long ago. I believe that if you work sincerely and persistently, even stones can bloom, he said.

Signs of progress soon appeared. Local children began coming to the farm in the afternoons to plant seeds, collect litter, and practise English with international volunteers.

Many who had once been shy gradually became more confident, starting conversations in English with ease, something few could have imagined in a rural village setting.

The initiative gained momentum. Parents started sending their children, more and more local residents came to visit, and small Day as a Farmer tours grew in popularity.

The farm also began to attract a steady flow of international volunteers, bringing with them new connections and positive energy.

Planting words, cultivating people

During his student years in Hue, Ha developed a small website to connect international volunteers with Vietnamese students. That idea has since evolved into a more practical model in his hometown.

At The Hygge Farm, free English classes are offered to disadvantaged children. Each week, volunteers from countries including France, the Netherlands and the United States stay at the farm, live with Ha, and take part in teaching.

Lessons are held outdoors rather than in traditional classrooms. Children practise English through storytelling, baking, games, planting seeds and harvesting vegetables.

The approach, called Class Without Walls, was inspired by Has time in Denmark and adapted to local conditions.

I want children to learn with joy and ease, and to see English as a tool to broaden their world, Ha said.

The initiative also extends to university students majoring in English language, agriculture or tourism, who come to the farm for internships and hands-on experience.

Ha believes education must be linked with practice and should begin with the simplest activities.

Unlike commercial farmstays, The Hygge Farm has adopted a slower but more sustainable approach.

The project is built around three core objectives: providing an educational farm where children can learn about the environment, practise life skills and improve their English through hands-on activities; developing agricultural tourism through half-day, full-day and two-day tours that allow families, students and foreign visitors to experience farming and traditional cooking; and creating opportunities for cultural exchange, with international volunteers living and working alongside local residents.

At the farm, foreigners learn to make traditional cakes, while local children learn to say thank you with a smile. Sometimes learning can be as simple and sincere as that, Ha said.

Happiness is the journey back

Environmental education is also integrated into all activities, including efforts to reduce plastic use, reuse materials, sort waste, save water and plant native trees.

Ha believes that instilling a love for nature at an early age will help children grow into adults who care for the environment.

What sets The Hygge Farm apart is not only its model but also the commitment of its founder.

The name Hygge, a Danish word meaning cozy and peaceful, reflects Has vision of creating a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

I dont dream of changing the whole world. I just want to change a small corner of my village, where disadvantaged children can learn, adults can earn a living, and nature can be preserved. If every young person returns with one good seed, I believe our villages will bloom again, Ha said.

For him, happiness is not found in grand achievements but in small, courageous decisions, such as the choice to return home and nurture the future on the very land where he was born. - VNS
o Ha Phuong Anh

Homesickness doesnt always hit you in the heart first, sometimes it hits your nose. For me, its the sharp, salty funk of mam tom, the fermented shrimp paste I grew up with in Viet Nam. One whiff in New York, and Im suddenly 16 again, waiting for a platter of bun au [rice vermicelli and tofu] to land on the table at home.

That smell is what sends me searching for Vietnamese food in New York, not as a hobby, but as a way to feel closer to home. After living in Viet Nam for 17 years, I have high standards, and New York, for all its incredible dining options, just doesnt have that many truly great Vietnamese spots. I tend to get homesick a lot as well, and when I do, my cravings almost always lead me to the foods I grew up with.

Thats why Mam NYC caught my attention. From the moment I walked in, it didnt just look like a Vietnamese restaurant, it smelled like one.

The space is small and casual, with the kind of typical metal stool and close together tables that make you feel like youve stepped into a back-alley eatery in Ha Noi. On warm evenings, the front is opened up so diners spill onto the pavement, chatting over steaming bowls and pungent dipping sauces that I call home.

Growing up, I remember seeing my mother coming back home to the wet market to buy mam tom. Shed unscrew a plastic bottle, sniff it critically, and either nod in approval or move on before modifying the taste of the sauce with calamansi and fresh chillies.

At home, we didn't eat a lot of bun au unless my sister returned to Viet Nam during her college years, experiencing homesickness. Every time she came back, she would want a big platter feast of bun au to fulfil her cravings.

Back then, I didnt think much of it, but maybe that was my first glimpse into what Id eventually feel myself. Now, living in New York, I understand that craving all too well, that need for a familiar taste to make a foreign city feel a little less distant.

I started with the Quail Balut in Tamarind Sauce (US$10). The sauce tasted authentic, tangy from the tamarind, with a depth that paired perfectly with the creaminess of the balut egg. Crushed peanuts on top added both texture and a gentle nuttiness that tied the dish together.

The Garlic Fried Chicken Cartilage ($16) was crunchy and chewy. The garlic leaned slightly bitter at times, but the overall flavour was still bold and addictive.

Next came the Escargots Stuffed with Lemongrass and Minced Pork ($18). Even though I grew up in Viet Nam, Id never actually had this exact version before. Normally, Id eat snails by pulling the meat out with those long toothpicks, but here they were filled with juicy, bouncy pork and earthy wood ear mushrooms. The flavours were simple, salty and deeply satisfying, and the process of eating them still felt fun and traditional.

The Special Vermicelli Tofu tray ($37) was a full spread: crispy fried tofu, pork with young sticky rice nuggets, boiled pork belly, three types of pork intestines (including blood sausage), fresh rice vermicelli, aromatic herbs and mam tom (fish sauce or soy sauce also available).

The tofus crunch was satisfying, though I missed the softer texture Im used to back home. The sticky rice pork nuggets were excellent, perfectly chewy and well seasoned. Of the three types of intestines, the grilled portion was crispy, but they both didnt taste as fresh.

The vermicelli was fine but unremarkable, and the shrimp paste, shipped directly from Viet Nam, had the right flavour but was less pungent, likely toned down for local palates or due to supply issues.

This restaurant is tucked into the Lower East Side, right where Chinatowns chaos starts to spill over. The walk there is a sensory overload, the scent of roast duck from Chinese BBQ shops, the chatter spilling out of dim sum parlours, the neon glow of bubble tea storefronts. Ive never been particularly fond of this area. The streets feel grimy, the garbage bags pile high, and the constant crush of people makes it difficult to linger.

But I cant deny that this is also where some of the citys most exciting food lives, the kind thats worth weaving through the crowds and sidestepping puddles for. Still, hidden in all that mess, Mam stands quietly, almost out of place in a small doorway promising the kind of flavours that can momentarily make the city fade away and take me back home.

Overall Mam NYC isnt street food, and it isnt cheap, but its the closest Ive come to tasting home in New York City. In a city where Vietnamese food often gets lost in fusion trends or watered-down flavours, Mam is one of the most authentic places Ive had so far. For someone who grows up eating a lot of Vietnamese food, thats saying a lot.

The bill for four people came to about $200, which is pricey compared to Viet Nam, but for authentic flavours in New York, Id come back whenever homesickness hits. VNS

-----------------------

Mam NYC

70 Forsyth St, New York City

Rating: (3/5 stars)  Authentic flavours, a few misses in freshness, but worth visiting for the nostalgia.
Wrexham Council report shows business growth, stable care figures and budget pressures

This article is old - Published: Sunday, Sep 14th, 2025

Wrexham Council has released its 2024/25 annual performance report, setting out how the authority has performed across its key priorities.

The authority rated its overall progress as yellow for the second year running. This means good progress has been made in a number of areas but with more work needed. One priority, ensuring Wrexham is a fair and safe place, improved to green.

Finance and funding

The councils budget for 2024/25 was 319.6m, compared with 303.1m in 2023/24. Welsh Government funding accounted for 232.9m while council tax income rose to 86.7m. Schools received 103.5m and social care 100.6m, together making up almost two-thirds of total spending.

For 2025/26 the budget is forecast at 345.1m. The council warns of a 33.6m deficit expected across the three years from 2026/27 to 2028/29 if costs continue to outpace funding.

Economy and city centre

Council measured support for local businesses increased sharply. A total of 1,949 businesses accessed council support in 2024/25, up from 503 the previous year.

City centre vacancy rates of council owned buildings stayed broadly steady, rising slightly from 14.64 percent to 15.22 percent. The council helped bring 12 empty or under-used buildings back into use within three years of intervention, double the target of six.

Visitor spending in the county borough increased from 151.8m in 2022 to 179.4m in 2023. Figures for 2024 have not yet been released.

Education

Pupil attainment dipped compared with the previous year. The average Capped Nine score, a GCSE measure across nine subjects, was 339 in 2024 compared with 343.4 in 2023. The figure remains above the pre-pandemic level of 334.3 in 2019.

Attendance also fell slightly. Secondary schools recorded an average of 88.26 percent attendance, down from 88.56 percent, while primary schools dropped from 92.96 percent to 92.65 percent. Despite this, Wrexham ranked joint third in Wales for overall attendance.

Progression remained strong, with 96.8 percent of Year 11 pupils going into further education, apprenticeships or work. This was an increase from 96.3 percent the previous year.

Social care and wellbeing

The number of looked-after children remained at 308, down from 352 in 2022/23 and within the councils target thresholds. Placement stability improved, with 2.61 percent of children experiencing three or more moves compared with 3.12 percent last year.

Waiting lists for occupational therapy assessments fell to 208, compared with 374 the year before and more than 1,000 two years ago.

In-house fostering remains a challenge. The proportion of looked-after children in in-house foster placements fell from 18.24 percent in 2023/24 to 16.24 percent, below the 25 percent target.

Workforce

Staff sickness absence showed gradual improvement. The percentage of working days lost to sickness was 5.4 percent in 2024/25, down from 5.5 percent in 2023/24 and 5.6 percent in 2022/23. This equated to 59,448 days lost. The councils target is 5 percent.

A staff survey found 58 percent felt they had the opportunity to develop to their full potential, up from 57 percent. The councils Grow Your Own scheme, set up to train staff into hard-to-recruit roles, achieved a 100 percent completion rate.
Wrexham Maelor Hospital to benefit from improved x-ray equipment

This article is old - Published: Sunday, Sep 14th, 2025

New x-ray equipment with improved image quality and reliability is set to be rolled out to hospitals across North Wales.

The Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Colwyn Bay, Ysbyty Glan Clwyd and Ysbyty Gwynedd hospitals will all receive new equipment as part of a 4.4m investment from the Welsh Government.

The new equipment will support a range of procedures and imaging requirements for patients and expose people to lower doses of x-rays when images are taken.

New fluoroscopy systems, which are useful for reviewing the swallowing action and radiological procedures such as biopsies or drainages, will be provided at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and Ysbyty Gwynedd.

These systems will have improved features, image quality and reliability, meaning more people can be scanned in the radiology department.

Mammography imaging equipment, which is used to examine the breast and is vital in helping to detect cancer and other breast diseases, will also be replaced at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and Ysbyty Gwynedd.

The investment will see older x-ray machines replaced with new, updated digital radiology systems at Colwyn Bay Hospital and Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.

This will ensure image quality is improved and radiation exposure is reduced, as well as being easier for staff as they are much more comfortable to use and are fully automated for positioning.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Jeremy Miles said: This shows our commitment to replacing older equipment with new systems which are easier to use, better quality, more reliable and improve productivity and efficiency.

These new machines will be easier for staff to use and provide them with better tools to help diagnose a wide range of conditions, including cancer.

We are ensuring hospitals all over Wales have equipment they need to see, diagnose and treat more people, as we speed up diagnosis and reduce waiting times.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Boards deputy executive medical director, Jim McGuigan said: We are grateful for this investment in new diagnostic equipment across multiple health board sites.

It will help our staff provide a more comprehensive and efficient service, through the use of improved technologies.

We all have the same goal of reducing waiting times for diagnosis and treatment. This new equipment will help us on that journey.
The exterior of the Albuquerque Journal campus on Thursday. Contracted Journal Center landscaping crews keep up the yardwork and will continue to do so for a new owner.

New Mexico children face plenty of obstacles, evidenced by the states low rankings in childhood wellbeing, education and poverty, not to mention the juvenile crime rates. For decades, lawmakers have debated how to break these cycles with little improvement. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham last week announced a bold plan to move the needle: universal early childhood care. We think it has the potential to change the tide.

The benefits of early childhood education are grounded in years of research, both locally and nationally. Nearly 20 years ago, under former Gov. Bill Richardson, a study began on the first children who received state-funded early childhood education. The kiddos were tracked through their young lives, and the results were promising: an 80% high school graduation rate, more than six percentage points better than children who didnt get pre-K schooling.

The results were even better for English-language learners and students from low-income families. Analysts found those childrens graduation rates were 11 percentage points better than their peers. Another benefit was a reduction in chronic absenteeism, a persistent and stubborn problem that continues to scuttle efforts to improve Albuquerque Public Schools, the states largest school district.

In 2019, the state expanded free early childhood care to families making up to 400% of the federal poverty line. The move last week by the governor will expand that program to more working-class families, who are forced to do unnecessary math to determine if one parent should stay in the work force (New Mexico has one of the lowest workforce participation rates in the country) or quit a job and care for their children. The governor highlighted a particular family: Two Santa Fe teachers who combine to make about $133,000, putting the family several thousand dollars over the 400% poverty line limit.

I cant lose any more teachers and first responders, Lujan Grisham told the Journal Editorial Board.

We agree. As a secondary benefit, we think the policy will make our state more attractive to young professionals and families who our state needs to attract to become more competitive with neighboring states. Because of decisions to expand early childhood education and the creation of the Opportunity Scholarship, young families now have a safety net, knowing that they have state support for their children through college. Shore up K-12 education, and New Mexico will look a lot better on paper than it does now.

State officials said free early childhood care saves families on average $12,000 a year  thats money that will go back into the economy.

Critics point to the cost of such an expansion, and question why state funds would go to families who are better off than others. New Mexico will, as usual, fund the program through permanent funds that rely heavily on oil and gas revenues, making them volatile to market swings. But our funds are flush right now because of the prolific activity in the Permian Basin. If there ever was a prudent use of our volatile resources, its investing in our children and future.

Weve seen plenty of times when our state funneled money into debatable endeavors, like the film industry, electric vehicle programs and abortion clinics. If were going to throw resources at anything, why not make it kids?

New Mexico says it will need an additional 5,000 early childhood professionals to fill a gap that will be created by expanding free services to more families. And Lujan Grisham said that local colleges and universities, like Central New Mexico Community College, are expanding programs to professionalize and grow the workforce that caters to our youngest residents.

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We understand that challenges and questions remain. The state needs to ensure that increasing quantity doesnt hurt quality. And there must be safeguards in place with the rollout so the poorest New Mexicans dont lose opportunities by expanding eligibility to higher earners. The success or failure of this experiment wont be fully realized for years. But what if six years from now we look back on last weeks announcement as a turning point? What if this investment snowballs and helps to improve K-12 education and reduces juvenile crime?

The governor is betting that her legacy will be healthier children, stronger families and a more prosperous state.

Thats a bet worth making.
Colin Cox

Fossil fuel industry allies in New Mexicos government claim its safe to reuse toxic waste from oil and gas production outside of the oilfield. Theyre wrong and theyre gambling with our water and health.

The only thing we know for certain about this toxic, radioactive waste  which the industry likes to call produced water  is that research is still lacking, and more studies are needed to determine if it can be treated and reused safely.

Thats why in May, after an exhaustive 18-month rulemaking process, the Water Quality Control Commission voted to ban the reuse and dumping of oil and gas waste in our rivers and on our land, and to create a pilot program to study the issue further.

Now, before the ink on that rule dried  and without any new science to support a change  the oil industry strong-armed the commission into reversing course and opening the floodgates to reusing its waste.

The oil industry is proposing to spread their waste on our land, discharge it into our rivers and streams, and even use it to water non-food crops.

Making matters worse, the commission voted to move forward without the participation of the New Mexico Environment Department, normally a vital part of any rulemaking, whose scientists have testified that the safe discharge and reuse of oil and gas waste is not backed by science.

And Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is standing at the industrys side. Having failed to pass her produced water agenda through the Legislature earlier this year, she is now putting pressure on the commission to allow the commodification of this industrial waste.

We have low expectations for the oil industry. It has, after all, a century-long history of covering up and denying the truly unprecedented harms it has caused  like global warming from greenhouse gas pollution and earthquakes from produced water injection. But we deserve better from our governor and the state agencies tasked with protecting us.

New Mexicans are making that clear. More than 150 people from across the state showed up to commission hearings to plead for protection for our water. Twenty-five legislators have called for this reckless plan to be rejected.

The commission did the right thing in May when it voted to protect New Mexicans and our waters from oil and gas waste. It should stand by that decision and stop letting industry call the shots.
Alabama is often called the most religious state in the country, with 77% of folks here identifying as people of faith. In the series How We Worship, were traveling across the state to visit churches, mosques, synagogues, and other spaces where Alabamians gather in faith.

To many, the building that stands on the corner of 16th Street North in Birmingham is a history lesson, a reminder of one of the citys darkest days.

But to the people who worship at 16th Street Baptist Church, its not just a piece of the past  its home to a small, but thriving congregation, one that lives up to the teachings of Jesus, that ministers to the poor, to the under privileged, to widows.

I think people think that we dont have church here, that its just a tourist attraction, said Arthur Price, pastor of 16th Street Baptist. So, we try real hard to make sure that people know that we are an active, living, breathing church that does ministry in the community.

30 1 / 30 16th Street Baptist Church

Established as Birminghams first Black church in 1873, 16th Street Baptist is known around the world because of what happened on Sept. 15, 1963.

On that Sunday morning 62 years ago, members of the Ku Klux Klan detonated bombs during the Sunday school service, killing four little girls and injuring several others.

While the history of what happened on that day is inseparable from the churchs identity, some congregants worry that their house of worship is seen as a museum.

I think that a lot of people want the bombing of the church to define us, but before that we were doing things in the community that I think is what draws people to us, said Deborah Holloway, a longtime church member.

She noted that 16th Street Baptist was part of the founding of Parker High School, the first public high school for Black kids in Birmingham, and the Penny Savings Bank, the first Black-owned and Black-operated financial institution in the state.

The bombing is what made people realize it was a distinction for this church. I think we do what most Christian churches are supposed to do, but those are things that define us, she added.

Following a service in early August, we also spoke with Valisa Brown, who has been a member of 16th Street Baptist for the last two decades.

Heres what she told us:

How would you describe your congregation in one word?

Family. If I have a problem, I can text my pastor and he will call me back. Not the assistant, not the associate, but he will call me back. Weve had family issues like death, your pastor is there. My mother-in-law just passed away, and so the amount of support that came from people that I didnt even know their names, and theyre texting or sending cards, sending things to the house. Its family. Were together for good times and bad times.

Does the bombing still influence the way the church operates?

I wouldnt say that, no. But what I will say is that there have been things that have happened that would make us look at things differently. (The mass shooting that killed 9 people at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina 10 years ago.) When those murders happened, that definitely made us as congregants look at visitors who came in differently. Before, it was nothing to see someone come in who was on their way to catch a flight and they had a big backpack, and theyre sitting in the back. That would happen all the time, but then after the shooting happened, it gave you pause.

My sons are 20 and 22  and we were having a conversation and they talked about the anxiety that they felt as little boys. The anxiety that they felt seeing people come in. I dont know that person and they have a bag. I cant breathe because Im anxious. I never thought about that, and thats something that other churches probably didnt have to think about.

But because we are 16th Street Baptist Church, our kids were more attuned that, hey, this bad thing happened in another state. Whos to say its not going to happen here? And thats not a great way, not only for children but for anyone to think about. Even today, if I come in and I see something thats off, Im scared, and I shouldnt be scared coming to church.

Is there a memory that feels indicative of your time here?

I cant remember how many years ago this was, but it was an issue yet again, another immigration issue. This was maybe a Tuesday night, and not only was the sanctuary packed out, the balconies were packed out. So many people out in the front because people are coming and telling Hispanic people what they need to do if they were stopped, and it was just like a rally. And there were brown people that didnt look like us, and they were here trying to hear words of inspiration and hope. I think thats what this building did in the past, and I was really moved to see that it was, yet again, doing it for a different group of people.

We try real hard to make sure that people know that we are an active, living, breathing church that does ministry in the community. Arthur Price, pastor of 16th Street Baptist Church

Why did you decide to join this church?

Everyone was so warm and friendly, I just thought, this is probably the place. I come from a very small church in Briarfield, Alabama, and so the thought of a mega church was scary to me because I wanted to be in a place where someone would know if I was out or someone would know if I was going through bad things, and this place has definitely served that purpose for me.
Morgan Wallen took a moment Friday to point out his Im a Little Crazy song hits a little different this week.

The country music star - who was performing Friday in Edmonton, Alberta, during his Im the Problem Tour - gave a powerful tribute to Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was shot and killed last week.

Im not gonna say a whole bunch on this, Wallen said, but this song right here has been hitting me harder in the last couple days.

He also had a message for Kirks widow, Erika Kirk.

I just wanted to let Erika Kirk know that me and my family are sending prayers her way, Wallen said.

Wallen sent a unifed message when performing Im a Little Crazy.

He got emotional when singing the lyrics, For the jeepers and the creepers who aint right in the head.

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.
ELMONT, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 07: Bailey Zimmerman performs during the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 07, 2025 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for MTV) Getty Images for MTV

A popular country star said he was forced to cancel one of the final shows of his tour due to safety concerns at the venue.

Bailey Zimmerman announced on social media his Laughlin, Nevada, show scheduled for Sept. 13 at the Rio Vista Outdoor Amphitheater at Harrahs Laughlin was canceled.

In his post, Zimmerman, best known for his songs Rock and a Hard Place, and Fall in Love, said unforeseen local production limitations and stage safety forced the change.

The safety of yall, my band and my crew is the most important thing to me and I just cant put yall at risk, Zimmerman said. I really hate disappointing you all and I hate ending the tour this way but, like I said, its what I have to do.

Zimmerman did not provide additional details on the safety concerns. According to the amphitheaters website, the venue is a temporary one built by Harrahs Casino and Resort Laughlin with a capacity of about 3,000.

All tickets will be refunded at the point of purchase, Zimmerman said.

Hope to see yall in 2026, he added. I love yall so much.

The Nevada show was the third-to-last date of the 2025 New to Country Tour, with upcoming stops at the McHenry Music Festival on Sept. 14 and the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on Sept. 22. Zimmerman will launch the Different Night Same Rodeo Tour in early 2026.
An Alabama teenager was killed in a wreck Saturday while driving an all-terrain vehicle.

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the accident occurred when a 15-year-old operating a 2015 Yamaha Kodiak 700 ATV collided head-on with a 2006 Toyota Tacoma.

The 15-year-old was thrown from the SUV and pronounced dead at the scene. ALEA said the Toyota Tacoma was driven by a 16-year-old.

The accident took place at about three miles southeast of Sardis City on Cox Gap Road in Etowah County around 3:24 p.m.

ALEAs Highway Patrol Division is investigating the crash.
PEN literary service award recipient Stephen King attends the 2018 PEN Literary Gala at the American Museum of Natural History on May 22, 2018, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File) Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

Stephen King apologized Friday for claiming that the conservative activist Charlie Kirk advocated stoning gays. King made the initial assertion in a since-deleted social media post written after Kirk was shot and killed Sept. 10 at an event he was hosting at Utah Valley University.

I apologize for saying Charlie Kirk advocated stoning gays. What he actually demonstrated was how some people cherry-pick Biblical passages, the 77-year-old author wrote on the social media platform X.

The initial claim by King was in reference to comments that Kirk had made on his podcast in 2024, in which Kirk criticized childrens YouTube star Ms. Rachel for citing Gods wish for Christians to love thy neighbor in Leviticus, saying that should include gay people.

Kirk responded, 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, in Leviticus 18, is that thou shall lay with another man shall be stoned to death. Just saying.

Kings initial post received widespread backlash among conservatives, including from Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who called the author a horrible, evil, twisted liar in his response.

King responded to Cruzs comments with, The horrible, evil, twisted liar apologizes. This is what I get for reading something on Twitter [without] fact-checking. Wont happen again.

King is a prolific presence on X, where he has been an active and vocal critic of President Trump.

Kirk emerged as one of the most pivotal figures in the conservative movement over recent years, co-founding the nonprofit Turning Point USA and becoming an ally to Trump after advocating to mobilize the youth vote for the GOP nominee.

The authors apology comes after President Trump appeared on Fox News Friday morning to announce that a suspect in the Kirk shooting had been taken into police custody.

In a subsequent press conference, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox identified the suspect as Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old from Utah. The governor said that Robinson had indicated to a family friend that he was connected to the shooting, which led to his arrest.

 2025 Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
UNITED STATES - APRIL 8: Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., is seen after the Republican senate luncheon in the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala, believes people celebrating the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk should face consequences that include losing their jobs.

Britt delivered the comments during an interview on Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo on Fox News.

Sen. Katie Britt: "If you are out there and you are celebrating the political assassination of a man who was exercising his free speech ... you should be held accountable. You should be fired. And that is the beginning and the end of it. Full stop." pic.twitter.com/u5ossOYTRt  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) September 14, 2025

If you are out there and you are celebrating the political assassination of a man who was exercising his free speech, Britt said, a very foundational element, a cornerstone of who we are as the United States of America, you should be held accountable. You should be fired. And that is the beginning and the end of it. Full stop.

Britts comments follow the rise of social media campaigns calling out people for commenting on Kirks death after the conservative activist was shot and killed during an event at a Utah university on Wednesday.

According to NPR, almost 30 individuals across the country have been fired, placed on leave, investigated or called on to resign after making social media posts criticizing Kirk or showing indifference to his death.

Kirk is heralded by conservatives for his work advocating for young people but has also been deemed a divisive figure who critics said espoused racist, anti-LGBTQ+ and Islamophobic rhetoric.

That is dangerous

Britt said mainstream media allowing President Donald Trump to be called a fascist and other terms fostered a dangerous environment that led to Kirks shooting death.

The rhetoric that led us to this moment, calling President Trump a fascist, calling him Hitler, Britt said. You have news organizations and mainstream media celebrating that. Allowing those things to take place and be said on their networks. That is dangerous.

On Friday, Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested as the prime suspect in Kirks death after family turned him in to authorities. Authorities have not confirmed a motive in the case.
My general vintage computing projects, mostly microcomputers, 6502, PalmOS, 68K/Power Mac and Unix workstations, but that's not all you'll see. While over the decades I've written for publications likeand, these articles are all original and just for you. My promise: No AI-generated article text, ever. All em-dashes are intentional and inserted by hand. Be kind, REWIND and PLAY.Old VCR is advertisement- and donation-funded, and what I get goes to maintaining the hardware here at Floodgap. I don't drink coffee, but the Mr Pibb doesn't buy itself. :-) Thanks for reading.
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)

WASHINGTON (AP)  Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Sunday that investigators are not ready to discuss the motive behind the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. But he said the suspect had left-leaning political beliefs, disliked the conservative influencer and is being uncooperative in custody.

Clearly a leftist ideology, Cox told NBCs Meet the Press. On CNNs State of the Union, he said, That information comes from the people around him, his family members and friends.

Cox said Robinson, 22, is not cooperating and that friends paint a picture of someone radicalized in the dark corners of the internet. Clearly there was a lot of gaming going on, Cox said on NBC. Friends have confirmed that there was kind of that deep, dark internet, the Reddit culture, and these other dark places of the internet where this person was going deep.

A Republican whos called on all partisans to tone down their rhetoric following the attack, the governor added: I really dont have a dog in this fight. If this was a radicalized MAGA person, Id be saying that as well.

Cox stressed on several Sunday morning news shows, however, that investigators are still trying to pin down a motive for the attack on the father of two and Trump confidant, who was killed Wednesday while on one of his signature college speaking tours at Utah Valley University. The governor said more information may come out once the suspect, Tyler Robinson, appears in court Tuesday.

The governor said the suspects partner was transgender, which some politicians have pointed to as a sign Robinson was targeting Kirk for his anti-trans views. But authorities have not said whether it is relevant as they investigate Robinsons motive.

The roommate was a romantic partner, a male transitioning to female, Cox said. I can say that he has been incredibly cooperative, this partner has been very cooperative, had no idea that this was happening.

Investigators have spoken to Robinsons relatives and carried out a search warrant at his familys home in Washington, about 240 miles (390 kilometers) southwest of Utah Valley University, where the shooting took place.

State records show Robinson is registered to vote but not affiliated with a political party and is listed as inactive, meaning he did not vote in the two most recent general elections. His parents are registered Republicans.

Ammunition found with the weapon used to kill Kirk was engraved with taunting, anti-fascist and meme-culture messages. Court records show that one bullet casing had the message, Hey, fascist! Catch!

Robinson grew up around St. George, in the southwestern corner of Utah between Las Vegas and natural landmarks including Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.

Robinson became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known widely as the Mormon church, at a young age, church spokesperson Doug Andersen said.

Robinson has two younger brothers, and his parents have been married for about 25 years, according to social media posts. Online activity by Robinsons mother reflects an active family that took vacations to Disneyland, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Alaska.

Like many in that part of Utah, 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 seen smiling as he grips the handles of a .50-caliber heavy machine gun.

A high school honor roll student 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 that was posted to a family members social media account.

But he attended for only one semester, according to the university. He is currently enrolled as a third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College in St. George.
Hours after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, FBI Director Kash Patel declared online that the subject in the killing was in custody. The shooter was not. The two men who had been detained were quickly released, and Utah officials acknowledged that the gunman remained at large.

The false assurance was more than a slip. It spotlighted the high-stakes uncertainty surrounding Patels leadership of the bureau when its credibility  and his own  are under extraordinary pressure.

Patel now approaches congressional oversight hearings this coming week facing not just questions about that investigation but broader doubts about whether he can stabilize a federal law enforcement agency fragmented by political fights and internal upheaval.

Democrats are poised to press Patel on a purge of senior executives that has prompted a lawsuit, his pursuit of President Donald Trumps grievances long after the Russia investigation ended, and a realignment of resources that has prioritized the fight against illegal immigration and street crime even though the agency has for decades been defined by its work on complicated threats like counterintelligence and public corruption.

Thats in addition to questions about the handling of files from the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking case, the addition of a co-deputy director to serve alongside Dan Bongino, and the use of polygraphs on some agents in recent months to identify sources of leaks. Republicans, meanwhile, are likely to rally to his defense or redirect the spotlight toward the bureaus critics.

The hearings will offer Patel his most consequential stage yet, and perhaps the clearest test of whether he can convince the country that the FBI, under his watch, can avoid compounding its mistakes in a time of political violence and deepening distrust.

Because of the skepticism that some members of the Senate have had and still have, its extremely important that he perform very well at these oversight hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday, said Gregory Brower, a former FBI executive who served as its top congressional affairs official.

The FBI declined to comment about Patels coming testimony to the committee.

He claimed subject was in custody

Kirks killing was always going to be a closely scrutinized investigation, not only because it was the latest burst of political violence inside the United States but also because of Kirks friendships with Trump, Patel and other administration figures and allies.

While agents from Salt Lake City investigated, Patels account on the social media platform X posted that the subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said at a near-contemporaneous news conference that Whoever did this, we will find you, suggesting authorities were still searching. Patel soon after posted that the person in custody had been released.

That does not deliver the message that you want the public to hear, said Chris OLeary, a retired FBI counterterrorism executive. It had the opposite effect. People start to wonder what is going on. This looks like the Keystone Cops and it continues to get worse.

The next day, a scheduled afternoon news conference was canceled for rapid developments as Patel and Bongino flew to Utah. It was held instead in the evening. Patel appeared but did not speak.

As the search stretched on for over a day, Patel angrily vented to FBI personnel Thursday about what he perceived as a failure to keep him informed, including that he was not quickly shown a photograph of the suspected shooter. Thats according to two people familiar with the matter who were not authorized to discuss it by name and spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press. The New York Times earlier reported details of the call.

Asked about the scrutiny of his performance, the FBI issued a statement saying that it had worked with local law enforcement to bring the suspected shooter, Tyler Robinson, to justice and will continue to be transparent with the American people.

Patels overall 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.

Patel, at a news conference Friday and again on social media Saturday, touted his oversight of the investigation, highlighting his decision to publicize photographs of Robinson as a key break in the investigation. Robinsons father recognized him from the photos, setting off a chain of events that resulted in the son turning himself in.

Patel received support Saturday from Trump. He reposted on X a post from a Fox News Channel journalist who said she had spoken with Trump and that the president had said that Patel and the FBI have done a great job.

Personnel purge

On the same day Kirk was killed, Patel faced a separate problem: a lawsuit from three FBI senior executives fired in an August purge that wiped away decades of institutional experience and that they characterized as a Trump administration retribution campaign.

Among them was Brian Driscoll, who as acting FBI director in the early days of the Trump administration resisted Justice Department demands for names of agents who investigated the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol. Driscoll alleged in the lawsuit that he was let go following a clash with Patel over administration demands to fire an FBI pilot who had been wrongly identified on social media as the case agent in the classified documents investigation of Trump.

The lawsuit quotes Patel as having told Driscoll his job depended on firing people the White House wanted gone. The FBI has declined to comment on the lawsuit.

The other plaintiffs are Spencer Evans, a former top agent in Las Vegas whose termination letter cited a lack of reasonableness and overzealousness in implementing COVID-19 policies while serving as a human resources official  a claim his lawyers call false  and Steve Jensen, who helped oversee FBI investigations into the Jan. 6. Capitol riot.

The upheaval continues a trend that began even before Patel took over, when more than a half-dozen of the bureaus most senior executives were forced out under a Justice Department rationale that they could not be trusted to implement Trumps agenda.

Theres since been significant turnover in leadership at the FBIs 55 field offices. Some left because of promotions and planned retirements, but others because of ultimatums to accept new assignments or resign. The head of the Salt Lake City office, an experienced counterterrorism investigator, was pushed out of her position weeks before Kirk was killed at a Utah college, said people familiar with the move.

In July, an agent based in Norfolk, Virginia, Michael Feinberg, authored a first-person account saying he was told to brace for a demotion and a polygraph exam because of his friendship with Peter Strzok , a lead FBI agent in the investigation into ties between Russia and Trumps 2016 campaign fired over derogatory text messages sent about Trump. Feinberg resigned instead.

FBIs priorities shift under Patel

Patel arrived at the FBI having been a sharp critic of its leadership, including for investigations into Trump that he says politicized the institution. Under Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi, the FBI and Justice Department have become entangled in their own politically fraught inquiries, such as one into New York Attorney General Letitia James.

Hes moved quickly to remake the bureau, with the FBI and Justice Department working to investigate one of the Republican presidents chief grievances  the years-old Trump-Russia investigation. Trump has routinely called that probe, which did not establish a criminal conspiracy between Russia and Trumps campaign, a hoax and witch hunt.

The Justice Department appeared to confirm in an unusual statement that it was investigating former FBI Director James Comey and former CIA Director John Brennan, pivotal players in the Russia saga listed by Patel in a book he authored as members of the Executive Branch Deep State, but did not say for what. Bondi has directed that evidence be presented to a grand jury, and agents and prosecutors have begun requesting information and interviews from former officials related to the investigation, according to multiple people familiar with the outreach.

Critics of the fresh Russia inquiry consider it a transparent attempt to turn the page from the fierce backlash the FBI and Justice Department endured from elements of Trumps base following their July announcement that they would not be releasing any additional documents from the Epstein investigation.

Patel has meanwhile elevated the fight against street crime, drug trafficking and illegal immigration to the top of the FBIs agenda, in alignment with Trumps agenda.

The FBI has been key to the federal governments takeover of the Washington police department, participating with partner agencies in arrests for crimes, like drunken driving, not historically thought of as central FBI priorities.

The bureau makes no apologies for aggressive policing in American cities the Trump administration contends have been consumed by crime. Patel and Bongino have been promoting the number of arrests involving federal law enforcement in an initiative they dub Operation Summer Heat. Patel says the thousands of cumulative arrests, many of them immigration-related, are what happens when you let good cops be good cops.

But some are concerned the street crime focus could draw attention from the sophisticated public corruption and national security threats for which the bureau has long been primarily, if not solely, responsible for investigating. In one example, a federal corruption squad in Washington was disbanded this past spring.

One of the big problems that I see is that the investigative programs that have been hurt the most this year are the ones that really only the FBI does, or the FBI does better than anybody else, said Matt DeSarno, who retired in 2022 as head of the Dallas field office.
Savannah Chrisley, daughter of reality television star Todd Chrisley, speaks outside the Federal Prison Camp, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Pensacola, Fla. (AP Photo/Dan Anderson) AP

The University of Alabama says social media claims alleging Greek organizations were told to take down banners memorializing Charlie Kirk are false.

The University of Alabama has not asked Greek organizations to take down memorial banners, said Alex House, a university spokesperson, in a statement to AL.com on Saturday evening.

UA respects free speech and institutional neutrality.

Savannah Chrisley, who has millions of followers on social media, said in a video that she was told that the president of UA told fraternities to take down their banners.

The videos were reshared to TikTok and racked up hundreds of reactions.

Chrisley asked that any fraternity or sororities send her documentation of the supposed request from UA.

In a follow up video, Chrisley, who is the daughter of reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, said UA had sent word to her that the initial reports werent true.

I appreciate them getting this info to me because obviously that would be completely against what Charlie is fighting for, which is our right to free speech, she said.

So Im grateful that none of this has surfaced yet. Like I said, Im sill waiting on documentation the individuals say they have. So who knows.

In May, Savannah Chrisley got a call from President Trump letting her know that he was issuing a pardon for her parents, who went to prison for a $36 million fraud scheme.

Todd and Julie Chrisley, the stars of reality show Chrisley Knows Best, were spotted in Tuscaloosa last month helping their son move into college at the University of Alabama.

Savannah Chrisley has said she was to join Kirk on the American Comeback tour he was on when he was shot to death at a college in Utah on Wednesday.

Charlie Kirk changed my life, she posted on social media after his death.

He brought me into the Turning Point family this past year, and I was supposed to be standing next to him at every college this October. Instead, I sit here with a broken heart, devastated beyond words.
Leaks about Samsungs next-gen Galaxy S26 series have been constant lately. However, they havent been too exciting for fans of the brands phones. Reports have crushed hopes of some big camera hardware upgrades for these devices. Now, the latest leak has crushed the hopes of those hoping for more powerful fast charging for the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra.

Galaxy S26 Ultra to stick with 45W fast charging despite 60W rumors

Previous rumors from credible sources, and even hints found in One UI code, pointed to a 60W fast charging capability for the Galaxy S26 Ultra. This would have been a welcome leap from the 45W standard that has been in place since the Galaxy S22 Ultra. Yes, Samsung hasnt improved the wired fast charging speed of its Ultra phones since 2022. Sadly, it looks like 2026 wont be the year either.

Tipster Mohammed Khatri shared a recent certification from the Chinese CQC (China Quality Certification). The screenshot doesnt mention a charging upgrade for any of the upcoming Galaxy S26 models. The certification lists the expected Galaxy S26 Ultra at a maximum of 45W, mirroring the specifications of its predecessors. This is a tough pill to swallow for fans who were excited about the possibility of a faster charging experience.

Via: Mohammed Khatri

The certification also seems to confirm the fast-charging power for the other Galaxy S26 models. As recently leaked, both the Galaxy S26 Pro and the S26 Edge will stick to a 25W charging limit. This certification is specifically for the Chinese market. However, it would be highly unusual for Samsung to offer different charging speeds in other regions like the US or Europe.

Will there be a global surprise from Samsung?

While the certification seems pretty definitive, a small part of the tech community is holding on to the idea of a surprise. After all, the One UI code analysis was a promising sign. The same source even adds that global versions may differ in charging speeds.

Could Samsung be planning to release a different version for key markets? Its not impossible, but it is unlikely. For now, the most likely scenario is that the S26 Ultra will indeed arrive with the same 45W charging speed weve seen before.

This puts Samsung in a peculiar position. Many of its competitors, particularly from Chinese brands like Xiaomi and OPPO, have been pushing charging speeds to impressive new heights. Chinese devices like those from OnePlus are available in the US as well, offering impressive charging figures. Even recent Motorola phones far surpass the charging speed of Samsungs premium phones.
Weve recently seen several camera-related leaks about Samsungs upcoming Galaxy S26 series. However, theyve been disappointing for those hoping for major improvements. Still, the company is one of the leaders in smartphone camera solutions. In fact, Samsung is currently mass-producing a new, groundbreaking continuous zoom technology for smartphone cameras that, unfortunately, Galaxy fans wont be able to enjoy anytime soon. Chinese mobile phone manufacturers already have these sensors in their hands.

Samsungs new continuous zoom camera sensor: For everyone but its own phones

Samsungs continuous zoom camera tech is a big deal. To understand why, you have to look at how most smartphone telephoto lenses work today. They have a fixed optical zoom, say at 3x or 5x. When you try to zoom to any level in between, like 4x, your phone switches to digital zoom. This essentially just crops and enlarges the image, often resulting in a noticeable loss of clarity. Its a bit like taking a picture with a high-quality lens, then simply zooming in on the picture afterwards.

A continuous zoom camera, on the other hand, works more like a traditional camera lens. The internal components move, allowing the camera to maintain full optical clarity across a wide zoom range. You could go from 3x all the way to 8x without losing quality at any time, for example. This means every photo you take within that range is perfectly sharp. Theres no guessing game or a drop in quality; its a true step forward for mobile photography.

Samsung uses other brands as testing grounds for new technology

So, why would Samsungs own phones get passed over for this cutting-edge tech? According to Digital Chat Station, Samsungs components division, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, is developing and has successfully mass-produced this continuous zoom camera specifically at the request of and for several Chinese phone makers. This isnt a sign that Samsung is falling behind; rather, its a strategic business move.

Chinese brands have a reputation for being quick to adopt new and unproven technologies to stand out in the crowded market. With fierce competition at home, they are often willing to take risks and integrate cutting-edge components into their devices to gain a marketing advantage. Samsung, on the other hand, tends to be more cautious. They focus on optimizing and refining technologies before putting them into their flagship devices. This allows Samsung to let its rivals act as a sort of testing ground for new components in the real world.

For the loyal Galaxy fan base, this news can be a tough pill to swallow. Its disappointing to know that a brand you support is creating a major innovation that its rivals will get to showcase first. It feels like youre missing out on a cutting-edge feature, a part of the fun of being a tech enthusiast.
Punk performers Bob Vylan appear to have mocked the killing of Charlie Kirk in a performance in Amsterdam.

A member of the outspoken duo, who caused controversy when they chanted for the death of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) at Glastonbury Festival, told the audience if you chat shit you will get banged in videos widely shared on social media.

During their performance at the Netherlands Club Paradiso, frontman Bobby Vylan, whose real name is reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster, told fans: I want to dedicate this next one to an absolute piece of shit of a human being.

Bob Vylan performing on the West Holts Stage, during the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Somerset. Glastonbury Festival (Yui Mok/PA)

The pronouns was/were. Cause if you chat shit you will get banged. Rest in peace Charlie Kirk, you piece of shit.

Kirk, who was a prominent political commentator in the US and ally of President Donald Trump, was shot and killed at a Utah Valley University event on Wednesday, in what authorities called a political assassination.

Hundreds of people attended a vigil for Mr Kirk in central London on Saturday with speakers hailing him as a Christian martyr and calling for people to wage a war on evil.

In a statement on its website, Club Paradiso said: On Saturday September 13, during his performance at Paradiso, artist Bob Vylan made statements that many experienced as harsh and offensive.

Paradiso believes in the power of artistic freedom. Music, and punk in particular, has traditionally been a form of art that amplifies anger, discontent, and injustice without filter.

In a world on fire, artists sometimes choose language that sounds confrontational or violent. That is part of artistic expression, but not automatically language that we as a venue endorse.

A memorial for Turning Point USA chief executive and co-founder Charlie Kirk is seen at Utah Valley University (Lindsey Wasson/AP photo)

Paradiso shares the outrage and concern regarding the genocidal violence taking place in Gaza.

That Bob Vylan raises his voice against it is legitimate and necessary. Should the Openbaar Ministerie (public prosecution service) wish to investigate whether any criminal offences have been committed, Paradiso will cooperate.

After reports that his comments celebrated Kirks death, Bobby Vylan said in an Instagram video: At no point during yesterdays show was Charlie Kirks death celebrated. At no point whatsoever did we celebrate Charlie Kirks death.

The duo, who blend elements of punk with rap, hip-hop and grime, have upcoming gigs in the Netherlands at Doornroosje, on September 15, and 013, on September 16.

A translated statement on the 013 website said: We do not accept that an act like Bob Vylan, an outspoken punk-rap duo with a long history of political activism, is threatened with cancellation because of words born of outrage over a humanitarian disaster.

It added: Were not alone in this: Paradiso and Doornroosje have also confirmed their decision to programme Bob Vylan. The threats made against Paradiso demonstrate how vulnerable the space for artistic expression can be. Intimidation should never determine who gets to perform on stage.

Bobby Vylan crowd surfs during his performance on the West Holts Stage (Yui Mok/PA)

A translated statement on the Doornroosje website added: Bob Vylan plays at Doornroosje because hes an act that fits within our programming. The band has previously been booked for Doornroosje and played at the Valkhof Festival.

Following Bobby Vylans comments about the IDF at Glastonbury in June, Avon and Somerset Police launched an investigation.

Earlier in the month, BBC director general Tim Davie said the corporations decision to broadcast Bob Vylans set live was a very significant mistake.

While facing questions from MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on Tuesday, Davie said the punk duos set was antisemitic and deeply disturbing.

The corporation issued an apology after the Bob Vylan set at Glastonbury, saying: We deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to apologise to our viewers and listeners and in particular the Jewish community.

Bobby Vylan said in a social media post that there was nothing antisemitic or criminal about anything I said at Glastonbury.
A Bob Vylan concert in the Netherlands has been cancelled after comments made by the performer on stage about the assassination of Donald Trump ally Charlie Kirk.

A member of the outspoken punk duo, who caused controversy when they chanted for the death of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) at Glastonbury Festival, told the audience if you chat shit you will get banged in footage widely shared on social media.

In response, their planned performance on Tuesday September 16 at the 013 in Tilburg has been cancelled, with the venue saying the statements made by the performer go too far.

Bobby Vylan crowd surfs during his performance on the West Holts Stage (Yui Mok/PA)

During their performance at Amsterdams Paradiso on Saturday, frontman Bobby Vylan, whose real name is reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster, told fans: I want to dedicate this next one to an absolute piece of shit of a human being.

The pronouns was/were. Cause if you chat shit you will get banged. Rest in peace Charlie Kirk, you piece of shit.

Mr Kirk, who was a prominent political commentator in the US and ally of the president, was shot and killed at a Utah Valley University event on Wednesday, in what authorities called a political assassination.

Hundreds of people attended a vigil for Mr Kirk in central London on Saturday with speakers hailing him as a Christian martyr and calling for people to wage a war on evil.

A translated statement on the 013 website on Sunday said: The planned performance by British rap-punk group Bob Vylan on Tuesday, September 16th, at Poppodium 013 in Tilburg has been cancelled.

The reason for the cancellation is the controversial statements the artist made last night during a show at Paradiso in Amsterdam.

A person holds a portrait of Charlie Kirk during the Tommy Robinson-led Unite the Kingdom march and rally in central London (Jamie Lashmar/PA)

Despite the controversy that arose after their Glastonbury performance, 013 decided to let Bob Vylan perform in Tilburg.

The venue said it had an understanding for the artists anger regarding the violence in Israel and said the duo clarified in a statement that the death to the IDF chant was not an antisemitic slogan, but rather criticism of the Israeli army.

The statement added: While we understand that these statements were made in the context of punk and activism, and that the reporting on them is sometimes less nuanced than what actually happened, we still believe these new statements go too far. They no longer fall within the scope of what we can offer a platform.

In a statement on its website, Club Paradiso said: On Saturday September 13, during his performance at Paradiso, artist Bob Vylan made statements that many experienced as harsh and offensive.

Paradiso believes in the power of artistic freedom. Music, and punk in particular, has traditionally been a form of art that amplifies anger, discontent, and injustice without filter.

In a world on fire, artists sometimes choose language that sounds confrontational or violent. That is part of artistic expression, but not automatically language that we as a venue endorse.

A memorial for Turning Point USA chief executive and co-founder Charlie Kirk is seen at Utah Valley University (Lindsey Wasson/AP photo)

Paradiso shares the outrage and concern regarding the genocidal violence taking place in Gaza.

That Bob Vylan raises his voice against it is legitimate and necessary. Should the Openbaar Ministerie (public prosecution service) wish to investigate whether any criminal offences have been committed, Paradiso will cooperate.

After reports that his comments celebrated Mr Kirks death, Bobby Vylan said in an Instagram video: At no point during yesterdays show was Charlie Kirks death celebrated. At no point whatsoever did we celebrate Charlie Kirks death.

The duo, comprised of frontman Bobby Vylan and drummer Bobbie Vylan, have another gig in the Netherlands at Doornroosje which is billed for Monday.

A translated statement on the Doornroosje website, which appears to have been online prior to the recent comments, said: Bob Vylan plays at Doornroosje because hes an act that fits within our programming. The band has previously been booked for Doornroosje and played at the Valkhof Festival.

Following Bobby Vylans comments about the IDF at Glastonbury in June, Avon and Somerset Police launched an investigation.

Earlier in the month, BBC director general Tim Davie said the corporations decision to broadcast Bob Vylans set live was a very significant mistake.

While facing questions from MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on Tuesday, Davie said the punk duos set was antisemitic and deeply disturbing.

The corporation issued an apology after the Bob Vylan set at Glastonbury, saying: We deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to apologise to our viewers and listeners and in particular the Jewish community.

Bobby Vylan said in a social media post that there was nothing antisemitic or criminal about anything I said at Glastonbury.
Punk grime duo Bob Vylan appeared to mock the assassination of Charlie Kirk at their latest gig, once again embroiling themselves in controversy.

The outspoken musicians were dropped from festival line-ups after chanting Death to the IDF during their Glastonbury performance in June.

The fallout led to the cancellation of the group's US tour after the US Department of State cancelled their visas, while appearances, including at Manchester's Radar Festival, were also cancelled.

At a gig in the Netherlands, frontman Bobby Vylan - real name Pascal Robinson-Foster - used derogatory language to refer to the murder of US right-wing political pundit Charlie Kirk.

Kirk, who was a prominent political commentator in the US and ally of President Donald Trump, was shot and killed at a Utah Valley University event on Wednesday, in what authorities called a political assassination.

Bobby, real name Pascal Robinson-Foster, told revellers: "I want to dedicate this next one to an absolute piece of s*** of a human being.

"The pronouns was/were. Because if you talk s***, you will get banged. Rest in peace Charlie Kirk you piece of s***."

The remarks were made at a sold-out show in Amsterdams Paradiso club, with a Palestinian flag hanging on the stage.

After reports that his comments celebrated Kirks death, Bobby Vylan said in an Instagram video: At no point during yesterdays show was Charlie Kirks death celebrated. At no point whatsoever did we celebrate Charlie Kirks death.

Did I call him a piece of s***? That much is true. But at no point was his death celebrated.

Paradiso has a main hall capacity of 1,500 and had earlier hinted at the band's reputation, writing that "activism is inseparably linked to Bob Vylan" in the band's listing.

The show had heavy security measures, with police patrols nearby, as well as metal barriers and thorough bag checks at the entrance, pro-Israel website Jfeed reports.

Bobby Vylan himself appeared relaxed after making his remarks and had also joked with gig goers about whether there were any snipers in the room.

In a statement on its website, Club Paradiso said: On Saturday September 13, during his performance at Paradiso, artist Bob Vylan made statements that many experienced as harsh and offensive.

Paradiso believes in the power of artistic freedom. Music, and punk in particular, has traditionally been a form of art that amplifies anger, discontent, and injustice without filter.

In a world on fire, artists sometimes choose language that sounds confrontational or violent. That is part of artistic expression, but not automatically language that we as a venue endorse.

Paradiso shares the outrage and concern regarding the genocidal violence taking place in Gaza.

That Bob Vylan raises his voice against it is legitimate and necessary. Should the Openbaar Ministerie (public prosecution service) wish to investigate whether any criminal offences have been committed, Paradiso will cooperate.

The duo, who blend elements of punk with rap, hip-hop and grime, have upcoming gigs in the Netherlands at Doornroosje, on September 15, and 013, on September 16.

A statement on the 013 website said: We do not accept that an act like Bob Vylan, an outspoken punk-rap duo with a long history of political activism, is threatened with cancellation because of words born of outrage over a humanitarian disaster.

It added: Were not alone in this: Paradiso and Doornroosje have also confirmed their decision to programme Bob Vylan. The threats made against Paradiso demonstrate how vulnerable the space for artistic expression can be. Intimidation should never determine who gets to perform on stage.

Following Bob Vylans comments about the IDF at Glastonbury in June, Avon and Somerset Police launched an investigation.

Meanwhile, BBC director general Tim Davie has said the corporations decision to broadcast Bob Vylans set live was a very significant mistake.

While facing questions from MPs on the Culture, Media and Sport Committee on Tuesday, Davie said the punk duos set was antisemitic and deeply disturbing.

The corporation issued an apology after the Bob Vylan set at Glastonbury, saying: We deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to apologise to our viewers and listeners and in particular the Jewish community.

Robinson-Foster said in a social media post that there was nothing antisemitic or criminal about anything I said at Glastonbury.
Hermeto Pascoal, an eccentric and prolific Brazilian multi-instrumentalist, composer and arranger known affectionately as The Sorcerer of Sounds and The Mad Genius, has died aged 89.

With serenity and love, we announce that Hermeto Pascoal has passed on to the spiritual realm, surrounded by family and fellow musicians, his family and team said in a statement late on Saturday on Instagram.

The statement did not provide a cause of death or say where he had died.

Pascoal was an instantly recognisable figure with his mane of white hair and thick beard.

He created music that defied fixed labels and blended jazz, samba, Brazilian popular music (MPB), bossa nova, chorinho and forro.

An accomplished pianist, accordionist and flautist, Pascoal also used more unconventional objects to produce sounds, including pints of beer, dolls, body parts, tea cups, and  perhaps most famously  live pigs.

On his 1977 album Slaves Mass, Pascoal squeezed a piglet to make it squeal for the opening of a track.

A photo of him with the animal in his arms appeared on its back cover.

Born on June 22 1936, in Alagoas state in Brazils poor north-east, his albino condition allowed him to escape working in the fields under the harsh sun.

He taught himself to play his fathers accordion instead.

Pascoal moved with his family to the port city of Recife aged 14, where he continued to develop his skills and performed on local radio stations.

He later headed to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.

He worked with the drummer and percussionist Airto Moreira during the 1960s, who took Pascoal on tour to the US where he met Miles Davis.

Pascoal played on Daviss 1971 album Live-Evil.

The meeting with Miles kickstarted an international career that continued well into Pascoals 80s.

I was born music; I havent done anything without music, he told Brazilian newspaper Folha de S Paulo last year.

What I write on a toilet bowl is as important as what I write on any paper, because music is sacred.

On the website of the Barbican, a London venue where Pascoal was due to play in November, he is described as an iconic Brazilian composer who created more than 10,000 compositions.

Tributes for Pascoal poured in after the announcement of his death.

Brazilian music and culture owe a great deal to Hermeto Pascoal, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Saturday on X.

Pascoals talent and tireless creativity () earned him international acclaim and influenced generations of musicians around the world, Mr Lula added.

Caetano Veloso said on Instagram that Pascoal is one of the highest points in the history of music in Brazil.

Pascoal leaves behind six children.
Sir Keir Starmer says the country should never surrender its flag to become a symbol of violence, fear and division following a huge protest organised by Tommy Robinson, as the backlash grows over Elon Musks remarks at the rally.

In his first comments since more than 110,000 people joined the march in central London on Saturday, the prime minister also stated the government will not stand for assaults on police officers, after 26 were injured, four seriously.

The demonstration, organised under the banner Unite the Kingdom, saw Whitehall filled with union flags and St Georges flags as the tens of thousands of protesters listened to speakers, including Mr Musk, who appeared on screens through a video link.

But there was condemnation after clashes broke out between some protesters and police, as well as outcry over the Tesla and X owner, who 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 a statement shared on social media on Sunday, Sir Keir wrote: People have a right to peaceful protest. It is core to our countrys values.

Keir Starmer has rejected the countrys flag being used as a symbol of violence, fear and division (Joshua Bratt/The Times)

But we will not stand for assaults on police officers doing their job or for people feeling intimidated on our streets because of their background or the colour of their skin.

Britain is a nation proudly built on tolerance, diversity and respect. Our flag represents our diverse country and we will never surrender it to those that use it as a symbol of violence, fear and division.

Assistant Met commissioner Matt Twist said on Saturday that police faced a wholly unacceptable level of violence, while home secretary Shabana Mahmood vowed that anyone taking part in criminal activity will face the full force of the law.

Twenty-four people have so far been arrested for a range of offences, including affray, violent disorder, assault and criminal damage.

Asked on the BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme whether Mr Musk was trying to incite violence, business secretary Peter Kyle said: I thought that they were slightly incomprehensible comments that were totally inappropriate.

People have a right to peaceful protest. It is core to our countrys values.



But we will not stand for assaults on police officers doing their job or for people feeling intimidated on our streets because of their background or the colour of their skin.



Britain is a nation  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 14, 2025

But what we saw yesterday was over 100,000 people who were expressing freedom of association, freedom of speech, and proving that both of those things are alive and well in this country.

A small minority of people who are protesting committed acts of violence against our police for which they should and they will be held accountable.

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 Mr Musk doesnt care about the British people or our rights. He only cares about himself and his ego.

Mr Kyle went on to call the protest a klaxon call for MPs to address immigration and other public concerns.

People fly union flags and the St George Cross during the Tommy Robinson-led march (PA)

He stressed the government is determined to start to bring communities back together again in light of the fractious scenes, but he conceded so far it is something that we have not solved.

He said: There are communities that are being driven further apart, and there are figures such as Tommy Robinson that is able to touch into a sense of disquiet and grievance in the community in our society.

A lot of it goes back to its roots in the financial crisis and the impact that had on communities around the country, and we havent been able to bring our communities back together again since.

I think these are moments that are klaxon calls to us in public life to redouble our efforts to address the big concerns that people right across our country have, and immigration is a big concern.

Three of the 24 people arrested were women with the rest being men, while the youngest and oldest people detained at the protest were aged 19 and 58 respectively, the Met said on Sunday. A number of people were arrested for more than one offence. The force added officers were working to identify other people involved in the disorder with a view to making further arrests in the coming days and weeks.

Elon Musk appeared via video link to Robinsons protest, sparking an outcry (X/Tommy Robinson)

Police said the Robinson crowd was too big to fit into Whitehall and confrontation happened when officers tried to stop them from encircling counterprotesters and accessing the area from different routes.

Projectiles were thrown by Robinson protesters towards the counterdemonstrators as thousands from both sides stared each other down on Whitehall.

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 counterprotesters to leave safely.

Later, more than 100 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.

As well as Mr Musk, the Unite protest featured a series of speeches from far-right personalities and politicians, including former actor Laurence Fox, former Apprentice candidate Katie Hopkins, along with musical performers.
Gurpreet Singh Johal is a Labour councillor in Dumbarton. Photograph: Murdo MacLeod/The Guardian

The brother of Jagtar Singh Johal, a British Sikh jailed in India, has written to the Home Office to ask why he is being repeatedly stopped at the airport by British border police.

Gurpreet Singh Johal, a Labour councillor in Dumbarton, asked if it was linked to his legal efforts to discover whether British intelligence played a role in his brothers arrest eight years ago.

He told the Guardian: I have been repeatedly stopped at the British border, and no explanation is being given. I dont know if this is an attempt by someone to intimidate me, but I am not going to stop seeking redress for my brother who has been in jail since 2017 without full trial.

A UK court hearing is due in a few weeks time in which Jagtars lawyers, including from the legal organisation Reprieve, will seek to discover if he was arrested in India in 2017 after a tipoff by British intelligence. Much of the UK hearing is likely to be held in closed session.

Jagtar has not been found guilty in any Indian court, and a series of delays caused by the Indian prosecutors inability to assemble credible witnesses mean he has been detained without full trial.

Charges against him at state level in Punjab were dismissed by the court in March 2025 as no evidence or witnesses were produced. The largely identical federal-level charges being brought by Indias National Investigation Agency remain.

Gurpreet says he has been stopped four times in the last two years when he has returned to the UK from holiday. Neither the Home Office nor Police Scotland have given him explanations that justify him being taken aside in front of his family. He was stopped at Heathrow in November 2023 and twice at Glasgow airport in April and July 2024 and once in July 2025. Each time he was told at the e-gates to seek assistance that then led to a set of inquiries.



After years of delay, Gurpreets rare legal tort claim against the British intelligence services is due to reach the court on 6 October. The closed proceedings, made necessary by the involvement of the British intelligence services, mean Jagtars own lawyers cannot be present, but parts of the first hearing will be open to media and the public.

Jagtars legal team is arguing that a member of the British intelligence services appears to be the individual described anonymously in the 2020 annual report by the UKs Investigatory Powers Commissioners Office (IPCO), which sets out how MI5 and MI6 passed information to foreign authorities about a British national who was then detained and tortured.

The report said the case had been raised by the then UK prime minister with Indian authorities. Theresa May is known to have raised Jagtars case in 2018 with the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, and other circumstantial evidence suggests the case referred to is Jagtars.

Jagtars British lawyers are asking the government to admit the individual was Jagtar, grant him redress for the harm he has suffered, to recognise that its actions were unlawful and publicly apologise for its role in his suffering.

His lawyers claim he was severely tortured after he was arrested in Jalandhar, Punjab, three weeks after his wedding. At the time local media reported that a British Sikh had been arrested on the basis of a tipoff from British intelligence. The alleged torture led to a false confession, his lawyers say.

British rules required ministerial consent for intelligence sharing to occur where there was a risk of torture. The foreign secretary at the time was Boris Johnson, and the court would probably hear if he authorised the sharing of the information with the Indian authorities.

A second possible explanation for Gurpreets experience is that the British police have generally increased their targeting of British Sikhs, probably in the wake of pressure from the Indian government.

Gurpreet said: Being stopped this number of times, sometimes for long periods without proper explanation is concerning. I am being asked by my children at the airport what I have done wrong and I cannot tell them except I am campaigning to get my brother released from an Indian jail, or that this is straightforward discrimination. It will certainly not lead to me dropping the case against the British intelligence services.

The Home Office has refused an explanation for the stops, citing the Data Protection Act where complying with the right of access to the information on why he is being stopped would be likely to prejudice the prevention or detection of crime.

In addition, the Home Office claims the border police have a right to stop individuals in the national interest. Police Scotland referred the issue to the Home Office and said there had been no request from Police Scotland for him to be stopped.

A UN working group on arbitrary detention has determined that Jagtars detention lacks [a] legal basis and is based on discriminatory grounds owing to his Sikh faith and his status as a human rights defender, and that Jagtar was subjected to torture.

Jagtar is accused of being a member of a terrorist group, the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF), which has carried out attacks in the Punjab region.

The charges against Jagtar state that he travelled to Paris in 2013 and delivered 3,000 to other KLF figures, with the money then used to purchase weapons employed in a series of murders and attacks against Hindu nationalist and other religious leaders in 2016 and 2017.
A vigil in Orem, Utah, on Thursday. Photograph: Lindsey Wasson/AP

Charlie Kirks killing came amid a rise in political violence in the US, the kind now so frequent that it moves swiftly out of news cycles it would once have dominated.

The list is long and growing. From the two assassination attempts on Donald Trump during his campaign last year to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiros home burnt in an arson attack in April and the Democratic Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband gunned down by a man dressed as a police officer in June, to name a few.

In the first six months of 2025, more than 520 plots and acts of terrorism and targeted violence occurred, affecting nearly all US states and causing 96 deaths and 329 injuries. This is a nearly 40% increase over the first six months of 2024, according to data from the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism at the University of Maryland.

Mass casualty attacks, where four or more victims were killed or wounded, increased by 187.5% in the first six months of 2025 compared with the same period last year. Michael Jensen, the research director at START, wrote on LinkedIn in late August that the warning signs of growing civil unrest in the US are evident in the groups data.

The killing of a high-profile Trump ally at a public event on a Utah college campus this week could serve as a turning point for political violence  but its not clear in which direction. As the right declared war on the left following Kirks murder, prominent politicians canceled events over safety concerns and historically Black colleges went on lockdown over threats.

I absolutely believe this is a watershed in American history, said Spencer Cox, Utahs Republican governor, at a press conference on Friday. The question is, what kind of watershed? That chapter remains to be written. Is this the end of a dark chapter in our history or the beginning of a darker chapter in our history?

Those who study political violence say the current moment looks similar to the US in the 1960s, when assassins killed John F Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr amid a time of massive social change and backlash. But two key differencesmake this era more dangerous: social media and widespread availability of very lethal weapons, said Amy Pate, the acting director and executive director at START.

Increased adoption of conspiracy theories and online networks where those theories thrive mean that radicalization is speeding up, giving people less time to intervene when someone is on the path toward violence, she said.

The roots of political violence

A host of factors play into the rise of political violence, and the publics support for said violence, which has been increasing in surveys over the past year.

People are dissatisfied with the government, the two major political parties and their ability to actually make change. Theres also a loss of trust in institutions, said Luke Baumgartner, a research fellow at George Washington Universitys program on extremism. Of the terrorist incidents in the first half of 2025, 35% were directed at government targets, up from 15% in the first half of 2024, STARTs data shows.

Media ecosystems are fragmented, and social media algorithms prioritize polarization.Prominent voices can attract people by creating black and white scenarios, said William Braniff, the executive director at the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL) in the school of public affairs at American University

Were constantly being fed a stream of information thats meant to make us feel righteous anger, and especially at someone else, at some other community, Braniff said.

The plots and attacks categorized as terrorism this year fell across ideologies: 32 had some nexus to antisemitism; 20 targeted entities carrying out immigration enforcement; 13 targeted peaceful protests of the administration; 22 targeted the LGBTQ+ community; seven targeted Muslims; and six targeted people believed to be immigrants. Of those targeting lawmakers, 21 plots and attacks targeted Republicans, and 10 targeted Democrats.

If you zoom out over time, political violence is more commonly done by the far right, Baumgartner said, but todays violent actors are much more ideologically diffuse, and they dont strictly adhere to a single ideology.

People dont start their journey as a violent extremist expert on a given ideology, Braniff said. There are underlying risk factors in their lives. Those risk factors go unaddressed.  Ideology is often a lagging indicator for someone whos gravitating towards violence.

How politicians of all political backgrounds respond to incidents of political violence, no matter the motive, can help cool the rhetoric or inflame it.

Condemning the violence is helpful, Pate said, but the context of those condemnations matters. Do you take this as a moment to point out and decry the degree of polarization within the country, or do you condemn it as a way to benefit from that polarization? she said.

The motives of the shooter are still being parsed after he was captured on Friday. Authorities said he had written on gun casings phrases common to online gaming communities. Regardless of his political aims, and before a shooter was publicly identified, prominent voices on the right declared war, and Trump vowed to go after the radical left.

On Friday, on a Fox program, Trump was asked how to fix the country, given there were radicals on the right as well.

Ill tell you something thats gonna get me in trouble but I couldnt care less, Trump said. The radicals on the right oftentimes are radical because they dont want to see crime.  The radicals on the left are the problem. And theyre vicious and theyre horrible and theyre politically savvy.

Calls on the right for war, revenge or retribution could lead to more violence, Baumgartner said. All it takes is somebody with a grievance and a gun or a grievance and access to some sort of weapon, and you have a recipe for more violence. It doesnt take an army to inflict violence on people, he said.

Prevention programs could help

Shannon Watson, founder and executive director at Minnesota nonprofit Majority in the Middle, works to promote civility in politics. She said despite a broad amount of ideological diversity in the two major political parties, people tend to associate the other side with its worst actors. We dont compare our best to their best. We compare our best to their worst, she said.

For those who are really politically active, it can be harder to get out of the mindset that their side is morally right and the other is morally wrong, Watson said. When shes talking to people about polarization, she rarely tries to get them to challenge their assumptions and instead spends more time encouraging people to create relationships that dont have anything to do with politics.

Once you see somebody is multifaceted and less of a caricature, its easier to get along, its easier to try to work through some of the differences, as opposed to just dismissing the person, she said. Its really hard to hate up close.

Braniff, of PERIL, led the federal governments Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships until March, when he resigned in protest over staff cuts. Grant programs to local jurisdictions across the country have been cut, he said, and the federal government is no longer investing in prevention programs that could head off acts of terrorism and targeted violence.

Prevention programs can assess risk factors  a breakup, a termination, unaddressed trauma, access to harmful online social networks, access to weapons  and seek to intervene. Pate advocates for a public health approach to the crisis that provides people who are vulnerable with off-ramps to prevent violence, which can include counseling services or treatment for substance abuse.

Researchers that tracked some of these online networks have been targeted by Republicans, who have claimed their work runs counter to free speech. Resources that focused on this tracking have been diverted to other places, Pate said.

When these attacks happen, part of me always wonders, is that because the intelligence analyst was tasked or moved to a different priority, and so they didnt see maybe some chatter that this was about to happen, she said.

It is not inevitable that there will continue to be more violence, Braniff said. The country has reversed tides on other public harms by investing in prevention like seatbelts or fire alarms.

Its only inevitable if we do nothing about it, which is what were currently doing at the federal level, he said. But if we do nothing about it, yes, the frequency and severity of violence will likely increase.
The man arrested in the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk is not cooperating with authorities, with investigators instead turning to his friends and family to piece together the motivation for the shooting, Utahs Governor has revealed.

Spencer Cox said the accused gunman, Tyler Robinson, 22, would be formally charged on Tuesday. He remains in custody in Utah.

Investigators are yet to understand why Robinson allegedly scaled a rooftop at Utah Valley University and shot Kirk in the neck at long range on Wednesday.

Tyler Robinson has been arrested following the shooting of Charlie Kirk (Supplied)

The staunch ally of President Donald Trump and co-founder of the conservative student group Turning Point USA was killed by a single rifle shot during the outdoor event attended by 3,000 people.

The father of twos killing ushered in newfound fears of a spike in political violence in the United States and an ever-deepening divide between the left and the right.

Robinson has not confessed to investigators, Mr Cox told the ABC programme "This Week."

"He is not cooperating, but all the people around him were cooperating, and I think that's very important," the Republican governor said.

A memorial for Turning Point USA chief executive and co-founder Charlie Kirk is seen at Utah Valley University (AP)

One person who is apparently talking to investigators is Robinson's roommate, who was also a romantic partner, Mr Cox said, citing the FBI.

Mr Cox described the roommate as "a male transitioning to female," and said the roommate has been "incredibly cooperative."

Asked on CNN's "State of the Union" programme whether the roommate's gender identity is relevant to the investigation, Mr Cox said, "That's what we're trying to figure out right now. ... It's easy to draw conclusions from that, and so we've got the shell casings, other forensic evidence that is coming in - and trying to piece all of those things together."

Investigators found messages engraved into four bullet casings, which included references to memes and video game in-jokes.

People run after a shot was fired at US right-wing activist and commentator Charlie Kirk during a Utah Valley University (via REUTERS)

One of the inscriptions read: "hey fascist! CATCH!" followed by a combination of directional arrows, an apparent reference to a sequence of button presses that unleashes a bomb in a popular video game.

Another casing read, "If you read This, you are GAY Lmao". Kirk's charged rhetoric, which often involved anti-LGBT and anti-immigrant comments, attracted legions of conservatives, but also engendered strong feelings from liberals and drew widespread criticism.

Robinson, a third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College, part of Utah's public university system, was taken into custody at his parents' house, about 260 miles southwest of the crime scene after a 33-hour manhunt.

Relatives and a family friend alerted authorities that he had implicated himself in the crime, Mr Cox said previously.

Charlie Kirk was a staunch ally of Donald Trump (AP)

While Robinson was raised by religious parents in a deeply conservative region of the state, "his ideology was very different than his family," Mr Cox said on Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press" programme, without going into specifics.

State records show Robinson was a registered voter but not affiliated with any political party.

A relative told investigators that Robinson had grown more political in recent years and had once discussed with another family member their dislike for Kirk and his viewpoints, according to the arrest warrant affidavit.

The killing has stirred outrage among Kirk's supporters and condemnation of political violence from some across the ideological spectrum.

Many Republicans, including Mr Trump, have been quick to lash out at the political left, accusing liberals of fomenting anti-conservative criticism that would encourage a kindred spirit to cross the line into violence - even as the president and his allies have often invoked violent imagery against their opponents.

Mike Johnson, the Republican speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, urged calm on Sunday.

On "Meet the Press," Mr Cox assigned some blame to social media, saying it has "played a direct role in every single assassination and assassination attempt that we have seen over the last five, six years."

Mr Trump has credited Kirk with driving young voters to conservatism. His Turning Point movement says it has more than 800 chapters across college campuses. Kirk's widow on Friday said the movement's efforts would go forward.

A memorial event for Kirk will be held on September 21 in Glendale, Arizona, his organisation said.

It comes after hundreds of people attended a vigil for Charlie Kirk in central London where speakers hailed him as a Christian martyr and called for people to wage a war on evil.
A man was arrested Sunday after police said he trespassed and vandalized a memorial for Charlie Kirk at the Turning Point USA headquarters in Arizona.

Ryder Corral was taken into custody after allegedly damaging a community memorial outside the right-wing activist groups headquarters in Phoenix, where community members paid tribute to the groups founder after he was fatally shot at Utah Valley University Wednesday.

Corral, 19, was detained by witnesses until he was taken into custody by Phoenix police, who were already in the area to help with traffic control, Arizona Family reported.

Video allegedly shows Corral stomping on the colorful display of balloons and flowers left to honor Kirk, 31, before bystanders jump in to push him away. Footage shows that within seconds, an officer was there to place Corral in handcuffs.

No one was injured in the incident, authorities said.

A man was arrested after allegedly vandalizing a memorial for Charlie Kirk at the Turning Point USA Headquarters (AP)

Corral will be booked on multiple charges, including criminal damage and disorderly conduct, the outlet reported.

His comes as Republicans demand action against people they allege have reacted to Kirks killing by praising, rationalizing, or making light of the shooting or belittling Kirks memory.

Kirk, who founded TPUSA in 2012 when he was 18 years old, was speaking at the college when a gunman fired a single shot from a nearby rooftop.

Tyler Robinson, 22, is accused of fatally shooting Kirk. He faces capital murder, weapons and obstruction charges. Robinson faces his first court appearance Tuesday but the motive for the shooting is still unclear.

Utah Governor Spencer Cox said Sunday that Robinson had been radicalized in the dark, dark corners of the internet, was left-leaning, and not cooperating with authorities, though his friends and family are helping police with the investigation.

The governor confirmed reports that Robinson is believed to have transgender roommate or partner who is being very cooperative with police and had no idea this was happening. Authorities have not said whether the persons gender identity was relevant as they investigate a motive.

In addition to the public memorial outside its headquarters, Turning Point will also host a stadium-sized public memorial service September 21.

A memorial for Kirk, who lived in the Phoenix area with his wife and two children, will be held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
In August almost half of Britons listed immigration as one of the top issues facing the UK. Illustration: Islandstock/Alamy

Rolling news coverage of protests outside asylum hotels, a series of government announcements on asylum seekers, and Reforms party conference meant that immigration was once again the political topic of the summer.

In August almost half of Britons (48%) listed immigration as one of the top issues facing the UK. This year has recorded the highest concerns over immigration  outside of one other period during the 2015 Europe migrant crisis  since polling company Ipsos started asking the question in 1974.

But what do the figures really show  and do all of the claims made about immigrants add up?

***

Immigration is falling  from a record high

Despite public concern about immigration rising in recent months, official figures show that the number of people coming into the country is falling  albeit from a record high peak.

Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that net migration has mainly hovered between 200,000 and 300,000 people a year since 2011. However, since Brexit came into effect on New Years Eve 2020, there has been a large increase in the number of immigrants. Commentators and critics have called this the Boriswave, as it occurred following the new post-Brexit immigration system introduced by Boris Johnson.

Recent figures show that the wave is subsiding. Net migration fell by half in 2024, and recent rule changes mean it is expected to fall further. This is largely because of a decrease in health and care visas. Fewer people are now escaping the Ukraine war or fleeing the Taliban through the now closed Afghan humanitarian scheme.

Student visas have also declined. Applications were down 1.5% in August (when student visa applications spiked ahead of the academic year) compared with 2024, and down 18% on the same month in 2023.

***

Who are the migrants, and how many can work?

In comments to the BBC following his conference speech, Reform leader Nigel Farage blamed Johnson for millions of people being allowed into Britain, most of whom by the way dont even work and are costing us a fortune. However, the available evidence complicates his version of events.

Most people seeking asylum are not allowed to work until their application has been accepted. But despite the large media focus on small boats and asylum seekers, these only make up a tiny proportion of the overall number of people coming to the UK  less than 5% of Home Office visas granted and arrivals detected in 2025.

The largest proportion of people coming into the UK is made up of students (about 47%, including dependants). Students arent expected to work, but do contribute by paying fees towards their degrees, and cant get indefinite leave to remain so either leave the UK or contribute by moving into paid work afterwards.

The second largest group are people on working visas, who make up 20%, with their dependants making up 11%.

***

How many people on other visas work?

Currently, the published data on immigrant earnings is patchy  and isnt helped by ongoing issues with the ONS labour force survey.

Madeleine Sumption, director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford said that while the data on employment was imperfect and rates vary widely by immigration category, the figures suggested employment rates among recent migrants were not far off existing residents or long-standing migrants.

A Home Office report managed to link some visa types that were granted between 2019 and 2023, to pay as you earn (PAYE) earnings in the 2023-24 financial year  with most of them recording earnings. As for those without records, its probable most will have already left the country.

Its not just people on working visas who work. The report also found that almost half of people entering on family visas (48%) had some PAYE earnings (and again thats not including those who are self employed or left the country).

Much of the talk around immigration recently has focused on dependants  family members who are allowed to immigrate alongside the main visa holder. New health and care workers were prevented from bringing their children and other dependants by the Sunak government, as were most students.

The PAYE data suggests many dependants do in fact work  67% of health and care worker dependants, 45% of skilled worker dependants, and 25% of senior or specialist visa dependants received earnings (once again  these dont take into account the self-employed, or the fact that many will have left the country. Adjusting the figures to account for the primary visa holders that have left raises the estimates further).

Among all the different types of people coming to the UK, newly arrived refugees (around 28% according to some estimates) and those on humanitarian visas are the least likely to be in work.

In terms of overall earnings, the Migration Observatory found that the immigrant earnings grow quickly  the median non-EU immigrant worker in 2024 earned similar or slightly more than the median UK worker.

So will recent migrants  as Farage stated  cost the UK a fortune in the long run? Based on the available data we still cant tell  but given the fact that most people moving to the UK wont be going through the school system, and also have to pay towards their NHS treatment, its unlikely they would cost more than others.
Josh Kerrs storied rivalry with Jakob Ingebrigtsen will not be renewed at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo after the Norwegian failed to qualify for the 1500m semi-final.

Defending champion Kerr comfortably saw himself through to Mondays semi as the second-fastest from both the first heat and overall in 3:35.98.

But Ingebrigtsen, who has sat out the entire outdoor season with an Achilles issue, was not among the top six in a heat won by Great Britains Jake Wightman, who pipped Ingebrigtsen to world gold in 2022.

I dont really care who gets through the rounds, insisted Kerr, before Ingebrigtsens heat.

Josh Kerr comfortably saw himself through to Mondays semi as the second-fastest from both the first heat and overall (Martin Rickett/PA)

The best guys are going to make the final, and Ill move on from there and deal with the people that Im going to deal with come Wednesday, but tomorrow nights my number one priority.

It doesnt matter who the favourite is. I wasnt the favourite when I won, Jake wasnt the favourite when he won. I think everyone has a chance, everyone who stands with a foot on the start line.

I dont know how their buildup has gone. Great, not great, whatever. Im focused on myself and I think well have an absolute friggin blast on Wednesday.

Ingebrigtsen, the reigning world and Olympic 5,000m champion, insisted his worlds were not over after finishing eighth in his heat.

Its a first-time experience that I havent got to the next round, he said. Of course, its very disappointing, but at the same time it is a reality check. This is an event thats very competitive.

You need to prepare your best and of course, Im not there. I think Im probably closer for the 5,000m race right now. Ill recover and have a couple of good days until I go again. I was trying to do my best to advance to the semi-final but it was terrible. You have to start and you have to try.

Frances Azeddine Habz, who arrived in Tokyo with the world-leading time, also missed out, and Kenyas Phanuel Kipkosgei Koech, another contender, went down in the last lap of Ingebrigtsen and Wightmans heat.

Wightman said: Thats why I tried to get to the front, because I heard how dramatic it was behind.

I didnt want any action of that or any involvement. I didnt want to go and win the heat, but I felt comfortable enough, and it was just better to stay on your feet, because it sounded at points like there were other people about to (go down).

Wightman, who suffered his own series of injuries and setbacks since claiming the title in Eugene, was full of respect for Ingebrigtsens effort.

Jake Wightman won the fourth heat (Martin Rickett/PA)

I thought because he was going to race, hed be absolutely rolling, he added, but I dont think anyone else could have stepped on a start line at a world champs having not raced at all.

I couldnt do it, so fair play to him. And its not even him that is the big danger anymore. Its not just a one or two-horse race, its probably going to be a 12-horse race by the time the final comes around.

Neil Gourley also booked his place, making it a Scottish trio in the semis, but Elliot Giles did not qualify.
A lawsuit accuses the Trump administration of illegally deporting five African immigrants to Ghana, making the 16-hour journey in straitjackets, in an attempt to avoid court orders that blocked them from going back to their home countries.

A federal judge on Saturday said it appeared the Trump administration was making an end run around those court orders by first sending them to Ghana  which then could send them to countries where they face torture, persecution and death.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan ordered the government to provide assurances that Ghana would not send the immigrants elsewhere in violation of those court orders.

One day earlier, Chutkan said the Trump administration had, with a wink and a nod, deported those African nationals in an apparent attempt to have Ghana prepare to send them elsewhere.

What youre doing, what appears to be happening, is truly disingenuous, she said Friday.

A lawsuit against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accuses Trump administration officials of enlisting Ghana to do their dirty work by accepting U.S. deportees only to send them to countries where they face torture or persecution (AP)

A lawsuit filed in Washington, D.C. on Friday accuses administration officials of enlisting Ghanas government to do their dirty work.

Despite the minimal, pass-through involvement of the Ghanaian government, [the Trump administrations] objective is clear: deport individuals who have been granted fear-based relief from being sent to their countries of origin to those countries anyway, in contravention to the rulings of U.S. immigration judges and U.S. immigration law, according to the complaint.

Homeland Security has denied that the deportees were in straitjackets.

Lawyers for the Department of Justice argued that immigration courts had issued final orders to remove all of the deportees, and that the State Department was working with Ghana to ensure they wouldnt be sent anywhere only to be tortured or persecuted.

But one of the plaintiffs has already been deported from Ghana to his native Gambia, where federal judges in the United States had previously determined he could not be sent, according to ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt.

Justice Department lawyer Elianis Perez argued that Judge Chutkan had no power to control how another country treats deportees.

She noted the Supreme Court this summer ruled the administration could continue sending immigrants to countries they are not from, even if they didnt get their day in court to raise fears of torture or persecution.

Gerlent compared the latest case to that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who the Trump administration mistakenly deported to El Salvador despite court orders prohibiting it, and then argued it couldn't get him back.

After orders from federal judges and the Supreme Court directed the administration to facilitate his return, Abrego Garcia eventually came back to the United States  only to face a human smuggling charges in Tennessee, as the Trump administration revives another attempt to deport him.

This appears to be a specific plan to make an end run around these obligations, Chutkan said of the administration shipping the immigrants to Ghana.

What does the government intend to do? And please dont tell me you dont have any control over Ghana because I know that, she said.

Chutkan later issued an order giving the administration until 9 p.m. Eastern time to file a declaration detailing how they were trying to ensure the other immigrants weren't improperly sent to their home countries from Ghana.

The administration resumed a policy of deporting immigrant detainees to so-called third countries in July, starting with the tiny African nation of Eswatini.

Trumps administration threatened to deport Abrego Garcia to four different countries within the span of less than two weeks, beginning shortly after he was released from federal custody in Tennessee only to land in an immigration detention center in Maryland a few days later.

Immigration officials outlined a plan for his removal to Costa Rica if he agreed to plead guilty to human smuggling charges. If he didnt, he would be sent to Uganda.

Officials suggested he could be sent back to his home country of El Salvador if he successfully reopens a case for asylum in the United States. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials then said he will be sent to Eswatini.

Additional reporting by the Associated Press
The Cheese Cure book jacket (d)

There already exists a cure for ennui, and its found in the pub. But when former BBC producer and Canadian radio presenter Michael Finnerty  famous enough over there to have his face on billboards  finds his life without lustre, he does not turn to booze, which shows a sense of restraint fellow journalists may be unfamiliar with. Instead, he moves from Montreal back to London on a sabbatical and, as the books secondary title, How Comte and Camembert Fed My Soul, suggests, he uses cheese as a cure. But this is not a tale of overcoming adversity with obesity.

Cheese is not his first answer. Despite his radio fame, needs must and he looks for a part-time job. He fails a trial shift at Ottolenghi. This does not help. But wandering Borough Market, he spies an advert for a trainee cheesemonger and sails through his probation. Soon he is hard at it, though the work itself is not a salve for his listlessness: instead, it leaves him utterly exhausted. But in this tiredness he finds reward; sitting at a desk, he is all mind. In the chill of the fridge, or lifting unrelentingly heavy cheese wheels, he remembers his body. Connecting to it again begins to settle him.

Finnerty is genuinely funny

Soon cheese is captivating him; at the ends of each chapter he describes a single cheese, with humour and evident understanding.

But this is not really a book of food. Finnerty is at his best when talking of the community he finds in Borough Market; of its traders and customers. His descriptions of people, their tics and quirks, are the books strength.

See also: 10 of the best restaurants in Borough Market and London Bridge, from Agora to Kolae

Finnerty is genuinely funny in these moments; funny, but curious and tender, too. The best of the book is found in his record of the November 2019 knife attack on London Bridge. The cheese fridge provides his shelter; he crams into it with his Borough Market fraternity.

To say more would spoil things. It is not quite redemption Finnerty finds, but a reconnect with what moves him. In the end, you believe he couldnt have found that down the pub.

David Ellis is the Restaurant Critic of The London Standard

The Cheese Cure by Michael Finnerty is out now (HarperCollins, 16.99)
Liverpool have a Salah problem and he might just cost them the title

When Alexander Isak was finally confirmed as a Liverpool player, many supporters from rival title challengers wrote off their teams chances of toppling the champions this season there and then. Even after seeing Liverpool make it four wins from four at Burnley, however, many may be reconsidering such a position.

Having broken the British transfer record for one multi-faceted forward in Florian Wirtz and added one of Europes most exciting attackers in Hugo Ekitike to further build on a title-winning, 86-goal strikeforce from last season, Liverpool appeared to be simply satirising the competition when they launched another record bid for Isak.

Did they even need him? Spending 125m on another striker just seemed downright frivolous. Yet, after Liverpool were so listless and unimaginative in attack at Burnley, before Mohamed Salahs most fortunate of get-out-of-jail stoppage-time penalties maintained their winning start to the new campaign, Isaks arrival is, in fact, more out of necessity than frivolity.

Liverpool had looked lifeless before Mohamed Salahs late intervention (Liverpool FC via Getty)

For all the myriad talents in the forward department, what was glaring in the meek Burnley showing was the lack of an attacking focal point.

Ekitike was again deployed centrally at Turf Moor, but offered a threat, fleetingly, when cutting in from the flanks. Wirtz again struggled to really have an impact, while Cody Gakpos speciality, coming off the touchline and whipping a cross or shot in on his right foot, will ensure he cannot be dragged into the middle.

Salah, however, although he was once again the matchwinner, is perhaps the biggest cause for concern. The Egyptian always struggles at Burnley, having scored only once against the Clarets in his Liverpool career, prior to Sundays clash engulfed by a swirling Lancashire wind off Pendle Hill.

He is rarely, however, this quiet. He didnt win a single duel all match, didnt complete a single dribble, created one opportunity and did not muster a shot at goal, all match, until his winning penalty.

Salah was ineffective against Burnley for much of the game (Action Images via Reuters)

However, he did still score the late, winning penalty (AP)

And it is not the first time he has been so underwhelming since the Premier League restart. It is understandable at 33, but how long can he continue to get away with it and rely on his elevated status in the team?

Ive thought about almost every substitution you can make, Slot said when asked whether he would take Salah off. But in the end, you always come back to the fact that I dont want to leave this stadium with a draw.

With taking Mo off  if you need a goal, you leave him on. It will probably happen this season or maybe next season, but it probably wont happen a lot.

Like Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, Salah never misses out, unless rested. He is never substituted. You dont beg a generational talent to stay twice and then leave him out.

In any other team, Salahs position would be watertight, completely untouchable. But Liverpool have had an all-timer of a transfer window, broke the British record twice to bring in two of the best forwards in the world, and leaving Salah in there, week in, week out, when he remains this ineffective, could, even if it may seem unlikely at this stage, prove costly come May.

Could the presence of Alexander Isak eventually render Salah obselete? (Getty)

Isaks return to full fitness gives Slot one of the most luxurious of dilemmas in Premier League history. If Salahs form continues at this limp rate, however, the Liverpool boss may in fact have to do the unthinkable, for the greater good.

The Swede solves the one issue remaining in this near-perfect Liverpool unit. With him through the middle, Slot can then rotate the wealth of forward options he has at his disposal around the new arrival.

How Salah fits into that may define whether Slot creates another all-conquering Liverpool force that goes down in the history books or not.

Get that right and rival supporters will be left to go back to their initial pessimistic season expectations.
Mandelson should never have been made ambassador, say Virginia Giuffres family

The siblings of Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre have said Lord Peter Mandelson should never have been appointed UK ambassador to the US.

The Labour grandee was sacked on Thursday after emails were published showing he had sent supportive messages to Epstein, even as the paedophile faced jail for sex offences.

Ms Giuffre, who died in Western Australia in April aged 41, was one of the most outspoken accusers of convicted sex offenders Epstein and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell.

Her brother, Sky Roberts, and sister-in-law Amanda Roberts gave their first broadcast interview in the UK as they spoke on BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg.

Asked if Lord Mandelson should have been given the role in February, Mr Roberts said: Absolutely not. He should not have been given the position in the first place.

Ms Roberts said: Why does it take us to have to pull out the skeletons for people to be held accountable?

Lord Mandelson was sacked last week as the UKs ambassador to the US (PA)

Our governments have allowed these people to hold their status and their title without shame, and so part of me is like, we should have done something sooner. He should have never been given that title.

Ms Giuffre also sued the Duke of York for allegedly sexually assaulting her when she was 17 after she was trafficked by Epstein, which eventually led to Andrew paying millions of pounds to settle the case.

She alleged they trafficked her to the duke, with the duke denying the claim and saying they never met.

Andrew stepped down from public life after the furore over his friendship with the paedophile financier.

Ms Roberts said the royal family had not reached out to their family in any way following the settlement, and that she believes more revelations will come to light.

A memoir of Giuffres life, titled Nobodys Girl, is scheduled to be released in October.
Modi calls for peace in Manipur during first visit since ethnic violence began

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi called for the people of Manipur to maintain peace during his first visit to the northeastern state in two years since ethnic violence plunged it into crisis.

The state has been strife-torn since May 2023 when ethnic violence broke out between the majority Meitei community and the mostly Christian Kuki people.

Violent clashes sparked from controversy over a Manipur court order that seemed to recommend a special status for the Hindu-Meitei, which seemingly let them buy land in the hills populated by Kukis and other tribal groups and get a share of government jobs.

The clashes persisted despite the presence of the army in the state of 3.7 million ruled by Mr Modis Bharatiya Janata Party.

Speaking at the launch of various development initiatives in Imphal.

https://t.co/k6nt5ydpLM  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 13, 2025

More than 250 people have been killed, and over 60,000 displaced since the ethnic violence began, with nearly 200 cases of heinous crimes, including rape, arson, loot, and murder filed with special investigation teams constituted by Indias apex court.

Amid the violence last year, N Biren Singh, chief minister of the northeastern state and a member of BJP, resigned. Mr Singh, a Meitei leader, had been under increasing pressure from his own allies to step down. BJP lawmakers have periodically sought his resignation over his handling of the crisis.

An investigation found the states own police led two tribal women to a violent mob of 1,000 people that molested them.

Over the last two years, opposition parties, including the Congress, have repeatedly demanded that the Indian prime minister visit the state, even raising the issue of Mr Modis silence on the issue during parliamentary sessions.

The wreckage of a burned-out bus is pictured along a street after a recent violence in Imphal in the Indian state of Manipur (AFP via Getty Images)

The first time the prime minister spoke publicly on the issue was only two months after the deadly ethnic clashes escalated.

This was after a video showing a mob molesting women in the state became viral and triggered massive outrage.

The guilty will not be spared. What has happened to the daughters of Manipur can never be forgiven, Mr Modi told reporters in July 2023.

After months of criticism, the Indian prime minister visited Manipur on Saturday, where he appealed for peace and unveiled a host of development projects in the strife-torn state.

The projects unveiled included plans to build women's hostels, indoor stadiums, and road infrastructure, with a total worth of about $1bn.

He also met some displaced members of both communities during his nearly three-hour-long visit to the state capital of Imphal and the town of Churachandpur, according to the New Indian Express.

"The land of Manipur is a land of hope and aspiration. Unfortunately, violence has cast its shadow on this beautiful region," he said in a speech, addressing residents of the Kuki-dominated Churachandpur hills.

"I appeal to all organisations to take the path of peace to fulfil their dreams and secure the future of their children," the Indian prime minister said.

The first step on the journey to peace and healing in Manipur should have been Prime Minister Modis visit to the state two years ago. Now two years late his visit should primarily be about respecting the sentiments of the Northeast. Instead the optics are tone deaf and  Gaurav Gogoi (@GauravGogoiAsm) September 13, 2025

Speaking at the Meitei-dominated state capital of Imphal, Mr Modi said the government has approved the construction of 7,000 new homes for those displaced by the conflict, and urged both communities to engage in dialogue.

Our government is continuously working to ensure peace and stability in Manipur, the PM exclaimed.

Critiques and members of opposition parties to Mr Modis Bharatiya Janata Party were quick to call out the prime minister over his short trip to the state, calling it a token visit two years too late.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said Mr Modis three-hour pit stop in Manipur is not compassion, but 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, Mr Kharge said.

Protesters burn an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a demonstration in Imphal (AFP via Getty Images)

Gaurav Gogoi, a parliament leader of Congress, said the first step on the journey to peace and healing in Manipur should have been Prime Minister Modis visit to the state two years ago.

Now two years late his visit should primarily be about respecting the sentiments of the Northeast. Instead the optics are tone-deaf and concentrated on the image of the Prime Minister rather than the ground reality, Mr Gogoi said.

It is the most embarrassing politics of photo ops. For more than two years, Manipur has been in crisis. Now, the PM has gone there for three hours. It is just for tokenism. It is way too little and too late, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Sagarika Ghose said.
Mohamed Salahs penalty in the fifth and final minute of added time saw Liverpool produce yet more late heroics to snatch a hard-earned 1-0 victory at Burnley.

Their three previous wins had been decided by goals in the 83rd minute or later and that pattern continued at Turf Moor to deny the home side a deserved point.

The Reds had looked like dropping their first points of the season in a game which was crying out for the cutting edge of absent British record signing Alexander Isak.

The 125million deadline-day arrival from Newcastle was left out of the squad, having only played 18 minutes of football for Sweden as his dispute with the Magpies denied him a pre-season and playing time.

Head coach Arne Slot said he would be involved for Wednesdays Champions League match at home to Atletico Madrid, but his predatory instincts would not have gone amiss against stubborn opposition who built a successful promotion campaign on not conceding goals.

Even the late sending-off of Lesley Ugochukwu for a second bookable offence did not destabilise the hosts resolve, but they eventually cracked when Jeremie Frimpongs cross hit the arm of Hannibal Mejbri.

Salah, after missing his two previous attempts from the spot, moved past Andy Cole into fourth on the all-time Premier League goal-scorers list with 188, while also becoming Liverpools record league penalty scorer with 35, surpassing Billy Liddell.

Burnley made it hard work for them, restricting their opponents to just four shots on target from 27 attempts, but in the end they could not dent the top flights only remaining 100 per cent record as Liverpool moved three points clear of Arsenal at the top again.

Liverpool struggled to break down stubborn Burnley even after Lesley Ugochukwus red card (Richard Sellers/PA).

The hosts 5-4-1 from the off left the visitors in no doubt about the task which awaited them, but in the first half in particular Slots side were well short of the expected standard.

Centre-back Ibrahima Konate headed over from close range and Hugo Ekitike flicked a shot wide of the far post from a narrow angle having skipped past Josh Laurent, but the one shot on target they managed came from Andy Robertson soon after he had replaced Milos Kerkez just before the interval.

The Hungary international had embarrassed himself by being booked for diving for a penalty after being brushed by Laurent and Slot removed him from the fray after another foul as last man to avoid the decision being taken out of his hands.

Burnley fans celebrated that Kerkez foul, plus another by Salah seconds earlier, with almost as much gusto as a goal as they appreciated the importance of winning the small battles.

Defensive resilience is nothing new for Scott Parkers side, who conceded only 16 goals on their way to winning promotion, but the level of concentration and organisation required against the Premier League champions was altogether higher.

Liverpools Mohamed Salah celebrates his late winner (Richard Sellers/PA).

Particularly in the second half when it seemed to be virtually one-way traffic, with Liverpool effectively camped 35 yards from the hosts goal.

Alexis MacAllister failed to appear after the break as a result of a strong challenge which earned Ugochukwu his first booking and Conor Bradleys arrival freed midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai from right-back and he forced the first genuine save from Martin Dubravka.

Prior to that Ryan Gravenberch had volleyed over and Florian Wirtzs fast feet in a crowded penalty area opened space for him to squeeze a shot wide, while afterwards Robertson headed wide, as did Federico Chiesa with his first touch after replacing Ekitike.

Frimpong, on as a forward, was denied by Dubravka at his near post before his most significant contribution to date since his summer move contributed to a fourth successive win.
The finale of Spain's version of the Tour de France has been cancelled midway through after clashes between police and pro-Palestinian protesters in Madrid.

The Spanish Vuelta's 104km-long last leg was first paused at around 6.20pm local time (5.20pm in the UK) as police attempted to disperse the demonstrators.

Some protesters carrying anti-Israel banners had thrown barriers to block where the cyclists were supposed to pass on a finishing circuit for the mostly ceremonial ride into the Spanish capital.

The race did briefly resume a short while later, but organisers were ultimately forced to call the finale off.

Organisers said: "For security reasons, stage 21 of La Vuelta has been ended early. There will be no podium ceremony.

"The race has been officially ended and Jonas Vingegaard is the winner."

Protesters carrying Palestinian flags jeered as the teams' support cars passed by them along the route.

The Vuelta sees over 180 cyclists spend three weeks pedaling 3,100km through the country's backroads - and the Grand Tour event has this year turned into a diplomatic battleground.

More than 1,500 police officers were deployed for the final stage of the race, as officials anticipated protests.

Authorities said the heavy police presence would be deployed for the final stage on Sunday, to add to the 130 officers already traveling with the race.

Horse-riding police, officers in riot gear and military-type trucks were seen near the route.

Some 6,000 protesters were expected in Madrid, along with around 50,000 fans.

Multiple stages of the Vuelta have been disrupted by protests against the presence of the Israeli-owned team Premier Tech, which earlier in the race removed the team name from its cyclists' uniforms.

Protesters have often waved Palestinian flags along the race route. During one stage, a demonstrator with a flag tried to run onto the road ahead of two riders, causing them to crash.

Of the 10 days of racing up Sunday, six were cut short or interrupted with more than 20 people being detained by police.

The route of the final stage was cut short by 5km over traffic concerns. Previous stages were altered because of safety concerns over the protests.

Spaniards are largely sympathetic to the Palestinian cause and Spain's left-wing government is also highly critical of Israel's military invasion into Gaza.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez joined Ireland and Norway in recognizing a Palestinian state last year.

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In June last year, Spain became the first European country to ask a United Nations court for permission to join South Africa's case accusing Israel of genocide.

Israel has denied genocide and defended its actions in Gaza, accusing Spain of standing with Hamas.

The Vuelta's winner Vingegaard, from the Visma-Lease a Bike team, had extended his lead over Joao Almeida before the final leg.

The UK's Tom Pidcock finished in third place.
Protesters march in Faversham against migrant housing. These people have seen the change in the political narrative. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

Regarding your article (A racist mob menacing refugee children and our town. Read this and see what lies ahead, unless we act now, 9 September), my town has a small hostel that houses people who are seeking asylum. Recently, around 70 people draped themselves in the flag of St George, festooned the streets in the night, and came from across the country for a march towards the hostel. The local people tried to defend these vulnerable few. We gathered with our own flags to signify solidarity and compassion. We held banners saying that our town did not want racists terrorising refugees. We tried not to engage with them directly.

In the seemingly interminable time before the police arrived, we were screamed at, pushed, called filthy child molesters and scum. Women were threatened with rape, and aerosols sprayed towards women with children to wipe out their stink. Posters were ripped from our hands, and young children wearing flags were encouraged to scream obscenities. They were spitting out that asylum seekers were scum, vermin, child molesters and that we were going to be knocked down and smashed.

These people have seen the change in the political narrative. They are drowning in disinformation and intended to terrify and hurt people. This is the free speech that they claim is being denied to them.

Every politician who engages in dog-whistle statements, scapegoating and myth-making is responsible for building their numbers. Has history really taught us absolutely nothing?

Name and address supplied

 Faversham is a lovely town on the north coast of Kent. With a creek running through it, frequent markets and festivals, and Britains oldest brewery, it is a delightful place to visit. Yet we recently experienced a hate-filled protest against immigration and the use of a hostel to fulfil the countys responsibility toward migrants.

This seeming contradiction can be explained in that whereas most of the people living in and around Faversham are middle class, it is also home to disadvantaged people left behind by the Conservatives and now by Labour. These people are understandably angry and have been swayed by the media to believe immigration is the problem rather than the inequality in our society.

It has not helped that individuals in the government have echoed Reforms rhetoric instead of countering it with the truth about the value of immigration. It has also not helped that housing policy has badly affected our area. We now have a Reform council that combines inexperience with an inclination to sympathise with the protest. The result is that our streets are no longer safe.

So it is important that the needs of the left behind are looked after and the immigration myths are cleared out of peoples heads once and for all. Otherwise we can foresee Reform taking control throughout Britain, and, as we know in Faversham, this is not a prospect that bears thinking about.

Name and address supplied

 In our village, many people are intimidated by the racists who have put flags on pretty much every lamp-post and there are vigilantes confronting anyone who tries to take them down. Many villagers are extremely angry with this overt racism and the threat of reprisals. Many are frightened and fearful.

Some have been openly abused and videos posted on social media  this appears to be in the far-right playbook. Its clear evidence of criminality, but that doesnt seem to matter. Sadly we dont have the numbers prepared to stand up to what, here at least, appears to be a small minority. Individuals who have taken a stand have been assaulted, and accused of being traitors and unpatriotic. This is nothing to do with patriotism or freedom of speech. Its all about intolerance, power and racists bully-boy tactics.

The police and councils are fully aware, but have only shrugged. If those who are supposed to represent and protect us will not speak out, somehow we have to do it for ourselves.

Name and address supplied

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Farage speaking at a Trump rally in 2020. Photograph: Rick DElia/EPA

Nigel Farage has admitted breaching parliamentary rules by failing to register a trip to Florida to headline a fundraising event for Donald Trump.

The Reform UK leader was the main speaker at the $500-a-head Republican party dinner in Tallahassee in March.

Guests could pay $25,000 (18,445) for a VIP ticket, which included having a photograph with the Clacton MP, according to promotional material.

Farage said on Sunday that he had failed to declare the trip in parliamentary transparency logs due to an error by his office. It came after details of the appearance were published by the Sunday Times.

In a statement, the MP said he had emailed details of the trip to his office but said: Unfortunately, these submissions were not added to the register. This was an error  A correction to the record will be made tomorrow along with an apology to the registrar.

According to a parliamentary code of conduct, MPs must register any visits outside the UK that cost more than 300 and where the trip is not wholly paid for by the MP or by public funds. They must also separately report any fees or payments in kind. The deadline for doing so is 28 days.

In his statement, Farage said the trip was remunerated in three separate instalments over the course of two months but did not say who had paid for it. He added that he had paid for the travel arrangements himself.

Daisy Cooper, the Liberal Democrat deputy leader, said: Nigel Farage needs to come clean on whos bankrolling his trips abroad to badmouth Britain. He uses every opportunity he can to talk down Britain and suck up to Trump while failing to represent his constituents in parliament.

The public deserve to know whether the Trump administration and their cronies are funding these trips, using Farage as a puppet to meddle in British politics.

Farage missed prime ministers questions the day before the Disruptors dinner in Tallahassee, which was organised by the Republican party, on 20 March.

Farage has faced days of scrutiny over the purchase of a house in Clacton, Essex, which initially he said he had bought himself. He later said it was bought by his long-term partner, Laure Ferrari.

This arrangement would have saved the MP an estimated 44,000 in the higher rate of stamp duty to which he would have been liable given that he already owns other properties.

Farages lawyers, Grosvenor Law, said last week that they had received written advice from a senior barrister that concludes that there is no underpayment of SDLT [stamp duty land tax], that SDLT paid was properly calculated and that there is no basis to suggest there has been any improper avoidance or evasion of tax in respect of the purchase.

Anna Turley MP, the Labour party chair, said: Nigel Farage has failed to disclose who funded this US trip, refused to answer questions about his tax affairs, and changed his story about where he lives.

Rather than representing his constituents in the UK parliament to which the people of Clacton elected him, hes been jetting off abroad to call for sanctions against our country, putting British jobs at risk.

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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.

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.

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.
A memorial for far-right activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on 13 September 2025 in Orem, Utah. Photograph: Lindsey Wasson/AP

Though the suspect in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk was revealed by authorities on Friday, questions surrounding his identity and motivations have exacerbated intense US political debates in the aftermath of the shooting.

Authorities revealed Kirks suspected killer to be Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old man who grew up in Washington, Utah, along the states south-western border.

In absence of a clear motive for the slaying, reports have tried to piece together information about Robinson and his background. He is a third-year student in an electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College in the state. Both of his parents are registered Republicans, though his personal political beliefs remain unclear. Now-deleted pictures on social media show Robinson and his family posing with guns.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal published on Saturday, Utahs governor, Spencer Cox, said: Its very clear to us and to investigators that this was a person who was deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology. Cox cited the findings of the ongoing investigation into Robinson and his possible motive but did not provide any further details about how officials arrived at that conclusion.

Related: FBI director ridiculed by far right for clumsy response to Charlie Kirks killing

The FBI declined to comment about reporting on Saturday including by conservative media outlets Fox News and the New York Post, citing law enforcement sources, that Robinson lived with a partner who was trans  a member of a community against whom Kirk rallied  and was cooperating with investigators.

Meanwhile, citing a half-dozen of its own sources familiar with the case, the left-leaning Axios said authorities were investigating whether Robinson believed Kirks views on gender identity were hateful to people like Robinsons transgender roommate.

Regardless, Coxs remarks were published a day after he delivered a speech following Robinsons arrest in which he had a candid moment about Robinsons identity as a Utahn.

Bad stuff happens, and for 33 hours, I was praying that if this had to happen here, it wouldnt be one of us, Cox said. That somebody drove from another state, somebody came from another country. Sadly, that prayer was not answered the way I hoped for.

He went on to explain that it would have been easier on us if the suspect werent from the community.

Just because I thought it would make it easier on us to say, Hey, we dont do that here. Indeed, Utah is a special place, we lead the nation in charitable giving, we lead the nation in service every year, Cox said, tears welling in his eyes. But it did happen here, and it was one of us.

After Robinsons identity was revealed, some conservatives have softened their attacks against Kirks alleged murderer as an individual  but continue to leverage anger toward liberals as a group.

Republican congresswoman Nancy Mace of South Carolina tweeted on Wednesday that its time to bring back the death penalty following Kirks murder.

On Friday, Mace said that Kirk would want us to pray for such an evil and lost individual like Tyler Robinson to find Jesus Christ.

We will try to do the same, she wrote.

She later doubled down on the death penalty, saying: Some crimes are so evil, the only just punishment is the death penalty. But, referring to the way the suspects father reportedly had a role in turning him over to authorities, she also said: We are sending prayers and our high regards to Tyler Robinsons father for doing the right thing.

Coxs speech has largely been praised as highlighting unity during a divisive moment, providing a stark contrast to Donald Trump, who considered Kirk a close ally. The president on Friday appeared on Fox & Friends and was asked by host Ainsley Earhardt, How do we fix this country? How do we come back together?

The radicals on the right are radical because they dont want to see crime, Trump said. The radicals on the left are the problem  and they are vicious and horrible and politically savvy. They want men in womens sports, they want transgender people, they want open borders. The worst thing that happened to this country.

Conservatives had latched onto reports  that have since been retracted  that the casings for bullets found with the gun that police suspect was used to kill Kirk were engraved with markings indicating trans ideology.

To the surprise of literally no one, Megyn Kelly said on her show earlier in the aftermath of Kirks killing. Theres one particular group thats been running around killing Americans in the name of ideology, and its transgender activists or individuals, or those who proclaim that they are.

Once Robinsons identity was revealed, Kelly speculated that Robinson must have been radicalized after going to college.

This kid got radicalized, and obviously had a psychotic break  I am disturbed to see that he appears to have come from a loving, intact family, Kelly said. If you look at the family social media profile, it looks like a happy family. It looks like a loving mom, and a loving dad. He had two younger brothers, theres lots of family photos of them going on vacations and family dinners.

Kelly noted that while authorities will be seeking the death penalty, it is ultimately a mental health issue that underpins the radicalization of young people who go to college.

Meanwhile, white nationalist Nick Fuentes sought to shut down speculation that Robinson may have been a Groyper, a nickname for a follower of Fuentes, after reports on the engravings on the bullets of the alleged killers gun led to theorizing on his ideology.

Groypers had long criticized Kirk and trolled speakers at his events because the former perceived the latter to be too politically moderate.

While Fuentes claimed in a social media post that he and his followers were currently being framed for the murder of Charlie Kirk, he also said in a streaming video: I pray to God there is no further violence.

To all of my followers, if you take up arms, I disavow you, Fuentes said. I disown you in the strongest possible terms.
The president wants Russian women to have eight or more children to head off the looming demographic crisis - Galina Zhigalova/Moment RF

In November 2023, with the war in Ukraine raging and casualties mounting, Vladimir Putin gave a speech outlining his plan to save Russia from collapse.

The problem was obvious and urgent. Russias birth rate has been in decline since the 1990s, plummeting to a 200-year-low, and it was now losing hundreds of thousands of young men on the battlefield.

The presidents solution to the looming demographic crisis: Russian women should have eight or more children and make large families the norm again.

Recall that in Russian families our grandmothers and great-grandmothers had both seven and eight children. Let us preserve and revive these traditions, he said, wistfully, as he appeared by video link at the World Russian Peoples Council in Moscow.

Growing Russias population, he said, will be our goal for the coming decades.

Since the war in Ukraine began, the Kremlins efforts to promote traditional family values and kickstart a baby boom have intensified dramatically.

Many young Russian women say they have not been swayed by Putins offer of pregnancy payments - Yegor Aleyev/TASS via Getty Images

A raft of measures to persuade people to have children have come in, from the return of a Stalin-era medal awarded to women whose progeny reaches double-digits, to the introduction of a so-called Day of Conception, in which couples are given the day off work to have sex. In some regions, child support payments have even been extended to cover pregnant schoolgirls.

At the same time, the Kremlin has quietly stopped publishing core government statistics including economic, demographic and crime data. The data blackout obscures death rates from Ukraine, dwindling marriages and evidence of the economic slowdown that has accompanied the war.

But those in the crosshairs of this propaganda campaign  chiefly young Russian women  say they have not been swayed.

Russias economic slump means having children remains out of reach for many, even with the introduction of controversial subsidies, and many Russian women are able to prioritise their careers instead.

Yulia*, a 25-year-old woman, from Siberia, said: Older generations experienced significant pressure to give birth young  in Soviet times, 26 was already considered late. Women now choose not to give birth because it holds back their career.

Pregnancy payments

The new initiative to pay pregnant schoolgirls, including under the age of 18, 900 has been adopted across 10 regions. A survey shows that 43 per cent of Russians approve of the policy, while 40 per cent are opposed to it. It expands a previous policy that gave university students a one-off payment to support their child.

The policy has sparked domestic debate, with critics accusing the government of encouraging teen pregnancy to inflate numbers rather than addressing structural family support.

For women like Yulia, the decision to delay or forgo starting a family wont be changed by Putins efforts to grow the population.

However, its wrong to frame social support as a covert plan thats bound to fail, she said.

If a pregnant teenager wants to follow through with a pregnancy, should we not help her? They so often come from poverty.

The war has affected birth rates in both Ukraine and Russia - Efrem Lukatsky/AP

As well as extending financial incentives, President Putin has introduced a ban on propaganda that promotes child-free lifestyles. It puts limits on TV, films, textbooks, adverts, social media posts and websites. Individuals who break this law could be fined up to 400,000 rubles (3,000).

It is important to protect people, primarily the younger generation, from having the ideology of childlessness imposed on them on the internet, in the media, in movies and in advertising, Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the Duma, said as the ban became law.

It doesnt apply to nuns, Yulia pointed out. The child-free propaganda ban caused a huge stir here, but in terms of impact I didnt personally notice any.

Despite the pressure, Dima, a 32-year-old tattoo artist from St Petersburg, remains childless.

Patriotism cant help people start having big families if they cant afford it, she said. Although the payouts could convince some, most educated people understand that they are just a quick handout that wont help them with a big family in the long term.

Kato, 27, a human rights charity worker who left Moscow when the war broke out, disagrees with encouraging young people to start families. Like her own parents, who had her when they were young.

My parents had me way too young, and they werent emotionally or financially ready. We shouldnt go back to those times, she said.

Putins policies can be broadly divided into family support, pronatalist and symbolic measures. Some like monthly payments for poorer families, lump sums of cash to enable growing families to upgrade to a larger house, or medals, are relatively simple.

The Day of Conception is an altogether more elaborate scheme.

Launched in Ulyanovsk, Lenins birthplace, in 2005, and now observed in several other regions, the citys residents are given a day off work to have sex.

Couples who have a child nine months later, on Russia Day, could win prizes including cash, a car or a fridge from the council, with entries judged on criteria such as respectability and commendable parenting.

The demands of Russias war economy mean that reversing the countrys birthrate decline will be an uphill battle - DIMITAR DILKOFF/AFP via Getty Images

In a more sinister development, while on paper Russias abortion laws remain some of the most liberal in the world, the Health Ministry in 2023 drew up guidelines telling medics how best to dissuade women from having an abortion. In Moscow, women registered in state clinics have started being emailed free fertility test referrals.

Melinda Mills, Professor of Demography at the University of Oxford said: There have been highly public and symbolic campaigns in Russia.

For example, she said, Russias health minister recently encouraged couples to have sex during the working day, saying that being very busy at work is not a valid reason, but a lame excuse.

There is a move to consider a Ministry of Sex, turning off the internet from 10pm to 2am or even covering first date costs, she said. This proposal was a petition sent to an MP last year pitching initiatives like funding first dates with up to 40.

However, various analyses have demonstrated that silver bullets or quick financial fixes, or policy gimmicks will not change fertility, she said.

Alexey Raksha, a Moscow-based demographer and independent analyst, agreed.

Symbolic measures and propaganda like heroic mothers of 10 children [being awarded medals] have no significant proven effect on fertility, he told The Telegraph.

A better approach would be big financial incentives for second and third children, but the government isnt willing to pay  although it would be a fraction of what its spending on the war.

Russias total children budget is just 1.4 per cent of GDP  compared to 3.5 per cent in France  and instead its spending 6.3 per cent of GDP on the military, he said.

The information blackout was complicating the baby drive, he added. The Russian authorities cannot properly analyse their own statistics.

To maintain a stable population size, women need on average 2.1 children each. This year in Russia the birth rate is around 1.4.

Russia has lost about 250,000 young men to the war, according to the British Ministry of Defence - Pavel Bednyakov/Sputnik/Kremlin Pool Photo via AP

Russia is also short of young men. Around a million people  mostly men of fighting age  have left the country since 2022.

Body bags are also piling high. In June, the Russian militarys losses in Ukraine surpassed a million casualties and 250,000 fatalities, according to the British Ministry of Defence.

In December last year, Putin warned of extinction from the decreasing birth rates and postponing the time of getting married and having children.

He vowed to reverse this negative situation with new national projects to begin in the coming year.

But Russias demographic makeup, and the demands of its war economy, mean that reversing its birthrate decline will be an uphill battle.

Jenny Mathers, Senior Lecturer in International Politics at Aberystwyth University said: In the 1990s, Russia saw a big slump in births after the collapse of the Soviet Union. So theyre trying to squeeze more babies out of a smaller group of women of childbearing age.

The Kremlin, she added, has got itself into a corner because it wants things that are mutually exclusive  theres a huge labour shortage from the war, so they need women to work, and the economy cant support huge numbers of stay-at-home mothers.

Russia is far from the only country grappling with a birth rate crisis. The global population is expected to fall for the first time since the Black Death killed 50 million people in the mid-1300s, a Lancet study found last year.

However, turning it around isnt straightforward, as Professor Mills explained.

Pronatalist policies have been shown as impotent in budging the long-term fertility rates, she said. The root problems are economic uncertainty, problems with housing, childcare availability and gender inequality in the household.

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People mourn after the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at the Turning Point USA headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, on Friday. Photograph: Thomas Machowicz/Reuters

The Utah governor, Spencer Cox, has said the man suspected of killing Charlie Kirk comes from a conservative family but that his ideology was very different than his family.

During one of multiple national talkshow appearances Sunday, the Republican governor said Tyler Robinson, 22, was in relationship with a person transitioning from male to female and that investigators were continuing to explore a possible motive in the attack.

Coxs comments came four days after Kirk  a critic of gay and transgender rights  was shot from a distance with a rifle during an event at Utah Valley University shortly after asserting that too many trans people had committed mass shootings in the US.

In reality, according to the Gun Violence Archive, a nonpartisan non-profit group, only about 0.1% of such shootings over the previous decade had allegedly been carried out by trans people.

Cox stopped short of saying that officials had determined the suspects partners alleged status was a factor in Kirks killing. In comments to NBCs Meet the Press, the governor said Robinson was not cooperating with official but that the authorities were gathering information from family members and people around him.

Cox said that what investigators had gathered showed Robinson does come from a conservative family  but his ideology was very different than his family.

Related: Questions linger about alleged shooters motivation for killing Charlie Kirk

Citing the content of investigators interviews with people close to Robinson, Cox said we do know that the [suspects] roommate  is a [partner] who is transitioning from male to female.

I will say that that person has been very cooperative with authorities and was shocked by what had happened, Cox remarked to Meet the Press host Kristen Welker, referring to the roommate. And  the why behind this  were all drawing lots of conclusions on how someone like this could be radicalized. And I think that those are important questions for us to ask and important questions for us to answer.

The governor did not elaborate on the evidence that investigators were relying on to establish Robinsons relationship to his roommate with whom he shared an apartment in Washington county, Utah, about 260 miles from where Kirk was killed.

Robinsons arrest was announced on Friday after he surrendered to authorities to end a two-day manhunt in the wake of the 31-year-old Kirks killing.

At the time of his arrest, Robinson was a third-year student in an electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College.

Utah records show both of his parents are registered Republicans who voted in the 2024 election that gave Donald Trump, their partys leader, a second presidency. But publicly available information offers little if any insight into Robinsons personal beliefs.

Cox made it a point to tell NBC that friends that have confirmed that there was kind of that deep, dark internet  culture and these other dark places of the internet where Robinson was going deep. The governor did not elaborate  though on Saturday, citing the work of law enforcement, he told the Wall Street Journal that its very clear to us and to investigators that this was a person who was deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology.

NBC News reported that Coxs information tracked with what the network had been told by a federal official close to the investigation into Robinson. The official also said that there was still not a solid understanding of whether Robinsons personal relationship with his roommate is relevant to the case, NBC reported.

Cox also warned Meet the Presss audience of the damage that the internet and social media sites, which he said are run by conflict entrepreneurs is doing to all of us.

These companies  have figured out how to hack our brains, get us addicted to outrage  and get us to hate each other, Cox said.

In a separate interview on Sunday, CNNs Dana Bash asked Cox to elaborate on his comments to the Journal.

That information comes from the people around him, from his family members and his friends  thats how we got that information, Cox told CNN. Theres so much more that were learning, and so much more that we will learn.

Bash also asked Cox whether the roommates status was relevant to the investigation and a potential motive. The governor replied: That is what we are trying to figure out right now.

I know everybody wants to know exactly why, and point the finger, Cox said. And I totally get that. I do, too.

Yet Cox said he had not read all interview transcripts compiled by investigators, so I just want to be careful  and so well have to wait and see what comes out.

Cox said he expected the public would learn more when formal charges were filed against Robinson. The governor said he expected that to happen on Tuesday.

After Robinsons arrest, Utah officials said that inscriptions were found on bullet casings within a rifle found near the scene where Kirk was killed.

One reportedly read: Hey fascist! Catch! Another purportedly read, Oh, Bella ciao  a reference to an Italian anti-fascist resistance song. A third reportedly said: If you read this, you are gay, LMAO.

During his conversation with CNN, Cox also said that investigators were looking into a potential note left by Robinson.

Officials at the group chat app Discord recently said that they had identified an account on the platform associated with Robinson  but found no evidence that the suspect planned the incident on the platform.

The spokesperson for Discord did say that there 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.

When asked about the note, Cox said that those are things that are still being processed for accuracy and verification. He suggested additional details about the note could be included in charging documents.

Related: Charlie Kirks death raises fears of beginning of a darker chapter for US violence

On Saturday, the New York Times reported that Robinson joked in Discord messages after the FBI released suspect photos during the manhunt that his doppelganger was the one who had fatally shot Kirk. A group chat member joked about turning him over the custody of the FBI to collect a $100,000 reward being offered for information leading to an arrest in the case, to which Robinson allegedly replied: Only if I get a cut.

The FBI director, Kash Patel, posted a link Sunday on social media to an article that the conservative Fox News network published a day earlier that first relayed details of Robinsons alleged partner, citing senior-level agency officials. The FBI on Saturday declined to comment to the Guardian on that report and other similar ones.

In an unrelated matter from three years earlier, Kirk had attacked Cox on social media over the topic of trans women in sports and called for him to be expelled from the Republican party.

Members of both of the USs major political parties on Sunday reiterated condemnations of Kirks killing and political violence in general.

Every American is harmed by this  its an attack on an individual and an attack on a country whose entire purpose, entire way of being is that we can resolve what we need to resolve through a political process, Pete Buttigieg, a Democrat who served as the US transportation secretary during Joe Bidens presidency, said to Welker.

Republican US senator Lindsey Graham, meanwhile, told Welker: What Im asking everybody to do is not to resort to violence to settle your political differences.
West Midlands Police has arrested a man in connection with the attack on a Sikh woman in Oldbury(Joe Giddens/PA) (PA Archive)

A Sikh woman who reported she was raped in a racially motivated attack has spoken out to thank people for their support.

The victim, reported to be aged in her 20s, told officers a racist remark was made to her during the sexual assault in the Tame Road area of Oldbury, West Midlands, on Tuesday.

The Sikh Federation UK said the perpetrators allegedly told the woman You dont belong in this country, get out.

West Midlands Police said the man was detained on Sunday evening and remains in custody. The force previously said they were looking for two white men in connection with the attack.

The incident has raised concerns by the Sikh community about the current racist political environment in the UK.

The incident took place in the Tame Road area of Oldbury (Google Maps)

On Saturday, the woman, who remains anonymous, issued a statement through Sikh Youth UK, thanking everyone for their love and support.

"We are going through a lot, but the strength and kindness shown by the right people in the community has been incredible and I can't thank them enough for being my voice, the statement read.

"I would never wish this on anyone. All I was doing was going about my day on my way to work, and what has happened has deeply affected us."

She said the police are doing their best to find those responsible and added: There has been so much love and support, and I am truly humbled. I want to personally thank my family, Sikh Youth UK who have been so supportive, the local Gurdwara committees and Sikh orgs, and everyone in my community who has stood by me.

"I cannot thank you enough for helping me get through this difficult time."

West Midlands Police was called to Station Road in Marston Green (PA) (PA Archive)

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 and that Sikh Youth UK is supporting the victim and her family.

An emergency meeting took place at the Guru Nanak Gurdwara temple nearby after the attack, according to Sky News, with members of the community expressing concern over safety.

Politicians from all political parties should have zero tolerance for all violent racist attacks, Mr Singh said.

The current racist political environment is driven by popularism and created by politicians playing the anti-immigration card who are unashamedly exploiting those with right-wing and racist views.

Gurinder Singh Josan, the Labour MP for Smethwick, said the truly horrific attack was being treated as a hate crime.

He said: 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.

Anyone with useful information about what happened should contact West Midlands Police via 101, quoting log 798 or 9 September.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had made a blatant genocidal threat (AFP/Getty)

Spain has formally summoned Israels acting ambassador in Madrid following accusations from the Israeli Prime Ministers office that Spains prime minister had threatened Israel.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares called in Dana Erlich, Israels charge daffaires and the highest-ranking diplomat in the country, to convey a strong message. An official from Spains Foreign Ministry, who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to speak publicly, stated the purpose was "to categorically reject the false and slanderous statements from the Israeli Prime Ministers office."

It's the latest development in an ongoing diplomatic tit-for-tat between the two countries that ensued after Spain's prime minister announced measures Monday to pressure Israel to end the Gaza war.

In a post Thursday on social platform X, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had made a blatant genocidal threat," in reference to comments made by the Spanish leader when he announced the steps the Spanish government was taking.

Spain, as you know, doesnt have nuclear bombs, nor aircraft carriers or large oil reserves. We alone cant stop the Israeli offensive, Sanchez said in a televised address Monday.

Spain Israel (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a press conference at the Prime minister's office in Jerusalem, Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. (Abir Sultan/Pool Photo via AP, file))

The measures included an embargo on weapons, ammunition and military equipment sold to or from Israel and blocking Israel-bound fuel deliveries from passing through Spanish ports.

Since then, Israel and Spain have each banned a pair of ministers from the opposite country.

Spain's government has been an outspoken critic of Israels war in Gaza, which began after Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, on Oct. 7, 2023, and abducted 251 hostages.

Israels offensive has killed more than 64,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not say how many were civilians or combatants.
Strictly star Thomas Skinner admits to cheating on wife weeks after their wedding

Strictly Come Dancing 2025 contestant Thomas Skinner has admitted that he cheated on his wife just weeks after their wedding.

The former Apprentice star, 34, said that he had a fling with an attractive single mum who gave him free cosmetic treatment after meeting at a pub.

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, Skinner told The Sun.

The newspaper said the woman in question is Amy-Lucy ORourke, 35, and their affair took place three and a half years ago.

Skinner 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.

Thomas Skinner is one of the contestants on this years Strictly Come Dancing (BBC)

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 days after Skinner apologised for picking up a journalists phone and walking out of a Strictly Come Dancing press event.

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/Twitter 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. He was also pictured with JD Vance during the vice presidents recent holiday in the Cotswolds.

Skinner with US vice president JD Vance (Thomas Skinner/X)

Skinner will join fellow stars such as Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen, Gladiators star 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.

Additional reporting by PA.
Police are searching for a Tommy Robinson supporter who was caught on camera calling for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to be shot during Saturdays huge Unite The Kingdom rally in central London.

Speaking to former Tory councillor and conspiracy theorist William Coleshill, the protester said: Keir Starmer needs to be assassinated, someone needs to shoot Keir Starmer. Coleshill pushed back, saying the Labour leader should instead face trial and be lawfully executed.

The clip, filmed among the estimated 110,000-strong crowd, has been widely shared online and triggered furious reactions. A jail sentence is in the post for this chump! one user posted. Another added: Hope the Met get this man.

In a statement on Sunday, Scotland Yard confirmed it was working to identify the man.

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.

"Keir Starmer needs to be assassinated, someone needs to shoot Keir Starmer."



I think this might be incitement to violence rather than Free Speech. pic.twitter.com/cvPVOSOHtt  BladeoftheSun (@BladeoftheS) September 13, 2025

The demonstration, billed as one of the biggest right-wing rallies in decades, began near Waterloo Bridge before thousands marched to Whitehall. Supporters, many wrapped in Union Jacks and England flags, held banners and chanted as they made their way through the capital. Some displayed pictures of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead in Utah earlier this week.

Laurence Fox took to the stage to tell the crowd he was praying for Kirk, adding that a sword should be taken to people shutting down free speech. Tesla boss Elon Musk also addressed marchers via video link, accusing the Government of overseeing a rapidly increasing erosion of Britain.

Police deployed more than 1,000 officers, including mounted units, to keep rival groups apart. Tensions flared when activists attempted to force their way through police lines. Officers drew batons and struggled to hold the cordons as bottles, flares and other missiles were hurled.

The Metropolitan Police said: A number of officers have been assaulted. They were assaulted with kicks and punches. Bottles, flares and other projectiles were thrown.

People taking part in a Tommy Robinson-led Unite the Kingdom march and rally in Parliament Square, central London (Lucy North/PA Wire)

By 5pm, nine people had been arrested for offences including violent disorder. The Met warned: 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.

At around 6pm, men wearing St Georges flags were seen shouting abuse and spitting at officers from the Golden Jubilee footbridges near Embankment. Despite a 6pm cut-off time imposed by police, speeches and music continued in Whitehall into the evening.
President Donald Trump said billionaire George Soros should be in jail as he continued to threaten the 95-year-old philanthropist and Democratic mega-donor.

The president has baselessly accused the Hungarian-born Holocaust survivor and founder of the nonprofit Open Society Foundation of funding protesters and demonstrations against his administration.

Were going to look into Soros, because I think its a RICO case against him and other people, Trump said Friday on Fox & Friends as he referenced his demand that Soros be prosecuted for racketeering.

Because this is more than like protests, he said. This is real agitation.

In a brief phone call Saturday with NBC News, the president stood by his attack on Soros and suggested that he should be imprisoned.

Donald Trump says the philanthropist George Soros should be in jail (AFP/Getty)

Hes a bad guy, Trump told the outlet in brief remarks. It was not clear whether he elaborated further.

The Open Society Foundation funds progressive causes around the world, with a focus on justice, human rights and combating corruption in elections.

Soros, with his affiliated super political action committees, is also one of the biggest spenders when it comes to funding campaigns for Democratic candidates and causes, according to records with the Federal Election Commission.

In response to Trumps latest threats, the Open Society Foundation referred to a previous statement, rebuking the accusations as outrageous and false.

The Open Society Foundations, founded by George Soros and chaired by Alex Soros, do not support or fund violent protests, the organization said.

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, the statement added. We stand for fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, including the rights to free speech and peaceful protest that are hallmarks of any vibrant democracy.

Last month, the group said we do not pay people to protest or directly train or coordinate protestors.

All Open Society grantees are required to comply with the law and we expect our grantees to uphold our shared commitment to human rights, dignity, and nonviolence, the statement said. The Open Society Foundations oppose all forms of violence, including violent protests.

Following the killing of Charlie Kirk, Trump appeared in a video from the Oval Office and pledged to target each and every one of those who contributed this atrocity  including the organizations that fund and support it.

Trump previously said the liberal donor should face Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) charges, designed to target organized crime and famously used to break up the Mafia. Trump himself has faced RICO-like charges in Georgia, where prosecutors allege the president led a criminal enterprise to unlawfully overturn 2020 presidential election results in the state.

The presidents latest diatribe about Soros comes as the Department of Justice moves ahead with investigations into numerous Democratic figures and others whove expressed opposition to his policies.

Last month, the FBI searched the home of John Bolton, Trumps former national security adviser turned critic, allegedly for evidence that the veteran GOP foreign policy official had violated laws governing the handling of classified information  charges that Trump himself had also faced after leaving office.
Donald Trump has said he is ready for major sanctions on Moscow  but only when Nato gives up the shocking purchasing of Russian oil.

In a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform Saturday morning, the US president said he believes the Russia-Ukraine war would end if all Nato countries stopped buying oil from Moscow and placed tariffs on China of 50 per cent to 100 per cent for its purchases of Russian petroleum.

He 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. Anyway, I am ready to go when you are. Just say when?

Since 2023, 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. Other members of the 32-state alliance involved in purchasing Russian oil include Hungary and Slovakia.

Trump's post arrives after the Wednesday flight of multiple Russian drones into Poland, an escalatory move by Russia as it was entering the airspace of a Nato ally. Poland shot down the drones, yet Trump played down the severity of the incursion and Russia's motives by saying it could have been a mistake.

Donald Trump has said he is ready for major sanctions on Moscow  but only when Nato gives up its shocking purchasing of Russian oil (PA Wire)

US secretary of state Marco Rubio said on Saturday that the drone incursion was "unacceptable and unfortunate and dangerous", as he judged Nato's response so far to be appropriate. Still, Rubio said it was unclear if the drones were intentionally sent to Poland.

"The question is whether the drones were targeted to go into Poland specifically," Rubio said. "If that's the case, that the evidence leads us there, then obviously that would be a highly escalatory move."

While 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 Trump last month hosted Putin in Alaska for talks that failed to deliver on progress toward 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.

Territorial defence officers clean up debris from the destroyed roof of a house, after multiple Russian drones struck, in Wyryki near Lublin, Poland, on Thursday (AP)

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, including businesses based in China and Turkey, that have supplied Russia with electronics, chemicals, explosives and other weapons components.

Trump, in his post on Saturday, 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 that Nato members should put the 50 per cent to 100 per cent tariffs on China and withdraw them if the war that began with Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine ends.

"China has a strong control, and even grip, over Russia," he posted, and powerful tariffs "will break that grip".

Firefighters work at the site of a Russian drone strike in Sumy, Ukraine, on Friday (via REUTERS)

The US president has already imposed a 25 per cent import tax on goods from India, specifically for its buying of Russian energy products. He has placed in total a 50 per cent tariff on India, though Trump has indicated that negotiations with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi could help settle differences.

The prospect of further import tax hikes on China and its retaliation could carry collateral damage for the US and European economies.

Earlier this year, Trump hit Chinese goods with new tariffs totaling 145 per cent, prompting China to respond with 125 per cent import taxes on American goods. Taxes at that level were essentially a blockade on commerce between the world's two largest economies, causing worries about global growth that led to negotiations that ratcheted down the tariffs being levied by both nations.

While 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 (Sputnik)

So that trade talks could proceed, America lowered its tariffs against China to a still-high 30 per cent, while China took its rate to 10 per cent.

In his post, the Republican president said responsibility for the war fell on his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky. He did not include in that list Putin, who launched the invasion.

Trump's post builds on a call on Friday with finance ministers in the Group of Seven, a forum of industrialised democracies. During the call, US trade representative Jamieson Greer and treasury secretary Scott Bessent called on their counterparts to have a "unified front" to cut off "the revenues funding Putin's war machine," according to Greer's office.
Utahs governor is firing back at Steve Bannon and other Trump allies who are working to inflame passions and encourage rage among Republicans in response to the shooting death of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.

Governor Spencer Cox appeared on CNNs State of the Union Sunday, where the Republican responded to criticism leveled against him by Bannon on his War Room podcast last week.

Formerly Donald Trumps chief White House strategist, Bannon remains an insider in Trumps orbit and continues to hold many connections to the White House. Hes a fixture at the annual CPAC event in National Harbor, Maryland, and is a leader of the populist and strongman-friendly wing of the Trump-allied conservative movement.

This past week, Bannon derided Cox as a national embarrassment as the Utah governor  whose own ties to the GOP fall under more traditional conservative lines through the influence of Mormonism in the state  called for peace and respectful dialogue across the aisle in the wake of Kirks assassination on a college campus on Wednesday.

A suspect turned himself in after a manhunt was launched.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has called for calm and healing, contrasting with much of MAGAworld, in the wake of Charlie Kirk's murder (CNN State of the Union)

On CNN, Cox labelled the War Room host a conflict entrepreneur and encouraged Americans not to listen to voices that profit off of division.

Look, there are conflict entrepreneurs out there who benefit from radicalizing us. And Im not one of those. I dont know that thats particularly helpful, he said.

Thats what I appreciate most about Charlie, Cox added. If we dont keep talking, thats when the violence starts.

Of Bannon, he added: But he is right at this: we need to find out how this happened, and we need to stop it from happening [again].

In a separate interview with NBCs Meet the Press, Cox insisted that while Bannon remained a close ally of the president and members of his team, Trump in fact had the governors back on the issue.

The president reached out to me after the press conference and thanked me multiple times for what I said. That might surprise some people. Its also part of why Im doing this, Cox explained. The reason Im doing these morning shows ,[and] I dont do much national press anymore, [is because the White House asked us to come on and to talk about this. Because theyre worried about the escalation thats happening out there.

Cox has become something of a national star in the past few days as his level-headed response to the shooting has clashed with both the presidents and even to some degree that of the FBI, whose director Kash Patel was scrutinized for misleading information in the hours after the shooting initially took place suggesting that a suspect was in custody.

Right-wing activist Chris Rufo issued a scathing takedown of Patel on Friday after the suspect in Kirks shooting, Tyler Robinson, turned himself in  reportedly after a family member recognized his image and urged him to surrender.

[I]t is time for Republicans to assess whether Kash Patel is the right man to run the FBI, Rufo wrote on X.

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 movements  of whatever ideology  that threaten the peace in the United States, he added.

A growing body of evidence suggests that Patel is facing criticism from nearly all sides over his management of the FBI. A lawsuit from fired agents accuses him and top deputy Dan Bongino (who like Patel hails from the world of conservative media) of being obsessed with image at the expense of the agencys mission.

White House officials remain Patels loudest defenders. Though the administration and top officials at the Department of Justice have been under fire for months over their handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, the presidents personal distaste for handing his foes a perceived victory has prevented any personnel changes at the DOJ, FBI or other agencies thus far.

White House communications director Steven Cheung issued one of the West Wings typically furious statements in defense of Patel and accused his critics of nefarious intent.

A spokesperson for Patel also responded to CNN: Over these last few days, what has mattered isnt ignorant criticism or petty assumptions  its been the pursuit of justice. Justice that was promised, and justice that has now been delivered.
The final stage of the Vuelta a Espana had to be cancelled after pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with local police and repeatedly halted cyclists as part of a demonstration against the participation of an Israeli team.

Protesters appeared to throw barricades into the middle of one of the main streets through which the race was due to pass, and barriers were overturned as police attempted to push them back.

The cancellation meant victory for Jonas Vingegaard of Visma-Lease a Bike after what should have been the final stage of the 21-day race in Madrid. Britains Tom Pidcock (Q36.5) was third behind runner-up Joao Almeida (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).

Jonas Vingegaard won the aborted Vuelta a Espana (Manu Fernandez/AP)

In a statement, organisers said: It is still unknown whether there will be a winning ceremony with the situation as it is, with thousands of protesters filling downtown Madrid. The race has been officially ended and Jonas Vingegaard is the winner.

Hours earlier, Spains prime minister Pedro Sanchez had expressed his admiration for the demonstrators, saying: Our respect and recognition for the athletes and our admiration for the Spanish people who are mobilising for just causes like Palestine.

Last week the presence of protesters had led to some racers threatening to withdraw from the event, with the disruption leading to more than 1,000 police officers being deployed on Sunday.

The protests were targeted at the involvement of the Israel-Premier Tech team and related to Israels military actions in Gaza during the last two years.
The government has been warned against allowing amendments from the Lords to water down its flagship Employment Rights Bill, with seven leading womens organisations arguing that this would hamper efforts to tackle gender inequality.

In a joint letter to the new business secretary, Peter Kyle, seen by The Independent, the Womens Budget Group, the Fawcett Society, Young Womens Trust, Rights of Women, Womens Resource Centre, Pregnant Then Screwed, and Maternity Action have warned that the measures included in the bill are crucial to improving womens material living conditions and to reducing the gender pay gap.

The letter is in response to a number of amendments made to the legislation in the House of Lords before the summer recess, including proposals to introduce a six-month qualifying period for unfair dismissal and to make the right to a guaranteed hours contract a right to request, rather than a right to be offered.

Equalities minister Bridget Phillipson said the bill would be delivered in full (PA)

The Employment Rights Bill, which is in its final parliamentary stages, was championed by the former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and former employment rights minister Justin Madders.

Both have left the posts they were in when the legislation was taken through the Commons, which has raised concerns among campaign groups and unions.

Ominously for Sir Keir, Mr Madders, who he sacked as employment minister, is now chairing the deputy leadership campaign of Lucy Powell who was also sacked and is the anti-leadership contender to replace Ms Rayner.

As the Commons gears up to consider Lords amendments on Monday, the collection of womens organisations has warned that any delay or dilution would undermine both gender equality and the governments promise to working people, saying the legislation is a once-in-a-generation chance to help close the gender pay gap.

Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary and the minister for women and equalities, last week insisted that the government planned to deliver the Employment Rights Bill in full, no ifs, no buts.

However, there are fears that Lords amendments could be accepted following concerns voiced that the legislation as it stood could hamper business.

The letter points to figures from the Trades Union Congress which indicate that women are 34 per cent more likely than men to be on zero-hours contracts, reaching 103 per cent for black and minority ethnic women compared to white men and 49 per cent for disabled women. Figures from the Womens Budget Group also show that of the 1.3 million people who do not qualify for statutory sick pay, 70 per cent are women.

The letter argues that stamping out exploitative zero-hours contracts, including for agency workers, and giving protections to workers whose shifts are cancelled last minute are essential for advancing gender equality, and that such measures would mean women wont be out of pocket for childcare costs that allow them to work.

Campaigners have written to business secretary Peter Kyle to stress the importance of the bill (PA)

It also states that day-one rights to request flexible working, paternity leave and statutory sick pay without a lower earnings limit are all measures that women would disproportionately benefit from.

The campaign groups said that stamping out exploitative zero hours contracts, including for agency workers, and giving protections to workers whose shifts are cancelled last minute, means women wont be out of pocket for childcare costs that allow them to work, while protections for the 54,000 pregnant women and new mothers a year who experience employment discrimination cant come soon enough.

Dr Sara Reis, deputy director at the Womens Budget Group, said: Women still make up the bulk of low-paid and insecure workers and stand to benefit the most from the Employment Rights Bill.

This legislation is a once-in-a-generation chance to help close the gender pay gap, lift living standards and strengthen the economy by giving those workers stronger rights and more security. But this ambition must be seen through, which is why we have written to the new minister Peter Kyle. Any delay or dilution would undermine both gender equality and the governments promise to working people.

The letter adds: Womens position in the labour market continues to be influenced by systems and structures that disadvantage them, largely driven by the 75 per cent more unpaid care work they do than men.

Paul Nowak, general secretary of the TUC, has also urged the government not to water down the bill following ministerial changes in recent days, saying people expect Labour to deliver on the promises it made during the general election campaign.

The government must, and should, deliver on the promises it gave to the British people last July, he said. Tory and Lib Dem peers are desperately trying to water this bill down. Weve got the shameful sight of hereditary peers blocking carers and cleaners from getting fair treatment at work. This isnt the 1800s. Its 2025.

Addressing the TUC conference last week, Bridget Phillipson said: Let there be no doubt. One year ago we were elected to deliver this Employment Rights Bill and, congress, that is what we will do.

We will not accept any watering down by the Lords. Forward with the Employment Rights Bill in full. No ifs, no buts  forward. Lets change this country together.

On Monday morning, Sir Keir said: "This government is delivering the biggest upgrade to workers rights in a generation.

"Our Employment Rights Bill is good for workers, good for businesses and good for the economy. It's a core part of our agenda to make people better off and will make a real difference to people's lives."
STANISLAV KRASILNIKOV/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN POOL/EPA/Shutterstock

The recent Russian drone attacks on Poland not only demonstrate that Vladimir Putin is trying to see how far he can push Nato, which seems far, but also illustrates he is happy to kill civilians in Poland as well as in Ukraine.

As we were happy to shoot down Iranian drones and missiles aimed at civilian targets in Israel, so we must protect the people of Ukraine who are now suffering their fourth year of unprovoked Russian violence. And the way to do this is by shooting down Russian drones and missiles.

I was in Iraq in 1991 when the UK helped set up the no fly zone in north Iraq which saved 100,000s of Kurds and prevented their extermination by Saddam Hussein. I pleaded with the British government to set up a NFZ in north-west Syria in 2014 after one of my many trips hunting for president Assads chemical weapons. We failed to achieve this and subsequently 100,000s of civilians were murdered by Assad and Putins air strikes over the next 10 years.

We now have an opportunity to set up a NFZ in western Ukraine to save potentially millions of lives, as the Russians continue to attack civilian targets with thousands of drones and missiles every week.

This time at least, it is reassuring to know that western officials have confirmed that further options to protect civilians in Ukraine are being looked at in detail, which one assumes includes some sort of defensive air shield. Even without US air power, the UK and European Nato countries have the fighter jets and air defence capabilities to do this  this would, of course, be far more preferable with the US.

In my years of lobbying for a no fly zone for north-west Syria, the counter lobby crowd rather overhyped Russian air defence and fighter jet capabilities, as though straight out of a Kremlin briefing, suggesting Nato capabilities were not up to the task.

However, after the US air operation to attack the Iranian weapons programme this year, we know western technology is well up to this task. F35 and other stealth jets completed their bombing runs completely unmolested by the apparently impenetrable Russian S400 air defence system, and the Iranian fighter jets, also Russian, did not even get airborne.

Further, I understand from various sources that the S300 air defence missiles were even impotent against non stealth jets. Though I would never confess to be an expert on air power, I have consulted those who are, and it seems clear that with the huge number of F35s that European Nato countries have, allied with western intelligence and electronic warfare assets, we could deploy an effective air shield over civilian targets west of Kyiv and potentially east to the border.

This demonstration of European military air power may well be the catalyst to get Putin around the negotiating table, which no amount of sanctions or hot air has hitherto achieved. He will understand that if we flex our military muscles, his forces could soon be heading east rather than west.

Let us not be caught on the wrong side of history again; I hope the Prime Minister at least now understands that Putin exploits weakness but respects strength.

Time is of the essence, with Russian and Belarusian military forces once again exercising near Kyiv, as they did in February 2022 just before Putin ordered the full-scale invasion and the start of his special military operation.

Ukraine has demonstrated its resolve in spades. Now it is our time, for the coalition of the willing, to at last show that the aggression and pure evil of Putins Russian tyranny will not prevail any further west; that directly killing civilians is never acceptable; that it is a war crime that I hope one day the tyrant will answer for.
Woody Allen says Jeffrey Epstein couldnt have been nicer at dinners

Woody Allen said Jeffrey Epstein couldnt have been nicer when he was invited to a series of dinners at the home of the paedophile financier.

The director said he had not met Epstein before he was among the guests at a dinner in December 2010, which also included the Duke of York.

Allen, 89, told The Sunday Times he and his wife Soon-Yi Previn had been invited by a publicist to the dinner with one of those British royals and other guests.

Epstein had just finished a prison term for soliciting an underage girl for prostitution.

The filmmaker Woody Allen has spoken about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein (Getty Images)

We didnt know Jeffrey at all then, but we see all these people there and they all embraced him, so we figured, OK, hes a substantial character, said Allen.

He told us hed been in jail and that he had been falsely put in jail in some way.

He told us he was trying to make up for it now by being philanthropic and giving money to cutting-edge scientists and universities. He couldnt have been nicer.

Allen said his wife, the adopted daughter of his ex-wife Mia Farrow and her previous husband Andre Previn, had wanted to meet the duke.

She told The Sunday Times she could not stand Andrew, describing him as such a dullard.

Allen said he and Soon-Yi became regular guests at Epsteins house, where there was always a table of illustrious people.

Fellow guest Prince Andrew was described as a dullard by Allens wife (Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA Wire)

We never, ever, saw Jeffrey with underage girls. He always had a girlfriend but never an underage girlfriend, he said.

He said Epsteins former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year term for sex trafficking, was not at any of the dinner parties.

Epstein was found dead in his cell in a New York prison in 2019 after being arrested on sex trafficking charges.

The Duke of York stepped down from public life after the furore over his friendship with the paedophile financier, and paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case with Virginia Giuffre, a woman he claimed never to have met.
Two Romanian F-16 fighter jets tracked the drone for about 50 minutes - Clement Mahoudeau/AFP/Getty

Volodymyr Zelensky has criticised Nato for not shooting down a drone that flew over Romania en route to Ukraine.

The Ukrainian president said the incursion of a drone into the airspace of a Nato member was a provocation that should have been immediately met and not just monitored.

Do not wait for dozens of Shaheds [Iranian drones] and ballistic missiles before finally making decisions, Mr Zelensky said.

The drone strayed 10km into Romanian airspace late on Saturday, according to the Ukrainian defence ministry.

It follows the intrusion of Russian drones into Polish airspace on Wednesday, raising the prospect that Vladimir Putin is deliberately testing Nato members with acts of aggression.

Two Romanian F-16 fighter jets, supported by two German Eurofighter Typhoons, tracked the drone for around 50 minutes as it flew over Romania before allowing it to enter Ukraine.

The Romanian defence ministry said the F-16s were scrambled after the drone first appeared on radar systems near the north-east village of Chilia Veche, close to the border with Ukraine.

Despite receiving authorisation to shoot down the unmanned aircraft, however, the F-16 pilots assessed the collateral risks and decided not to open fire, the ministry said.

Mr Zelensky said the incursion into Romania marked an obvious expansion of the war by Russia and was not the result of a mistake.

There are no minor military threats from those who are accustomed to destroying the independence and lives of others, he wrote on X.

Kaja Kallas, the vice-president of the European Commission, said the Romanian airspace violation was yet another unacceptable breach of an EU member states sovereignty.

This continued reckless escalation threatens regional security, she added.

Moscow is yet to comment on Romanian claims about the incident.

Romania has reported several Russian airspace violations since Moscows full-scale invasion of Ukraine began three years ago. Some of these involved falling drone debris or short incursions by Russian drones.

A damaged drone that fell into the eastern Polish village of Czosnowka on Wednesday - Dariusz Stefaniuk/Reuters

But if confirmed, this recent incident would mark a much deeper penetration into Romanian territory.

The Romanian defence ministry said the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) did not fly over populated areas or pose a threat to civilians, but it marked a new challenge for Black Sea security.

On Wednesday, Poland shot down at least four suspected Russian drones in its airspace with the backing of aircraft from Nato allies, the first time a member of the Western military alliance is known to have fired shots during Russias war in Ukraine.

Others ran out of fuel or crashed, with debris reported across at least five villages in eastern and central Poland.

The incursion appeared to be an attempt by Putin to test Natos air defences and its willingness to trigger Article 5 of the mutual defence pact.

A Telegraph analysis of an image circulating on social media at the time found that Nato fighter jets could have used missiles costing as much as $2m (1.5m) to shoot down Russian drones, which are believed to cost around $10,000 (7,400) to manufacture.

Britain has since announced it will jointly produce interceptor drones with Ukraine in the hope of manufacturing a cheap way to shoot down incoming Russian UAVs.

Call for emergency Nato meeting

Donald Tusk, the Polish prime minister, said the incursion had brought the West and Russia closer [to conflict] than at any time since the Second World War.

He called for an emergency meeting of Nato and said Polish ground-based air defence systems were at their highest state of readiness.

However, Donald Trump said the Polish airspace violation could have been a mistake.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, the US president said: [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.

Poland rejected his assertions, however, with Radosaw Sikorski, the Polish foreign minister, telling broadcaster PBS: I think its high time that President Trump should see that Putin is mocking him.

The Russian defence ministry said there were no plans to attack targets on Polish territory.

Meanwhile, Nato announced plans to fortify defences along Europes eastern flank, with several nations pledging to contribute jets and warships to bolster the alliances border with Russia.
Nominate your favourite for the Guardian/Birdlife Australia bird of the year 2025 shortlist. Illustration: Pete Cromer/The Guardian

Which of the 830 bird species that call Australia home (or at least one of their homes) should make it into the 2025 Australian bird of the year poll?

Australia has a great diversity of avian life, home to nearly one in 10 of the worlds 10,000 living bird species. And we love to celebrate it. Australians are renowned for admiring our beautiful, bountiful and boisterous birds. And nothing highlights that more than the Guardian/Birdlife Australia bird of the year poll, held every two years, when birdlovers around the country battle it out to see their favourite feathered friend take the crown as best bird.

Will the tawny frogmouth  which has come second three times  finally shake off its bridesmaid reputation and become the blushing bride? Or will the Canberra crowd triumph with a campaign worthy of their punk-rock faunal emblem, the gang-gang cockatoo? Or will it be another nailbiter between the fearsome magpie and the much-maligned bin chicken?

Now is your chance to make sure you get to vote for your favourite. The Guardian and Birdlife Australia are taking nominations now to help shape the list of 50 birds the country will be asked to vote for next month. Nominations close on Sunday 21 September.

Voting will kick off on Monday 6 October and the winner will be announced on Thursday 16 October. Each day, the five birds with the fewest votes will be knocked out and the vote count begins again the next day. Readers can follow the vote count live on the Guardians website until the final days of voting, when the count goes dark.

The bird of the year poll has been running since 2017. Previous winners include the magpie (2017), the black-throated finch (2019), the superb fairywren (2021) and the swift parrot (2023). The winner is ineligible for the next poll, so the swift parrot will not be among the top 50 in 2025 but previous winners may be included by popular demand.

Use the form below to nominate your favourite.

If youre having trouble using the form, click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here.

Callout

 This article was amended on 18 September 2025 to correct a statement that Australia has the most diverse array of avian wildlife in the world.
Josef Aschbacher, the director general of the European Space Agency, says the UK and Europe are lagging behind in investment in space - Joel Saget/AFP

Britain is losing the space arms race and must start using civilian satellites for defence, the head of the European Space Agency (ESA) has said.

Josef Aschbacher, the director general of ESA, has said that Russia, India and Japan are ramping up investment in space for defence while the UK and Europe lag dangerously behind.

In November, European countries will meet to decide space funding priorities for the coming years and Dr Aschbacher said that money should be spent beefing up defence.

Writing in The Telegraph, he said: In todays uncertain world, traditional diplomacy and collaboration are increasingly disrupted by power politics, economic uncertainty and strategic competition.

Across the UK and the rest of Europe, we must confront a hard truth: We are unprepared for this new reality.

Dr Aschbacher urged Britain to act swiftly and decisively to build resilience against the growing threat from space.

While defence accounts for half of all public space spending globally, in Europe that figure is just 15 per cent, raising urgent questions about the regions strategic priorities and attitude to security, he said.

A promising path lies in dual-use space systems that serve both civilian and defence needs.

At Novembers ministerial council, ESA will introduce its European Resilience from Space Programme, which envisages using Earth observation data for resilience and security purposes.

It will allow Britain and Europe to have access to enhanced navigation and secure connectivity in times of natural crises and wars.

Britain is increasingly concerned that space is becoming a theatre of war, with attacks on communications satellites likely to be the first act of aggression in new conflicts.

China and Russia have both tested anti-satellite missiles, while Moscow is allegedly developing a programme to arm some of its satellites with nuclear warheads, meaning it could destroy enemy networks while in orbit.

Ever more elaborate space weapons

According to the recent Space Threat Assessment from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, nations are developing ever more elaborate space weapons.

These include electro-magnetic pulses, microwaves and lasers to fry electronics, dazzlers to blind optical sensors, and grapplers to latch on to satellites and pull them out of orbit.

China, Russia, Iran and North Korea all have the capability of jamming and hijacking satellite signals and launching cyber attacks.

US Space Force commanders have also warned that Chinese satellites have been spotted dogfighting in space, moving within less than a mile of each other.

Space Command was established at RAF High Wycombe in 2021 to protect and defend UK interests in space, but Dr Aschbacher said more was needed to protect British and European interests.

He said: Together, we stand at a crossroads. With rising geopolitical instability and wavering US support, the UK must welcome this opportunity to build its own strategic autonomy with Europe.

In November, the nation will have an opportunity to take bold decisions that will shape Europes long-term space ambitions.

This is a golden opportunity to choose ambition over hesitation, leadership over lagging and vision over complacency. Lets be brave enough to seize it.

At the ministerial, ESA will propose a programme called European resilience from space that envisages using Earth observation data for resilience and security purposes, which will lead to a system that also includes enhanced navigation as well as secure connectivity.

To prosper in a volatile world, the UK should invest in European space

By Josef Aschbacher

In todays uncertain world, traditional diplomacy and collaboration are increasingly disrupted by power politics, economic uncertainty and strategic competition. Across the UK and the rest of Europe, we must confront a hard truth: we are unprepared for this new reality.

Vulnerabilities are mounting  in defence, trade, energy, AI and quantum technologies, and supply chain stability. Yet as a member of the European Space Agency (ESA), the UK holds a distinct advantage.

This November, ESA will host its ministerial council to determine funding priorities for the coming years that will enable the UK to act swiftly and decisively to build its resilience with its European neighbours.

Space is not just a playground for billionaires, it is woven into the fabric of our daily lives.

From weather forecasting  where about 80 per cent of information comes from satellites  to precision agriculture, satellite navigation, satcom-enabled payments, air quality monitoring and missile tracking in Ukraine.

Space technology powers our economy, protects our environment and secures our borders. Despite this, while global powers like the US, China, and India surge ahead  not due to their superior talent, but their bold investment  Europe underinvests in space.

One urgent area where Europe can pool its resources and play to its strengths is in defence, where, like space, Europe remains dangerously underfunded. Defence and space are already complementary, even interdependent  satellites and their data must be kept secure in space, and satellites and their data can ensure security on the ground.

As China expands its space dominance with a 2,800-satellite intelligence network and the US advances its Starshield programme for real-time Earth surveillance, countries like Russia, India and Japan are also ramping up investments in space for defence purposes.

While defence accounts for half of all public space spending globally, in Europe that figure is just 15 per cent, raising urgent questions about the regions strategic priorities and attitude to security. As the leader of a civilian space agency, I see how ESA can use its talent and skill to help the UK and Europe at this volatile time.

A promising path lies in dual-use space systems that serve both civilian and defence needs.

By streamlining budgets on a European level, ESA can offer a fast and cost-effective layer of defence to strengthen resilience, while simultaneously advancing science, environmental monitoring and economic growth.

No new legal or international agreements are needed: ESA already provides the framework, pulling together the UK and Europes best assets and enabling immediate funding allocation in co-ordination with its 23 member states.

Global space economy grows

Beyond defence, consider for a moment why space is worthy of investment. The global space industry expands at an impressive rate of almost 10 per cent annually, outpacing global GDP growth and rivalling the worlds fastest-growing sectors.

Fuelled by breakthroughs in satellite communications, navigation, Earth observation, and other space-based technologies, the space industry is set to triple in value to 1.6tn by 2035. Yet, as the global space economy grows, Europes representation within it diminishes, meaning we become a smaller part of a bigger industry: out of 106bn global public funding in 2024, Europes share was just 10 per cent, compared to the USs 60 per cent. We risk losing our independence and autonomy in space to foreign governments and commercial entities.

History shows that during times of geopolitical tension and economic strain, investing in future technologies leads to growth and resilience. Americas Apollo programme, initiated during the Vietnam war which challenged the USs global superiority, ensured American resilience and technological dominance. South Koreas recovery from the Asian financial crisis was driven by a focus on technology and innovation, helping it to become a global tech leader. Investing in space means shaping the future of nations and continents.

Europe has the intellectual excellence and ESA the track record  through its world-leading Earth observation systems, the worlds most precise navigation system and its cutting-edge science missions to map the Universe and search for signs of extraterrestrial life on the moons of Jupiter. But this excellence is at risk. Talent drifts to where the excitement is  and that is often found outside Europe because big money leads to big and exciting projects. To retain its leadership, Europe must put its money where its ambition is.

Together, we stand at a crossroads. With rising geopolitical instability and wavering US support, the UK must welcome this opportunity to build its own strategic autonomy with Europe. In November, the nation will have an opportunity to take bold decisions that will shape Europes long-term space ambitions. This is a golden opportunity to choose ambition over hesitation, leadership over lagging and vision over complacency. Lets be brave enough to seize it.

Josef Aschbacher is the director general of the European Space Agency
Educators advise that AI should be used to assist, not replace, learning. Photograph: Maskot/Getty Images

For many students, ChatGPT has become as standard a tool as a notebook or a calculator.

Whether its tidying up grammar, organising revision notes, or generating flashcards, AI is fast becoming a go-to companion in university life. But as campuses scramble to keep pace with the technology, a line is being quietly drawn. Using it to understand? Fine. Using it to write your assignments? Not allowed.

According to a recent report from the Higher Education Policy Institute, almost 92% of students are now using generative AI in some form, a jump from 66% the previous year.

Honestly, everyone is using it, says Magan Chin, a masters student in technology policy at Cambridge, who shares her favourite AI study hacks on TikTok, where tips range from chat-based study sessions to clever note-sifting prompts.

Its evolved. At first, people saw ChatGPT as cheating and [thought] that it was damaging our critical thinking skills. But now, its more like a study partner and a conversational tool to help us improve.

It has even picked up a nickname: People just call it Chat, she says.

Used wisely, it can be a powerful self-study tool. Chin recommends giving it class notes and asking it to generate practice exam questions.

You can have a verbal conversation like you would with a professor and you can interact with it, she points out, adding that it can also make diagrams and summarise difficult topics.

Jayna Devani, the international education lead at ChatGPTs US-based developer, OpenAI, recommends this kind of interaction. You can upload course slides and ask for multiple-choice questions, she says. It helps you break down complex tasks into key steps and clarify concepts.

Still, there is a risk of overreliance. Chin and her peers practise what they call the pushback method.

When ChatGPT gives you an answer, think about what someone else might say in response, she says. Use it as an alternative perspective, but remember its just one voice among many. She recommends asking how others might approach this differently.

That kind of positive use is often welcomed by universities. But academic communities are grappling with the issue of AI misuse and many lecturers have expressed grave concerns about the impact on the university experience.

Graham Wynn, pro-vice-chancellor for education at Northumbria University, says using it to support and structure assessments is permitted, but students should not rely on the knowledge and content of AI. Students can quickly find themselves running into trouble with hallucinations, made-up references and fictitious content.

Northumbria, like many universities, has AI detectors in place and can flag submissions where there is potential overreliance. At University of the Arts London (UAL) students are required to keep a log of their AI use to situate it in their individual creative process.

As with most emerging technologies, things are moving quickly. The AI tools students are using today are already common in the workplaces they will be entering tomorrow. But university is not just about the result, it is about the process and the message from educators is clear: let AI assist your learning, not replace it.

AI literacy is a core skill for students, says a UAL spokesperson, before adding: Approach it with both curiosity and awareness.
Credit: Facebook/Bristol Counterfire

Jeremy Corbyns new political party is already embroiled in an anti-Semitism row after one of his advisers claimed Sir Keir Starmer is in the pay of Israel.

Andrew Feinstein, who took a leading role in the formation of Your Party, the hard-Left movement that launched in July, was filmed claiming powerful Israel lobbyists were exerting influence over the Prime Minister and his Government.

In a speech to supporters, Mr Feinstein claimed the Government was being directed by Israel and that the decision to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation was undertaken on the instruction of the Israeli Government.

He has been accused of using a common anti-Semitic conspiracy theory that Israel and Jewish people secretly control the governments of Western states.

A spokesman for the Campaign Against Antisemitism said: Already, advisers for the new party are kicking off proceedings with rambling conspiracy theories about the malign unseen hegemony of the worlds only Jewish state and daring Jews to call him anti-Semitic.

The very same ideologies and people that corrupted the Labour Party into becoming the first party found to be illegally discriminating against Jews appear now to have found refuge in the party being formed by Zarah Sultana and Mr Corbyn.

Normally there would be no comeback for such politics, but this is the depths to which such people will drag us all.

Mr Feinstein has been a staunch supporter of Mr Corbyn for years and has previously described him as a friend.

Pro-Palestinian activist Andrew Feinstein ran against Sir Keir Starmer at the last general election - Mark Kerrison/In Pictures

He has appeared alongside him at numerous events and, in July, was on stage as Mr Corbyn first announced he would help create a new Left-wing party.

Over the summer, Mr Feinstein took a major role in the partys formation, spearheading efforts for Mr Corbyn and Ms Sultana to be co-leaders, according to reports.

He is also one of three directors of MoU Operations, a company used by Your Party to help collect donations from supporters.

In Bristol on Sept 2, he appeared as the keynote speaker at a Your Party event organised by Counterfire, a far-Left Marxist group. A recording of the two-hour meeting, which was attended by around 150 activists, was later posted online.

Mr Feinstein told the crowd: In my opinion Britain is sleepwalking into fascism and that sleepwalk into fascism is being directed by Israel, and I know we arent supposed to say things like that but frankly... f--- that.

He claimed that powerful Israel lobbyists  using Jewish Labour donors Trevor Chinn and Gary Lubner as examples  were exerting influence over British politics.

He also suggested that accusations of anti-Semitism, which repeatedly dogged Mr Corbyns five-year leadership of the Labour Party, had been made by far-Right wing nutjobs.

Mr Feinstein sat as a parliamentarian with the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa between 1994 and 2001 and was first elected under Nelson Mandela.

He describes himself as a proud Leftie Jew and sits on the steering committee of Stop the War, which criticised Nato following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

At last years general election, he stood as a pro-Palestine candidate against Sir Keir in his London constituency of Holborn and St Pancras, and finished second.

In the run-up to the election, he said: I am a friend and supporter of Jeremy Corbyn. I believe that Keir Starmer has turned the Labour Party back into a neo-liberal, pro-war party where progressives have no place anymore.

Mr Feinstein said: In the face of the worlds first live-screened genocide, and as the state of Israel haemorrhages support globally, the time for this ill-informed name-calling and pathetic attempt at ignorant and mendacious smearing is long past and totally ineffective. I will stand up to it publicly as I always have, and so too will my colleagues.

Your Party has been contacted for comment.
School leaders say they are relying on parent-teacher associations for equipment, with relatives of staff doing odd jobs after years of inadequate funding. Photograph: Supplied

School leaders in England are having to double up as caretakers and lollipop men and women as funding hits rock bottom, teaching unions have said.

Others are having to call on relatives to help fix crumbling buildings and do other odd jobs after years of inadequate funding for schools, they said.

Seven in 10 schools are struggling with real-terms cuts to their budgets since 2010  1,200 more than last year  according to the Stop School Cuts coalition, which has been monitoring school funding levels for almost a decade.

Related: Special needs overhaul risks becoming welfare reforms mark 2, IFS finds

Research by the coalition, which is made up of three education unions, school governors and a parents charity, found more than 1,000 schools had suffered cumulative real-terms cuts in excess of 1m each, with Essex, Birmingham and Kent among the hardest hit areas.

Despite some welcome funding this year, the Labour government has failed to reverse a historic decline in spending as a proportion of GDP at a time when schools are struggling to deal with the rising cost of maintaining crumbling buildings, special educational needs, staffing, and food and energy costs, the coalition said.

Chris Ashley-Jones, the executive headteacher of Hitherfield primary school in south London, is having to double up as a lollipop man because he has insufficient support staff to fill the role. He has also just taken on the role of designated safeguarding lead.

This year things have got as bad as Ive seen in my nearly 20 years of headship, he said. Across schools in Lambeth Im seeing exhausted staff, morale is low and we are seeing more and more dilapidated school buildings across the borough.

In my school we have had to cut pretty much all areas of support staff and services, from additional language to mental health. We are relying on our parent-teacher association for reading books, playground equipment and more.

Claire Wilson, the head of Wood End infant and preschool in Milton Keynes, said: After more than a decade of cuts, further savings are getting impossible to find. I had already cut spending to the bare bones.

Related: Parents in England to pay more for school lunches as caterers blame rising costs

In the absence of a caretaker, the school business manager has been putting out the bins. Our entire capital budget is just 4,500 which has to cover all building repairs, ICT and health and safety, its laughable, Wilson said. Weve had to have relatives of staff come in to do odd jobs for us, like repairing a collapsed shed in the play area.

The general secretary of the National Education Union, Daniel Kebede, said: Funding for English schools has hit rock bottom. The result is overstretched school staff, crumbling buildings and harm to our childrens education, with some of the largest class sizes in Europe. We are urging the government to decisively deal with the school funding crisis once and for all and properly fund our childrens schooling.

The general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, Paul Whiteman, said members were being asked to do more with less, including growing demand for special educational needs support. School leaders share the governments ambition for inclusion, but are warning that system reform must be accompanied with sufficient funding, he said.

A spokesperson said the Department for Education did not recognise the figures quoted in the research. Despite our tough fiscal inheritance, this government has protected key education priorities through our plan for change.

We are putting a further 3.7bn into schools budgets and increasing pupil premium to over 3bn for 2025-26 to provide additional support for those children that need it most.
The number of Christmas Island flying foxes, which is considered akeystone species due to its important role in pollination and seed dispersal, is declining. Photograph: Chris Bray

Its the last native mammal on the island, but the incredibly cute and fluffy Christmas Island flying fox is critically endangered with no recovery plan and severely outdated conservation advice.

The flying fox is smaller and fluffier than many of Australias mainland flying fox species, according to animal ecologist Dr Annabel Dorrestein, from Western Sydney University, who has studied the species for nine years.

The bats are incredibly cute and chonky; a bit like teddy bears, Dorrestein said.

Christmas Island, located 1,550km off north-west Western Australia, originally had five native mammals  two rodents, two bats and a shrew. The rodents disappeared in the early 1900s. The shrew has not been seen since 1985 and is probably extinct.

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In 2009, the Christmas Island pipistrelle  one of Australias smallest bats at 3.4cm  became the first recorded extinction after the introduction of the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, which biologist Prof John Woinarski called the first irredeemable failure of that act.

That leaves the Christmas Island flying fox.

Weighing about 400g, with dark brown or black fur, flying foxes are considered a keystone species due to their important role in pollination and seed dispersal, Dorrestein said.

While population estimates are challenging  with flying foxes scattered across difficult-to-access major roosts and many smaller groups  there has been a definite decline since the first official counts, she said.

In the 1980s, counts at Hosnies Spring, one of the islands two main roost sites, estimated about 2,000 bats. Dorrestein, who has visited that same site in recent years, said she would be lucky to count 400. Thats a huge, huge difference.

The small size of the remaining population, and their reliance on a handful of maternity and breeding sites, make the bats susceptible to existing and emerging threats such as habitat destruction from mining and development, predation by feral cats and harassment by introduced pests such as yellow crazy ants.

But, due to decisions under successive environment ministers, the species is Australias only critically endangered mammal without a recovery plan. (The Nabarlek, which has no individual plan, is covered by one for five species of wallabies).

In March, the then environment minister, Tanya Plibersek, confirmed a decision under the previous government determining 176 species and communities would no longer require a recovery plan. Instead, an environment department spokesperson said conservation advice for the flying fox was in effect.

Leading flying fox expert Prof Justin Welbergen said that advice, now more than a decade old, was severely out of date and no longer a useful tool for managing the species.

We know that there are a lot fewer Christmas Island flying foxes than there were previously, he said. Its really a time for action because we do not want to repeat the mistake that was made with the Christmas Island pipistrelle  that was effectively monitored to extinction.

James Trezise, the chief executive of the Biodiversity Council, said recovery plans and conservation advice were critical for outlining the big threats, actions and responses needed to restore threatened species.

Its really important that we have some form of conservation plan for a threatened species and even more important if that species is a critically endangered one, he said.

It is equally as important to make sure that there are the resources available to implement those plans.

Woinarski, based at Charles Darwin University, who lived on Christmas Island for two years, said it was a magnificent place.

You walk in the forest and the trees above you are festooned with the nests of Abbotts booby, Christmas Island frigatebirds and a whole range of seabirds, calling all throughout the day and night in strange cacophony. The forest floor is full of red crabs like no other ecosystem in the world.

While investment in research into the Christmas Island flying fox, and an advisory panel overseeing its management, was part of the legacy of the lost pipistrelle, he said, governments and land managers could not afford to be complacent about its status.

It still occurs only on one island. If a severe cyclone went through that one site and felled a whole lot of its important trees, and blew the bats off their roosts into the ocean, it could be gone in a second.
Doctors led a walkout in July over payment disputes with the Government - Stefan Rousseau/PA

Wes Streeting has pleaded with doctors to work with him in a team effort and be friends, not foes.

The Health Secretary called on members of the British Medical Association (BMA) to rescue the NHS amid the looming threat of more strikes.

If the doctors and Government were pitted against each other  the whole country loses, he added.

His pleas follow a summer of strikes and the prospect of further industrial action in what could be an autumn of discontent in the public sector.

GPs, resident doctors and nurses may also strike during winter, the health services busiest time of year, over pay and funding demands. And an indicative poll of senior doctors earlier this month showed the majority of hospital consultants were prepared to strike again.

Mr Streeting was speaking at a special meeting of the BMAs representative body where doctors voiced their concerns about the Governments 10-year health plan for England. They claimed the plan may result in poorer standards of care for patients.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting is facing an autumn of strikes - Jordan Pettitt/PA

He said: The Government has changed. The attitude to the NHS and its staff has changed. I need the approach of the BMA to change too.

Rescuing the NHS from the biggest crisis in its history is a team effort and it will only happen if we are on the same side, working together.

I cant do this alone. I need partners, not adversaries. I am in this job to fight for patients every day just like you, and just like you I am in this job to save the NHS every day.

If we join forces, its a fight we can win. If we are pitted against each other, the whole country loses.

He added: When I said the NHS was broken I did not just mean for patients. I am clear that the future depends on building a health service that values you, invests in you, and supports you. We can only do that as friends, not foes.

The 10-year plan is intended to deliver fundamental changes to the way health services are structured, funded and delivered.

Among the range of reforms and policies are moving care from hospitals to communities, with an emphasis on the development of neighbourhood health centres.

It also includes a major expansion of the NHS app and a greater use of artificial intelligence and other technology.

However, a survey of 2,874 doctors in England about the plan revealed some had deep concerns about its impact on patients and their profession, the BMA said.

Dr Tom Dolphin, the BMA chairman of council, told the meeting that morale was low and patient confidence needed to be rebuilt.

Waits for hospital appointments are too often measured in years, not days and weeks, he said.

Resident doctors in NHS hospitals walked out despite securing a 22 per cent pay deal. They have a mandate to strike again until January.

Nurses may join them on the picket line after overwhelmingly rejecting a 3.6 per cent pay offer, while other healthcare workers, ranging from paramedics to cleaners, have all rejected pay offers in recent months.

This raises the spectre of ballots for further strikes unless their demands are met. NHS strikes have disrupted 1.5 million appointments and operations since 2022.
Soon-Yi Previn and Woody Allen pictured together in 2018 - Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan/Via Getty

Woody Allen has claimed people would be just as outraged if he had married an air stewardess as his ex-girlfriends daughter.

The Hollywood filmmaker caused controversy in the early 1990s when after separating from actress Mia Farrow, it emerged he had begun an affair with Soon-Yi Previn, her adoptive daughter.

Farrow and the US film director had been in a relationship for 12 years when in January 1992, she discovered nude photographs of her daughter in Allens home.

The Annie Hall director subsequently admitted to having started a relationship with Ms Previn, who was 21 and 35 years younger than Allen. The pair married five years later and have been together ever since.

Woody Allen was in a relationship with Mia Farrow for 12 years - Ron Galella

Allen had known Ms Previn since she was adopted by Farrow aged 10, but he has denied ever acting as a stepfather to her and insisted he always lived separately from the family.

In an interview with the Sunday Times, Allen insisted that the significant public disapproval of their relationship would have been just as heightened if he had left Farrow for an air stewardess.

There would have been some cosmetic differences, but it would eventually have been the same thing, he said.

The four-time Academy Award winner, 89, is one of Americas most prolific filmmakers but has been ostracised in recent decades following abuse allegations.

Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn married in 1997 and have been together for 33 years - Jacopo Raule/FilmMagic

Eight months after Farrow learnt of Allens relationship with Ms Previn, the Rosemarys Baby actress accused him of sexually abusing their adoptive daughter, Dylan Farrow, who was seven at the time.

Dylan Farrow has since repeated the allegation as an adult, claiming Allen molested her in the attic of her mothers country house in Connecticut while she was playing with a toy train set.

Allen has always denied the allegation and accused Farrow of concocting the claim as an act of vengeance. State prosecutors in Connecticut investigated the molestation allegation in 1993 but did not press charges.

Public outrage over the allegation died away over the decades but was rekindled in 2014 when Dylan Farrow and her brother Ronan Farrow, an investigative journalist, reshared the claims in light of the #MeToo movement.

Woody Allens daughter, Dylan Farrow, says she was sexually abused by him as a child

Allen has continued to quietly produce films since then but has largely retreated from the public spotlight, with a slew of Hollywood stars expressing their regret over working with him.

However, newly released documents shedding light on Jeffrey Epstein, the paedophile financier who died in 2019, have prompted fresh scrutiny of Allen, with letters revealing the strength of their friendship.

In a letter sent to Epstein in 2003, published by the New York Times last month, Allen said dinners at the sex offenders mansion reminded him of Draculas castle, complete with three young female vampires who service the place.

Speaking to the Sunday Times about his new novel, Whats with Baum?, Allen said the Dracula references were a joke and that Epstein was always charming and personable.

The pair, who lived in the same New York neighbourhood, often socialised together after Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution with a minor and served time in jail.

Jeffrey Epstein died in prison in 2019 - AP

Asked if he regretted going for dinner at Epsteins house, the film director said: Well, Im a writer, so I dont get put off.

Those dinners were fascinating and when it was all uncovered, it becomes interesting to a writer, because then youre dealing with a kind of nefarious character on your doorstep.

Allen also claimed the US financier convinced his dinner guests that he had been falsely put in jail, adding: He told us he was trying to make up for it now by being philanthropic and giving money to cutting-edge scientists and universities.

He couldnt have been nicer. We never, ever, saw Jeffrey with underage girls. He always had a girlfriend but never an underage girlfriend.

He said he and Ms Previn became regular guests at Epsteins house, where there was always a table of illustrious people.

Ms Previn told the Sunday Times it included Prince Andrew, whom she could not stand because he was such a dullard.
Getty A school bus (stock image).

NEED TO KNOW

A boy, 14, is dead, and another teen, 16, is injured after an e-bike collided with a school bus

The tragic incident occurred in Delaware on Friday, Sept. 12

The school bus driver and the school passengers on the vehicle did not suffer any injuries

A 14-year-old boy is dead and another teen is seriously injured after an electric bicycle collided with a school bus in Delaware.

The crash took place at around 4:00 p.m. local time on Friday, Sept. 12, as the bus, traveling eastbound on West Lebanon Road, entered the right lane onto Royal Grant Way in Dover. The e-bike, meanwhile, was traveling eastbound on a paved sidewalk alongside the right lane, Delaware State Police (DSP) said in a news release.

The sidewalk has a posted bicycle stop sign before the Royal Grant Way intersection, requiring cyclists to stop. As the bus began turning onto Royal Grant Way, the e-bike continued through the intersection without stopping at the posted sign and struck the passenger side of the bus, police said in the release.

The 14-year-old, believed to be the passenger on the e-bike, was transported to a local hospital, though he was later pronounced dead, per DSP. His identity has not yet been shared publicly.

The other teen, a 16-year-old male who is believed to have been the driver of the e-bike, was hospitalized with serious injuries. Police said neither teenager was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

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Delaware State Police The area where the e-bike and school bus collision took place.

According to police, the 75-year-old male driver of the school bus and 21 elementary school passengers were not injured. The bus involved in the crash was associated with the Caesar Rodney School District.

The schools superintendent, Dr. Corey Miklus, said in a statement posted on Instagram on Saturday, Sept. 13, It is with great sadness that we share news of a tragic accident involving two Caesar Rodney High School students yesterday.

We are heartbroken that one of the students has passed away, while the other is receiving medical care. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and our heartfelt sympathy to the friends, classmates, and teachers affected by this loss," he continued.

Miklus added that the school would be providing counseling and support services for students and staff at all affected schools, starting on Monday, Sept. 15 and continuing throughout the week.

Getty A police car

After the crash, the affected roadway was closed for approximately four hours, as the Delaware State Police Troop 3 Collision Reconstruction Unit investigated the area, per the release.

Delaware State Police continue investigating the incident, and authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information to contact Master Corporal W. Booth at (302) 698-8451, the DSP on Facebook, or Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.



Read the original article on People
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Five hundred National Guard soldiers from the Texas Military Department have arrived on Saturday, Sept. 13 in El Paso to support the border mission, according to a social media post from El Paso Border Patrol Sector Chief Walter Slosar.

Texas National Guard soldiers will work with Border Patrol to help secure the border, according to the social media post.

BREAKING NEWS*** The Texas Military Department National Guard arrives in El Paso, TX in full support of securing the border  Landed, Equipped and Deployed!! pic.twitter.com/kJtXXn9pkQ  Walter N. Slosar (@USBPChiefEPT) September 13, 2025

The National Guard will bring technology, additional equipment and boots on the ground, according to the post.

Some will be working on infraststructure. Others will be trained, deputized under Title 8 and will be used to detain people crossing the border illegally.

If you come here illegally, you will be arrested. You are going to be removed. You are going to be prosecuted, despite what smugglers are telling people, the post said.

Intelligence is also being shared in real time and will be used to action targets all over the world to make sure that the long arm of American justice is never too short to reach out and touch somebody, the post said.



Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Allrecipes / Adobe

True, the concept of cheesy noodles might be more closely linked with childhood. But according to the award-winning chefs we spoke to, youre never too old to add a bowl of semi-homemade macaroni and cheese to your menu. Arent we lucky to live in a world that doesnt force us to graduate out of boxed mac and cheese when we graduate from grade school?

Mac and cheese has been my ultimate guilty pleasure my entire life, says cookbook author Jamie Milne. It was my go-to meal after a big night out in college, and it was my biggest craving when I was pregnant with my son. Now, its my sons favorite foodand is still mine, too!

Kraft Dinneryes, the one thats now renowned for its blue boxis believed to be the first commercially sold boxed macaroni and cheese. It hit shelves in 1937 and was sold for 19 cents a box. At the time, the ability to have a pasta dinner on the table in about 10 minutes was quite a triumph. Nearly a century later, mac and cheese is a menu mainstay. And each year, Kraft has more competition.

Back in 2023, the Allrecipes team did the tough research of tasting and rating 18 brands of boxed mac and cheese to find the very best one. However, the market has grown substantially since then, and were always curious to know what the experts believe is worthy of a bite. So we rounded up a group of professional chefs who eat and enjoy boxed mac, and asked them to dish about their favorites.

Adobe Stock

Our Panel of Macaroni and Cheese-Rating Chefs

The Qualities of the Best Boxed Mac and Cheese

This was one of the first things I cooked as a kid, so I always seek out that familiar nostalgic flavor in a boxed mac and cheese, says recipe developer Lindsey Baruch. Besides tasting like childhood, the best boxed mac and cheeses check the following boxes, the chefs say:

Real cheese flavor. Celebrity chef George Duran and Winn Winn Cafe co-founder Audrey Plant agree that a sauce that truly tastes like cheese is paramount. I also like to try to find out if the cheese packet is grainy or has a finer texture, Plant shares about dried cheese mixes. I prefer a cheese mixture that is finer so that it melts into the butter and milk more easily, she explains.

Creamy consistency. The meltability of the sauce or powder is another important factor to consider, the chefs believe. It should be creamy, not gluey, pasty, or chalky, according to recipe developers Jeanette Donnarumma and Baruch.



Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Noodles that can hold their own. As for the pasta that holds the sauce, if home cooks follow the box instructions, the pasta should hold its texture beyond the first few bites, Donnarumma believes. Duran says that hes been subject to noodles that get mushy before finishing a sentence, and no one deserves that mac misery.

Little to no artificial colors and flavors. If the cheese veers too salty or artificial, it loses me, Donnarumma admits. Duran also gives a big thumbs down to any sauce that tastes sweet or plasticky. Whipping up a box is the best way to determine this, but the package can give you a clue about the finished product. Duran adds, I steer clear of ingredient lists that read like a chemistry midterm. Some brands have so many artificial colors they seem like they could almost glow in the dark!

Simple to prepare. There are hundreds of homemade mac and cheese recipes to explore, but when we turn to a boxed version, efficiency and convenience are our top priorities. For a boxed mac and cheese to be worth her buck, Milne says it must be quick and easy to prepare. Otherwise, why not DIY?

The Best Boxed Mac and Cheese, According to Chefs

With a gold medal from four of our eight chef panelists, the best boxed mac and cheese by far is Annies Shells and Real Aged Cheddar.

Its a timeless pick, according to chef Brian Mooney: Growing up, my daughters lovedand still loveAnnies Mac and Cheese. It was their go-to meal! This could be because its the crowd-pleaser with chef energy, Duran says. Its a repeat winner amongst the pickiest of food critics: my two children!

Allrecipes / General Mills

Annies earns bonus points from the pros for its wide availability, organic pasta, zero artificial flavors and colors, and nuanced cheese flavor, which comes from real dried Cheddar. No wonder it actually tastes like Cheddar, not just cheese flavor, according to Donnarumma. Plant adds that the slight tang of the Cheddar is ideal to cut through the fat of the overall dish.

Donnarumma, who is a mom of two, reaches for Annies again and again because of the quality ingredients and the savvy shape. The shells are a smart choice since they scoop up and hold onto the sauce so each bite is ultra-creamy, she tells us.

Duran echoes that sentiment, celebrating the fact that the sauce coats every shell like a well-tailored coat. As a food professional and as a mom who quite often feeds this to my kids for a quick meal, I love the streamlined ingredient list, Donnarumma says.

Honorable Mentions

While Annie deserves to take a victory lap, a few other boxes are also excellent options, the pros say.

Kraft Mac and Cheese: Baruch and Milne believe the OG is still the optimal choice. The blue box never disappoints," Milne says. Lauded by Milne for its classic, cheesy flavor and reliably perfect noodles every single time, Kraft shines due to its diversity, Baruch adds.  I really like that this has a variety of shapes and sizesspecifically, the spirals! (Kraft also comes in cartoon character-themed shapes, handy microwave cups, and flavor infusions like pizza.) The cheese powder melts seamlessly without clumps, and has a lot of flavor, Baruch adds.

Premium White Cheddar and Black Pepper Macaroni and Cheese: For a steakhouse-style side at Aldi prices, chef Michael Rednak believes you cant do much better than this store brand option. Dont sleep on Aldi! This is for sure on my weekly shopping list, and is head and shoulders above all the rest, Rednak believes. The black pepper addition ensures that its perfectly seasoned right out of the box; no need to add anything extra, he says.

Goodles: Goodles doesnt taste like health food, but heres a little secret you dont have to tell the kids: The high-fiber, protein-rich wheat and chickpea noodles are infused with extra nutrition from spinach, kale, sweet potato, mushroom, and more. As for the sauce, its made with real cheese. Chef Ian Boden is a big fan of the texture and unique sauce flavors, such as Cheddy Mac with yellow Cheddar, Shella Good with aged white Cheddar, Twist My Parm with Asiago and Parmesan, and the cacio e pepe-inspired Mover and Shaker.

1-Ingredient Upgrades That Make Boxed Mac and Cheese Even Better

Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Follow the package instructions on any of the aforementioned boxed mac and cheese picks, and youll have a supremely satisfying and comforting snack or meal. If you want to make it your own, though, it shouldn't add an extra step or feel like work. Remember, we love boxed mac and cheese for its ease. Consider trying one or more of these super-easy, single-ingredient, chef-approved tips to customize your creation:

Add a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper

Stir in a spoonful of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

Top each serving with a drizzle of chili crisp

Opt for half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk

Fold in bacon bits or shredded chicken

Cook the noodles in broth instead of water

Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce

Mix in a cup of frozen peas

Read the original article on Allrecipes
You probably hear more about heart attacks than strokes. A stroke is like the brains version of a heart attack  and is also life-threatening. When the blood flow to the heart is blocked, we call it a heart attack. And when blood flow to the brain gets blocked, we call it a stroke. Strokes are the fifth most common cause of death in the United States, according to the American Stroke Association. And your risk goes up as you age: About two-thirds of strokes happen in people over 65.

Someone has a stroke every 40 seconds, and someone dies every 3.5 minutes, says Carlos S. Ince Jr., M.D. He is a cardiologist at the Heart Center at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.

Your brain controls your movement, speech, behavior, and emotions. It stores your memories, controls your breathing and heart rate, and much more. Thats why damage from a stroke can be so serious.

The good news: Early treatment can minimize the brain damage of a stroke and save someones life. Here are answers to some common questions about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of a stroke.

What happens when you have a stroke?

When someone has a stroke, a blood vessel to the brain bursts or is blocked by a clot. The result: Part of the brain cannot get the oxygen and nutrients it needs from blood, so brain cells die.

Its a brain attack, says Dr. Ince. When there is a disruption of blood flow to a specific area of the brain, it damages the brain tissue. It disrupts the functioning of what that part of the brain controls.

The brain damage caused by a stroke can lead to serious problem such as:

Cognitive issues (memory lapses, difficulty solving problems)

Difficulty swallowing and eating

Muscle weakness or paralysis, often on one side of the body

Problems with speech, reading, and writing

Vision changes

Because one side of your brain controls the opposite side of your body, a stroke on the right side of your brain will affect the left side of your body, and vice versa.

There are two types of strokes, according to the National Institutes of Health:

Ischemic stroke happens when blood clots or plaque block blood vessels to the brain. About 87% of strokes are ischemic, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hemorrhagic stroke happens when an artery in the brain leaks blood or breaks open. The leaked blood puts pressure on brain cells and damages them.

You can also have a mini stroke, called a transient ischemic attack, or TIA. This happens when there is a blockage, but it breaks up before causing any damage to the brain.

Your brain health matters!

BrainHQ rewires the brain so you can think faster, focus better, and remember more. And that helps people feel happier, healthier, and more in control. Sign up today!

How do I know if Im at risk of having a stroke?

Risk factors for stroke are similar to those for a heart attack, says Dr. Ince. They include:

Age: You can have a stroke at any age, but your chances go up as you get older. According to the CDC, your risk of stroke doubles every decade after you turn 55.

Genetics and family history: You may have a higher risk if someone in your family has had a stroke, especially if they had it at a young age. Genetics can also up the chances youll have issues linked to stroke. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

High blood pressure: According to the CDC, this is a leading cause of stroke. And many people dont know they have high blood pressure. Thats why its important to get your blood pressure checked regularly  and get on medication and make lifestyle changes to bring your levels down, if necessary.

High cholesterol: In particular, elevated LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol can build up your arteries, increasing your stroke risk.

Heart disease: Problems with your heart and arteries can increase your risk of plaque buildup or blood clots that can cause a stroke.

Diabetes: High blood sugar can cause damage to blood vessels, which can increase your risk of stroke.

How can I tell if Im having a stroke, or if someone else is?

Time matters when it comes to strokes. The sooner a stroke victim gets treated, the less brain damage is likely to happen. So, its important to recognize the signs of a stroke.

Symptoms depend on the type of stroke and what part of the brain is being affected. According to Dr. Ince and the CDC, common signs include:

Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body and/or face

Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or difficulty understanding what others are saying

Problems with coordination or walking

Trouble seeing in one or both eyes

Sudden severe headaches with no known cause

If youre a woman, youll also want to look out for these additional symptoms:

Disorientation and confusion or memory problems

Fatigue

General weakness

Nausea or vomiting

If you think someone might be having a stroke, remember the FAST test:

Face: Ask the person to smile and notice if one side of the face droops.

Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms and notice if one arm drifts downward.

Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase and notice if their speech is slurred.

Time: If you notice any of these signs, call 911 right away.

Its best to call an ambulance so that emergency workers can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the hospital, says Dr. Ince. Do not hesitate. Earlier attention and treatment usually result in better outcomes.

How are strokes treated in the short term?

At the ER, your care team will decide on a treatment plan. That will depend on whether the stroke was ischemic or hemorrhagic, how much time has passed since symptoms began, and if you have other medical conditions.

The most common treatment for ischemic stroke is injecting a medicine into a vein in your arm that breaks up blood clots. You must get to hospital within the first three hours of noticing symptoms to get clot-busting drugs.

Some strokes may also require surgery to open or repair blood vessels.

What are the long-term effects of a stroke?

There are many health issues that can emerge after a stroke, depending on the region of the brain affected by the stroke.

If the stroke affects the parts of your brain that control movement, then you can have problems with movement  like partial paralysis or difficulty walking.

If the stroke affects parts of your brain involved with speech and language, you might have problems speaking or understanding speech.

If the stroke affects the parts of your brain involved in vision, that can lead to problems noticing things in parts of your visual field, or figuring out exactly what you are looking at.

And most of the time when youre recovering from a stroke, youll notice that your brain speed, attention, and memory arent what they used to be. These broad cognitive issues dont necessarily relate to the exact area of the brain damaged by the stroke. They seem to emerge because the overall health of the brain, including the network that connects brain regions to one another, isnt as good after a stroke.

How can my brain recover after a stroke?

Theres a wide spectrum of success in recovery. Some people never recover and have permanent deficits, and some recover fully, says Dr. Ince. A lot depends on the size and location of the stroke and how quickly you get medical attention.

Recovery also depends on rehabilitation. With help from the right rehabilitation specialist, you can work on  and improve  many of these issues. For example:

Working with a physical therapist can help improve challenges with walking, by intensive practice with balance and movement

Working with a speech therapist can help with speech issues, by helping you relearn how to produce speech sounds and find words

Working with an occupational therapist can help you with day-to-day tasks, such as dressing and bathing, by breaking those tasks down into elemental parts and then helping you relearn how to put them together into complete actions

Rehabilitation works through brain plasticity  the intensive practice, breaking down tasks into elemental parts, and relearning all drive brain rewiring. A stroke damages the brain. Rehabilitation can help the brain relearn how to do a real-world task. How? By training a nearby part of the brain to take over the work that the damaged part of the brain used to do.

New research also shows a role for computerized cognitive training. The American Heart Associations most recent guidelines for stroke rehabilitation show promising results from using a brain training program under the guidance of a clinician as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program.

Clinician-guided rehabilitation works by helping you relearn how to do specific tasks that were affected by the damaged region of your brain. And computerized cognitive training may help with stroke recovery by improving the broad functional networks in your brain that contribute to the building blocks of cognitive skills. These include brain speed, attention, and memory.

Stroke recovery can be a long journey, but it is possible to live a long and independent life after stroke. Talk with your care team about your treatment and therapy options.

Looking for more ways to build a healthy brain? Try BrainHQ, a brain-training program designed by leading scientists that rewires the brain to help you think faster, focus better, and remember more. And it may be included at no cost with your Medicare Advantage plan. Check your eligibility today.

Additional sources:

Stroke statistics: American Stroke Association

Stroke over 65: Cleveland Clinic

Types of strokes: National Institutes of Health

Age and stroke: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Symptoms of a stroke: American Heart Association

Ischemic stroke statistic: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Study on BrainHQ training and stroke recovery: Neurology
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Mar Vista High School in Imperial Beach, California, Image 2 shows Screenshot of Lisette Ortega Veles, a Mar Vista teacher's aide accused of sexual assault

A California school aide faces up to five years in prison for admitting she had sex with a teen boy she met at a San Diego-area high school where she was contracted to work as a third-party employee.

Lisette Ortega Veles, 32, pleaded guilty to unlawfully engaging in sexual intercourse and oral copulation with a 17-year-old at Mar Vista High School on Thursday, NBC 7 San Diego reported, citing the district attorneys office.

Police were called to the Imperial Beach campus on May 19 when they received reports of a student support aide having a sexual relationship with an underage male student, the San Diego County Sheriffs Office said.

Lisette Ortega Veles pleaded guilty to having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old boy she met at Mar Vista High School in California. NBC 7 San Diego/YouTube

Investigators launched a probe and uncovered that Ortegas twisted romance with the minor had spanned a year during off-campus incidents, finding probable cause to charge the aide, the outlet reported.

Detectives alleged Ortega tried to keep the student from telling anyone about the sexual assault, NBC 7 reported.

Ortega was a contracted student support aide working at the high school through third-party contractor Ro Health.

The company staffs schools, private nursing homes and other places with skilled mental health professionals and nurses.

On May 21, Ortega was arrested and charged with a slew of sex crimes related to her relationship with the minor.

Mar Vista High School in Imperial Beach, California. NBC 7 San Diego/YouTube

Ortega was a contracted student support aide working at the high school through third-party contractor Ro Health. NBC 7 San Diego/YouTube

She was charged with committing oral copulation with a victim under 18, unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, where the minor is more than three years younger, arranging a meeting with a minor for the purposes of committing a lewd act, communicating with a minor with the intent to commit a lewd act and attempting to dissuade a victim.

She is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 29 in the South County Courthouse in Chula Vista, according to court records viewed by The Post.

She faces up to five years in state prison, according to the Times of San Diego.

Ortegas plea deal did not include a stipulated sentencing and the judge will determine the guilty predators prison fate during the sentencing hearing.

Ortega is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 29 in the South County Courthouse in Chula Vista, according to court records viewed by The Post. NBC 7 San Diego/YouTube

Ro Health maintained their hiring standards, saying the company conducts thorough background checks including federal blueprint clearance.

At Ro Health, safety is our top priority. It is our privilege to serve the medically fragile population, and we are committed to doing so with the highest degree of care. As such, we take these allegations extremely seriously. We are doing everything we can to investigate the issue and to respond appropriately, the company told News 7 San Diego.

We hold student safety as paramount to our mission. Ro Health has a Joint Commission approved employee screening process, the company added.
By Renee Hickman and Heather Schlitz

FRANKLIN PARK, Illinois (Reuters) - Rudy Repa, a 27-year-old resident of Franklin Park, Illinois, placed a single marigold at a makeshift memorial near the spot where a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer fatally shot a man from Mexico during an attempted arrest in the Chicago suburb.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said an officer shot Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, 38, during a traffic stop on Friday in Franklin Park. In a statement, the agency said Villegas-Gonzalez was in the country illegally and had attempted to flee in his car, dragging and injuring the officer.

An ICE spokesperson said the agent, who they did not name, had been released from the hospital after suffering back injuries, lacerations to the hand, and knee tears.

The death of Villegas-Gonzalez has angered community members like Repa and heightened safety fears among the region's Latino residents.

On Saturday, about 100 people, including Repa, turned out for a vigil for Villegas-Gonzalez in Franklin Park, a community in which around half of the residents are Hispanic or Latino.

"I'm incredibly mad and I want justice for our community," said Repa.

DHS on September 8 launched a deportation crackdown in Illinois that it said was targeting criminals among immigrants in the U.S. without legal status. The department said the operation was necessary because of city and state "sanctuary" laws that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have called for an accounting of the incident involving Villegas-Gonzalez. On Saturday, Johnson said on X it was an "avoidable tragedy."

U.S. Representative Delia Ramirez said at a press conference Villegas-Gonzalez was shot immediately after dropping off his children at a nearby school.

ICE declined to provide more details on the incident over the weekend. It referred to a press release that said Villegas-Gonzalez had a history of reckless driving and the ICE agent fired his weapon because he feared for his life.

Alexandra Calleja, 34, teared up as she spoke at Saturday's vigil about the killing.

"I think he might have gotten scared," she said. "He might have wanted to leave because it crossed his mind that, 'If I get taken away I'll never see my kids again'."

Many residents attending the vigil on Saturday were also immigrants, born in places like Guatemala and Chile.

Pritzker said last month he thought President Donald Trump's administration was timing ICE operations to coincide with celebrations for Mexican Independence Day, which falls on September 16 and is a major event in Chicago's large Mexican-American community.

A large Mexican Independence Day parade in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood on Sunday still drew thousands of attendees to enjoy music, singing and dancing. There were anti-ICE signs along the route and volunteers on the lookout for federal agents.

Marco Villalobos, 46, who was part of the parade, said he did not bring his three children because he worried ICE agents might be there.

"It's a terrible thing; they're trying to hunt people down," he said of Villegas-Gonzalez's death.

(Reporting by Renee Hickman and Heather Schlitz in Chicago; Editing by Chris Reese)
Ocean County Dept. of Corrections Ruben Santiago and Caitlin M. Gibson

NEED TO KNOW

A couple in New Jersey have been formally charged in connection with the death of their infant daughter

Ruben Santiago and Caitlin M. Gibson were taken into custody in May after they called 911 and said their 3-month-old child was having trouble breathing

The infant died the following day, and a medical examiner determined that she died from blunt force trauma to the head

A couple in New Jersey has been formally charged with murder in connection with the death of their 3-month-old daughter.

Ruben Santiago, 36, and Caitlin M. Gibson, 28, were initially taken into custody by the Lakewood Township Police Department on May 7, following the death of their infant daughter, according to a news release issued by the Ocean County Prosecutors Office on Sept. 10.

The couple had called 911 on May 5 to report that their baby was having trouble breathing. Emergency responders arrived on scene and immediately began to administer medical attention to the infant, but the baby ultimately died in the hospital the following day on May 6, per the release.

An autopsy was performed on the infant on May 7. The medical examiner determined the child died from blunt force trauma to the head causing fracturing and subdural hematoma, and the manner of death to be homicide, according to the release.

Getty Police car (stock image)

Santiago and Gibson have remained in custody without bond since May, per Ocean County public arrest records.

PEOPLE reached out to the Lakewood Township Police Department on Sunday, Sept. 14, and was directed to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

While the couple was technically charged with murder in May, per public arrest records, the latest official charges mean that they have now been indicted by a grand jury, and the case will proceed to criminal trial.

It is currently unclear if Santiago and Gibson have legal representation at this time.

Hearing dates for both Santiago and Gibson have not yet been scheduled, public arrest records show.

Read the original article on People
Joining the parade of leaf peepers on scenic northern roadways isnt the only way to enjoy New England and Atlantic Canada at their peak. Fall cruises through Canada and New England offer a different vantage point to bask in autumns glow and the splendor of the regions rugged shores.

These fall journeys by sea offer a mix of scenic cruising and visits to historic ports, offering travelers the chance to soak up the regions majestic landscapes and the charm of multiple coastal cities.

And if it's centuries-old lighthouses that guide you to book a Canada and New England trip, youll find the perfect fall voyage in Holland America Lines newly released 2027 Canada and New England cruise itineraries.

Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.

Maine's historic Portland Head Light is one of 10 iconic lighthouses that travelers can visit on Holland America's new lighthouse-themed cruise.Photo by Thomas Dewey on Unsplash

Holland America Line has a new lighthouse-themed cruise

For the 2027 season, Holland America Line has curated a new nine-day Lighthouses & Harbors of Canada and New England cruise itinerary from Montreal to New York City.

Sailing aboard Volendam, an elegant, intimate ship, the voyage departs Oct. 2, 2027 and offers the chance to visit up to 10 lighthouses on 22 unique shore excursions. Along the route are some of the regions most sought-after landmarks from Maines historic Portland Head Light to Nova Scotias Peggys Cove Lighthouse  one of Canadas most photographed beacons.

The lighthouse-themed voyage also offers scenic cruising along the St. Lawrence River  a lighthouse lovers paradise  and calls to popular ports including Halifax, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and Bar Harbor, Maine.

Related: Holland America Line adds 100 Alaska voyages for 80th season

Along with the lighthouse-themed voyage, Volendam and Holland Americas Zuiderdam will sail a variety of unique itineraries in Canada and New England from May through October 2027. Across 13 itineraries and 20 voyages of seven to 14 days, travelers can explore the regions idyllic coastal cities, breathtaking national parks, rich culinary traditions, and fascinating maritime history.

Our Canada & New England itineraries are designed to showcase the wonders of the region  from its breathtaking national parks and storied lighthouses to its rich French heritage, said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment and itinerary planning for Holland America Line. Guests can experience magnificent French culture without ever leaving North America, all while enjoying a front-row seat to the stunning fall foliage that makes this part of the world unforgettable.

Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.

Nature lovers can explore five national parks on another fall cruise

Another highlight of Holland America Lines 2027 season is an 11-Day Canada & New England Circle: Maritimes and New France itinerary that offers a rare opportunity to visit five national parks in one cruise.

As they sail from Montreal to Boston, passengers can explore Prince Edward Islands coastal dunes; Jacques-Cartier National Park from Quebec City; Gros Morne National Park from Corner Brook, Newfoundland; Mingan Archipelago from Havre-Saint-Pierre, Quebec; and Saguenay Fjord National Park.

For a deeper dive into Canadian culture, travelers can take a round-trip voyage from Montreal that blends history and the natural beauty of New France. The 10-Day Canada & New England Circle: New France and Montreal itinerary visits a series of Canadian ports, as well as destinations in New France, including Quebec City; Saguenay, Quebec; Prince Edward Island; St. Pierre; and St. Johns, Newfoundland.

Related: Holland America Line sets table for more refined cruise dining

No matter the itinerary, a Canada and New England cruise with Holland America Line will be enriched with immersive regional experiences on and off the ship.

With its Destination Dining program, the cruise line brings authentic local flavors on board from Maine lobster and Price Edward Island mussels to Boston baked beans. Other treats include a poutine bar and Boston cream pie, along with New England steak and clam chowder on embarkation day. When departing Quebec, passengers can enjoy a locally inspired cheese and wine celebration.

Passengers will have plenty of opportunities to savor local delicacies on shore excursions as well  from tasting lobster in Charlottetown to sampling maple treats at a sugar farm in Saint John, New Brunswick.

(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)

Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Mes Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.

This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Sep 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the Come Cruise With Me section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Lightsaber Collection | Unsplash

(The Center Square)  Data centers may not be visible to most Americans, but they are shaping everything from electricity use to how communities grow.

These facilities house the servers that process nearly all digital activity, from online shopping and streaming to banking and health care. As the backbone of artificial intelligence and cloud computing, they have expanded at a pace few other industries can match.

Research from Synergy Research Group shows the number of hyperscale data centers worldwide doubled in just five years, reaching 1,136 by the end of 2024. The U.S. now accounts for 54% of that total capacity, more than China and Europe combined. Northern Virginia and the Beijing metro area together make up about 20% of the global market.

John Dinsdale, chief analyst with Synergy Research, said in an email to The Center Square that a simple way to describe data centers is to think of them as part of a food chain.

At the bottom of the food chain, youre sitting at your desk with a desktop PC or laptop. All the computing power is on your device, Dinsdale said.

The next step up is a small office server room, which provides shared storage and applications for employees.

Next up the chain, you can go two different directions (or use a mix), he explained.

One option is a colocation data center, where companies lease space instead of running their own physical facilities. That model can support a multitude of customers from a single operator, such as Equinix.

The other option is to move to public cloud computing.

You buy access to computing resources only when you need them, and you only pay for what you use, Dinsdale said.

Providers like Amazon, Microsoft and Google run massive data centers that support tens of thousands of servers. From the customer perspective, it may feel like having a private system, but in reality, these servers are shared resources supporting many organizations.

Cloud providers now operate at a scale that was unthinkable ten years ago and are referred to in the industry as hyperscale, Dinsdale added. These global networks of data centers support millions of customers and users.

The advent of AI is pushing those data centers to the next level  way more sophisticated technology, and data centers that need to become a lot more powerful, he said.

What is a data center?

At its simplest, a data center is a secure building filled with rows of servers that store, process and move information across the internet. Almost every digital action passes through them.

A data center is like a library of server computers that both stores and processes a lot of internet and cloud data we use every day, said Dr. Ali Mehrizi-Sani, director of the Power and Energy Center at Virginia Tech told The Center Square. Imagine having thousands of high-performance computers working nonstop doing heavy calculations with their fans on. That will need a lot of power.

Some are small enough to serve a hospital or university. Others, known as hyperscale facilities, belong to companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google and Meta, with footprints large enough to be measured in megawatts of electricity use.

How big is the industry?

Synergys analysis shows how dominant the U.S. has become. Fourteen of the worlds top 20 hyperscale data center markets are in the U.S., including Northern Virginia, Dallas and Silicon Valley. Other global hotspots include Greater Beijing, Dublin and Singapore.

In 2024 alone, 137 new hyperscale centers came online, continuing a steady pace of growth. Average facility size is also climbing. Synergy forecasts that total capacity could double again in less than four years, with 130 to 140 new hyperscale centers added annually.

The worlds largest operators are American technology giants. Amazon, Microsoft and Google together account for 59% of hyperscale capacity, followed by Meta, Apple, and companies such as Alibaba, Tencent and ByteDance.

How much power do they use?

Large data centers run by the top firms typically require 30 to 100 megawatts of power. To put that into perspective, one megawatt can power about 750 homes. That means a 50-70 megawatt facility consumes as much electricity as a small city.

Building one data center is like adding an entirely new town to the grid, Mehrizi-Sani said. In fact, in Virginia, data centers already consume about 25% of the electricity in the state. In the United States, that number is about 3 to 4%.

That demand requires extensive coordination with utilities.

Data centers connect to the power grid much like other large loads, like factories and even towns do, Mehrizi-Sani said. Because they need so much electric power, utilities have to upgrade substations, lines and transformers to support them. Utilities also have to upgrade their control and protection equipment to accommodate the consumption of data centers.

If not planned carefully, he added, new facilities can strain local power delivery and generation capacity. That is why every major project must undergo engineering reviews before connecting to the grid.

Why now?

The rapid rise of AI has supercharged an already fast-growing sector. Training models and running cloud services requires enormous computing power, which means facilities are being built faster and larger.

AI and cloud drive the need to data centers, Mehrizi-Sani said. Training AI models and running cloud services require massive computing power, which means new data centers have to be built faster and larger than before.

Dinsdale noted in a report that the industrys scale has shifted sharply.

The big difference now is the increased scale of growth. Historically the average size of new data centers was increasing gradually, but this trend has become supercharged in the last few quarters as companies build out AI-oriented infrastructure, he said.

Why certain states lead the market

Different states and regions offer different advantages. According to a July 2025 report by Synergy Energy Group, Virginia became the leading hub because of relatively low electricity costs when the industry was expanding, availability of land in the early years and proximity to federal agencies and contractors.

Texas and California are also major markets, for reasons ranging from abundant energy to the presence of technology companies.

Internationally, Synergy's analysis shows that China and Europe each account for about a third of the remaining capacity. Analysts expect growth to spread to other U.S. regions, including the South and Midwest, while markets in India, Australia, Spain and Saudi Arabia increase their share globally.

What is at stake?

For most Americans, data centers are invisible but indispensable. Almost everything digital depends on them.

Streaming movies, online banking, virtual meetings and classes, weather forecasts, navigation apps, social media like Instagram, online storage and even some healthcare services all run through data centers, Mehrizi-Sani said.

Synergys forecast suggests the trend is unlikely to slow.

It is also very clear that the United States will continue to dwarf all other countries and regions as the main home for hyperscale infrastructure, Dinsdale said.

This story is the first in a Center Square series examining how data centers are reshaping electricity demand, costs, tax incentives, the environment and national security.
By Gopal Sharma

KATHMANDU (Reuters) - Authorities in Nepal have raised the death toll from last week's unrest to 72 as search teams recover bodies from government offices, houses and other buildings set on fire during the anti-corruption protests, the Health Ministry said on Sunday.

In the deadliest outbreak of political violence in Nepal for decades, mainly young Nepalis took to the streets of the capital and other cities early last week, prompting Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign on Tuesday.

Security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the protesters, some of whom torched state buildings, including the Supreme Court, parliament, police posts, politicians' homes and private businesses.

"Bodies of many people who died in shopping malls, houses and other buildings that were set on fire or attacked are now being discovered," health ministry spokesperson Prakash Budathoki said.

The ministry's previous death toll was 51, updated as of Saturday. The latest data showed on Sunday that at least 2,113 people had been injured in the violence.

Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has replaced Oli as interim prime minister, becoming the first woman to lead the Himalayan nation, and is tasked with holding a new parliamentary election called for March 5.

Karki, who formally took office on Sunday, said the government would pay compensation of 1 million rupees (about $7,100) to the families of those killed in the unrest and provide free treatment to the injured.

She began work in a building close to the prime minister's office, which was set on fire during the protests.

"We must now engage in rebuilding the destroyed structures," Karki told senior government officials, state television reported.

(Reporting by Gopal Sharma; Editing by Shri Navaratnam and Helen Popper)
Sen. John Fetterman sits on a bench during a series of votes outside the Senate chamber, at the US Capitol on June 30. - Graeme Sloan/Sipa USA/AP/File

Democratic Sen. John Fetterman has a warning for his party: learn from the politically charged whirlwind that put Donald Trump back in the White House and secured Republicans control of both chambers of Congress or risk staying in the minority.

They have forgotten one of the reasons why we lost in 2024, Fetterman said of his fellow Democrats in a wide-ranging interview with CNNs Manu Raju on Inside Politics Sunday.

The Pennsylvania Democrat, who was first elected by just a five-point margin in 2022, said some of the partys more left-wing views were weaponized against Democrats last fall.

Some people think now we have to double down on those things or we must become more progressive or more extreme, said Fetterman, who has renounced the progressive label in recent years, continuing, Thats absolutely not true. The seven or eight states that are going to determine whos going to be our next president, you know, we have to win in those states, and I understand what that takes.

Fettermans comments come as the Democratic Party reassess how to talk to voters about crime, immigration and culture wars ahead of the 2026 midterms elections. The first-term senator hasnt shied away from outspoken criticism of his Democratic colleagues on issues he finds to be reactive, like their response to Trump federalizing Washington, DCs law enforcement, or potentially explosive, like withholding votes on a government funding bill.

Clearly, weve lost the argument on the issues that delivered Trump a second term, Fetterman lamented.

Weve really lost our connection with American voters in ways, he said, declaring that Democrats wont find political success from just being reactive to the Republican president.

Though the Democratic presidential ticket made labeling Trump a threat to democracy a central campaign theme, Fetterman cautioned against comparing him to an autocrat.

We have to turn the temperature down. Its like we cant compare people to these kinds of figures in history. And this is not an autocrat. This is a product of a democratic election, he said. Its like, I participated in that. It was safe and it was secure. We lost, and the American people put us in the minority. Thats democracy.

He continued: I revere democracy. I may not like the outcome, but I have to respect that.

Pressed on whether he agrees that Trump, who has broadly brandished executive power since taking office a second time, is shattering the norms of democracy, Fetterman responded, Hes definitely different, but thats what America voted for.

President Donald pumps his fist after taking questions from reporters on killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk, while departing the White House on September 11. - Win McNamee/Getty Images

On Capitol Hill, Democratic lawmakers are currently weighing whether to risk a government shutdown at the end of the month, drawing a red line on health care demands in funding negotiations with Republicans.

Thats not fighting. Thats mutilating our nation, Fetterman told Raju.

If you vote to shut our government down, you are going to harm millions of Americans, and why would you do this? Where is our leverage? he asked.

Fetterman has consistently argued against shutdowns, which have far-reaching consequences across the federal government. In March, he was one of just 10 in his caucus to pave the way for Republicans to stave off a lapse in funding.

On Trumps crime and immigration crackdowns

As protests erupt over the Trump administrations flooding National Guard troops and federal agents into the nations capital and Democratic leaders warn the president against trying to do the same in their cities, Fetterman conceded that accepting help to fight crime has its place.

The former mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, who has the dates residents were killed while he was in office tattooed on his forearm, said he would be grateful for assistance in tamping down on violence.

I didnt have the resources to do that. I was grateful to get all the kinds of help for those kind of things, absolutely, he said, adding, Just because  if Trump is calling for something X, Y and Z, then that doesnt mean we have to necessarily oppose that.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers stand guard during a protest outside an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois, on September 12. - Octavio Jones/Reuters

Fetterman, though, isnt as welcoming of the immigration crackdown that the administration is carrying out across major cities, saying he doesnt see the point in raids like the one this summer in a Nebraska meatpacking facility where federal authorities detained more than 70 undocumented workers.

Though he said he supports secure borders and deporting criminals, We shouldnt target otherwise hard-working migrants that are just effectively, making a significant contribution to our economy.

As the party looks to chart a direction forward, Fetterman isnt looking as intently as some of his peers to the New York City mayoral race  where Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, a self-described Democratic socialist who is polling ahead of the rest of the field  as a bellwether.

Though the partys top congressional leaders, who both happen to be New York Democrats, have refrained from offering their explicit endorsement to Mamdani, drawing scrutiny from some progressives, Fetterman said the race has really no impact on my life.

Whether Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer or House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries endorse Mamdani, Fetterman told Raju, is up to them, but, he said, for me, someone that represents Pennsylvania, there really arent any political insights from that election.

Though one issue where Mamdani and Fetterman differ could again prove to be politically significant for Democrats as they fight to hold together their base: the Israel-Hamas War.

Vehicles move along the coastal road used by displaced people evacuating from Gaza City, in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip, on September 9. - Eyad Baba/AFP/Getty Images

Fetterman notes that while some in his party, including Mamdani, are deeply critical of Israels mounting offensive in the region, while a humanitarian crisis rages in Gaza, he believes terrorist group Hamas and its backers in Iran are to blame.

Absolutely, Fetterman, who has cheered on Israels attacks on Iran, told Raju when asked whether the countrys recent strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar was appropriate, breaking with top Democrats on foreign relations and armed services panels who have warned the act could undercut a pathway to peace.

He also denied that Israel is using starvation as a weapon in Gaza, where he acknowledged conditions are miserable.

It is hell on earth. Why do some people blame Israel for that? I blame Hamas and Iran for that, he said.

Fettermans future in the Democratic Party

Despite his lack of attendance at Senate Democrats routine lunches, Fetterman insists he wont go the way of former Sens. Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema, who both changed their party affiliation to independent in the final years of their terms.

Im a Democrat. I just made a significant investment in the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. Im not changing my party, he said, adding that hes not trying to make any sort of statement by skipping out on caucus lunches.

Fetterman pointed out that he votes with his party on the big votes, like opposing Trumps sweeping domestic policy and tax bill that Republicans passed this summer along party lines, as well as rejecting controversial Cabinet appointees like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

I will disagree with my party at some time. Im going to have an independent view on what I think was right or wrong, he said, adding, Whats good for Pennsylvania, Im going to vote for that.

While hes set on remaining a Democrat, Fetterman was noncommittal when asked about his plans to run for a second term in three years.

Come on, 28. Its going to be crazy, you just never know whats going to happen. You just never know that, he said.

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"He was shoeless and hopeless, Jacques Masiko says of the youth he encountered on a Ugandan street. He wanted somebody to give him a meaningful life. - Illustration by Alberto Mier/CNN

Peter Mutabazi spotted his target one evening as the man walked through a crowded marketplace.

The man was alone and smartly dressed in a button-down shirt, khaki pants and professorial eyeglasses. He sauntered through the food stalls, oblivious to Mutabazi getting closer with each step.

This guy doesnt have a clue, Mutabazi, then 15, thought as he closed in on the man. Not once did he check over his shoulder or put his hand to his wallet to make sure it was there. Easy marks like this dont come along very often.

Mutabazi needed all the luck he could muster at that moment. It was 1988 in Kampala, Uganda, and he had been living alone on the streets for five years. He was just one of thousands of homeless kids trying to survive in his countrys capital city during a perilous time. Ugandas economy had been devastated by a civil war, coups and an HIV epidemic.

Young Peter survived by theft and by begging. Hed typically approach a shopper to ask for a handout while offering to carry their grocery bags  only to swipe some food from the bags as he ferried their groceries to their cars. Before he could do the same with this stranger, though, the man wheeled around and faced him.

The man then smiled and asked him a question that was so unexpected that the teenager involuntarily took several steps backward. It represented a danger that the streetwise Mutabazi had not anticipated.

That question, and the answer he gave in return, would change his life forever.

Today hes a foster-dad hero

Mutabazi opens the front door to his elegant, five-bedroom home in Charlotte, North Carolina, and greets his visitor with a wide smile. A white Tesla sits in his driveway and two well-groomed dogs  Simba, a goldendoodle, and Rafiki, a labradoodle  yelp and bark. The well-manicured lawn in this suburban neighborhood is a far cry from Kampala, but Mutabazis journey would have not been possible without the stranger he encountered more than 30 years ago.

Today, Mutabazi may be the most well-known foster dad in the US. He has fostered 47 children and adopted three more. The interior of his home reflects Mutabazis formidable parenting duties. A well-stocked kids playroom stood to the immediate right of his foyer, complete with stuffed teddy bears, a giant poster of dinosaurs, and another poster in giant, colorful letters that declared, I WANT YOU TO BE bold, graciousfearless, determined and YOU!

Peter Mutabazi at home with his sons Anthony, left, and Zay. Dreaming wasnt part of my ecosystem (as a child), he says. - Courtesy Peter Mutabazi

This is the version of Mutabazi that the American public has seen in recent years. Hes written two books, amassed more than 870,000 Instagram followers and been widely featured in the media for his foster-care work. Portraits of Mutabazi show him hugging and playing with his children, many of whom are White.

Their photosa dark-skinned African immigrant bonding with White, blond childrenoffer a glimpse of another world beyond Americas persistent racial divisions. Anthony, Mutabazis first adoptee, is now 19 and says he wants to be an advocate for foster care like his dad.

Mutabazi, 52, says he never imagined being where he is today.

Dreaming as a street kid is lying to yourself, he says. We didnt dream because dreaming wasnt something that we were taught. Dreaming of a better place was lying to yourself, and you dont want to lie to yourself every day.

But there has been a crucial voice missing from stories about Mutabazi. It is the voice of the man who taught him to dream. It is the man who met Mutabazi in the Ugandan marketplace and inspired him to write in his memoir, My entire life hinges on receiving undeserved kindness.

Who is that man? And of all the street kids in Kampala, why did he single out Mutabazi?

The mans name is Jacques Masiko, and his life has had its share of drama, too. Now 77, he still lives in Uganda. A jovial man who talks with a slight British accent, he says when he first met Mutabazi, he saw a teenager that was alone, emaciated and traumatized.

He was shoeless and hopeless, Masiko tells CNN. He seemed to want a connection. He wanted somebody to give him a meaningful life.

Back then he was a garbage boy too afraid to dream

Mutabazis journey from the streets of Kampala to America could have been derailed many times during his youth. Hes compared it to going to the moon it feels that improbable.

He was born in a village near the Ugandan and Rwandan border and grew up in a thatched hut with his parents and three siblings. He never owned a pair of shoes or slept on a mattress as a child. But worse than the poverty was the verbal and physical abuse from his father.

My father used to say to me, I wish you were never born so I didnt have to feed you, he tells CNN.

Peter ran away at 10 years old because he says he feared that his father would murder him one day. More brutality, though, awaited him in Kampala. He banded together with a group of street kids who survived by theft, cheap labor and something worse  prostitution. There was little pity from adults. Drunks often beat them for sport.

One man threw acid into the face of a kid Peter knew. Another kid was beaten to death. Many of his friends simply disappeared.

Peters home was a patch of dirt near a garbage dump. The stench from the garbage attached itself to him, and he struggled to sleep with flies crawling in his nose. He was so afraid to fall asleep in public because of what a stranger might do to him that he once went five days without sleeping.

He called himself Garbage Boy.

When you live around garbage and you smell like garbage and people treat you like garbage, its hard not to think of yourself that way, he wrote in his memoir, Now I Am Known.

Then one day, he spotted Masiko walking though the market.

Then a stranger asked him a dangerous question

As the two faced each other in the marketplace, the man asked him a simple question.

What is your name?

Peter hesitated. It was a dangerous question because no adult had ever asked him that when he was on the streets. Not giving his real name was a form of self-defense. His anonymity helped the street kid build psychological armor. He could remain calloused if he saw himself only as Garbage Boy.

Jacques Masiko in an undated photo. - Courtesy Peter Mutabazi

But this stranger was challenging him to remember his humanityand to trust an adult.

He was scaring me, Mutabazi says today. Kindness meant danger. Youre trying to treat me like a human being and thats dangerous because I know youre going to ask me for something I dont want to give or youre going to force me to give it to you.

Peter told him his real name. Masiko peeled a couple of plantains from his grocery bag and gave them to him. The boy felt uneasy, but he had found a dependable food source. Whenever Masiko visited in the months that followed, Peter sought him out for more food.

And then a curious pattern developed. Masiko plied him with more questions:

Would you like to go to school?

Would like to have dinner with my family?

Would you like to go to church with us one day?

It wasnt easy for Peter to answer. Change, even from his hellish situation, felt threatening. He couldnt envision being more than Garbage Boy.

Dreaming wasnt part of my ecosystem, Mutabazi tells CNN. I did not want to believe. Hoping was lying to yourself. And I didnt want to lie to myself.

He went on to college and a career as a child advocate

He kept saying yes, though. Masiko enrolled him in a boarding school and persuaded Peters mom to allow her son to move in with his family. And gradually, Mutabazi discovered why he could now dream: He couldnt have picked a better person to target in the marketplace.

Masiko is the father of six biological children with his wife, Cecilia, but he literally cannot count how many children he has helped throughout his life. A natty dresser who favors Kangol-like wool hats, he was at that time in the late 80s also the country director of Compassion International, a Christian humanitarian aid organization based in Colorado thats dedicated to lifting children worldwide out of poverty.

At first, the teenaged Peter struggled to bond with Masikos family. He wouldnt join the family dinner table until everyone else was seated. Hed jump out of his seat and start clearing the table and washing the dishes rather than relaxing with the rest of the family in the living room. He often sat near a door during dinner, bracing himself for the moment Masiko would erupt in anger and beat his wife, like his biological father did.

Peter Mutabazi: All my life, I didnt feel I belonged." - Courtesy Peter Mutabazi

With him, I saw something Id never seen before, Mutabazi says about Masiko. He sits with his family and theyre laughing and talking. I thought it was a show, a joke.

Peter realized hed become part of the family when Masiko extended him one small courtesy at the dinner table one day. He pointed to an empty seat at the table, and said it now belonged to Peter.

All my life, I didnt feel I belonged, Mutabazi says. But for them to put an extra seat out for me, I felt like, Oh, Im special. Im good enough to sit with everyone.

Masiko also often invited international travelers to the family dinner table because of his work through Compassion International. Meeting these guests  many of them accomplished professionals  helped expand his dreams for his own life, Mutabazi says.

Mutabazi would go on to graduate from a Ugandan university with Masikos financial help before winning a scholarship to study and eventually earning a degree in crisis management from Oak Hill College in London.

He moved to the US in 2002 to study theology and is now a senior child advocate at World Vision, an international Christian aid organization that sponsors needy children and provides emergency relief to struggling families.

The psychological journey Mutabazi has taken is, in some ways, more daunting than the physical distances hes traveled. But Mutabazi says Masiko has always been his North Star. He wanted what Masiko had  a loving family, education and a life dedicated to helping others.

When he had doubts and needed strength, he often thought of Masiko. The man constantly told Mutabazi how smart and brave he was.

He became my idol, Mutabazi says about Masiko. There was nothing I couldnt do.

Masiko has followed Mutabazis success from afar. His voice softens when he talks about Mutabazis role as a foster dad.

It gives me great joy to know that my labor has not gone in vain, he says.

The biggest investment you can make is in people

When asked today why he helped Mutabazi, Masiko cites his religious beliefs.

My faith in Christ compelled me to love Peter more than anything else, he tells CNN.

There was also another source for his actions.

I want to help somebody move from point A to point B, Masiko says. I saw in Peter great potential.

There may be another reason as well, says Josh Masiko, one of Masikos six children. He says his father also grew up in poverty with a distant father who had many wives, something that is not uncommon in some polygamous African cultures.

Jacques Masiko with his son Josh, who emigrated to the US. - Courtesy Peter Mutabazi

His memory as a child was being pushed aside, says Josh Masiko, who currently works for Google in Atlanta, Georgia.

His father helped many kids who were like Mutabazi, Josh Masiko says. His parents constantly opened their home to needy kids, feeding them and paying for their schooling, he says. Often the younger Masiko said he had to temporarily give up his room for kids or strangers.

He just gives, Josh Masiko said of his father. Hes still paying school fees for people I dont even know.

And now, some of those who Masiko helped are giving back.

Masiko was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. He needed to raise $11,000 for the surgery but didnt have the money. Hundreds of the former children he helped over the yearsmany of them now doctors, engineers and lawyersbanded together to pay his costs. He is undergoing chemotherapy now.

Im strong in spirit even though my body is still weak, he says.

When he left Uganda for America when he was 18, Josh Masiko says his father gave him some advice.

He said the biggest investment you can make is not in  wealth and not in (material) stuff. Its in people. If you invest in people, you can never go wrong.

Peter Mutabazi with Jacques Masiko - Courtesy Peter Mutabazi

When asked how much he has invested in kids like Mutabazi, Masiko pauses and tries to dismiss the question with quick laughter.

You dont blow your own trumpet, he says.

When pressed, Masiko says hes lost count of how many kids hes helped. He then mentions a young woman who came to work as a maid in his house several years ago.

I told my wife I see potential in her, he says. So we sent her to school and last year she graduated with a bachelors degree in social work.

Like father, like son

Mutabazi is now one of his most prominent beneficiaries. Masiko has flown to the US to meet Mutabazis adopted and foster kids. He marvels at Mutabazis rapport with them.

He pours his life into their lives, Masiko says. It gives me great joy to know that my labor had not gone in vain.

This afternoon I read a message Peter sent to me via email, he says. And, oh my goodness  he said, You are my hero. My mentor. My hope. That message lifts my spirits.

In his memoir, Mutabazi describes one of his biggest fears: All my life I lived in fear of becoming like my father.

That fear came true. He did become like his father  not his biological one, but the man he now calls dad.

And maybe one day, the smiling foster kids who appear with Mutabazi in photos will be like Masiko, too.

John Blake is a CNN senior writer and author of the award-winning memoir, More Than I Imagined: What a Black Man Discovered About the White Mother He Never Knew.

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Authorities are assessing the damage after a tornado was reported in Utah on Saturday.

The San Juan County Sheriff's Office confirmed some significant damage occurred in the area. Their preliminary assessment shows that two homes were completely destroyed as well as a hay barn and a handful of trailers. Two other homes were significantly damaged and downed power poles were causing disruption to local utilities.

According to the Navajo Police Department, an unknown number of livestock and household pets have been reported missing, as well.

The affected families have been placed in nearby hotels by local aid workers.

San Juan County occupies the southeast corner of the state. The tornado was reported in the Montezuma Creek area, inside of Navajo Nation. The area is just northwest of the Four Corners Monument where Utah meets Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico.
Flames erupt from a building following an Israeli military strike in Gaza City on Sunday. - Yousef Al Zanoun/AP

The Israeli military struck multiple high-rise buildings in Gaza City on Sunday, after warning people to leave several neighborhoods, in the latest round of destruction since Israel ordered a complete evacuation of the city.

Israels assault on Gaza City appeared to be accelerating, with the military issuing evacuation orders for several towers in Gaza City within just a few hours Sunday morning.

The strikes come ahead of a meeting called by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss efforts to avoid harming the hostages still held in Gaza when the Israeli military undertakes a ground operation planned to take control of Gaza City, according to a source familiar with the matter.

The meeting on Thursday w ill be attended by the Israeli foreign and defense ministers as well as the leadership of the Israeli military and security services, the source said. There are thought to be about 20 hostages still alive in the enclave, some of whom are believed to be in Gaza City.

Two Israeli officials told CNN on Sunday that the Israeli military ground operation into Gaza City is set to start in the coming days.

Its getting very close, one of the officials said, while the second said it could begin as soon as Monday.

At least 10 United Nations buildings have been hit in Gaza City in the past 4 days, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) Commissioner-General said in a statement Sunday.

No place is safe in Gaza and no one is safe following the intensifying Israeli airstrikes in the city and north of Gaza, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said.

The 10 buildings include seven schools and two clinics used as shelters for thousands of displaced people, Lazzarini added.

Al Kawthar  an 11-story building near Gazas port  was hit Sunday, one of several high-rises that have been destroyed or severely damaged by Israeli strikes since the IDF extended operations into Gaza City earlier this month and ordered nearly a million people in the area to head south.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was being used by Hamas to observe the movements of Israeli troops in the area. It said that before the strike, steps were taken in order to mitigate harm to civilians, including advanced warnings to the population, the use of precise munitions (and) aerial surveillance.

Displaced Palestinians evacuating southbound from Gaza City travel along a coastal road in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip on Saturday. - Eyad Baba/AFP/Getty Images

Hours later, after another warning was posted on X by the Israeli military, a multi-story building in Gaza City was struck but not demolished. The high-rise, known as al Mohna Tower, is in the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood.

Another building at the Islamic University in Gaza was struck and destroyed by several missiles, according to images and video from the scene. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz posted a video of the strikes targeting the six-story building on X, saying: The Islamic University in Gaza is going up in smoke. Eliminating the sources of incitement and terrorism.

More than 130 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes since Saturday, according to numbers provided by hospital officials.

At least six Palestinians, including three children, were killed in an Israeli strike west of Gaza City early Monday, where displaced Palestinians are sheltering, according to health officials. A separate airstrike targeting a home in Gaza city killed two children, they added.

Al Shati camp in Gaza City was also targeted late Saturday, as Israeli strikes intensified. Videos of the aftermath show a large fire had broken out in an area where people were sheltering.

More than 50,000 Palestinians have been left homeless after the Israeli military intensified its action in the city over the past week, the Gaza Civil Defense said in a statement on Thursday. Israeli forces have destroyed more than 130 residential buildings in the enclaves largest city over the same period, according to Civil Defense.

CNN has recorded the destruction of at least a dozen high-rise buildings in central Gaza since September 5.

The Palestinian health ministry said Sunday that 64,871 people had been killed in Gaza since Israeli military operations began after Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023  and 164,610 had been injured.

Israels escalating assault on Gaza City came as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in the country for discussions about the war and the hostages. On Sunday, he visited the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem with Netanyahu and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.

Rubio is scheduled to officially meet Netanyahu on Monday. The Israeli leader is expected to raise his governments potential West Bank annexation plans with Rubio, according to three Israeli sources.

Also on Monday, the leaders of several Arab and Islamic countries are expected to attend an emergency summit in Doha as a show of support to Qatar, after Israel conducted a strike on its capital city earlier this week.

Rubio will visit Doha on Tuesday following his visit to Israel, a diplomat with knowledge of the visit told CNN.

Qatars Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said Sunday that the Israeli strikes will not deter it from continuing sincere efforts to mediate an end to the war in Gaza.

The barbaric and demagogic practices of Israel will not deter us from continuing to make sincere efforts with Egypt and the United States to stop this unjust war, Al Thani said.

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A federal judge on Saturday accused the Trump administration of trying to do an "end-run" around legal obligations that the U.S. has to protect people fleeing persecution and torture following the deportation of a group of African migrants to Ghana, some of whom are now slated to be returned to their home countries.

U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan ordered the U.S. government to explain, by 9 p.m. EST on Saturday, what steps it was taking to prevent the deportees "from being removed to their countries of origin or other countries where they fear persecution or torture."

Earlier this month, the U.S. deported more than a dozen non-Ghanaian nationals to Ghana, including deportees from Gambia and Nigeria, making Ghana the latest country to accept these so-called third country deportations at the request of the Trump administration. Ghana's government confirmed the deportations.

Attorneys have alleged in a lawsuit that the deportees have been held in "squalid conditions and surrounded by armed military guards in an open-air detention facility" in Ghana.

Lee Gelernt, a lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union, told Chutkan during a hearing Saturday that four of the deportees have been told that Ghana will return them to their native nations as early as Monday, despite the fact that they have orders from U.S. immigration judges that bar their deportation to their home countries due to concerns they could be persecuted or tortured there. One man from Gambia, who attorneys say is bisexual, has already been returned to Gambia, according to the lawsuit.

The deportees' legal protections  which are rooted in the United Nations Convention Against Torture and a provision of U.S. immigration law known as withholding of removal  prohibit the U.S. from sending foreigners to countries where they would face persecution or torture. But unlike asylum, they still allow the U.S. to send them to other, third-party countries.

The Justice Department lawyer representing the U.S. government during the hearing did not dispute that Ghana plans to return the deportees to their native countries and conceded that the Ghanaian government appears to be violating diplomatic assurances that it allegedly made vowing not to send these migrants to places where they could be harmed.

But the Justice Department attorney said the U.S. could not tell Ghana what to do at this point.

Chutkan appeared frustrated by that position, suggesting it was "disingenuous." She grilled the Justice Department attorney about whether the U.S. knew this could happen and suggested the deportations seemed to be an "end-run" to bypass the legal protections the deportees have. She suggested the U.S. can retrieve the deportees and return them to the U.S. or transfer them to another country where they would be safe. Or, she added, it could tell Ghana it is violating its agreement with the U.S.

"How's this not a violation of your obligation?" she asked the Justice Department attorney.

But Chutkan acknowledged her "hands may be tied" since the deportees are not on American soil nor in U.S. custody. She also implied that the Supreme Court would almost certainly pause any order that required the American government to act to stop the returns.

In a statement Monday, Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin rejected claims that the deportations to Ghana violate U.S. immigration law, citing a Supreme Court order earlier this year that lifted restrictions on third country removals.

"All of these illegal aliens deported to Ghana received due process and had a final order of removal from an immigration judge," McLaughlin added. "Many of these were heinous criminals with rap sheets that included injury to a child, robbery, aggravated assault, and fraud."

Gelernt, the ACLU attorney representing the African deportees, hailed Chutkan's mandate.

"The Court properly recognized that the United States government, with full knowledge that these individuals are going to be sent to danger, cannot simply wash their hands of the matter," Gelernt told CBS News.

As part of its mass deportation campaign, the Trump administration has sought to convince countries around the globe to receive deportees who are not their citizens, brokering agreements with nations including El Salvador, Kosovo, Panama and South Sudan.

La Foce: A Renaissance painting come to life

"Most difficult time" to judge economy in 40 years as Federal Reserve heads to September meeting

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Sometimes, fashion takes an idea so wonderfully disturbing and executes it so successfully that you walk away viewing taste in an entirely different light. At least, thats what happened when a pair of heeled boat shoes walked a fog-filled Khaite runway, cutting across shallow pools of water inside Hudson Yards on Saturday night. The eerie mist certainly made you look twice at the subversively adorned feet, yet you couldnt help but feel convinced that the accessory was about to be all the rage.

Courtesy of Khaite

The same philosophy can be applied to much of Khaitethe brand founded by Catherine Holstein in 2016. For nearly a decade, the CFDA Accessories Designer of the Year nominee has taken the intellectually sleek wardrobe that defines many minimalist New Yorkers and given it an idiosyncratic twistwith great success.



If youre on Fashion TikTok, its difficult to scroll without seeing rave reviews of the popular Danielle jeans or the oft-lusted-after studded Elena bag, the latter of which was represented in the spring collection by more sculptural options. Yesterday evenings spring/summer 2026 show, which bucked the shortened trend cycle and featured an all-star cast including Kendall Jenner on the runway and Louisa Jacobson in the front row, was further proof of Holsteins cult-level success.

THE HAPA BLONDE - Getty Images

Through logomania, quiet luxury, and this years experimentation with polished rock, Khaite has undergone a wildly dramatic shift in the industryfrom overarching design trends to how people access and talk about fashion. However, Holstein has remained steadfast in her brands DNA. Take the polka dots on the runwaya sure trend over the last six months that fashion fans might tire of before the fall season. For Holstein, the pattern, which graced pleat-waisted skirts, felt like an on-the-nose continuation of what the best-dressed New Yorker is already wearing (and most importantly, going to continue wearingthe best designs arent as fickle as internet trends). Not to mention when you pair it with a ribbon-laden top that adds a delicious twist to a classic silhouette.

Though impeccably precise, Holstein still differentiated herself from many of the other collections shown so far during the week. Heavier cream knit sets still felt fitting for spring but contrasted with the intense lightness that has dominated other designers collections. Meanwhile, a cropped jacketmore bolero than its original trench silhouettedared to appeal to Y2K fanatics, albeit a few years late.

The reality is that much of Khaites appeal lies in Holsteins ability to create the exact item you want but dont yet havesomething irreplaceable by any similar substitute once youve seen it. Thats why the brand remains a universally appealing language to those who know it.

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A local northern Ohio councilman says he and his family have gone into hiding at the advice of federal officials after getting more than 500 threats over his Facebook post criticizing Charlie Kirk.

John Impellizzeri told the USA Today Network's Akron Beacon Journal that he's in fear for his life after his post following the conservative leader's assassination was shared nationwide by "Libs of TikTok" and other right-wing groups.

The threats escalated after the post was shared on X on Sept. 12 by Stephen Miller, the Trump administration's deputy chief of staff for policy.

See the emotional moment when Charlie Kirk's wife passes mourners as his body is moved 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.

More: In wake of Charlie Kirk shooting, see how political violence has increased in past year

"I'm in physical hiding for fear for my life," Impellizzeri said. "The police department is getting death threats."

A member of the Munroe Falls Police Department told the Beacon Journal the department has not received any threats and that he is not aware of any threats made to the city. The police representative declined to provide his name or job title.

Impellizzeri's Facebook account has since been deactivated, but screenshots of the post have been widely circulating on social media.

In the post, Impellizzeri questions why "right-wingers" who are "calling for blood" after the death of Kirk didn't speak out after attacks on Democrats. The post ends by stating, "The world is a better place now that he's gone."

What did Impellizzeri say about his post, Charlie Kirk assassination?

Munroe Falls City Hall

Impellizzeri said the post, while meant to be critical of things Kirk said during his lifetime, was not intended to condone Kirk's murder. He added that the bottom portion of his post has been shared widely but that the section only comprised about "a third" of the post.

He said he could not share the rest of the post with the Beacon Journal because he has since deactivated his Facebook account.

"I am not celebrating his death," Impellizzeri said. "I never have  never will."

Impellizzeri said he is "100%" against violence.

"The assassination of Charlie Kirk was horrendous," he said. " This was murder. It was completely unacceptable."

More: 'Mass chaos': How the shooting of Charlie Kirk and the race to catch his assassin unfolded

Impellizzeri said he was simply stating his views that Kirk was not a "good person," but he doesn't condone the killing. He said he hopes the shooter is prosecuted.

Authorities have apprehended and arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

"There are plenty of left-wing nut jobs out there who are celebrating his death.  I am not one of them," Impellizzeri said.

Kirk supporters, Munroe Falls community members critical of Impellizzeri

Social media posts from far and wide condemn Impellizzeri and call for his resignation.

A post in the Facebook group "Stow/Munroe Falls Talk of The Town Too!" reads, "For anyone who lives in Munroe Falls and are just as horrified as I am with John Impellizzeri's post about Charlie Kirk, the council meetings are the first and third Tuesday of the month. He is a current councilman in Munroe Falls:/"

"HE NEEDS TO RESIGN," right-wing Libs of TikTok posted on X.

A Facebook post by a woman who has nearly 400,000 followers on her page, where she posts right-wing content, includes the same statement as the Libs of TikTok post. Her page says she lives in Atlanta.

A post in the Facebook group "Largest Trump Supporting Group in the WORLD" states, "I found him," with the phone number listed on Impellizzeri's page on the Munroe Falls city website.

The post in the Trump-supporting group shared a screenshot of Miller's X post, which said, "We haven't even begun to grapple with the fact that a huge portion of our society have been fully and dangerously radicalized by a closed circuit of radical left propaganda."

Impellizzeri alleges more threats made to city, community

Impellizzeri also said the Munroe Falls Fire Department and other community members have received threats from people who he alleges made threats to community members in person.

"They went to the city center, were taking pictures of the building and the facilities and the capabilities," Impellizzeri said. "When people confronted these photographers, all they would say is, 'You're next' and left."

A receptionist for the city of Munroe Falls said any additional requests for comments to city hall, the police department and the fire department must go to city representatives, who will not be available until Sept. 15.

Impellizzeri said does not know how long he will remain in hiding.

He said he hasn't slept in 36 hours due to the threats he has endured.

Executive Editor Cheryl Powell contributed to this report.

Patrick Williams covers growth and development for the Akron Beacon Journal. He can be reached by email at pwilliams@gannett.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @pwilliamsOH. Sign up for the Beacon Journal's business and consumer newsletter, "What's The Deal?"

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: After controversial Charlie Kirk post, Ohio councilman in hiding
Cincinnati Police Department;facebook Desean Brown; Nyteisha Lattimore with her son Nylo

NEED TO KNOW

Desean Brown will spend life in prison after pleading guilty to the murders of his ex-girlfriend, Nyteisha Lattimore, and her 3-year-old son, Nylo, on Sept. 10

Brown stabbed Lattimore, 29, to death in December 2020 before throwing Nylo off a bridge with his stroller, and the boy's body was never found

The convicted murderer took an Uber to dump a bag containing Lattimore's body into the Ohio River, but the bag got stuck and was found the next day

An Ohio man will spend the rest of his life behind bars for killing his ex-girlfriend and her son.

Desean Brown was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to the murders of both Nyteisha Lattimore, 29, and her 3-year-old son, Nylo, on Wednesday, Sept. 10, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer and a news release from Hamilton County Prosecutor Connie Pillich.

Brown, 25, pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated murder. Under the Sept. 10 plea agreement, the death penalty was taken off the table, and Lattimores family was spared years of painful appeals, per the release.

The hearing at Hamilton County Common Pleas Court came almost five years after Brown killed Lattimore and her son on or about Dec. 5, 2020, the release said.

Cincinnati Police Department Desean Brown's mugshot

Brown first fatally stabbed Lattimore  whom The Enquirer identified as his ex-girlfriend  in her apartment in the Walnut Hills neighborhood of Cincinnati, per the release. (At the time of her death, Lattimore was allowing Brown, whom she had previously been in a relationship with, to stay in the apartment, one of her relatives told The Enquirer.)

He stabbed Lattimore 11 times in the neck, The Enquirer reported, citing prosecutors.

The following morning, Brown killed Nylo by throwing him, when he was still alive, into the Ohio River, per the release.

He brought the 3-year-old to the Purple People Bridge, which stretches across the river, in a stroller, according to The Enquirer. He then threw both the toddler and stroller into the river, which Assistant Prosecutor Seth Tieger described as icy cold at a Sept. 10 hearing, per the outlet.

Facebook Nyteisha Lattimore

Days later, on Dec. 11, Brown put Lattimores body in a bag he had purchased on eBay, and took an Uber to the Purple People Bridge, where he then left the remains, according to The Enquirer. He lied to the Uber driver about what was inside the bag, the outlet reported.

Brown attempted to throw the bag, as he had with the toddler, into the river, but it became stuck on a ledge, per the Cincinnati outlet. Someone then discovered the bag containing Lattimores remains the following day.

Despite massive search efforts, Nylos body was never recovered. Family members did, however, eventually find the stroller in the river, The Enquirer reported, citing Tieger.

In the days before he left Lattimores body on the bridge, Brown kept it in her apartment, where Tieger said there was so much blood that it leaked into the unit below, per The Enquirer.

Brown also looked up how to clean up blood and attempted to clean up the crime scene, according to the Cincinnati outlet.

Facebook Nyteisha Lattimore's son Nylo

No motive was discussed at the recent hearing, but prosecutors said in 2023 that a woman told authorities that Brown blamed Lattimore for having a miscarriage, The Enquirer reported.

According to the outlet, the woman also said Brown had discussed killing her and Nylo in retaliation.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

The Sept. 10 plea agreement was initially offered under the prior administration, but was finalized after Brown was recently found competent to stand trial, according to the release from Pillichs office.

Specifically, it came less than a week after a psychologist testified that Brown had been attempting to fake symptoms of a mental illness, The Enquirer reported.

In the release, Pillich described Browns actions as ruthless, which the plea deal reflects." Added the prosecutor: This sentence delivers justice for both Nyteisha and Nylo.

Brown declined to give a statement at Sept. 10 hearing.

Read the original article on People
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Sunday, as Israeli forces intensified their assault on northern Gaza, resulting in the destruction of another high-rise building and the deaths of at least 12 Palestinians.

Mr Rubio stated prior to his visit that he would be seeking clarity from Israeli officials regarding their proposed path forward in Gaza.

This comes in the wake of Israels recent attack on Hamas operatives in Qatar, an action that reportedly derailed ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire.

The two-day visit also serves as a demonstration of support for Israel, which faces increasing international isolation, particularly as the United Nations prepares for a potentially contentious debate on the establishment of a Palestinian state  a proposal strongly opposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Mr Rubios trip proceeded despite President Donald Trumps reported anger at Mr Netanyahu over the Israeli strike in Doha, which Mr Trump claimed the United States was not informed of in advance.

On Friday, Mr Rubio and Mr Trump met with Qatars prime minister to discuss the repercussions of the Israeli operation.

These consecutive high-level meetings with both Israel and Qatar underscore the Trump administrations efforts to balance relations between key Middle Eastern allies amidst widespread international condemnation of the attack.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is greeted upon arrival by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, at Ben Gurion International Airport (REUTERS)

The Doha attack also appears to have ended attempts to secure an Israel-Hamas ceasefire and the release of hostages ahead of the upcoming U.N. General Assembly session, at which the Gaza war is expected to be a primary focus.

On Sunday, at least 13 Palestinians were killed and dozens were wounded in multiple Israeli strikes across Gaza, according to local hospitals.

Local hospitals said Israeli strikes targeted a vehicle near Shifa hospital and a roundabout in Gaza City, and a tent in the city of Deir al-Balah that killed at least six members of the same family.

Two parents, their three children and the childrens aunt were killed in that strike, according to the Al-Aqsa hospital. The family was from the northern town of Beit Hanoun, and arrived in Deir al-Balah last week after fleeing their shelter in Gaza City

The Israeli military did not have an immediate comment on the strikes.

As part of its expanding operation in Gaza City, the Israeli military destroyed a high-rise residential building on Sunday morning, less than an hour after an evacuation order posted online by the military spokesman Avichay Adraee.

Residents said the Kauther tower in the Rimal neighborhood was flattened to the ground. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

A bomb dropped during an Israeli military strike approaches a building in Gaza City (Associated Press/Yousef Al Zanoun)

This is part of the genocidal measures the (Israeli) occupation is carrying out in Gaza City, said Abed Ismail, a Gaza City resident. They want to turn the whole city into rubble, and force the transfer and another Nakba.

The word Nakba is Arabic for catastrophe and refers to when some 700,000 Palestinians were expelled by Israeli forces or fled their homes in what is now Israel, before and during the 1948 war that surrounded its creation.

Israeli strongly denies accusations of genocide in Gaza

Separately, two Palestinian adults died of causes related to malnutrition and starvation in the Gaza Strip over the last 24 hours, the territorys health ministry reported Sunday.

That has brought the death toll from malnutrition-related causes to 277 since late June, when the ministry started to count fatalities among this age category, while another 145 children died of malnutrition-related causes since the start of the war in October 2023, the ministry said.

The war in Gaza began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, abducting 251 people and killing some 1,200, mostly civilians. There are still 48 hostages remaining in Gaza, of whom 20 Israel believes are still alive.

Israels retaliatory offensive has killed at least 64,803 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not say how many were civilians or combatants. It says around half of those killed were women and children. Large parts of major cities have been completely destroyed and around 90% of some 2 million Palestinians have been displaced. ___

Magdy reported from Cairo. Associated Press writer Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, contributed to this report.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zimbabwe faces potential grain shortages in the coming weeks if government does not reopen borders for maize imports, according to predictions by a South African grain analysis organisation Commodity Insight Africa (CIA).Late last month, the government introduced a ban on maize imports by millers, citing a bumper harvest. The ban, enacted through Statutory Instrument (SI) 87 of 2025 and announced by Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka, requires contractors to procure at least 40% of their annual raw materials locally by April next year, and 100% by 2028. The SI also gives contractors the sole mandate to import maize, a move critics warn could exacerbate supply challenges and put them at odds with millers.South African farmers have employed pseudo-analysts in an effort to force the Zimbabwean government to scrap the maize import ban that has negatively impacted South African farmers. The pseudo analysts are coming up will all sorts of excuses and reasons to lyric the Zimbabwean government in an effort to force the resumption of maize imports.Jacques Pienaar of CIA stated that the agriculture ministry has advised the president to reopen borders for maize imports, which were closed on 1 June based on government grain estimates. Speaking on Agriculture Intelligence Africa, Pienaar suggested that the shortage may have been artificially created for political reasons."It is a bit embarrassing to open the borders three months after closing them. It is politics delaying the opening of these borders, which in our opinion is inevitable," Pienaar said. He added that government growth estimates for maize production have often been inflated, leaving current supply extremely tight. Millers are reportedly dipping into reserves, and without prompt imports, they may struggle to meet consumer demand for maize meal.CIA estimates that Zimbabwe requires an additional 1.1 million tonnes of maize, while the US Foreign Agricultural Service projects a shortfall of around 700,000 tonnes despite a rise in production. The 2024/25 season produced an estimated 1.3 million tonnes against a national demand of two million tonnes. Government maintains that farmers produced 2.3 million tonnes, asserting that Zimbabwe remains food secure.The situation has intensified concerns over the country's ability to meet domestic maize demand without swift policy adjustments to allow imports.
Bunch house on June 23, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Hollywood To You/Star Max/GC;rodin Eckenroth/Getty Maureen McCormick; 'Brady Bunch' house

NEED TO KNOW

Maureen McCormick told PEOPLE that she recently returned to the iconic Brady Bunch house for a special reason

McCormick, 69, played Marcia Brady in the 70s sitcom

The actress also opened up about the secret to her 40-year marriage while speaking exclusively to PEOPLE

Maureen McCormick recently visited the original Brady Bunch house for an extra special reason.

McCormick caught up exclusively with PEOPLE alongside her husband, Michael Cummings, at The John Ritter Foundations Evening from the Heart Gala in Hollywood, Calif., on Friday, Sept. 12. During the conversation, the actress mentioned that she visited the iconic house, which was recently renovated by HGTV, during an outing with one of her favorite charities.

I was back for a charity event, McCormick, 69, explains. I love Best Buddies [and] Special Olympics, and they're kind of connected, so I took a group of Best Buddies there, and they toured the house and they loved it.

McCormick has long been an advocate and supporter of Best Buddies, an organization that champions inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The last time McCormick was at the North Hollywood house was in May 2023, when HGTV revealed the renovations. The network bought the home  which was solely used for home exterior shots on the show  in 2018. The network then spent several years redoing the interior so that it exactly matched the interior of the home depicted on the show.

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images The 'Brady Bunch' cast

McCormick and Cummings also dished on their 40-year marriage, and specifically shared what they think makes things work after all these years.



You've got to have a sense of humor about things. You can't take things too seriously. You got to let things go and just love the one you're with. It's a lifetime deal, Cummings says.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Celebrate the differences? McCormick adds, while also sharing that they feel very grateful and thankful to have found each other.

Jesse Grant/Variety via Getty Maureen McCormick and Michael Cummings on Sept. 12, 2025

Both McCormick and Cummings revealed that they were certain about one another right away when they first met in the 1980s.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

McCormick also noted that she especially liked that her now-husband had no idea who she was, which was very refreshing for me, because [he had] no pre-conceived ideas about who I was. So it was really wonderful.



Read the original article on People
This story previously aired on July 4, 2015. It was updated on Sept. 13, 2025.

On July 5, 2005, George Smith disappeared from his honeymoon cruise. His family has been on a mission to find those responsible, but their long quest for justice is now in jeopardy.

In the beginning, suspicion surrounded George's new widow. But the FBI soon turned its focus to a group of young men  the last to see George alive.

A "48 Hours" investigation has uncovered failed polygraphs, questionable alibis and a provocative video made by some of the men just hours after George Smith disappeared.

"You know, sometimes you still think, 'Ah, he might still be out there,' cuz we don't have a body. We don't have a body," Maureen Smith told "48 Hours". "It doesn't get any easier. And you know what? If we had our answers for George and know what happened, maybe. We don't know."

For 10 years, Maureen and George Smith have been tormented. They don't know what happened to their 26-year-old son aboard that cruise ship.

"We just have to keep pushing the buttons. And we won't let it go. It's our son," said Maureen.

It wasn't supposed to be this way. George Smith IV had seemed destined to have it all.

Maureen Smith described her son as a "Fine young man. Handsome ... Hard working. He was just an all-around great kid."

"He was the funniest guy, you know?" George Smith III said with a laugh. "I would sit and have a couple of beers with him and he'd make me laugh for the whole night. And besides he was so good looking the girls just fell all over him. He was a just a lot of fun. He was a great guy [voice catches]."

George was about to take over his father's liquor store in Greenwich, Conn.

"George made the store. He was much more of a lively guy than I and loved to talk," George said of his son. "He had that gusto in him and he really wanted to take the store and build it."

"He always called me the old man because I wasn't into modern tools and techniques [laughs] like he was. So I was the old man."

"I was the dinosaur that he had to deal with," George said laughing.

George's future seemed even brighter when he met Jennifer Hagel, an aspiring schoolteacher.

"I was overwhelmed with her because she had this dynamic personality," Maureen explained. "She was very fun-loving like him. Very attractive. ... And he was really happy with her."

On June 25, 2005, George Smith IV married Jennifer Hagel in a cliffside ceremony in Newport, R.I. / Credit: Elie Camoro

After a three-year courtship, George and Jennifer were married in a ceremony overlooking the sea.

"It was a really lavish affair in Newport, Rhode Island," George's older sister, Bree Smith said. "It was a storybook wedding. It was absolutely beautiful."

Bree remembers the day very well and how excited they were to go on their honeymoon.

"They were so excited to be starting their life together," she said.

"And they couldn't wait to start their cruise."

"I can remember shaking his hand in the street and saying goodbye to him," said George's father.

"Who would have thought that less than two weeks later, George would be missing," said Bree.

In late June 2005, Royal Caribbean's "Brilliance of the Seas" set sail from Barcelona. Aboard with the Smiths were fellow honeymooners Paul and Galina Kvitnisky.

"We sat down next to one another and ... since the first day, we became acquainted," said Paul Kvitnisky.

The couples hit it off immediately.

"They were really great ... they were just normal down to earth, happy people," said Galina Kvitnisky.

"I would say we spent a lot of time together ..." said Paul.

"They loved the sites. I remember they were talking a lot of pictures. Like, everywhere they went they were, like, always with the camera," Galina recalled.

And back on the ship, they socialized into the early morning hours.

"I think he enjoyed himself a lot, you know  having a drink or two," said Paul.

"He didn't have a good tolerance for alcohol. He would have like four beers ... and you could see that he was pretty much drunk," Galina added.

Around midnight on July 5, 2005, the two couples headed for the casino. It would be the last night of George's life.

Casino security cameras captured George Smith at the casino. This is the last known image of George from that night. / Credit: Royal Caribbean

Jennifer, who can be seen on casino security cameras, spent much of her time at the blackjack table. George, also captured on tape, headed for his usual spot at the craps table.

"And he was just having fun at the table. You could see that right away," said Paul.

George was soon joined at the table by another shipboard acquaintance  California college student Josh Askin. "48 Hours" spoke to Askin in 2006.

"Hung out with them a little bit, nothing too in depth. ... Jennifer played a little blackjack. I played a little craps with George," Askin said. "There were a lot of other people around as well, who'd been on the cruise so far."

Also making the rounds that night were a group of Russian-American students  cousins Zachary and Greg Rozenberg, and a friend, Rusty Kofman. Askin had met them on the cruise as well.

"Everyone who was 18 pretty much congregated in the casino," Askin explained. "Everyone was in high spirits."

And George and Jennifer were high rolling. At one point, George, who can be seen at the casino with Askin, went back to his own cabin to fetch extra cash for Jennifer.

"I think George looked prosperous," Bree commented. "Additionally, he had a really nice watch ... which was a Breitling watch, was worth a bit of money."

And Bree wonders if someone on the ship was getting the wrong idea about her brother.

"People may have made assumptions that George was a millionaire, even though he wasn't," she said.

The one thing that was clear to Paul Kvitnisky that night, was that by the time the casino closed, both Jennifer and George were already drunk.

"And I just remember telling him, 'It's time to call it a night,'" he said.

Paul wishes his new friend had listened. Two hours later, George Smith would be gone.

A STARTLING DISCOVERY

As the sun rose over Kusadasi, Turkey, on July 5, 2005, 16-year-old Emilie Rausch stepped onto her balcony to snap some photos.

"It was around 7:30 in the morning ... and I noticed something on the overhang of the lifeboats..." she said.

Instead of a spectacular sunrise, Rausch's camera captured a huge bloodstain on the lifeboat canopy.

"I just assumed someone had died there," Rausch said at the time.

Security quickly determined the occupants of room 9062 were unaccounted for and snapped pictures of the room. Then they began paging the Smiths.

"I had a stateroom attendant outside my room and I said, 'You know, you should probably go into that guy's room and wake him up, because he's not gonna hear that page,'" Askin said. "'Because he was probably still sleeping.'"

In another cabin, Paul and Galina Kvitnisky were startled by a visit from ship personnel.

"And that's when the guy came in, and he said, 'Have you seen George?' And I'm like, 'What do you mean have I seen George?'" said Paul.

"And we said, 'What's going on?' And he kinda told us he's missing. We were like, 'Missing!?'" said Galina.

By now, they had been summoned to Guest Relations; Jennifer was also there. She had been located at the ship's spa getting a scheduled massage. The crew soon delivered the crushing news: George was presumed overboard.

"She just kept saying that she doesn't remember what happened," Galina said. "'I can't remember. I can't understand. I don't remember.'"

Jennifer said she had almost no memory after leaving the casino.

Jennifer said she had almost no memory after leaving the casino and that when she had awakened in the cabin, George wasn't there. She had just assumed George had stayed with Paul and Galina.

"She's shocked and panicked and she doesn't understand what's going on," Galina explained. "She just kept sayin' that, 'I wanna call my dad. I wanna call my dad.'"

Half a world away in Connecticut, the Smiths were trying to absorb the shock from the call from Jennifer's dad.

"It's disbelief," said Maureen Smith.

"You know, we just couldn't believe it," said her husband, George. "He's gotta be on the boat."

But the Smiths had not yet been told about that bloodstain or the investigation now under way on the Brilliance of the Seas. Turkish police had boarded the ship; Royal Caribbean documented the forensic investigation.

And in the ship's lobby, they rounded up Josh Askin and the group of Russian-Americans  Rusty Kofman and Zach and Greg Rozenberg. They had all partied with George the night before.

"I mean, I just didn't know what was going on. I knew I did nothing wrong and that's all that mattered to me," said Askin.

Video secretly recorded by Askin's father shows the police interview. Rusty Kofman appears to be shocked when he hears about the blood:

Rusty Kofman [Turkish police interview]: Blood? [Puts his hand to his mouth] No! That's crazy.

The video only captures snippets of what has emerged over the years as a very complex story  a story and a timeline that would be dissected and debated for years. The men's story has never changed. As a group they tell Turkish police, "After we dropped him off, the second time, we closed the door, we never saw him again ... Never saw him again."

The young men's account begins at 2:30 a.m., after the casino closed. It was on an elevator to the disco when Askin says he noticed some odd behavior from casino manager Lloyd Botha.

"There was maybe a time when Lloyd, the casino manager put his arm around Jennifer and we thought a little awkward moment. It was just a little awkward for a second," said Askin.

At the disco, the party was in full swing and the guys smuggled in a bottle of potent liquor called absinthe.

"They were having shots of absinthe. They were having shots," said Albert Dayan, an attorney who represents Rusty Kofman.

"48 Hours" spoke to Dayan in 2006. He says there was tension between George and Jennifer at the disco.

"Rusty does not hear what is being said but he does observe Jennifer kick George in his groin," he explained.

Jennifer storms out of the disco and, according to Zach Rozenberg, Rusty Kofman and Josh Askin, the casino manager followed after her. Askin would emphatically make this point when questioned by Turkish police later:

Josh Askin [Turkish police interview]: She has no idea what happened! She was with another man ... The casino manager Lloyd. You need to get him in here.

The men claim they didn't know where Lloyd and Jennifer went, but by 3:30 a.m., the disco was closing and George was in bad shape.

"George was kind of slumped over in a chair ... I asked my buddies, ' Will you help me take him home real quick?'" Askin told "48 Hours."

"When they're walking to his cabin ... they are literally carrying George," said Dayan.

At 3:52 a.m., the guys enter the Smith cabin. The ship's key entry log records the time, but Jennifer is not there.

Turkish official on interview video: Did you see her? Guys: No ... she wasn't in the room. She wasn't in the room.

"George all of a sudden expresses a wish to go search for his wife ... at this time the boys are having a loud discussion, debate about whether they should assist George," Dayan explained.

The group heads out again and, after a brief search of the ship's solarium, they return George to his cabin at 4:01 a.m.

"I went to the restroom right when I went in ... I probably saw him for like a minute ... 30 seconds," said Askin.

"And they actually lay - George  on his bed. Take off his shoes ... and he displays a tremendous gratitude towards these young men. In fact he hugs and kisses one or two of these young men," said Dayan.

As a group, the men told Turkish police, "And that was the end of it. ... We were all together ... But just remember not at one point or at no time did he ever seem angry or anything at all."

But shortly after 4:00 a.m, passenger Clete Hyman, a vacationing deputy police chief, hears a disturbance next door.

"My wife and I were awakened by yelling coming from the Smith cabin. This yelling sounded what I would liken to a drinking game," he said.

A few minutes later ...

"Suddenly though, there was an argument out on the Smith balcony. This argument appeared to be between three, maybe four individuals," said Hyman.

But Rusty Kofman's lawyer insists that the men never went out on the balcony.

"After about two minutes of the argument, we heard one lone male voice repeatedly saying, 'Goodnight, goodnight' ... like they were ushering someone out of the room," Hyman continued. "I looked out and saw three male individuals walking away from the room."

Three males walking away? Then where was the fourth man? Dayan insists all four men left together.

"Rusty is a pretty wide  type of a  a young man," Dayan pointed out. "I believe that the  witness just failed to observe the fourth one."

What Clete Hyman hears next would become the subject of endless speculation: was George alone in the room?

"At this point we heard just one lone voice in the room. We heard what sounded like the cupboard doors being closed loudly. And also sounded like furniture being moved," he said.

Greg and Pat Lawyer, in the cabin on the other side of the Smiths, hear something similar.

"There was what I call trashing of the room sounds," Greg Lawyer explained. "I thought somebody was throwing furniture around...either mad or having a good time so we dismissed it at that point."

"...after about two minutes of total silence, however, there was a large, what I would call a horrific thud," said Hyman.

That thud is believed to be the sound of George Smith hitting the metal canopy around 4:30 a.m. About that same time, Jennifer is found passed out in a hallway. As for the men, they say they were all back in their cabin ordering a lion's share of room service.

"Oh, they were definitely in their own cabin. In Zach's and  Rusty's cabin ordering food at that time," said Dayan.

But as it would turn out, the young men's alibi would be called into question.

ACCIDENT OR FOUL PLAY?

As the details surrounding George Smith's disappearance emerged, so had speculation about his bride, Jennifer.

The widow went on "Oprah" to defend herself:

"Not only to lose your memory but to have nobody believe you," Jennifer Hagel Smith told Oprah Winfrey. "I don't know what happened."

Jennifer wasn't the only one in the spotlight. There were questions in the national media about the young men and about George's disappearance - was it an accident or was George pushed overboard?

The FBI would begin an investigation that would span nine-and-a-half years. At the time, the ship's captain described it as a likely accident  theorizing that an intoxicated George sat on the railing and simply fell off.

"I think that's outrageous. I think that's disgusting," said Bree Smith.

The Smiths never bought the accident theory.

"The blood is compelling evidence," Bree said. "There was blood in the room."

Photographs taken by Royal Caribbean inside the Smith cabin revealed two small lines of blood on the bed sheets. The Smiths say it was George's blood and another sign pointing to foul play.

"In addition to the blood, there were sounds of  a fight, a struggle inside my brother's room," said Bree Smith.

The Smiths hoped that getting access to Royal Caribbean's investigative case files would provide some answers and brought in attorney Mike Jones to help them.

"What it's not about is an accident, and what it's not about is a suicide," Jones told "48 Hours". "It's about a murder."

Jones immediately got to work, setting his sights on the ship's documents and the four men last seen with George.

"I took Josh Askin's deposition first," he explained.

Mike Jones: Do you if George Smith was murdered? Josh Askin: Invoke my Fifth Amendment right. Mike Jones: Do you know who killed George Smith? Josh Askin: Invoke my Fifth Amendment right.

"That's a yes or no answer," Jones commented.

Josh Askin took the Fifth on everything:

Mike Jones: In late June of 2005 did you go on a Royal Caribbean cruise with your family? Josh Askin: I evoke [sic] my Fifth Amendment right.

"I had him take the Fifth as to his date of birth, his name," said attorney Keith Greer, who represents Askin. "And so I told him, 'The only way we're gonna do this, Josh, is if every single question you're asked, you plead the Fifth.'"

Greer says that Askin has always been cooperative, speaking freely to everyone, but there came a point when he had to shut him down. The feds were getting aggressive.

"And they told us that if Josh ever says anything that is different than what he said before the grand jury, anything, they will fly him back to Connecticut on perjury charges," Greer explained. "I couldn't have that happen."

Attorney Albert Dayan says Rusty Kofman got the same treatment and has stopped cooperating with the FBI.

"The more he wanted to speak with them, the more he wanted to tell them what happened, the more they accused him of foul play," he said.

During his deposition, Rusty Kofman didn't plead the Fifth, but his memory on a lot of things seemed a bit rusty:

Mike Jones: And when you say "we put him to bed" ... who put him to bed? Rusty Kofman: I don't have a recollection of that right now. Mike Jones: Josh said that he actually used the bathroom at that point, do you remember that? Rusty Kofman: I don't have a recollection of that.

Zachary Rozenberg also invoked his right against self incrimination.

Mike Jones: Was there a commotion in the room? Zach Rozenberg: I'd like to invoke my Fifth Amendment right ...

The only one who appeared forthcoming was Greg Rozenberg. In 2010, Mike Jones found him in a Florida prison:

Mike Jones: And why are you here in prison? Greg Rozenberg: Trafficking

Greg was serving three years for trafficking oxycodone, he says, to support his expensive taste:

Greg Rozenberg: I'm fanatic with clothes, jewelry, watches that's why I'm in here man. Mike Jones: But murder is a different deal. Greg Rozenberg: Murder is a different deal man. I don't have it in my heart to kill nobody man. Mike Jones: Did you have anything to do with George's death? Greg Rozenberg: No. Never did, never would, never thought about it, no.

Greg brought up that room service party:

Mike Jones: What did you eat? Greg Rozenberg: Tuna fish sandwiches, I know that. We had like tuna fish sandwiches and I think cheeseburgers ... I know we had some of that fast food type. We were just infatuated with the fact that we could order anything we wanted.

"You know, they ordered so much food, and they couldn't have killed George because they were in the room eating the room service," Jones told "48 Hours". "I mean, it's a nice story, but it doesn't work."

In 2010, Mike Jones finally got his hands on those Royal Caribbean internal documents.

"The room service party is pretty much blown by the information we got from Royal Caribbean. I mean that's a big fact," he said.

The ship's records show that although several short calls were made from Zach and Rusty's cabin to room service after 4:13 a.m., there is no record of any order of any kind.

"The handwritten records show that the room service was never delivered," said Jones.

"Was it human error they didn't write it down?" Keith Greer asked.

Greer insists the room service party did take place, but it was never really an alibi to begin with since it would have been delivered after George went missing.

"The food service itself doesn't prove that they were in a certain place at the time George went over 'cause George goes over about 4:20 in the morning. So at that point in time really the only alibi they have is each other," he explained.

If the ship's records raise some questions about where the men say they were that night, they also cast doubt as to where they implied Jennifer was  remember the casino manager the guys say she left with at the disco?

"She was with another man ... the casino manager Lloyd," Josh Askin had said.

"And that - that didn't happen. That just didn't happen," said Jones.

Other witnesses say Lloyd did not leave with Jennifer and key records show that he entered his girlfriend's cabin at 3:25 a.m., while the Smiths were still in the disco.

"And he had gone to his girlfriend's room. And she was able to corroborate that," Jones said. "So, I think Lloyd became the victim of this attempt by the Russians and by Josh Askin to deflect attention from themselves."

As for Jennifer, several witnesses saw an unsteady Jennifer leave the disco alone at 3:30 a.m.

"There are some witnesses from the cruise ship  cruise ship employees that actually escorted her onto the elevator and tried to help her get off the elevator on her floor before she ended up going the wrong way on  on deck nine," said Jones.

An hour later, Jennifer was found passed out in that hallway around the time George went overboard. Lloyd Botha and Jennifer both passed FBI polygraphs.

"The people that the Russians and Josh were pointing fingers at both came through the  very cleanly on their polygraphs," said Jones.

Still on the FBI's radar are the four men. And the discovery of a homemade videotape only raises more suspicion.

"It's ridiculously provocative," Jones said of the videotape.

THE PROVOCATIVE VIDEOTAPE

For the last few years, Mike Jones has been trying to reignite a case he believes has gone cold in the Connecticut FBI office.

"...Unfortunately, obviously, after eight years, this has become, pretty much, a cold case," he said. "I mean, if you talk to the FBI, they'll say it's active and open, but I don't really believe that."

And Jones also doesn't believe the account of the four young men last seen with George Smith:

Mike Jones: When you left George in his bed, all you guys left, no one stayed behind? Greg Rozenberg: Nobody stayed behind, we all left.

"There's a lotta evidence to suggest that that was not as simple as  as the Russian men and as Josh have said," Jones said. "You look at the behavior of these young men. ...they're not good boys or good Samaritans."

Royal Caribbean documents show complaints were made against some of the men for smoking, sneaking liquor and verbally abusing ship employees.

"They were dropping F-bombs on the room service people," said Jones.

And two days after George Smith went overboard, an 18-year-old passenger came forward with a major allegation of sexual assault.

"She stated that she was in one of their rooms, one of the Russians' rooms, and that there was group sex with her with some of the Russians," said Jones.

In the woman's statement, she says she was "completely intoxicated" and in between "blackouts", remembers having non-consensual sex with Greg Rozenberg, Rusty Kofman and Jeffrey Rozenberg  Zach Rozenberg's younger brother.

"And they actually videotaped the group sex," Jones said. "And the fact that they videotaped themselves doing this, I mean, who does that?"

Rusty Kofman's lawyer says the sex was consensual.

"That whole escapade was non-criminal in nature. The tape itself revealed that," said Albert Dayan.

Josh Askin's lawyer, Keith Greer, says Josh did not have sex with the young woman  but he was there.

"Josh walks into the room and there's one of the Russian boys having sex on the bed with the girl and another one of the boys filming it. And Josh was concerned," Greer explained. "It became clear to him very quickly that the boys weren't ... taking advantage of her. The girl was taking advantage of the boys."

Before he left CBS News to rejoin the New York City Police Department, John Miller investigated the case for "48 Hours."

"People [who] have seen that videotape have told me that the person holding the camera is doing kind of a narration and asking her questions and she's responding to them. But as this continues she's crying," Miller pointed out to Greer.

"I haven't heard anything about any crying from anyone," Greer replied.

Royal Caribbean had had enough and rounded up all of the young men and their families for a tense meeting with the ship's lawyer.

Josh Askin's father was again recording:

Lawyer: The FBI has asked us to detain your sons ... we're gonna have to ask you to have your sons go to their cabin and they're gonna have to remain there.

The group angrily denied the allegations.

The four men and their families were then removed from the ship in Naples, where Italian police looked into the rape allegation and washed their hands of it saying they had no jurisdiction. No one has ever been charged in the sexual incident and lawyers for the men believe the tape saved them.

"But for that tape, they could've been charged for something that they did not commit," said Dayan.

But that tape may come back to haunt them. The tape  in the FBI's possession  contained something else: a lunch meeting filmed by the Russian-Americans just hours after George went overboard. Josh Askin was not present.

"They pass a video camera around filming themselves commenting about George's death in a very callous way," Jones explained. "And they're laughing and joking very callously about him being wealthy ... And certainly the way they were talking, they either knew or they had a pretty good sense of what had happened."

A source close to the investigation has told CBS News that on the tape, one of the men  Rusty Kofman  refers to George going "parachute riding" off his balcony. It is not an admission, but it's at the very least provocative  and there's more.

"But the really  sort of, incriminating statement is one of them stands up at the end of the tape and sorta hunches his shoulders and flashes gang signs and says, 'Told ya I was gangsta,'" Jones explained. "And that's in the context of the discussion about George's death, almost as if he's bragging about having done something to George."

Jones says that young man was Greg Rozenberg.

"And I just don't understand how the FBI could have had this tape in their possession and still we sit here," George's sister, Bree said. "Get the guys in there. Question them!"

Lawyers for Zach Rozenberg and Rusty Kofman declined to comment on the video. In the spring of 2013, John Miller tried to see if Kofman himself could provide any more answers.

"There's a statement made on videotape where you say George went parachute riding off his balcony," Miller confronted Kofman.

"I have no comment. Please contact my lawyer and then we can arrange a time to speak," he replied.

Greg Rozenberg's lawyer says Greg didn't know George was dead at that point and that his client was just making a stupid comment.

"I don't think they're kidding around. It's just not something you would just come out and say you're kidding around," George Smith III said. "Because if you didn't do it, why would you be saying it?"

But if George was murdered, the question has always been why? Mike Jones believes there is finally enough evidence to piece it all together.

"The first thing you look at is motive, OK," Jones said. "George and Jennifer dressed well. George had a very expensive Breitling watch. They, sort of, flashed the money at the  in the casino."

What's more, witnesses heard George and Jennifer saying they had thousands of dollars in wedding money in their cabin.

"And this got around because there were other passengers not within the circle of the Russians and Josh who heard the rumors about the money in the cabin. We don't believe it was true, but perception is everything," said Jones.

Jones believes that perception fueled a robbery attempt  one that was hatched when they put George to bed and Askin had gone into the bathroom.

"The theory would be that they were arguing about whether or not one of them or  or two of them should stay behind and see if they could find the money and take the watch, because George was in no position to argue or to put up a fight," Jones explained.

That arguing, Jones believes, is what Clete Hyman heard on the balcony. Jones also believes his theory fits with what the witness saw... just three men leaving.

"And one of them stays behind, starts to rifle through the drawers and the cabinets," he said.

Jones has a possible explanation for that blood stain.

"The blood is on the sheets ... the blood is in two sorta centimeter-long splashes. And almost looks like if you were taking off a watch  and you pinched your skin ... it would be compatible with the  the blood splatter that was on the bed," he explained. "While they're doin' that, George wakes up and says, 'What are you doin'?' A fight ensues which is consistent with the noises that people on both sides of the cabin heard. And George goes overboard. Other people hear the loud thud."

Josh Askin's lawyer, Keith Greer, argues that it's all nothing more than speculation.

"Even Clete Hyman ... and he even said that he did not hear the sounds that you would expect if there was a fight. You know, 'you dirty so and so,' the - the  the smacking, the  the kicking and stumbling and yelling. The two guys goin' at each other in  in a fistfight. I just don't think it makes sense," said Greer.

Greer thinks that there is a simpler explanation for all that took place aboard the Brilliance of the Seas  the sex assault claim, George going overboard.

"I don't know why anybody's missin' the theme here. 'Cause there's one common element ... and it's too much alcohol!" he said. "And we can go and, you know, blame it on murder and - and  and blame it on aggressive sexual behavior here. You know what? It's just everybody drinkin' too much and stupid stuff happening. That fits."

But does it fit with what Josh Askin was heard saying on an elevator?

THE SEARCH FOR JUSTICE

Mike Jones is a persistent man. And he believes his persistence will one day pay off.

"It's just a question of pulling together enough evidence to get an indictment and a conviction," he said.

Jones and the Smiths maintain the key to solving the case lies in California.

"Our theory is that Josh Askin knows what happened," Mike Jones said. "But we don't believe that Josh was involved in the actual, you know, tossing of George overboard."

To support his theory, Jones points to an intriguing clue uncovered by Royal Caribbean: a ship employee overheard Josh Askin speaking to a friend on an elevator.

"He said, 'I  I know more than they think I know. Those [expletive] almost got me arrested in Turkey,'" said Jones.

Keith Greer argues the comments were taken out of context and Josh has nothing to hide.

"Do you think that Josh Askin has told you everything he knows?" Miller asked Greer.

"Absolutely, no doubt," he replied.

But Greer admits the FBI told Askin he failed a polygraph. Greer questions the test and the result.

"I think it's another rubber-hose ploy, you know, where just to freak Josh out and upset him more," Greer told Miller. "I think it was just the psychological war that they were waging on him and his family. ... Or they didn't take the time to do it right, one or the other."

Sources tell CBS News Rusty Kofman also was tested, and he too failed.

As for Greg Rozenberg, he was administered a private polygraph test:

Greg Rozenberg deposition: I took a polygraph but it was inconclusive because I'm ADHD as you can tell I like to move a lot. It was inconclusive ... ain't no lies that I need to tell.

According to Phil Houston, a former CIA case officer who for more than two decades specialized in detecting deception, "Generally it's much easier to tell the actual lie on your own."

"48 Hours" decided to bring in Houston to take a closer look at those depositions.

"Is there anybody of the group that particularly jumps out?" Miller asked.

"Greg stands out  above and beyond everyone. There was just a ton of deceptive behaviors," said Houston.

In Houston's opinion, it's not what Greg Rozenberg says that seems deceptive; it's often what he doesn't say.

"What we should hear and see his focus on, 'I didn't do it. It wasn't me. You got the wrong guy.' But 'we'  instead, 'we don't.' Where we hear his focus so many times are reasons why he wouldn't do this," he explained.

Greg Rozenberg: I in no way shape or form would ever do anything like that to an individual ...that's not me.

And it appears some questions are more difficult for Greg than others:

Mike Jones: Did they  now did they find anything in either room that that was connected to George's disappearance

"He hesitates. He's clearly thinking. The question has thrown him for a loop. It's almost, 'What could they have found that  that would've connected someone to the disappearance?" Houston said of Greg's reaction.

Greg Rozenberg: [Pause] No. Mike Jones: OK ... Greg Rozenberg: No. No, of course not.

"And then it's like, as he thinks through it, he realizes, 'I've gotta answer the question.' So he goes, 'Well, no. N - no,'" said Houston.

"So he's thinking about something that is not gonna come out in his answer," Miller noted.

"That's correct. That's correct, something he's not sharing."

But Greg Rozenberg doesn't hold back on the one thing the Smiths would agree with. He says George's death was no accident:

Greg Rozenberg: George Allen Smith did not disappear, or kill himself or hurt himself, or slip and fall off the boat at 6'4" or however tall he is and just dive off ... I know that didn't happen. So uh ... Some, some, something crazy went down that night. And I hope one day that they find out the truth.

In the years following George's death, Jennifer has remarried and tried to move on. But for the Smiths, it's not so easy.. Until the day the case is solved, the Smiths vow to not let George's memory die on that ship.

"We'll get justice," said George Smith III.

"We'll get justice," Maureen Smith agreed. "Somehow we'll get justice for George. Somebody will talk. And shame on them that don't. Shame on the people that have put us through this ... hell."

EPILOGUE

On Jan. 9, 2015, the Smith family suffered yet another blow. The FBI announced they were officially closing the case on George Smith.

"The ... FBI determined that there is not sufficient evidence to continue the investigation," Bree Smith said, reading the statement aloud.

"When we were called into the meeting that finally closed the case down, it was just devastating to my family," George Smith said.

"How do you collect 97,000 pages of an investigation to determine after almost 10 years that an accident may have occurred?" said Bree Smith.

"I never expected to be 67 and still sitting here trying to get answers for my son," George Smith said. "It's sad. ...we should be on with our life. ...But we're not."

"They can say there's no conclusive evidence, they can shut down the investigation but they're not going to shut down me," Bree continued. "Nine, 10, 50 and I'm going to continue until there's answers and justice for George."

In December 2019, Greg Rozenberg was shot and killed outside his home in Davie, Florida.

No arrests have been made in the Rozenberg murder case and it remains an active investigation.

HAVE INFORMATION?

Anyone with information related to George Smith's disappearance is asked to call 1-844-651-1936 or send an email to georgesmithtipline@gmail.com.

Nature: Forest regrowth in New Mexico

Commentary: James Fallows on the lessons to take from political violence

A new look at French Impressionist Gustave Caillebotte
Itzel Garrido/Travel + Leisure Aerial view of Merida, Mexico.

Ill admit it: I had never really liked Mexico.

My visits had been limited to cruise ports, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Cabo, and Cozumeland each spot left me underwhelmed. The towns felt more curated for tourists than connected to local life, the food leaned Americanized, and in Mazatlan, I didnt even feel safe stepping off the ship. It was enough to make me wonder if Mexico just wasnt for me.

But then I went to Merida.and from the moment I arrived, I knew this city was different.

Merida, the capital of Mexicos Yucatan state, immediately felt unlike any other place I'd visited in the country. Pastel-colored Colonial buildings lined the streets, their facades glowing in the afternoon sun, while the plazas hummed with life. Families strolled together, children played in fountains, and the scent of fresh tortillas and local spices drifted from the nearby markets. It was lively without being overwhelming, colorful without feeling contrived.

Rainer Lesniewski/Getty Images Food carts at the entrance to the Paseo de Montejo in Merida.

What struck me most was the citys sense of community. People lingered in public spaces, chatting on benches, sharing snacks from street vendors, and enjoying live music that floated through the air. Neighbors knew each other. Families brought their children to the parks. Strangers greeted one another with warm smiles. As a solo female guest of the country, I felt completely safe walking the streets even after dark. But more than that, I felt included in the rhythm of daily life, welcomed into a city that seemed to celebrate connection at every turn.

That spirit of connection was impossible to ignore. On my first night, I stumbled upon a womens march weaving through the city streets with music, chants, and laughter in the air. On impulse, I joined for a few blocks, swept up in the energy and solidarity of the crowd. It was thrilling and comforting all at once, and a vivid reminder that the citys heart beats with both courage and joy.

Later in my stay, I found myself in one of Meridas parks as the sun dipped below the rooftops. Families spread blankets on the grass, couples danced to live music, and children ran barefoot among food carts selling everything from fresh elotes to sweet treats. I joined in, sampling tacos from a vendor and swaying to the music alongside locals, feeling utterly part of the scene. Every step through Merida felt like stepping into a community celebration, one that invited participation rather than observation.

Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images Chichen Itza in Yucatan, Mexico.

And beyond the city, Meridas location made it easy to dive deeper into Yucatans history and natural beauty. A short drive brought me to Chichen Itza, where the ruins hum with centuries of stories, and to nearby cenotes, natural sinkholes where cool, crystalline water invites quiet reflection and play. These excursions enriched my experience, reminding me that Merida is not only vibrant today but deeply rooted in the past.

Before Merida, I hadn't experienced a side of Mexico that felt so grounded in everyday life. I hadn't known what it felt like to witness true community, to feel part of a place that lives and breathes beyond its appeal to visitors. Merida changed that. It welcomed tourists, yes, but without compromising its identity or charm. Here, culture, history, and everyday life coexist in a way that feels effortless.

For anyone whose impression of Mexico has been shaped only by resorts or tourism towns, Merida offers something different. It's a city that feels safe, authentic, and full of warmth. It's a place where visitors are invited to experience life as the locals do.



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Palestinian Oscar-winning director Basel Adra said Israeli soldiers conducted a raid at his West Bank home on Saturday, searching for him and going through his wife's phone.

Israeli settlers attacked his village, injuring two of his brothers and one cousin, Adra told The Associated Press. He accompanied them to the hospital. While there, he said that he heard from family in the village that nine Israeli soldiers had stormed his home.

The soldiers asked his wife, Suha, about his whereabouts and went through her phone, he said, while his 9-month-old daughter was home. They also briefly detained one of his uncles, he said.

As of Saturday night, Adra said he had no way of returning home to check on his family, because soldiers were blocking the entrance to the village and he was scared of being detained.

Israel's military said that soldiers were in the village after Palestinians had thrown rocks, injuring two Israeli civilians. It said its forces were still in the village, searching the area and questioning people.

Adra has spent his career as a journalist and filmmaker chronicling settler violence in Masafer Yatta, a group of villages in the southern reaches of the West Bank, where he was born. After settlers attacked his co-director, Hamdan Ballal, in March, he told the AP that he felt they were being targeted more intensely since winning the Oscar. Adra said he witnessed the detention and said around two dozen settlers  some masked, some carrying guns, some in Israeli uniform  attacked the village of Susiya. Ballal said the settlers beat him in front of his home while filming the assault.

Adra described Saturday's events as "horrific."

"Even if you are just filming the settlers, the army comes and chases you, searches your house," he said. "The whole system is built to attack us, to terrify us, to make us very scared."

Another co-director, Yuval Abraham, said he was "terrified for Basel."

"What happened today in his village, we've seen this dynamic again and again, where the Israeli settlers brutally attack a Palestinian village and later on the army comes, and attacks the Palestinians."

"No Other Land," which won an Oscar this year for best documentary, depicts the struggle by residents of the Masafer Yatta area to stop the Israeli military from demolishing their villages. Ballal and Adra made the joint Palestinian-Israeli production with Israeli directors Abraham and Rachel Szor.

The film has won a string of international awards, starting at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2024. It has also drawn ire in Israel and abroad. In March this year, Miami Beach proposed ending the lease of a movie theater that screened the documentary, although it later backed down.

Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast war, along with the Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem. The Palestinians want all three for their future state and view settlement growth as a major obstacle to a two-state solution.

Israel has built well over 100 settlements, home to more than 500,000 settlers who have Israeli citizenship. The 3 million Palestinians in the West Bank live under seemingly open-ended Israeli military rule, with the Western-backed Palestinian Authority administering population centers.

The Israeli military designated Masafer Yatta in the southern West Bank as a live-fire training zone in the 1980s and ordered residents, mostly Arab Bedouin, to be expelled. Around 1,000 residents have largely remained in place, but soldiers regularly move in to demolish homes, tents, water tanks and olive orchards  and Palestinians fear outright expulsion could come at any time.

During the war in Gaza, Israel has killed hundreds of Palestinians in the West Bank during wide-scale military operations, and there has also been a rise in settler attacks on Palestinians. There has also been a surge in Palestinian attacks on Israelis.

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Charlie Kirk shooting suspect identified as Tyler Robinson, now in custody, officials say

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Devon Price, a 15-year-old boy with autism, has attended the largest school district in North Carolina for 10 years, but he cannot read or write. His twin sister, Danielle, who is also autistic, was bullied by classmates and became suicidal. Under federal law, public schools must provide children with disabilities a "free appropriate public education," to give them the same opportunity to learn as other kids.

The twins' mother, Emma Miller, and tens of thousands of other parents in the U.S. have elevated complaints to the Education Department alleging that schools and states have ignored mistreatment of their children. Those complaints are in limbo as President Donald Trump's administration has set about dismantling the federal agency. Trump once mocked a reporter with a disability. Earlier this year, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s inaccurate remarks about people with autism were criticized as perpetuating offensive stereotypes.

Now people like Miller are worried their children will be left behind.

Cornell Watson for KFF Health News - PHOTO: Emma Mille's teenage twins, Devon and Danielle Price, have autism.

"I want justice for my twins, and to sound the alarm so other special needs children are not suffering or being deprived," said Miller, 53, who lives with her twins in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

The Education Department, established in 1979, oversees schools and colleges in the U.S. and has the authority to protect students from discrimination based on race, sex, religion, or disability. Its Office for Civil Rights investigates allegations at schools and negotiates corrective actions.

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As the school year begins, families throughout the country are unsure what authority will be left to intervene on their behalf if the office is shuttered, said Hannah Russell, an advocate who works with parents in North Carolina trying to obtain educational services for their children with disabilities.

"Without the Department of Education, there is no accountability," said Russell, a former special education teacher. "Everybody is scared." Miller described her twins as her "miracle babies" who survived despite each weighing one pound at birth. Danielle Price spent the first five months of her life in a neonatal intensive care unit, and her brother, Devon, the first seven months.

She has spent years fighting for them, repeatedly taking on local and state school officials. But even when she notched victories, she said, her children did not get the help they were promised.

Cornell Watson for KFF Health News - PHOTO: Emma Miller's twins, Devon and Danielle Price, both have autism. Miller filed complaints to the federal Education Department alleging that the Wake County Public School System in North Carolina denied her children an appropriate education.

Miller said her children are high-functioning and verbal. She said they could have thrived academically if the school system had given them proper services.

MORE: Experts concerned over Trump admin cuts to mental health programs

"My children have suffered," Miller wrote in a complaint she filed in September 2024. "The most vulnerable group of children [is] being denied a basic education."

'Unusual and Unprecedented'

Miller says her daughter began to self-harm after classmates teased and tormented her, and staff secluded her away from her bullies. The Wake County Public School System assigned Devon to a classroom with an instructional assistant who was not a licensed teacher, a violation of policy, according to state documents.

Last year, Miller filed a complaint against Wake County schools with the federal Office for Civil Rights. She alleged the district did not reevaluate her kids to determine their special education needs, did not respond for months to her records requests, and retaliated against her by wrongly withdrawing the twins from the school district.

Wake County schools violated policy when staff did not address the effects of bullying on Danielle, said an April 2024 letter from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

The school system's education plan for Danielle "was not appropriate considering the student's unmet social-emotional needs, which resulted in the student's increased anxiety," the letter said.

State officials concluded in June 2024 that the school system failed to develop, review, and revise an education plan for Devon, assigned him to a teacher assistant instead of a licensed teacher, and did not provide technology that could help him learn, according to documents.

While the decisions validated Miller's concerns, she said that the district continues to violate her children's rights and that the state is now ignoring her pleas for help.

"No one is taking responsibility," she told KFF Health News. "It has been a nightmare."

But after she appealed to the federal government last year, the Education Department sent her a letter in March saying it would not look into the complaint.

For decades, parents and advocates for people with disabilities have said the system makes it difficult for them to win against school districts, because the process is often time-consuming, confusing, and, if a family hires a lawyer, expensive. Now they say families could soon face even bigger hurdles. On March 11, the day the Education Department sent Miller's denial letter, the agency announced it was firing nearly half its 4,133 employees. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the move was "a significant step toward restoring the greatness of the United States education system."

Officials shuttered seven of the 12 regional offices of the agency's Office for Civil Rights, leaving a skeleton staff to investigate thousands of complaints filed each year, according to attorneys and advocates for the disabled. Trump, acting on a campaign promise to shrink the federal government, later signed an executive order to eliminate the Education Department, which he said had failed children and built a bloated bureaucracy.

The president instructed officials to "return authority over education to the States and local communities while ensuring the effective and uninterrupted delivery of services, programs, and benefits on which Americans rely."

Parents and advocacy groups say that would allow local authorities to police themselves at a time when schools remain racially segregated, some selective colleges accept male applicants at higher rates than female applicants, and students with disabilities are struggling to recover academically from the covid pandemic, more so than their peers. Also, they note, the federal laws protecting disabled and disadvantaged children emerged because of state-level failures. Under North Carolina law, children with disabilities should be reevaluated by schools every three years to help determine their individual needs. But Miller said Wake County officials for nearly a decade refused her requests to have her kids reevaluated. She said it finally happened in late 2024.

"I never expected getting an education for my children would be such a problem," Miller said.

The Education Law Center, the NAACP, and other advocacy groups have sued to stop Trump's plans, alleging the changes are illegal and pose a threat to the education of students from vulnerable groups. Some 20 states and the District of Columbia sued to halt the plan, but the Supreme Court ruled in July that the Trump administration could move ahead while the case proceeded through the courts.

Russell said she has heard North Carolina school districts are promising to provide accommodations for students with disabilities, such as extra time on tests.

But families who cannot afford to hire an attorney could find themselves at a disadvantage when disagreements arise over services that cost districts more money, Russell said.

The Trump administration has decimated the Office for Civil Rights' ability to properly investigate a backlog of thousands of complaints, said Robert Kim, who leads the Education Law Center. The office reported receiving nearly 23,000 complaints in fiscal 2024, the highest number ever. About 8,400, or 37%, involved allegations of disability discrimination.

Black children and those with disabilities may suffer the worst consequences, since they disproportionately face harsh discipline at school, including physical restraint and isolation in seclusion rooms, Kim said. The Education Department says children with disabilities make up 14% of students, but 75% of those are secluded and 81% of those are physically restrained.

Black children constitute about 15% of students, but 42% of those who are mechanically restrained using a device or equipment.

"Something unusual and unprecedented is happening," Kim said about what he sees as a shift in the federal government's responsibility to keep children safe and provide a high-quality education.

The Education Department's press office declined an interview request for this story in an unsigned email that was copied to agency officials Madison Biedermann, Savannah Newhouse, Julie Hartman, and Ellen Keast.

White House spokesperson Kush Desai did not respond to a request for comment. In a July statement, McMahon said her agency is performing all of its duties: "We will carry out the reduction in force to promote efficiency and accountability and to ensure resources are directed where they matter most  to students, parents, and teachers."

'Nothing but Problems'

Danielle and Devon Price entered 10th grade at Wake Forest High School in August. Their mother said she is uncertain what will happen to them.

Danielle wants to go to college, but her math skills are at a fourth-grade level, school records show.

Like many youths with autism, Danielle struggles with changes in routine, and her mother said she became despondent when school officials repeatedly changed her classes to keep her away from a boy who bullied her. Soon after that, Danielle started to self-harm, Miller said, adding that her daughter receives intensive therapy.

"It has been nothing but problems" with Wake County schools, she said. "It is like no one cares."

Wake County school officials declined to answer questions about Miller's complaints, citing privacy laws.

In a written statement, district spokesperson Matthew Dees said that "the school district has worked hard to reach an agreement with Ms. Miller on many issues" and remedied complaints that were substantiated.

"The district disputes the remaining allegations in the various complaints she has raised, including the many accusations against various staff," Dees added.

Under federal law, parents have 180 days from the time of the last alleged violation to file a complaint with the Education Department. Miller submitted her complaint Sept. 12, 2024, exactly 180 days after she says her twins were last denied a "free appropriate public education."

Cornell Watson for KFF Health News - PHOTO: Devon Price points to a design he created for the Beyblade toys he collects.

But the Office for Civil Rights said that was too late. Officials declined to waive the time limit for Miller, who had asked for an exception, according to its March denial letter.

She said she spent months fighting with Wake County school officials and did not turn to federal government sooner because she hoped she could resolve the issues locally.

Miller fears for her children's future unless something changes at school.

"I'm a single parent, and one day I won't be here," she said. "My kids are going to be adults soon, yet my son doesn't know how to read and write. I'm like, 'Wow.' There really is no help here."

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF  the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.
Pope Leo XIV marked his 70th birthday on Sunday with a public address in which he thanked God, his parents and his followers, after previously receiving a birthday cake from the new U.S. ambassador to the Vatican.

Leo, the first U.S.-born pope, saw giant "Happy birthday" banners, in English, Italian and Spanish, balloons and congratulatory signs held up by the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square for his traditional noon blessing. Groups of Peruvian believers, including dancers in traditional attire, were out in force, a testament to the two decades the pope spent in the South American country as a missionary and a bishop at the time.

"My dears, it seems you know today I have turned 70," Leo said to cheers. "I thank the Lord, my parents and all those who remembered me in their prayers."

Later on Sunday, Leo spent his birthday afternoon presiding over an ecumenical prayer service in honor of 21st-century martyrs.

Pope Leo XIV appears at his studio's window to bless the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican for the Angelus prayer, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. / Credit: Gregorio Borgia / AP

The pope had received a birthday cake from Brian Burch, President Trump's new ambassador to the Vatican, in a meeting on Saturday, Reuters reported. Video of the exchange showed Burch present Leo with a chocolate cake, topped with a red sign that said "Happy Birthday Pope Leo XIV." According to Reuters, the cake came from Portillo's, which is a popular restaurant in Chicago, where the pope is from.

Burch began his tenure as ambassador on Saturday, the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See said in a statement. His meeting with the pope was mainly held to present his credentials to Leo, a ceremony and "an important milestone in the continuing diplomatic relationship between the United States and the Holy See," according to the embassy.

Faithful display a banner wishing happy 70th birthday to Pope Leo XIV as he appears at his studio's window to bless the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican for the Angelus prayer, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. / Credit: Gregorio Borgia / AP

When he was elected last May at age 69, the former Robert Prevost was the youngest pope since 1978, when Karol Wojtyla was elected Pope John Paul II at age 58.

Many people in the square knew it was Leo's birthday and wished him well, especially given the weight of responsibility he had taken on to run the Catholic Church.

"Well, he definitely needs a lot of support, because he has to carry on a pontificate during a particularly difficult period, both for geopolitical issues and certainly for internal matters," said Lorenzo Vecchio, a member of a Catholic university group in the piazza. "We are certainly happy that he is a very young pope."

Celso Fernandez, a Rome resident originally from Leo's former diocese in Chiclayo, Peru, recalled how Chiclayo faithful used to celebrate their former bishop's birthday, which fell on the same day as a local religious celebration. Prevost would spend his birthday with them to honor their feast day.

"Now we come to him for his birthday," he said.

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni, for her part, issued a special greeting thanking Leo for his preaching, which she said was a source of inspiration. Leo's teachings, she said in a statement, "provide reliable and solid guidance in extremely complex times, when certainties seem to waver and changes are as sudden as they are profound."

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(The Center Square)  Only two states are better than Mississippi in teacher freedom, a report from the Heritage Foundation says

The Education Freedom Report Card put Mississippi 17th overall, and No. 3 behind Florida and Arizona in teacher freedom.

A solid 47% of teachers in the state found their way to the classroom through alternative teacher certification options, and Mississippi has full reciprocity of teacher licensure with other states, Heritage says. Educators in Mississippi are required to pass the Praxis test, a teacher certification exam administered by the Educational Testing Service. There is little evidence that this assessment predicts teacher quality or effectiveness. No school district in the Magnolia State employs a chief diversity officer, and Mississippi does not use Common Core-aligned assessments.

Heritage encourages eliminating the requirement for prospective teachers to take the Praxis exam.

The overall ranking is down six spots, and the teacher freedom ranking is up one from last year.

Other category rankings are 20th in education choice, 25th in return on investment, 29th in transparency, and 39th in civic education.

Heritage bills itself as a nonprofit formulating and promoting public policies based on the principles of free enterprise, limited government, individual freedom, traditional American values and a strong national defense.
Texas Republican Congressman Michael McCaul announced Sunday that he will not seek re-election in 2026.

McCaul, a former chairman of the Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs committees, joins two other House Republicans who announced their retirement from public office this year: McCaul's fellow Texan Rep. Morgan Luttrell and Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska.

McCaul, who was first elected to Congress in 2004 and is serving his 11th term, told This Week co-anchor Martha Raddatz that he was looking for a new challenge.

MORE: With Poland drone attack, Putin is testing Europe and Trump: ANALYSIS

It's been an honor to serve for over two decades in the Congress, McCaul said, adding that while he planned to serve the remainder of his term, he wanted to continue to serve the people in this country in national security and foreign policy and do what I've done the last two decades: make America stronger and the world safer.

ABC News - PHOTO: Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, appears on ABC News' "This Week" on Sept. 14, 2025.

McCauls district, which represents parts of Austin and spans as far east as the Houston suburbs, leans heavily Republican. He handily won reelection in 2024, defeating his Democratic opponent by nearly 30 points.

Texas Republicans redrew their congressional maps last month in an attempt to capture five new GOP-leaning House seats in next years midterms, slightly weakening McCauls district. Under the previous map, 61.6% of the district's population voted for President Donald Trump, compared to 60.5% of the population under the newly drawn lines, according to data from the Texas Legislative Council.

McCaul, who currently serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also reacted to the incursion of Russian drones into NATO ally Poland this week, dismissing Trumps assertion that the violation of Polish airspace may have been a mistake.

With all deference to the president, I don't think that was a mistake. I think Putin is testing the resolve of NATO, McCaul said.

McCaul also criticized Israels attempted strikes on Hamas leadership in Qatar last week.

We asked them to negotiate these negotiations with Hamas, he said. And then this shot across the bow, I don't think, you know, as the president said, this does not serve the interests of the United States or Israel well, long term.

Here are more highlights from McCaul's interview:

On Putin's pressure on NATO

He wants to see how NATO reacts, how Poland reacts. The good news is Poland had a great response. They shot them down, but it shows you how aggressive Putin is getting in the region, not only the drones, but these war game exercises with Belarus right on the NATO border, the Baltic states, the nuclear bombers that flew to Poland around close to their airspace, and then these strikes up in the Arctic. He's really putting the pressure on right now.

On negotiating with Putin

Raddatz: Do you think President Trump was played, especially at that Alaska summit?

McCaul: I never had any good faith anticipation of these negotiations. Putin is a KGB once and always. And I don't think he's playing fair. I think he's manipulating the president, as a KGB officer would. I think the president, though the good news is, is waking up to the fact that Putin is not negotiating in good faith, not making concessions, and has to be dealt with. And I you know, the more Putin irritates the president, I think, the better we are in terms of defending NATO and Ukraine.
In the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination, Republicans on Sunday criticized some Democrats, suggesting language used by them contributed to Kirk's killing, claims that Democrats rejected.

Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly said the assassination attempt on his wife, then-Democratic Rep. Gabby Giffords, shows political violence has come from both sides.

"Well, I mean, it was 14 years ago that my wife was shot. You know this. You know, both sides of the political spectrum experience this kind of violence. Not too long ago, Melissa Hortman and her husband in Minnesota, they were shot and killed," Kelly told NBC's "Meet the Press." "This isn't like one party committing all the violence against the other."

MORE: Utah governor says alleged Kirk shooter not cooperating with authorities

Appearing later on "Meet the Press," Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham said he saw Kirk's murder as another example of "an effort by the radical left to dehumanize the MAGA movement."

Jim Urquhart/Reuters - PHOTO: A tent bearing the slogan 'The American Comeback Tour' is cordoned off after U.S. right-wing activist, commentator, Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University, in Orem, Utah, September 10, 2025.

"The bottom line here is that we all reject political violence. What happened to Mark's wife Gabby is just senseless. What happened in Minnesota is senseless," Graham said.

"But let me just be honest with you, President Trump nor do I see this as the all kind of 'do it' moment. I see this as an attack on a political movement."

House Speaker Mike Johnson struck a similar tone during an interview on Fox News.

"People have got to stop framing simple policy disagreements in terms of existential threats to our democracy and all these phrases you hear all the time," he said.

"You can't call the other side 'fascists' and 'enemies of the state' and not understand that there are some deranged people in our society who will take that as cues to act and do crazy and dangerous things, and that's what we've seen an increasing frequency," Johnson argued.

MORE: College Democrats and Republicans send unified messages after Kirks death

Investigators have not released any information on what they think might have driven the alleged shooter to kill Kirk. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said there will be "much, much more information" revealed in the coming days when charges are filed.

GOP Sen. James Lankford showed an effort towards reconciliation, appearing on CBS' "Face the Nation" alongside Democrat Sen. Chris Coons.

"This is not new, but it continues to be able to rise," Lankford said. "As we've seen Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota in their own home have a home invasion to be murdered in their home, as we've seen a governor in Pennsylvania have his home set on fire. It's not just public events. It's also in our private spaces as well, that we're keenly aware that there are people that are irrational that do irrational acts."

On CNN's "State of the Union," Lankford rejected sentiments from Trump adviser Stephen Miller, who called the Democratic Party "a domestic extremist organization."

"Well, they have a very different view than I do. I'm a conservative Republican. I have Democratic friends that think very differently, vote very differently, but they're still my friend," Lankford said. "So just having that ideology, just believing differently than some other American, is not illegal. That's America."

Kelly said it was up to both parties to reject divisive politics in order to turn the temperature down.

"I mean this, this is clearly a pervasive issue in our country. We are more divided than we have been, probably in my lifetime or yours, and if we don't collectively try to come together to fix it, and I think it can get, it can get worse," Kelly said.

MORE: After Charlie Kirk's killing, MAGA world mourns, but some say 'we're at war'

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg criticized Trump's threats that his administration would go after the "radical left" that he blamed for political violence.

"I want to be really clear about this. This is an example of something that is hurting," Buttigieg said. "We are not getting the leadership that we need to bring this country together from the White House."

"The response to this cannot be for the government to crack down on individuals or groups not because of violence, but because they challenge the government politically," he said. "We need to have free and open political debate and a healthy political process in this country."

Lawmakers did agree on the need for social media companies to do a better job regulating content circulating online -- specifically for children -- and criticized the ways in which videos of Kirk's killing were widespread.

"The ways in which folks are then taking the horrific images of these incidents and propagating them on the internet adds fuel to the fire we can and should pass bills," Coons said on CBS, advocating for Congress to pass the Kids Online Safety Act.

Lankford said social media algorithms push people to the extreme.

"The algorithm in social media is always pushing who is the angriest, who is the loudest, who says the craziest thing. That's what gets repeated over and over and over again," he said.

Cox blamed social media for helping to put the country into the "dark place" it's in and suggested a way out of it.

"Are we going to get out of those social media, those dark places of the internet where the conflict entrepreneurs reside, who are praying upon us, these, these companies with trillion dollar market caps who are using dopamine just like fentanyl, to addict us to their product and, and lead us again -- those algorithms -- lead us to more outrage?" he asked on ABC News' "This Week."

Buttigieg said there is no consistent pattern of left vs. right among people who carry out violence, "but there is a pattern where we see so many of these people are men, usually young men, who seem to spend more and more of their time in dark and twisted corners of the internet. And I think there is a sickness."
A new state law  known as Senate Bill 10  takes effect this month requiring Texas public schools to hang the Ten Commandment in every classroom. (Lexington Herald-Leader / Getty Images file)

A Ten Commandments poster that hangs in one suburban Dallas teachers classroom is surrounded by hot-pink placards featuring tenets from Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam.

A substitute teacher north of Houston is sending her twin daughters to school wearing First Amendment buttons and offering the same pins to other children in their neighborhood.

Meanwhile, a teacher in southeast Texas said shes playing a risky game after deciding she wont display the Ten Commandments in her classroom at all. But if she must, she said, she will hang it upside down.

These quiet acts of defiance are unfolding as a new Republican-crafted state law  known as Senate Bill 10  takes effect this month requiring Texas public elementary and secondary schools to hang the Ten Commandments in every classroom. A school district must accept any offer of a privately donated poster, otherwise it may, but is not required to, purchase posters using district funds, the law states.

Its unclear how many districts have complied with the law since the start of the school year.

In addition, a handful of school districts where parents and faith leaders have filed legal challenges remain exempt from the mandate as federal litigation plays out. The plaintiffs contend that forcing the Ten Commandments into public schools is an unconstitutional violation of the separation of church and state.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, however, said Sept. 4 that districts not tied to the litigation must be in accordance with the legislation. The legislation does not have an enforcement mechanism, and its unclear what might happen to schools or individual teachers who refuse to comply.

Paxtons office did not respond to a request for comment.

Regardless of how individual school districts enforce the law, teachers who spoke with NBC News said they are being placed in an awkward position in order to comply and feel conflicted with their own beliefs. Some also worry the posters appear to favor one religion over others and may spur uncomfortable conversations about Christianity that they dont want to have in a public school setting.

It says, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors wife. First of all, that means zero to my students, said an elementary school art teacher in suburban Dallas who asked not to be named for fear of job reprisal. If it was in wording like, Be kind to one another. Dont steal. Dont lie, or, Be a good person, because as an elementary school teacher, I teach those things all the time. Like in the first week of school, I have this whole presentation I do, and part of it is, Please dont steal our art supplies.

A suburban Dallas teacher has included posters about other religions on the door of her elementary school classroom. (Supplied to NBC News)

The teacher said her district is diverse, and because her school includes students of different religions, she decided to hang posters of other religions tenets around the Ten Commandments poster. The displays include the Five Pillars of Islam, the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism and a list of Hinduisms ethical principles, which include nonviolence and truthfulness.

So far, no administrators have noticed the posters or told her to take them down.

One of my teacher friends came in and she saw it, and she kind of laughed, the teacher said. She said, You know, Im for hanging the Ten Commandments, and I said, OK, well, do you think I shouldnt hang these other posters? And she said, No, Im for the hanging of the Ten Commandments, so Im for you hanging the rest of that, too.

A middle school art teacher who spoke with NBC News said she has refused to put up a Ten Commandments poster, calling into question lawmakers intentions. Legislators also passed a bill this year permitting school districts to adopt policies allowing for a period of prayer in schools and the reading of the Bible or other religious text with parental consent.

Where do you draw the line? asked the teacher, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because she is worried about getting fired, adding that we have constitutional rights, including freedom of and from religion.

I am playing a risky game of how long can I not have it up before they tell me I need to put it up or get fired, the teacher said. If I have to put it up, I would put it up upside down. I believe that would not, technically, break the rules of the bill.

The law requires displaying a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in a conspicuous place in each classroom of the school. The displays must be at least 16 inches by 20 inches and include the Ten Commandments as written in the legislation, which mirrors a Protestant version of the text.

Christian groups in support of SB 10 are collecting donations to help schools in Texas receive Ten Commandments posters, as well as in Arkansas, where a similar law went into effect this school year and is being challenged in court.

Restore American Schools, a website supported by conservative commentator Glenn Beck, says it has adopted more than 4,100 schools in Texas and more than 300 in Arkansas.

Together, we can bring truth, hope, and moral clarity back to our classrooms  one school at a time, the site says.

Others have begun producing posters as an alternative to the Ten Commandments.

Bob Peck, a writer and philosopher in Austin, has designed posters involving other religions that teachers could hang in their classroom as well. About 100 parents and teachers have reached out through his Etsy store since he began selling them over the summer.

The law says teachers are required to display the Ten Commandments, but my understanding is that theres no prohibition on framing the doctrines of other faiths, Peck said, adding that children deserve to see the beauty of Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism.

Angela Achen, a substitute teacher for the Conroe Independent School District in Montgomery County, north of Houston, said SB 10 sparked a conversation with her twin daughters in the sixth grade.

At first they thought about creating a poster about their opposition to the law, but that morphed into creating buttons.

The buttons promote the full text of the First Amendment, inspired by the first clause: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.

Achen, a former practicing attorney, does not distribute the pins herself or wear them in the classroom, but her daughters bring them to school and she leaves a bag of them on her front porch for others to take. She estimates nearly 300 have been distributed.

Buttons made by Angela Achen that feature the full text of the First Amendment. (Angela Achen)

We had a whole talk, like: Before you start handing these out, you have to know what youre talking about. Lets talk about the five different freedoms that are in the First Amendment, Achen said. We talked about them, I asked questions, I made sure they understood it. Ive heard from their teachers that not only are they giving out these buttons, but theyre explaining them to the other kids. At first, we didnt know if kids were going to wear them, but its getting popular.

A spokesman for the Conroe Independent School District said it is in compliance with state law and that people are welcome to share concerns at Board of Trustees meetings or with district administrators.

Teachers in school districts where Ten Commandments posters have yet to be distributed say they are mulling over how they want to address them with students, if at all.

Ajha Farrow, who teaches English and theater to students ages 10 to 14 in a rural area of north Texas, said a local church has announced it would be donating posters soon.

When that happens, Farrow said, she plans to design a world religions wall to be inclusive of all faiths and ideologies.

Teachers at her school have the ability to post sentimental things in their classrooms, she added.

We have teachers who have Bible verses, as well as teachers who have photos of them with their LGBTQIA+ partners. That freedom should be there, Farrow said. But to mandate one walk of life, one religion, its extremely unconstitutional. And I plan to be as maliciously compliant as possible so that all of my students, regardless of religion, or lack thereof, feel valued, comfortable and seen.
Claim:

U.S. President Donald Trump once said the U.S. and Italy have been allies since ancient Rome.

Rating:

Rating: False

In early September 2025, a claim spread on social media that U.S. President Donald Trump once said the U.S. and Italy have been allies since ancient Rome.

One Facebook post (archived), for example, attracted thousands of comments and reactions, with the caption, "Trump said that the United States and Italy have been allies since the time of Ancient Rome. Translator's reaction is priceless!"

Numerous social media accounts have spread the claim over years, on platforms such as X, LinkedIn, Threads, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.

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In short, Trump did not claim that the United States and Italy have been allies since ancient Rome. He remarked that the two countries have a "shared cultural and political heritage" dating back back thousands of years. As such, we have rated this claim as false.

We previously debunked this rumor back in 2019 and 2024, highlighting that such an assertion would obviously be incorrect, as the United States was not founded as an independent nation until 1776, and Italy did not achieve unification until the 19th century, becoming a republic only in the 1940s.

Context of Trump's Remarks

The claim originated from a speech Trump gave during a joint press conference with Italian President Sergio Mattarella on Oct. 16, 2019. During the event, Trump made the following statement: "The United States and Italy are bound together by a shared cultural and political heritage dating back thousands of years, to ancient Rome."

President @realDonaldTrump just wrapped up a joint press conference with President Mattarella of Italy.



The United States and Italy are bound together by a shared cultural and political heritage dating back thousands of years to Ancient Rome."  pic.twitter.com/10Ib2h4O4e  The White House 45 Archived (@WhiteHouse45) October 16, 2019

Right after that, Trump stated: "Over the centuries the Italian people have blessed our civilization with magnificent work of art, science, philosophy, architecture, music." He continued: "On Monday we pay tribute to the Italian explorer who led a voyage of discovery to the New World, a gentleman known as Christopher Columbus. And to me it will always be called Columbus Day. Some people don't like that, I do."

Therefore, Trump stated that the United States and Italy share a political and cultural heritage dating back thousands of years, but did not claim they had been allied for that long. Trump's use of the phrase "dating back thousands of years" seems to have caused confusion, leading some to misinterpret his remarks.

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The influence of the Roman Republic on the formation and principles of the American Republic is well-documented, making Trump's point historically accurate.

Viral Pics of Italian Interpreter

Moreover, the images shared in posts spreading the false claim, allegedly showing "the translator's reaction," were not taken during Trump's misinterpreted comments about Italy. Instead, they were captured that same day in a different location  at the Oval Office of the White House.

Trump said that the United States and Italy have been allies since the time of Ancient Rome. The translator's reaction is priceless. pic.twitter.com/l51xsGxhqj  Olena Rohoza (@OlenaRohoza) December 16, 2024

For instance, one photo appeared to be a screenshot from the video titled "OVAL OFFICE: President Trump FULL Meeting With Italian President" shared on Oct. 16, 2019, by LiveNOW from FOX YouTube channel:

The image circulating in 2025 appeared to be a digitally enhanced remake of an older collage, with noticeably smoother textures and exaggerated facial features, as shown in the image below:

(X user @OlenaRohoza, Facebook page Sarcasm)

Below you can see a photograph of the scene we accessed via Getty Images:

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(Getty Images)

Its description read:

WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 16: U.S. President Donald Trump meets with President Sergio Mattarella of Italy in the Oval Office of the White House October 16, 2019 in Washington, DC. President Trump is holding talks with President Mattarella on bilateral issues including "common security challenges and shared economic prosperity." (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Shortly after the event, Mattarella's interpreter, Elisabetta Savigni Ullmann, sparked controversy with many social media users speculating about her expressions.

Welcome to the Splash Zone, Italian Translator. pic.twitter.com/IDaBGd8LkM  John Heilemann (@jheil BlueSky @jheilemann Insta) (@jheil) October 16, 2019

In October 2019, we debunked an adjacent rumor claiming that Trump called Italy's president "Mozzarella."

Sources:

- YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMICO8tp3wA. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.

---. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgAhYvbbD5g. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.

Italy - Unification, Risorgimento, Nation-State | Britannica. 19 Dec. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/place/Italy/Unification.

MacGuill, Dan. "Did Donald Trump Call Italy's President 'Mozzarella'?" Snopes, 17 Oct. 2019, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/trump-italy-mozzarella-president/.

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---. "Did Trump Say Italy and U.S. Have Been Allies for Thousands of Years?" Snopes, 21 Oct. 2019, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/trump-italy-ally-ancient-times/.

---. "Did Trump Say Italy and U.S. Have Been Allies for Thousands of Years?" Snopes, 21 Oct. 2019, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/trump-italy-ally-ancient-times/.

Milestones in the History of U.S. Foreign Relations - Office of the Historian. https://history.state.gov/milestones/1776-1783/declaration. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.

President Trump and Italian President Joint News Conference | Video | C-SPAN.Org. https://www.c-span.org/program/white-house-event/president-trump-and-italian-president-joint-news-conference/534513. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.

President Trump Meeting with Italian President | Video | C-SPAN.Org. https://www.c-span.org/program/white-house-event/president-trump-meeting-with-italian-president/534512. Accessed 19 Dec. 2024.
LONDON and JERUSALEM -- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived on Sunday morning in Israel, where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the war in Gaza.

"My focus will be on securing the return of hostages, finding ways to make sure humanitarian aid reaches civilians, and addressing the threat posed by Hamas," Rubio said on social media ahead of his flight to Israel.

He added, "Hamas cannot continue to exist if peace in the region is the goal."

Nathan Howard/Reuters - PHOTO: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu takes a question from the media next to Secretary of State Marco Rubio at their joint press conference at the Prime Minister's Office, during Rubio's visit, in Jerusalem, September 15, 2025.

MORE: Israel told US military of plan to strike Hamas, but didn't say where: US official

The secretary and his wife, Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio, were greeted upon arrival at Ben Gurion airport by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and his wife, Janet Huckabee.

Rubio later met one-on-one with Netanyahu before the two visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem, also called the the "Wailing Wall," one of the world's most significant religious sites for the Jewish people. While there, Netanyahu said he and Rubio "buried a note among the stones."

Rubio and Netanyahu toured the archaeological site along with Netanyahu's wife, Sara, Rubio's wife, and Huckabee and his wife.

Nathan Howard/Reuters - PHOTO: Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Prime Minister's Office, during his visit, in Jerusalem, September 15, 2025.

"I think his visit here is a testament to the resilience and strength of the American-Israeli alliance, which is as durable and strong as the stones of the Western Wall that we just touched," Netanyahu said of Rubio's visit.

Netanyahu and Rubio, according to the prime minster's statement, offered a joint prayer for the safety of the hostages, as well as a special prayer honoring President Donald Trump, whom Netanyahu described as "a true friend of the Jewish people and the State of Israel."

"Under President Trump, Secretary Rubio and their entire team, this alliance has never been stronger, and we appreciate it very much," Netanyahu's statement said. "Not only on behalf of the people of Israel today, but also on behalf of the generations of Jews who came before us, in the hope that we will rebuild our country with friends like you. Thank you, Marco."

MORE: Israeli military issues full evacuation order for all of Gaza City

During his meetings with Netanyahu and other Israeli officials, Rubio is expected to "convey Americas priorities in the Israel-Hamas conflict and broader issues concerning Middle Eastern security, reaffirming U.S. commitment to Israeli security," according to the U.S. State Department.

Nathan Howard/Reuters - PHOTO: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gestures next to Secretary of State Marco Rubio at their joint press conference at the Prime Minister's Office, during Rubio's visit, in Jerusalem, September 15, 2025.

Netanyahu and Rubio are also expected to discuss the planned Israeli operation to seize control of Gaza City, the largest city in the Gaza Strip, the State Department said.

Israel last week issued an order calling for residents of the city to evacuate, saying the Israeli military would operate "with great force" within the city.
The plane has seats that turn into 8 beds. Mark Adam Miller

Qatar Executive's private jet features a bedroom suite and leather seats that turn into more beds.

A one-way flight from Doha to New York City can cost $300,000 with endless food and drinks.

With more billionaires than ever, demand for this kind of luxury travel is soaring.

Many of the world's billionaires fly in their own planes. We got a taste of that high life when we toured a private jet in Doha  and the interiors were like a 5-star hotel room.

The private jet industry has soared in recent years. There were about 23,000 private jets operating in the world, according to a 2023 report by the Institute for Policy Studies, up from 10,000 in 2000. Jet charter brokerage JetFinder estimates about 65% of the private jets operating today are in the US."

This surge tracks closely with the rise of billionaires worldwide. In 1990, Forbes tracked about 300 billionaires. This year, it tracked more than 3,000.

Owning a private jet isn't the only option for luxury travel.

Some invest in fractional ownership  kind of like a timeshare for jets, where owners share costs such as maintenance, staff salaries, and hangar space. Others use jet card programs that are like prepaid cards for flight hours. And then there are companies that offer flights for charter, like Qatar Executive, the private charter arm of Qatar Airways.

We toured one of Qatar Executive's latest private jet models, the Gulfstream G700, at its main hub in Doha.

The luxury experience starts right at the airport

Doha International Airport is the base for most Qatar Executive flights. Mark Adam Miller

Qatar converted its old airport in Doha into an exclusive hub, catering to the royal family, government officials, and the uber-wealthy traveling in private jets.

The decor has a 1960s "Mad Men" vibe.

I didn't notice any restaurants, shops, or lounges like you'd see in a typical airport. It was also mostly empty; I didn't see many other passengers waiting for their flights. But that's likely because private jet customers don't have to go through security cues or wait in line to board.

Our plane was waiting on the tarmac, where the temperature was about 108 degrees

Our pilot greeted us outside the plane. Mark Adam Miller

We took a media tour on one of Qatar Executive's latest planes: the Gulfstream G700. A one-way flight on this jet from New York to Doha can cost up to $300,000, which is about 30 times more expensive than flying on Qatar Airways' business class, the Qsuite, on the same route.

We stayed on the tarmac during our tour to avoid adding carbon emissions.

As soon as I walked in, I knew that this was definitely better than first class or the Qsuite

The G700 boasts one of the most spacious private jet cabins. Mark Adam Miller

As I strolled through this $80 million plane, my videographer and I were a little afraid that we would scratch the brand-new leather interiors and panels that were customized to reflect Qatar Executive's branding and aesthetic. The plane also smelled like a high-end leather handbag store. Everything seemed too nice to touch.

I made a beeline for the bedroom suite

A private bedroom with a double bed steals the show. Mark Adam Miller

One of the private jet's standout features is the spacious bedroom suite at the back, which maximizes privacy and allows flight attendants to move around the rest of the plane. While most first-class cabins turn seats into beds, the bedroom had a double bed with a mattress and storage space underneath.

The pilots told me that this plane flies at 90% the speed of sound

The pilots pointed out features that make flying more comfortable. Mark Adam Miller

The pilots, who were from Sri Lanka and Fiji, told me that this Gulfstream has surprising benefits. It's faster than a typical commercial airliner, and it can fly 10,000 feet higher, at an altitude of 51,000 feet. That means it can avoid other air traffic and certain weather patterns that can cause turbulence.

Having custom meals at any time is definitely a perk

The food on-board can be customized to your needs. Mark Adam Miller

I sampled Qatar Executive's high tea, which included caviar, chicken tikka sandwiches, and macarons. The flight attendant told me that customers can order from local bakeries or restaurants, and a concierge service will buy those items and serve them on board. The treats I feasted on were prepared at the company's in-house catering kitchen in Doha.

I went behind the scenes at the catering facility

Qatar's catering facility has won several industry awards. Mark Adam Miller

A day earlier, I visited the airline's catering hub near the airport, where chefs prepare 200,000 meals a day from scratch. The kitchens serve Qatar Airways, its partner airlines, airport lounges, and private flights on Qatar Executive.

Some of these treats were a work of art

Presentation was a big part of the private flying experience. Mark Adam Miller

As someone who flies economy, I was blown away by how beautiful and delicious Qatar Executive's meals were. The crew has an oven, microwave, and refrigerator on board to keep things fresh.

I found myself nerding out about the subtle high-tech touches like this door

The bedroom door is specially designed to maximize privacy. Mark Adam Miller

The electronically controlled doors on the plane move up and down instead of sideways, so they can close completely, allowing for more privacy.

Even the blinds were impressive

The windows are sleeker than commercial planes. Mark Adam Miller

The plane's windows are larger than those of a typical commercial aircraft and have several layers of blinds that can be digitally controlled by the passenger or the flight attendant's centralized cabin management app.

There are charging ports and cup holders everywhere, and lots of places to stow your belongings.

You can also control the plane's music settings and the cabin's temperature down to the degree, which was a huge perk for me as I'm always too cold on flights.

You can host a dinner party for 6 on board

There are lots of collapsible tables on-board. Mark Adam Miler

This plane has many adjustable features, including tables that slide out from panels. The flight attendant showed me how to combine several of these to create a table for six to host a board meeting or family dinner.

The seatbelt is different for a reason

The cross-body seatbelt keeps you safe in any position. Mark Adam Miller

The G700 is designed for long-range travel. It can fly about 8,600 miles nonstop, which is nearly the distance between Doha and Los Angeles. So, the seats are made for ultimate comfort. They can rotate and fully recline into beds. That's why the jet has a robust cross-body seat belt that goes around you to keep you safe in each position.

Some aspects of the service are the same as Qatar Airways' premium cabins

The toilet was hidden under a leather seat. Mark Adam Miller

The restroom felt cramped compared to what we saw in the first-class cabin of Qatar Airways' Airbus A380 that we flew from London to Doha. There's no shower either, which is a feature on some commercial flights from the airline Emirates. But the interiors are very discreet. The toilet is hidden under a leather seat. I spent about 15 minutes looking for the flush, which turned out to be a small switch on the wall. The toilet paper was hidden, too.

The vanity kits are also the same

The vanity kits offer a designer experience, tailor-made by Diptyque. Mark Adam Miller

These vanity kits from French perfumer Diptyque were the same as the ones Qatar Airways offers in first class and the Qsuite. It also offered the same pajamas made by The White Company in London. However, given the flight's price tag, I thought the kits could have been more exclusive to match the experience.

After 4 hours of an escapist experience, we were ready to go back to our normal lives

We filmed the plane and talked to crew members about the experience for our documentary on private jets. Mark Adam Miller

My videographer and I spent hours checking out every single detail of the plane and filming it for our documentary, which explores the rise of the private jet industry and ways to access this luxury.

You can watch it on Business Insider's YouTube page.

Overall, the private jet experience might have ruined flying for me forever

Overall this was a rare glimpse into the elusive world of billionaires. Mark Adam Miller

While I travel a lot for leisure and work, I'm not about to hop on a private jet anytime soon on a journalist's salary  or first class or business class, for that matter. But for Qatar Executive's ultrarich target audience, I can see the appeal. If you have enough money to buy privacy, convenience, and exclusivity, why would you opt for anything less?

Read the original article on Business Insider
The following is the transcript of an interview with House Speaker Mike Johnson that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Sept. 14, 2025.

MAJOR GARRETT: The Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, who joins us this morning from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, it's good to see you. I appreciate your time. The burdens of speakership are always manifold. You know that. Previous speakers I've covered know that, but they feel particularly heavy after the events of this week. I just want to ask you, Mr. Speaker, how are you doing?

SPEAKER JOHNSON: I'm doing okay, Major. Thanks for asking. No question, it was a difficult week for the country. Certainly, it was felt on Capitol Hill. There's a mixture of, you know, anger and sadness and fear, frankly, on the part of a lot of people. It cast a large shadow across the country and the nation's capital. But what I do know, Major, is that my good friend Charlie would not want any of us to be consumed by despair. He would want us to go forward boldly, that was his message, and to do it in love. And I think that, I hope, is the message that continues in the days ahead.

MAJOR GARRETT: It's not common for this show to pick up on something said by Connecticut's Young Democrats and Connecticut's Young Republicans, but they put out a statement that has gotten quite a bit of attention on the internet, saying as follows, "there is no place in our country for such acts, regardless of political disagreements." Do you believe on Capitol Hill there will be a method to forge any sort of bipartisan remembrance of Charlie Kirk?

SPEAKER JOHNSON: There will be. You know, we had a moment of prayer and silent reflection on the floor on Wednesday within an hour of his passing. There will be, I participated in a large vigil here in Baton Rouge at LSU, my alma mater, on Friday night. Tonight, we'll have a big, I hope, bipartisan prayer and reflection vigil in Capitol Hill at the Kennedy Center. There will be a members reflection and prayer moment that I'll lead on Monday night. This will continue. I think that the country needs to see leaders in Congress and leaders with platforms all around the country speaking truth and bringing calm to the situation. We should appeal, as Lincoln reminded us so many years ago, to the better angels among us all. And I think this is a real moment for America [TECHNICAL DISRUPTION] -- affirmatively. And I think one of the ways to do that, Major, is to adopt the manner of Charlie Kirk because while he loved vigorous debate and he believed in the free marketplace of ideas, and advancing truth boldly, he also was motivated by love for his fellow man because he never hated the person on the other side of the table. And I think everyone would do well to be reminded of that model.

MAJOR GARRETT: Mr. Speaker, you mentioned the word fear a moment ago. It is on the lips of members of Congress in ways I've never experienced before. They are talking openly. They already have canceled events. Other members are talking about whether or not it's proper in their family conversations to seek re-election. How do you feel this particular space of anxiety for your membership, Republican and Democrat?

SPEAKER JOHNSON: Yeah, well, I've been talking with a lot of them over the last few days about that and trying to calm the nerves, to assure them that we will, we will make certain that everyone has a level of security that's necessary, that the resources will be there for their residential security and their personal security. We're evaluating all the options for that. But also, to be- to be, you know, reminded that it does take a certain measure of courage to step out and- and to lead. I mean, our first responders do it every day, our members of the military do it every day and political figures as well. But I think if we all adopt these practices together and we turn down the rhetoric, we, you know, cease with this idea that, you know, policy disputes are somehow an existential threat to democracy or the republic, we stop calling one another names. I mean calling people Nazis and fascists is not helpful. Look, there are some deranged people in society and when they see leaders using that kind of language, so often now, increasingly, it spurs them on to action. We have to recognize that reality and address it appropriately. And I'm heartened to know, Major, and to see that many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle are stepping up and saying that and addressing it. I think this could be a turning point, frankly, to use Charlie's term, for the country, and I hope that's true.

MAJOR GARRETT: Would that turning point, from your vantage point, Mr. Speaker, because I know you had a long conversation with President Trump, extend to the White House itself?

SPEAKER JOHNSON: Well, of course. Look, the President knew Charlie very well. He was like a family member to the Trumps. Many of us felt that close association with him, and he admired Charlie's approach to public debate. And you've heard him say that publicly. He was- Charlie was a good man, and I think the best way we honor his memory is to continue to do that very thing, and not shy away from debate, to keep the free marketplace of ideas going, but to work on the tone of those debates. Because I think that- I think that serves the best of our principles, our Judeo-Christian heritage as a nation, our civil discourse, and we got to return to that.

MAJOR GARRETT: Mr. Speaker, several issues pending before Congress, not the least of which is keeping the government open. I know you prefer a seven-week clean CR, but there is a press for other issues. Extending Obamacare tax subsidies. There's been a push this weekend for Russia sanctions backed by Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, in the Senate. Will either of those, from your vantage point, get into something to keep the government open?

SPEAKER JOHNSON: Well, listen, we've been working very hard in the House to restore regular order in the appropriations government funding process, and that's something that no one's really seen for a long time on Capitol Hill. But I'm encouraged that, in a bipartisan fashion, our House Appropriations Committee has passed all 12 of the annual appropriations bills through the committee. We've got three off the House floor. The Senate's passed a few, and then last week, we voted to move into a conference [TECHNICAL DISRUPTION] --

MAJOR GARRETT: -- Okay, Mr. Speaker, I believe there's a technical glitch that has forced us to lose your audio. We're going to take a quick break, and we'll come right back to House Speaker Mike Johnson in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in just a moment.

[COMMERCIAL BREAK]

MAJOR GARRETT: Welcome back to Face the Nation. Because technical gremlins lurk everywhere, they got in between my conversation with House Speaker Mike Johnson. Mr. Speaker, I'm glad to have you back. You were in the middle of answering about Obamacare tax subsidies, possible sanctions against Russia and a government funding mechanism. Please continue.

SPEAKER JOHNSON: Yeah, sorry about the interruption there. Listen, we're very encouraged that we've been able to restore the regular appropriations, regular order process --

MAJOR GARRETT: -- Right, but are we going to get this done? Are those two other things going to be added to the process, Mr. Speaker?

SPEAKER JOHNSON: We'll have to see. I got to build consensus around all of it, but I think we'll need a short-term funding measure. A clean CR that will allow more time to figure all this out. We certainly hope that Democrats will go along on that, because, if not, they really have no excuse. If they shut the government down, it would be their unilateral decision to do so.

MAJOR GARRETT: And when Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, says, as he did this weekend, now is the time for Russia sanctions. President Trump opened the door on tariffs against India and China as a way to create economic leverage to end the war in Ukraine. Where do you stand on all that?

SPEAKER JOHNSON: Listen, I do believe that desperate times call for desperate measures, and I think appropriate sanctions on Russia are far overdue. I mean, I think there's a big appetite for that in Congress, so we're willing to work with the White House and our Senate colleagues in the House to get that done and I'm anxious to do it, personally.

MAJOR GARRETT: Are you waiting for the President to give you the green light or might Congress act on this on its own volition?

SPEAKER JOHNSON: Well, Congress really can't do this on its own volition because, of course, the President would need to sign whatever we do into law. So it has to be a partnership, but we defer to the commander in chief. I mean, the President is a strong and bold leader on the world stage. He has brokered peace around the world and other conflicts in a way that no one before him has been able to do, and so we're trusting that he can use that same force and that same approach to bring about, finally, an end to this war in Ukraine. Everyone in America wants that bloodshed to end, and President Trump is forcing that, and I certainly [TECHNICAL DISRUPTION]--

MAJOR GARRETT: Okay. Mr. Speaker, I'm told that the technical difficulties keep arising, so a bit prematurely we're going to end our conversation here to spare you and spare our audience from continued mayhem by technical gremlins. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the time. Thank you for joining us on Face the Nation.

Face the Nation: Coons, Lankford, Pape

Sen. Chris Coons says the internet is "driving extremism in this country"

Mike Johnson on Charlie Kirk assassination: "I think this could be a turning point" for country
President Trump said he believes the more than three-year war in Ukraine would end if all NATO countries stopped buying oil from Russia and placed tariffs on China for its purchases of Russian petroleum. The announcement came as Romania became the second NATO country to report a Russian drone incursion.

Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social on Saturday a letter purportedly sent to NATO in which he said he is "ready to do major Sanctions on Russia" on the condition that all NATO countries stop buying Russian oil. The president said the military alliance's commitment to winning the war in Ukraine "has been far less than 100%" and the purchase of Russian oil by some members is "shocking."

"It greatly weakens your negotiation position, and bargaining power, over Russia," Mr. Trump wrote.

Since 2023, 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. Other members of the 32-state alliance involved in purchasing Russian oil include Hungary and Slovakia.

Mr. Trump's letter comes at a tense moment in the conflict for NATO after the recent incursion by multiple Russian drones into the airspace of alliance member Poland. It's being seen as an escalatory move by Russia and Poland shot down several of the drones.

Earlier this week, Mr. Trump appeared to play down the significance of the incident, saying the incursion may not have been deliberate

"It could have been a mistake," he told journalists late Thursday. A day earlier, Mr. Trump issued a brief reaction on his Truth Social platform: "What's with Russia violating Poland's airspace with drones? Here we go!"

The White House did not offer any clarification of Mr. Trump's remarks and Poland's most senior officials dismissed his suggestion that it had been a mistake on Friday.

On Saturday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that NATO responded to the drones "appropriately" and that the U.S. believes it was an "unacceptable and unfortunate and dangerous development."

"There's no doubt about the drones were intentionally launched," he said. "The question is whether the drones were targeted to go into Poland specifically. If that's the case, that if the evidence leads us there, then, obviously, that'll be a highly explanatory move."

Polish and allied aircraft were deployed in a "preventive" operation in Poland's airspace on Saturday because of a threat of drone strikes in neighboring areas of Ukraine, and the airport in the eastern Polish city of Lublin was closed, authorities said. The alert lasted around two hours.

The Polish military's operational command posted on X on Saturday afternoon that ground-based air defense 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 give further details.

Separately, Romania said it deployed two F-16 jets to intercept a drone that briefly entered its airspace on Saturday afternoon.

"The drone did not fly over inhabited areas and did not represent an imminent danger to the security of the population," the NATO member's defense ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said that teams of specialists would conduct searches for potential debris. Romanian authorities didn't specify where they thought the drone originated from.

During the presidential campaign, Mr. Trump promised to end the war quickly. Some lawmakers in Congress are trying to persuade Mr. Trump to support a bill that toughens sanctions, after the president hosted Putin in Alaska for talks that failed to deliver on progress toward peace.

The president in his post said a NATO ban on Russian oil plus tariffs on China would "also be of great help in ENDING this deadly, but RIDICULOUS, WAR."

Mr. Trump said NATO members should impose 50% to 100% tariffs on China and withdraw them if the war that was launched with Russia's 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 U.S. president has already placed an additional 25% import tax on goods from India, which he has said is to punish it for buying Russian energy products.

In his post, Mr. Trump said responsibility for the war fell on his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. As in past statements on the issue, he did not include in that list Russian President Vladimir Putin, who launched the invasion.

Mr. Trump's post builds on a call Friday with finance ministers from the Group of Seven, a forum of industrialized democracies. During the call, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called on their counterparts to have a "unified front" to cut off "the revenues funding Putin's war machine," according to Greer's office.

La Foce: A Renaissance painting come to life

America now in an era of "violent populism," says University of Chicago professor Robert Pape

Face the Nation: Coons, Lankford, Pape
Gov. Spencer Cox, R-Utah, said Sunday that the suspect in the shooting that killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk is not cooperating with authorities.

"He has not confessed to, to authorities. He is, he is, he is not cooperating, but, but, but all the people around him are cooperating. And I think that's, that's, that's very important," Cox told ABC News' "This Week" co-anchor Martha Raddatz.

Authorities identified Kirk's alleged shooter as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who now remains in custody. Charges are expected to be formally filed on Tuesday, Cox said.

MORE: Erika Kirk delivers emotional remarks to the nation after killing of husband Charlie Kirk

Cox was also asked about a Sunday New York Times report that alleged Robinson had communicated with others on Discord after the shooting. The Times reported Robinson had made jokes about being the alleged gunman.

ABC News - PHOTO: Utah Gov. Spencer Cox appears on ABC News' "This Week" on Sept. 14, 2025

"All we can confirm is that those conversations definitely were happening, and they did not believe it was actually him. It was, it was all joking until, until he, you know, until he admitted that it actually was him," he said.

Authorities are reviewing a group chat between several people joking about how the shooter looked like Robinson, multiple law enforcement sources told ABC News.

The messages were exchanged on Discord in the hours after the shooting, according to sources who told ABC News that one of the participants in the chat is believed to be Robinson, who allegedly made a comment in the chat about the killer being his "doppelganger."

In a statement to ABC News on Friday, a Discord spokesperson said, "[W]e identified a Discord account associated with the suspect but have found no evidence that the suspect planned this incident or promoted violence on Discord. The messages referenced in recent reporting about planning details 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."

The Utah governor, who has been the public face of the investigation, also addressed reports Saturday that the suspect's roommate is transitioning from male to female.

MORE: Tyler Robinson named suspect in Charlie Kirk shooting: What to know about him and how he was apprehended

Cox previously told the Wall Street Journal that Robinson was "deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology." Asked if investigators have uncovered evidence to show that, Cox replied, "Well, so far that -- that has come from his acquaintance and his family members. That's where that initial information has come from. Certainly, there will be much more information that is released in the charging documents as they're bringing all of that together."

Cox said there will be "much, much more information" revealed in the coming days when charges are filed. The governor urged Americans to choose kindness in a time of high political tension.

"These are very tragic circumstances that impact all of us," Cox said.

Here are more highlights from Cox's interview and those with Gov. Jared Polis, D-Colo., and Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah:

On Trump not talking about political violence against Democrats

Raddatz: President Trump said nothing about the political violence against Democrats. In fact, he blamed the radical left. What's your reaction to that? Is that something you think he should be doing?

Cox: Well, look, President Trump is very angry and, Charlie is his close personal friend. There is a lot of anger, a lot of anger on the right, on my side of the aisle. And I've certainly felt that. And in this case, it does appear that that's true. Again, more, more information is coming and we'll learn more over time.

You know, I don't know that that that matters as much as the the radicalization piece. I brought up the, the Democrats who were assassinated recently. And how quickly we move on from these things. But, but the body count is, is piling up. And so I'm so concerned about this radicalization piece. And that's what we're trying to understand. Again, this person made a choice, and it was this person's choice. And this person will be held responsible.

MORE: US college campuses experiencing epidemic of swatting calls following shooting death of Charlie Kirk

Cox on how to get out of the 'dark place' the country is in

Cox: Right now, we're in a dark place. Everybody gets that, I think, and we have choices and we in my political philosophy and my, and my religious philosophy, we believe in agency, that every one of us gets to make our own decisions ... Every one of us has to make a decision. Are we going to hate our neighbor? Are we going to hate the other side? Are we going to return violence with violence? Or are we going to find a different path? Are we going to get out of those social media, those dark places of the internet where the conflict entrepreneurs reside, who are praying upon us, these, these companies with trillion dollar market caps who are using dopamine just like fentanyl, to addict us to their product and, and lead us again -- those algorithms -- lead us to more outrage. Can we put that aside? Can we go and serve our fellow human beings? Can we do some good in our neighborhood? Can we hug a family member? Can we talk to a neighbor that we disagree with? That's, that's up to us. And that's the only way out of this. There is nothing else we can do to, to solve this, this dark chapter in our history.

ABC News - PHOTO: Gov. Jared Polis, D-Colo., appears on ABC News' "This Week" on Sept. 14, 2025.

Polis on the country's political division

Raddatz: How did we get to these moments?

Polis: I think, as Governor Cox said, it really is an important reflection point. Violence in political theater, in our schools, on college campuses, is unacceptable. It's fine, and we should even celebrate, having different opinions on things, right? Charlie Kirk's catchphrase, "prove me wrong," encouraging peaceful debate, discussion.

But it's wrong to resort to violence and killing. And I think that's a message we need to reemphasize in this age when sometimes there's to many conflicting messages out there. We need to speak unequivocally, celebrate our differences. They should lead to discussion, not violence.

ABC News - PHOTO: Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah, appears on ABC News' "This Week" on Sept. 14, 2025.

Curtis on the pervasiveness of political violence

Curtis: If it were up to me, I think you need to take the word "radical" and remove "right" or "left," and radical coming from any direction is not good, it's not healthy, and it should be called out. And that's, that's my mission, is to say, look, this to me, this is this is not right. This is not left. We're talking about radicals, and that's where we need to put our attention...

Raddatz: Senator, how do you think we got to this point in this country with so much political violence?

Curtis: You know, I was -- you mentioned I live not far from the university. I was mayor of Provo, Utah, right next to it. I know you know where that is. That was just a decade ago, and it wasn't like this.

And I think a number of things have come along. I don't think COVID helped. I think -- we have to look really hard. I mentioned social media before. I think we have to look really hard at what's just occupying nearly 100% of brain weight of not just the youth, but of all generations, and what's coming across, and actually what we're allowing to come across, and there's just zero liability for what people are putting out there. And I just think that's if we're going to fix this, we have to look really hard at that.
Courtesy of Willy Chavarria

Getting dressed is an intimate processand shopping for what to wear should be, too. At least, thats what Willy Chavarria demonstrated during a private, off-schedule salon-style presentation at Printemps in FiDi on Saturday afternoon. The exclusive showing, hosted in partnership with Don Julio Tequila, marked the launch of pre-sales for the spring 2026 womenswear collection, some of which was previously seen on the runway in Paris at this years menswear show.

Chavarria, who is once again nominated for the CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year Award, managed to transform both the department store and his latest assortment into a sustained moment of appreciation. Too often, fashion month content overwhelms even the strongest runways, and those within the industry are acutely aware of the constant rushwhich makes it all the more meaningful when were invited to pause. As for Chavarria, his joy in designing for women was unmistakably clear.

Models slowly sauntered, waving, fanning themselves, and posing with their look number cardsa true relic from the days of the original couture ateliers, once highbrow affairs reserved for ladies who lunched. While Chavarria kept the event intimatechatter from other shows included hushed questions like, Are you going to Willy today?star power still made its way in, with appearances by Peso Pluma and Kenia Os. Yet there was nothing stuffy or antiquated about the atmosphere. Guests and models mingled over drinks and shared subtle moments, like the passing of a pocket rose, inviting everyone to step into Chavarrias world. ELLEs editor-in-chief Nina Garcia described the experience as intimate but still powerful in its beauty and focus.

This season offered a closer look at the designers evolving portfolio. In earlier menswear collections, voluminous gowns served as tools to deconstruct traditional masculinity. In his womenswear, we see the other side of that exploration: a youthful reverence for Old Hollywood glamour. Sharp-shouldered skirt suits in primary colors, wide-brimmed hats tipped at a dangerous tilt, and a boldly classic red draped evening gown all cast Chavarria in a new light. Garcia praised the collections refined attitudea sophisticated vision steeped in style.



Some collections offer fresh ideas for how to dress; others deliver a vision of glamour so vivid that simply seeing someone else in the perfect look becomes a joyously enviable experience. The latter is what Chavarria captured so purely today.

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Louisville Metro Department of Corrections Addison Brown

NEED TO KNOW

A Kentucky woman has been charged with attempted murder after she allegedly tried to set her sister's mattress on fire while she was sleeping

Addison Brown, 22, was first accused of intentionally setting fire to her sister's bed in June

Arson investigators said that four others, including a minor, were in the building at the time of the fire

A Kentucky woman has been charged with attempted murder, more than three months after she allegedly tried to set her sister's mattress on fire while she was sleeping.

According to an arrest warrant obtained by local Louisville outlets WLKY, WHAS 11 and WAVE, 22-year-old Addison Brown was first accused of intentionally setting fire to her sister's bed on June 1.

Brown's sister told arson investigators with the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) back in June that she woke up as her bed was becoming engulfed in flames, and immediately rolled out of it, per the warrant. She then used a pillow to put out the fire, and by the time emergency services arrived at her home  a duplex with multiple units  the flames had been extinguished.

Brown allegedly had fled the scene by the time investigators arrived, the outlets reported.

Raymond Boyd/Getty Louisville Police vehicle (stock image)

Authorities said that in addition to Brown's sister, four other people  including a minor  were at home at the duplex when the fire started, according to the outlets.

Detectives alleged in the arrest warrant that during their investigation, they learned that Brown had sent messages to several people  including her sister  admitting that she intentionally set the mattress on fire to kill her sister, per the outlets.

The LMPD did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for further information.

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Nearly four months after the initial incident, the outlets reported that Brown was arrested on Friday, Sept. 12, and was charged with attempted murder (domestic violence), arson and four counts of wanton endangerment.

First-degree arson in Kentucky is a felony and can carry a sentence of 20 to 50 years in prison. Wanton endangerment is also a felony and carries a sentence of up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $10,000. Attempted murder carries a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

WLKY reported that a judge set Brown's bond at $250,000, and she is next scheduled to appear in court on Monday, Sept. 22.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.



Read the original article on People
A growing number of Gen Z workers are bringing their parents directly into their professional lives, and not just for support at home. Guardians are showing up in job interviews, contacting hiring managers, filling out job applications, and speaking to bosses after their child is hired.

Some of this might sound exaggerated, but recent data shows its happening far more often than most would expect. For a generation raised with intense parental involvement, workplace boundaries now look different, and in some cases, theyve nearly disappeared.

Parents Join Job Interviews and Speak for Candidates

Image via Getty Images/fizkes

In a national survey of over 800 full-time Gen Z workers, 77% said they had a parent attend a job interview with them. And the surprising thing is that many family members introduced themselves, spoke to hiring managers, answered questions, and even helped negotiate salary and benefits.

About 34% of respondents said their parents answered questions during the interview, while 27% said their guardians helped negotiate compensation. Nearly 30% said they had a parent attend both virtual and in-person interviews.

This level of participation inserts a third party directly into the hiring process and challenges the expectation that a candidate should speak for themselves.

Involvement Continues After Hiring

The support doesn't end once the job begins. Among the Gen Z workers who participated, 79% reported that a parent had communicated with their manager. Of those, 45% said it happened regularly.

The reasons varied, with some parents getting involved in issues related to scheduling or time off issues, workplace disagreements, or salary increases. Half of those surveyed said a parent had stepped in to handle a conflict.

On that note, 46% said their mothers or fathers helped with a raise conversation. These conversations would normally take place between the employee and employer. However, for many Gen Z workers, guardians remain active participants in their work life even after onboarding.

Experts Link These Behaviors to Parenting

Image via Canva/Monkey Busniess Images

Career advisors and hiring experts who have tracked this trend believe that it is primarily due to overly involved mothers and fathers. Gen Z entered adulthood after years of tight schedules, constant oversight, and little space for independent problem-solving.

Parents also usually took responsibility for academic or social conflicts, and now some continue that approach into their childs early work life. Julia Toothacre, a career strategist at ResumeTemplates, said that while reviewing resumes or giving advice is fine, direct interaction with a manager or hiring team crosses the line.

She also warned that it risks undermining the employees credibility and growth. The data supports this concern and shows a consistent pattern of parental action where personal development should occur.

Managers Adjust Their Expectations Around Professional Readiness

Recruiters are now starting to factor this trend into how they assess candidates. Some use screening methods to limit outside involvement, while several of them simply disqualify applicants who dont manage their own process.

A 2024 employer poll showed that 1 in 5 managers considered leaving their role due to challenges with Gen Z workers. Many cited issues like reluctance to accept feedback, limited resilience, and heavy dependence on others to complete tasks.
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
On the occasion of the 140th anniversary of prominent Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli, excerpts from the opera Leyli and Majnun were performed at the Theater De Vaillant in The Hague, the Netherlands.

The event, organized with the support of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora and the Odlar Yurdu Society, brought together representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in the Netherlands as well as members of the Azerbaijani community from various cities.

In her opening remarks, Chairwoman of the Odlar Yurdu Society, Frangiz Baghirova, provided the audience with detailed information about the great composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli and his opera Leyli and Majnun.

The national anthems of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of the Netherlands were then performed, followed by a minute of silence to honor the memory of the martyrs who gave their lives for the independence of the Motherland.

Azerbaijans Ambassador to the Netherlands, Mammad Ahmadzade, emphasized the significance of organizing such an event.

The role of Leyli was performed by Vusala Jabir, a former soloist of the Opera and Ballet Theater, while the role of Majnun was performed by Nakhmetaga Aliyev, a student of Peoples Artist Arif Babayev. They were accompanied by Javid Salimov (tar) and Sabina Mammadova (piano).

The concert concluded with an exchange of views and group photos.
NEED TO KNOW

Meghan Markle celebrated Prince Harry's return from his trip to Ukraine and the U.K. with a post from her brand As ever



When your beau is back in town, read the Sept. 14 Instagram post of a picture of two wine glasses

Harry returned home from his travels, which included a reunion with his father, King Charles, just before his 41st birthday

Some things call for a toast!

On Sunday, Sept. 14, Meghan Markle celebrated the return of husband Prince Harry from his recent travels in Ukraine and the United Kingdom.

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A post on the official Instagram account of Markles company, As ever, marked the Duke of Sussexs return to California with a photo of a hand filling two wine glasses with the lifestyle brands 2024 Napa Valley Rose.

When your beau is back in town, read text added over the snapshot.

aseverofficial/Instagram As evers Instagram post on Sept. 14, 2025 As evers Instagram post on Sept. 14, 2025

Harrys return home to California  where he and Markle, 44, live with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet  comes just before another cause for celebration: his birthday. The prince will turn 41 on Monday, Sept. 15.

Prince Harrys return also marks the end of his recent overseas travels, which included a week of engagements in the U.K., a reunion with his father, King Charles and an unannounced stop in Ukraine, his second trip to the country this year.

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Harry arrived in Ukraine on Friday, Sept. 12, and spent the day in the capital Kyiv with his Invictus Games Foundation  which runs his Paralympic-style competition for veterans and armed forces members  following an invitation from the Ukraine government.

He told The Guardian, the first outlet to report news of his trip, that he had to check with my wife [Markle] and the British government to make sure it was okay. Then the official invitation came."

Emmi Korhonen/Lehtikuva/Shutterstock Prince Harry in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Sept. 12, 2025 Prince Harry in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Sept. 12, 2025

Meanwhile, the Duke of Sussexs U.K. appearances last week included the 2025 WellChild Awards, which his wife supported from afar, as well as time at the Centre for Blast Injury Studies and a visit to Nottingham's Community Recording Studio. During the latter visit, he announced a personal donation of $1.5 million to the charity Children in Need.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Another highlight of his week in the U.K. was a long-awaited reunion with his estranged father, King Charles.

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Harry met with the monarch at Clarence House, the King's home in London, in the early evening hours of Wednesday, Sept. 10, and was inside for around 55 minutes before departing for an evening engagement. Buckingham Palace later confirmed that the King had a private tea at Clarence House with Harry, and said no further details would be shared.

Karwai Tang/WireImage Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at the the Invictus Games in February 2025 Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at the the Invictus Games in February 2025

A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex echoed the same, reiterating that father and son met for tea and that there would be no further comment.

The Sept. 10 meeting marked the father and sons first in-person meeting in 19 months, and followed hints earlier this year of a reconciliation between them.

In July, Prince Harry's new aides and one of the King's key staffers met for the first time, a move that was viewed by some insiders as an olive branch that could pave the way for better relations. It was a good first step, an insider told PEOPLE at the time. It is always better to be talking.



Read the original article on People
On his birthday, his first as pope, Leo led the Angelus. I give thanks to the Lord and to my parents, he said. On the Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross, he said that Jesus offered himself as our companion, teacher, doctor, friend. In the afternoon, in the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, the commemoration of the Martyrs and Witnesses to the Faith of the 21st century was held.

Vatican City (AsiaNews)  On his 70th birthday, his first as pontiff, Robert Francis Prevost appeared at the window of the Vatican Apostolic Palace for the recitation of the Angelus.

Dear friends, it seems that you know that today I turn seventy years old. I give thanks to the Lord and to my parents; and I thank all those who have remembered me in their prayers, said Pope Leo XIV, the Augustinian born on this day in 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, United States.

Throughout the day, good wishes poured in from all over the world, with messages and expressions of affection.

Before the Marian prayer, the pontiff read a commentary on today's Gospel (John 3:13-17), the Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross, which commemorates the discovery of the Cross by Saint Helen in Jerusalem.

Thousands of faithful from around the world crowded St Peter's Square this morning to listen to the pontiff, filling up the site after the World Meeting on Human Fraternity ended last night with an evocative ceremony.

International artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Pharrell Williams, and John Legend performed at this venue. There was also an aerial display of over 3,000 drones and lights, inspired by the masterpieces of the Sistine Chapel.

But what does celebrating this feast mean for us today? asked the pope. The Gospel can provide the answer.

In John's passage, Nicodemus, a Jewish leader, comes to Jesus at night. He needs light and guidance: he seeks God and asks the Teacher of Nazareth for help because he recognizes him as a prophet, a man who performs extraordinary signs, the pope said.

Jesus welcomes him, listens to him, and reveals to him that the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

Nicodemus did not immediately grasp the meaning of these words; he did so later, when he helped bury the body of the Messiah. It is then that he will understand that God, in order to redeem humanity, became man and died on the cross.

God saves us by showing himself to us, offering himself as our companion, teacher, doctor, friend, to the point of becoming bread broken for us in the Eucharist. In order to accomplish this task, he used one of the cruelest instruments that human beings have ever invented: the cross.

For this reason, today we celebrate the Exultation of this mortal instrument. [F]or the immense love with which God has transformed the means to death into an instrument of life, embracing it for our salvation, teaching us that nothing can separate us from him and that his love is greater than our own sin, Leo XIV went on to say.

At the end of his address, the Holy Father asked, through the intercession of Mary, the Mother who was present at Calvary near her Son, that the saving love of her Son may take root in us and grow, and that we too may know how to give ourselves to each other, as he gave himself completely to all.

In the afternoon, Prevost led a celebration to commemorate the martyrs and witnesses to the faith of the 21st century at the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls in Rome. This is an important ecumenical event in the Jubilee Year, following in the footsteps of Saint John Paul II in 2000.

After the Angelus, the pope also mentioned the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Synod of Bishops, a prophetic intuition desired by Saint Paul VI so that Bishops might increase and improve their exercise of communion with the Successor of Peter, he said.

Thus, he added, It is my hope that this anniversary will inspire a renewed commitment to the unity and mission of the Church.
Bishop Moon of Cheju, chairman of the Bishops' Conference's Committee for Family and Life, met with Democratic Party lawmakers who are promoting a bill that the Church sees as a path towards unlimited abortions. The issue came to the fore in 2019 after a ruling by the Constitutional Court. For Bishop, We must move towards respect for life.

Seoul (AsiaNews)  The Catholic Church in South Korea has been actively defending unborn life in recent weeks, part of an ongoing debate over the countrys abortion law.

A group of lawmakers from the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK)), President Lee Jae-myung's party, has submitted an amendment to the Mother and Child Health Law to the National Assembly.

The amendment, which is meant to introduce a regulatory framework for this sensitive issue, follows a 2019 ruling by South Korea's Constitutional Court that declared as unconstitutional the 1953 law that defined abortion as a criminal offence.

The Court gave parliament 12 months to legislate on the matter, but it has failed to do so. Hence, as of 1 January 2021, abortion is no longer recognised as a crime, but it remains a procedure not covered by the national health service.

Now, the DPK, which holds the majority in the National Assembly, would like to pass an amendment to define the matter in law; but the Catholic Church  along with many South Korean doctors  is concerned about the specific nature of the bill.

It objects to the use of the term "termination of pregnancy" instead of "abortion," fears that the national health service's coverage will promote unlimited access to abortion, and is also deeply worried about the possible use of abortifacient drugs such as the so-called morning-after pill.

The debate is particularly significant in a country like South Korea, which has long been grappling with demographic winter, a major issue, despite a small bump in births in the past year.

The South Korean Catholic weekly Catholic Times reported that, on Friday, Bishop Moon Chang-woo of Cheju, chairman of the Bishops' Conference's Committee for Family and Life, met with DPK lawmakers Nam In-soon and Lee Su-jin, who are among the sponsors of the amendment, along with other priests and several lawyers. The prelate had already met in August with Park Joo-min, president of the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee.

Fridays meeting, which was held behind closed doors, lasted about an hour. Bishop Moon Chang-woo presented the parliamentarians with the statement in which the Bishops' Conference expressed its opposition to the amendment.

We must move towards respect for life, create conditions that give women peace of mind during pregnancy and childbirth, and improve social awareness regarding single mothers, Bishop Moon said, emphasising that in the legislative process, it is essential to build social consensus, as required by the Constitutional Court when it declared the bill unconstitutional.

The lawmakers responded by saying that unlimited access to abortion and the use of medical abortion are not among the amendment's objectives. They also noted that they have no intention of allowing unconditional access and that they will seek the opinions of experts in the matter, taking into account international trends.

For his part, Jeong Jae-woo, dean of the School of Life Sciences at the Catholic University of Korea, also present at the meeting, said: We have expressed our position on the anti-life aspects that concern us. I consider it significant that we raised these concerns directly with the bill's sponsors.

Bang Seon-young, a lawyer, spoke on the matter as well. I stressed, he said, that before discussing women's right to abortion, we must address the social causes that lead to abortion, and that systems and support must be put in place so that people choose to give birth and raise children rather than abort.

ECCLESIA IN ASIA IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES IN ASIA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY SUNDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE.
14 September 2025 20:50 (UTC+04:00)

By Punhan Sariyev | AzerNews

The intersection of religion and diplomacy has throughout history been a source of contradictions, antagonism, and ambiguous perceptions. In particular, the tendency of religious authorities towards sectarianism and radicalism brings them into a somewhat isolated position. Iran has always shared historical and cultural commonality with Azerbaijan  this is an undeniable fact, but the view of the issue through a religious prism takes on a rather different shape. For the sake of simple explanation, let us, for now, refrain from delving deep into history. I shall simply provide clarification regarding the latest argument of Ali Akbar Velayati, the senior adviser to Irans supreme religious leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, who has frequently dominated the agenda with statements designed to stir the waters. Velayati claims that he rejects the summit of Israeli rabbis held in Azerbaijan, and considers this step, in his own words, as one against Islam, as well as against the global reputation of Shiism. He further underlines, almost between the lines, that Azerbaijanis are of Muslim origin, recalling their 1,200 years of Islamic history. This is indeed a significant diplomatic remark, yet it does not overlap to any great extent with Irans sectarian outlook.

First of all, it should be noted that during the early centuries of Islam (7th10th centuries), the majority of Irans population were simply Muslims adhering to Sunnah. Shiism, by contrast, existed largely as a minority current. The strengthening of this current is connected with the Safavid state (15011736). In other words, it was precisely in this period that Shiism acquired the status of state religion. In 1501, Shah Ismail Khatai Safavid came to power and declared Twelver Shiism (the Jafari school) the official religion of the state. This step led to the mass spread of Shiism in Iran and set Iran at odds with the Sunni Ottoman state.

In my view, this brief historical excursion is sufficient for now. The fact itself simply holds up a mirror to Velayatis conflation of Islam with sectarianism. Iran uses Shiism not only within the country but also as a political instrument across the region. According to the concept of velayat-e faqih, the religious leader stands at the head of both religious and political authority. Through Shiism, Iran has extended its sphere of influence into countries such as Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen. In short, under the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini, a monarchy was toppled in a country that had been somewhat secularised, and the Islamic Republic of Iran was established. Shiism became the principal ideological pillar of the state. In the constitution, Twelver Jafari Shiism was enshrined as the official sect.

So what, then, is Irans real concern?

In recent years, Azerbaijan has demonstrated its independent diplomatic course with greater clarity and determination. In this process, its cooperation with Turkiye, Israel, Western states and regional partners has deepened. This, in turn, increases Tehrans unease. Irans portrayal of the Israeli rabbi summit in Azerbaijan as an anti-Islamic step and its labelling of Bakus possible approach towards the Abraham Accords as a blow to the prestige of Shiism are, in fact, rooted in several strategic and ideological factors.

Firstly, the ideological factor. Iran sees itself as the principal guardian of Shiism and seeks to maintain ideological control over Shia communities around the world. Azerbaijan, however, despite a certain segment of its population being Shia, applies a secular model of statehood and does not elevate religion onto the political plane. Therefore, in Tehrans view, the more independent diplomatic steps Azerbaijan takes, the weaker Irans position as a centre of Shiism becomes.

Secondly, the Israel factor, which makes Azerbaijans cooperation with Israel  one of Irans greatest strategic rivals  a sensitive subject for Tehran. Baku cooperates with Israel in the fields of energy, technology and defence, and this contradicts Tehrans conception of regional balance. The summit of Israeli religious leaders in Azerbaijan, in Irans eyes, is not simply a diplomatic event, but rather the consolidation of its enemys foothold in the region.

Thirdly, the matter is linked to the Abraham Accords. Iran regards these agreements as acts of betrayal by Arab countries normalising relations with Israel and as moves against itself. The possibility of Azerbaijan moving closer to this process could deepen Tehrans isolation. Therefore, by presenting it as a blow to Shiism, Tehran is in reality seeking to safeguard its regional geopolitical interests.

Fourthly, the regional power balance. As Azerbaijan pursues an independent diplomacy and strengthens its integration with the West, Turkiye and Central Asia, Irans influence narrows. Moreover, Azerbaijans secular model of development may serve as an alternative example for the millions of Azerbaijanis living in Iran, which poses a risk to Tehrans domestic stability.

Finally, the domestic political factor is also of crucial importance here. The Iranian leadership makes use of external threats to compensate for crises of legitimacy and social discontent within the country. Azerbaijans rapprochement with Israel is, in this sense, exploited as a propaganda tool internally  Tehran presents this both in the light of religious zeal and in terms of national security. A simple comparison of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkians moderate stance in regional policy with the views of Supreme Leader Khamenei is quite sufficient. On the one hand, a theocratic authority isolated in the world and drawing hatred from its domestic audience; on the other, a regime making wide use of such tactics in order not to be completely excluded from regional relations. Yet since the fundamental principle of the state is built upon Shiism, it cannot remain indifferent to sensitive subjects.

Irans reaction is not confined purely to religious motives. It is a fusion of claims to ideological hegemony, regional rivalry and domestic political calculations. As Azerbaijan consolidates itself as an independent actor, Irans room for manoeuvre narrows, and Tehran responds with harsher rhetoric. In essence, this confrontation is an indication of which model will prevail in the future geopolitical order of the Caucasus: the Azerbaijani model based on secular and independent diplomacy, which is in harmony with progressive world politics, or the Iranian model that seeks to remain as a centre of religious-ideological influence.

Photo by Dohainstitute.org
14 September 2025 14:54 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

The First Assembly of the Turkic World Insurance Union (TWIU), held in the historic Azerbaijani city of Shusha, marked a pivotal step in deepening the financial and economic integration of the Turkic states. What may initially appear as a technical gathering of insurers carried far greater significance, both in terms of institutional development within the financial sector and the wider geopolitical and geo-economic transformation of the Turkic world.

The choice of Shusha as the venue was not accidental. The city, emblematic of resilience and renewal after decades of occupation, provided a symbolic setting for a meeting that itself underscored a new era of unity and strategic ambition among Turkic nations. The signing of a joint Proclamation Document formalised the Unions structure and expanded its scope to include not only the five founding members but also three observer organisations, including Hungary, Turkmenistan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. This inclusivity signals both the Unions flexibility and its broader appeal as a platform for cooperation.

Moreover, the Turkic World Insurance Unions reformation under the principles of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) demonstrates the consolidation of a shared vision: that economic cooperation must move beyond trade figures and infrastructure projects into the realm of financial and risk management systems. Insurance, often an overlooked pillar of financial development, is in fact crucial for enabling investment, protecting households and businesses, and underpinning sustainable growth.

The stated goals of the Union, such as to promote the exchange of expertise, personnel, and information, to build systematic reinsurance relationships, and to advance the sustainable development of member states insurance markets, are not mere platitudes. They point to a concerted effort to professionalise the insurance sector, reduce vulnerabilities, and create regional standards that reflect best global practices while respecting local particularities.

This institutionalisation also mirrors a broader pattern within the OTS: a shift from cultural and political solidarity towards concrete economic structures capable of delivering tangible benefits to member populations.

As for the international significance of the event, it can also be emphasized as an Azerbaijani experience or as a reform model. The Azerbaijani case provides a useful lens through which to understand how the insurance sector can be transformed into a lever of national and regional development. Aliyar Mammadyarov, First Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), outlined the recent trajectory of reforms during his address in Shusha. The Financial Sector Development Strategy for 20242026, which has been under implementation for nearly two years, has already produced notable achievements.

Among the most important reforms are the introduction of new corporate governance standards, compelling insurers to disclose extensive information about their financial results and stability. These changes are fostering a more transparent and competitive environment, aligned with international best practices. In addition, enhanced cooperation between banks and insurers has been facilitated, while consumer protection has been strengthened through new rules for individuals taking out loans with life insurance.

Digitalisation has been another cornerstone of reform. The move towards electronic contracts and greater accessibility is both modernising the sector and increasing its appeal to younger, tech-savvy populations. Moreover, promotional campaigns and professional training initiatives are ensuring that awareness of insurance grows not only among businesses but also among the general population.

The quantitative results are equally impressive. The insurance sectors assets increased by 12 per cent over the past year, surpassing 2.1 billion manat. The sectors total capital now exceeds risk capital by a factor of two, while profitability has improved significantly. By mid-2025, the sector recorded total profits exceeding 80 million manat, with a return on assets of 7 per cent and a return on equity of 25 per cent. These figures illustrate both financial resilience and growth potential.

For the Turkic World Insurance Union, Azerbaijans reforms offer both a blueprint and an inspiration. The ability to embed transparency, efficiency, and innovation into financial institutions sets the stage for greater regional harmonisation.

The TWIUs formation must be viewed in the broader context of the Organisation of Turkic States evolving economic framework. In recent years, intra-OTS trade has grown remarkably. The share of internal trade among Turkic states in total trade turnover has risen from just 3 per cent to 7 per cent, reflecting an intensifying commitment to economic integration. The combined GDP of OTS members now exceeds $2.1 trillion, while trade turnover is estimated at over $1.1 trillion.

This upward trajectory is supported by institutional innovations such as the $600 million Turkic Investment Fund, the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, and the proposed Free Trade Agreement on Services and Investments. Collectively, these frameworks point towards a vision of a more self-sufficient and interlinked Turkic economic bloc, capable of competing with other regional groupings such as the EU, ASEAN, and the African Union.

Insurance, in this sense, is the connective tissue that allows these ambitious projects to function effectively. Large-scale infrastructure investment, increased trade flows, and cross-border capital mobility all require sophisticated risk management and reinsurance structures. By institutionalising cooperation in this field, the OTS is laying the foundations for durable growth and resilience.

Global impact beyond Turkic World

While the immediate benefits of the Turkic World Insurance Union are regional, the long-term implications are global. First, the establishment of a coherent insurance and reinsurance framework across the Turkic world will reduce the reliance of these countries on Western financial institutions. This diversification of financial partnerships enhances sovereignty and reduces vulnerability to external shocks or sanctions.

Second, by improving the stability and transparency of financial systems, the Turkic states will become more attractive to foreign investors. Multinational corporations and development institutions alike prefer environments where risk can be quantified and mitigated effectively. A strong regional insurance sector will therefore directly feed into greater foreign direct investment.

Third, the expansion of intra-Turkic economic activity will have spillover effects on global trade patterns. With the OTS controlling critical transport corridors such as the Middle Corridor linking East Asia to Europe, stronger financial systems will only enhance the blocs role as a facilitator of global commerce.

Fourth, the inclusion of observer countries such as Hungary demonstrates the Unions potential to expand beyond purely Turkic states. If successful, the TWIU could become a model for cross-regional insurance cooperation, attracting interest from other neighbouring markets.

The creation of the Turkic World Insurance Union must therefore be interpreted not as an isolated development but as part of a larger mosaic of institutional reforms and economic integration. The Shusha assembly was significant not only because of the Proclamation Document signed but also because it demonstrated a shared determination among Turkic nations to translate cultural and political solidarity into concrete economic strength.

And finally, for Azerbaijan, the meeting reaffirmed its position as a financial reform leader and as a host of strategic regional initiatives. For Turkiye, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, the Union represents an opportunity to strengthen their domestic insurance sectors while enhancing cross-border financial stability. For observers such as Hungary, the meeting provided a window into a dynamic and fast-growing economic bloc.

Ultimately, the TWIUs success will depend on the effective implementation of its goals: harmonisation of standards, development of reinsurance structures, digital innovation, and capacity-building. If these ambitions are realised, the Turkic world could emerge not only as a hub of cultural and political cooperation but also as a financial powerhouse with growing influence in global trade.

The Shusha assembly thus symbolised more than a technical insurance meeting; it signalled a shift in the Turkic worlds economic trajectory. As the OTS continues to deepen its integration, supported by institutions such as the TWIU, the coming years may well see the emergence of a new regional power centre with global reach.
14 September 2025 10:49 (UTC+04:00)

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14 September 2025 17:19 (UTC+04:00)

On the occasion of the 140th anniversary of prominent Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli, excerpts from the opera Leyli and Majnun were performed at the Theater De Vaillant in The Hague, the Netherlands.

The event, organized with the support of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora and the Odlar Yurdu Society, brought together representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in the Netherlands as well as members of the Azerbaijani community from various cities.

In her opening remarks, Chairwoman of the Odlar Yurdu Society, Frangiz Baghirova, provided the audience with detailed information about the great composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli and his opera Leyli and Majnun.

The national anthems of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of the Netherlands were then performed, followed by a minute of silence to honor the memory of the martyrs who gave their lives for the independence of the Motherland.

Azerbaijans Ambassador to the Netherlands, Mammad Ahmadzade, emphasized the significance of organizing such an event.

The role of Leyli was performed by Vusala Jabir, a former soloist of the Opera and Ballet Theater, while the role of Majnun was performed by Nakhmetaga Aliyev, a student of Peoples Artist Arif Babayev. They were accompanied by Javid Salimov (tar) and Sabina Mammadova (piano).

The concert concluded with an exchange of views and group photos.
14 September 2025 15:54 (UTC+04:00)

The signing of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the shortest possible time will be a serious step towards institutionalizing the established peace.

In response to a question from the local media outlets about the signing date, the press secretary of the Armenian Foreign Ministry, Ani Badalyan, stated.

When the agreement on the text of the Armenia-Azerbaijan agreement was announced on March 13 of this year, the Armenian side simultaneously expressed its readiness to sign the agreement as soon as possible. This approach was confirmed by the initialing of the agreement on August 8, which, as an important event that recorded the establishment of peace, received broad international support," she said.

According to Badalyan, Armenias principled approach to the signing date has not changed: "The earliest signing of the agreement will be a serious step towards institutionalizing the established peace, she added.
14 September 2025 12:03 (UTC+04:00)

At the first Assembly of the Turkic World Insurance Union held in the Azerbaijani city of Shusha, insurers of Turkic states signed a joint "Proclamation Document", Azernews reports.

According to the signed document, the Turkic World Insurance Union has been re-formed based on the goals and principles of the Organization of Turkic States. Thus, in addition to the 5 founding members, the Union includes insurance associations from 3 countries (Hungary, Turkmenistan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) as observer organizations.

It should be noted that the main goal of the Turkic World Insurance Association is to establish mutual experience, personnel, and information exchange between the insurance markets of the member and observer countries of the Organization of Turkic States, to systematically form reinsurance relations, and to achieve sustainable and sustainable development in the insurance markets of the brotherly countries.
14 September 2025 13:41 (UTC+04:00)

On September 14, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited the Hadrut settlement in the Khojavend district.

The head of state was briefed on the developments in the settlement.

Following its liberation from Armenian occupation during the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020, extensive restoration and development projects have been implemented in Hadrut, with work still ongoing.

The Hadrut junction substation and Digital Control Center, a new military unit, and the 12.5-kilometer Fuzuli-Hadrut highway have been commissioned. A transformer substation has been built, existing power lines restored, eight water reservoirs repaired, and new water, sewage, and gas lines laid. Internal roads have also been renovated. Essential social infrastructure, including a hotel, commercial facilities, and public catering establishments, has been created in the settlement.

Hadrut has a total of 541 houses, of which 462 are considered uninhabitable and 79 partially habitable. Ten of these houses are already ready for use, while all partially habitable houses are scheduled for restoration by the end of the year.

At present, 10 families, comprising 41 individuals, have returned to their ancestral homeland in Hadrut.

President Ilham Aliyev also visited the home of Hadrut resident Zahid Mustafayev.
14 September 2025 13:56 (UTC+04:00)

On September 14, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the inauguration of a newly constructed mosque in the Hadrut settlement of the Khojavend district.

Nariman Topchibashev, Director of PMD Projects, first briefed the head of state on the ongoing construction of the Hadrut residential quarter.

PMD GROUP is currently building 28 two-story individual houses in Hadrut. The construction, covering an area of 3.6 hectares, is being carried out swiftly and with high quality.

President Ilham Aliyev was also informed about the mosque constructed in the settlement. The foundation stone for the mosque was laid by the head of state in October 2021.

The mosques minaret stands approximately 25 meters tall. It is designed to accommodate up to 210 worshippers at a time, with the first floor designated for men and the second floor for women. The facade of the mosque features decorative elements inspired by national ornamental patterns.

Following the liberation of Azerbaijans territories, the Azerbaijani state has consistently undertaken efforts to restore religious and historical monuments destroyed by Armenia in these areas, as well as to construct new mosques.
14 September 2025 14:06 (UTC+04:00)

On September 14, 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, departed for a working visit to the State of Qatar.

According to Azernews, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan shared the information in a post on official X.

As part of the visit, the Minister is scheduled to participate in and deliver a speech at the Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit to be held in Doha on September 14-15, as well as hold high-level bilateral meetings.
14 September 2025 15:43 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited the Girmizi Bazar settlement in the Khojavend district on September 14.

Girmizi Bazar, one of the prominent residential areas in the Karabakh region with a significant strategic and geographical position, came under Azerbaijans control in 2023 as a result of an anti-terrorist operation by the Armed Forces.

Following this, the settlement's electricity and gas lines, as well as an artesian well, were restored, with the meter installation process started, two transformers installed, three water reservoirs repaired, and over 11 kilometers of natural gas pipeline laid. Currently, public and household facilities, as well as a production workshop, are operational in the Girmizi Bazar settlement.

The settlement has 300 individual houses, of which 71 are unusable, and 229 are partially usable. Ten houses are already ready for use. In total, 217 houses are planned to be restored by the end of 2025, and 12 houses in 2026. So far, 10 families (39 people) have returned to the settlement.

The head of state visited the home of Islam Dadashov, who has relocated to the settlement.
On September 14, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with residents of Girmizi Bazar, Hadrut settlements, and Sos village in the Khojavend district.

The head of state spoke with the residents.

Residents greeted President Ilham Aliyev.

President Ilham Aliyev: We are truly living through historic days. I wholeheartedly congratulate you. You have already settled in your native Karabakh land. Residents from several villages have gathered here today. I visited several villages today, and this will continue tomorrow. All of Karabakh is now fully under our control, and, as you know, this territory was liberated from the occupiers two years ago. During these very daysSeptember 1920our glorious Army put an end to separatism. With that, the chapter of separatism was closed, and Azerbaijan fully restored its sovereignty. The Great Return Program is also being successfully implemented. In about two months, we will celebrate the fifth anniversary of our historic Victory.

The past five years have been a history of triumphour glorious historyand I am delighted that you have returned and settled in your ancestral homeland. Conditions have been created for you here; houses have been built and repaired. All necessary amenities are availablewater, gas, electricity, heating, schools, medical facilities, and roads. Most importantly, this is our native Karabakh land. These are places with beautiful landscapes, surrounded by mountains, forests, springs, and abundant water. In short, all conditions are in place here to live comfortably, to build and create, to raise children, and to provide them with a good upbringing. From now on, the Azerbaijani people will live in peace. However, to live in peace, strength was, of course, necessary.

May Allah have mercy on all our martyrs. You know that for many years we worked to resolve the Karabakh conflict peacefully. But the Armenian side and those backing them had other intentions. They had no intention of returning our lands. They, along with their supportersthe leaders of major powersencouraged them, as if they wanted to make this occupation permanent. But they failed to account for one thing: the will, strength, and devotion of the Azerbaijani people to their homeland, the bravery and heroism of the Azerbaijani soldier, and the unity of our people. They could not account for that. If the Armenian leadership had heeded my words in time and left our lands voluntarily, there would have been no need for the Second Karabakh War or the anti-terrorist operation, and we would not have lost more than three thousand martyrs.

May Allah grant them eternal peace. Sacrificing ones life for the homeland is undoubtedly a great act of heroism, and we will forever cherish their memory and pay eternal respect to it.

Today, we are gathered in this beautiful land of Karabakh. The main reason for this is the unity of our people and the patriotic upbringing of our younger generation. We have proven to the entire world that we are a strong and determined nation. We achieved victory on the battlefield, and we were always ready for peace. However, peace had to be just, based on international law and historical justice. The history of the past five years has shown that no external force could influence our will. The events of September 2023 and the anti-terror operation once again demonstrated that no one can stand in our way. Because our cause is just, we fought for our own land. We have no claims on the territories of other countries, but we have never compromised even an inch of our own landand we have proven this.

Today, the entire world rightfully recognizes the Azerbaijani people as a victorious nation. In 44 days and one day, no country in the last 80 years has achieved such a complete, absolute, and just victory. We take pride in this. Just as we fought and triumphed in war, we are now building and creating in times of peace. The Armenians left our lands in ruins. They razed the villages and cities where you lived to the ground. The conditions in which they themselves lived were such that, as they say, no self-respecting person would ever live there. But look at what we have accomplished in just five yearscities, villages, bridges, tunnels, water reservoirs, and power stations have been built. The scale of construction happening here in Karabakh and Zangezur is unmatched anywhere in the world. The most important thing is that the Azerbaijani people live comfortably, happily, and in peace.

I congratulate you.
14 September 2025 16:23 (UTC+04:00)

President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan visited Shushakand village in the Khojaly district on September 14.

Elchin Yusubov, the Presidents Special Representative in the city of Khankendi, and the Aghdara and Khojaly districts, briefed the head of state on the details of restoration and development work in the village.

Shushakand village came under Azerbaijans control two years ago during an anti-terrorist operation conducted by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces.

To date, several projects have been implemented to establish the social infrastructure of the village, with ongoing efforts to further develop the area. Existing electricity lines, three water reservoirs, and a subartesian well have been restored. A transformer has been installed, meter installation has started, a gas pipeline has been laid, and the existing drinking water network has been repaired. Additionally, the design for communication lines has been approved, and preparatory work is underway. A flag square has been established, and internal village roads have been paved with asphalt.

Shushakand has a total of 263 private homes, of which 91 are uninhabitable and 172 are partially habitable. Currently, 15 homes are ready for occupancy. By the end of this year, an additional 85 homes are slated for restoration. In 2026, plans are in place to restore 72 more homes. To date, 15 families, totaling 59 individuals, have resettled in the village.

The head of our state visited the home of Zaur Rzayev, who has relocated to the village, and had a conversation with his family members.
14 September 2025 18:31 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan took part in the 25th meeting of the Committee of Heads of Law Enforcement Agencies of the Customs Services of the CIS member states, held in Almaty.

According to Kazakhstans Financial Monitoring Agency, the gathering brought together senior officials and representatives from the customs law enforcement bodies of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

The Committee serves as a coordinating platform aimed at enhancing cooperation among CIS countries in preventing and combating customs violations.

Participants reviewed pressing issues such as combating smuggling, monitoring emerging trends in international trade, applying advanced technologies, and tightening oversight of illicit goods movement.

Discussions also emphasised boosting international collaboration, sharing best practices, and adopting joint initiatives to strengthen the fight against smuggling and safeguard the economic security of CIS nations.
14 September 2025 18:46 (UTC+04:00)

On September 14, Karen Albertovich Avanesyan, an Armenian-origin resident of Khankendi city born in 1967, left his residence and went to a nearby forest area, where he retrieved a previously hidden Kalashnikov assault rifle, four magazines loaded with ammunition, and five grenades. He was attempting to approach the location of an event in Khankendi city when he was detained by police officers. At that time, Avanesyan showed armed resistance to the police by throwing three hand grenades and opening fire with the assault rifle, according to the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Avanesyan, who was wounded by a bullet from return fire, was captured.

One police officer was injured during the operation.

In collaboration with the Prosecutor's Office and the State Security Service, a criminal case has been initiated, and operational-investigative measures are being carried out.
14 September 2025 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

Irans National Security and Foreign Policy Commission will convene an emergency session on Saturday with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss the recent agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Azernews reports, citing Iran's state media.

Despite the parliament being on summer recess, more than 60 lawmakers requested the special meeting to receive briefings from Araghchi and Ali Larijani, head of the Supreme National Security Council, on the new deal.

The session is scheduled to take place at 5 p.m. local time, according to parliamentary officials.
14 September 2025 09:34 (UTC+04:00)

The Organization of Turkic States will send its flag into space, Secretary General of the OTS Kubanychbek Omuraliev told journalists following the fourth meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Councils of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States in Bishkek.

Azernews reports, citing Kabar, that he stated that OTS is a unique organization rooted in the thousand-year history, culture, and heritage of the Turkic world. More than 40 platforms have been created within the Organization, including foreign policy, trade, economics, agriculture, tourism, and even space. We will soon send the flag of the OTS into space as a symbol of the unity of the Turkic world, Omuraliev said.
14 September 2025 21:56 (UTC+04:00)

For some Americans on the far right, Charlie Kirk died a "martyr," and any criticism of the hugely popular conservative activist must be punished, Azernews reports via France24.

Online vitriol and grassroots persecution have exploded in the wake of the assassination of the 31-year-old, who had been an electrifying presence on the US right.

Laura Sosh-Lightsy, assistant dean of students at a university in the southern state of Tennessee, found herself in hot water after posting on social media about Kirk's death.

"Hate begets hate. ZERO sympathy," she said on Facebook after the killing, which happened Wednesday in front of a large crowd at a university in Utah.

Republican US Senator Marsha Blackburn quickly called out the comment  and Sosh-Lightsy.

"This person should be ashamed of her post. She should be removed from her position," the Tennessee lawmaker said.

Middle Tennessee State University's president announced that same night an employee's firing for a "callous" comment about Kirk.

Kirk, who rallied his millions of followers to help President Donald Trump win a second White House term, was both revered and reviled for his pro-gun, anti-abortion and anti-immigrant rhetoric.

Shooting suspect Tyler Robinson, who was arrested Thursday, is said to have engraved anti-fascist and meme-culture messages on his bullet casings. This has led to a large part of the American right labelling him a "far-left" killer. Authorities have not provided many details about why they think Robinson carried out the attack on Kirk.
14 September 2025 23:23 (UTC+04:00)

US President Donald Trump said hes prepared to move ahead with major sanctions on Russian oil if NATO countries do the same.

Trump, a day after he said he was losing patience with President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine, said hes 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, in a post on his Truth Social site early Saturday.

Many European nations have cut back or stopped purchasing Russian oil, but several NATO allies  including Hungary  have blocked more stringent proposals by the European Union to target Russias energy sector.

Bloomberg reported on Friday that the US planned to urge allies in the Group of Seven to impose tariffs as high as 100% on China and India for their purchases of Russian oil, as part of an effort to convince Putin to end Russias invasion of its neighbor.

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, Trump wrote.

Trump has at times adopted a softer tone toward China as he continues to push for a summit with President Xi Jinping and a trade deal with the worlds second-largest economy. And any move to impose sanctions on China would likely draw a strong retaliatory response from Beijing and disrupt the tentative trade war truce between the US and China.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer are set to meet with Chinese officials in Madrid in the coming days. G-7 finance ministers discussed how to increase pressure on Russia during a meeting on Friday.

Up to now, Trump has resisted adding new sanctions on Russia as he pursued peace talks with Putin. But, after holding a summit with Putin in Alaska that failed to yield any pause in Russias military operations in Ukraine, Trump was unable to arrange a three-way meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
By Jarrett Renshaw

NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump held dinner with the Qatari prime minister in New York on Friday, days after U.S. ally Israel attacked Hamas leaders in Doha.

Israel attempted to kill the political leaders of Hamas with an attack in Qatar on Tuesday, a strike that risked derailing U.S.-backed efforts to broker a truce in Gaza and end the nearly two-year-old conflict. The attack was widely condemned in the Middle East and beyond as an act that could escalate tensions in a region already on edge.

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Trump expressed annoyance about the strike in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and sought to assure the Qataris that such attacks would not happen again.

Trump and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani were joined by a top Trump adviser, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff.

"Great dinner with POTUS. Just ended," Qatar's deputy chief of mission, Hamah Al-Muftah, said on X.

The White House confirmed the dinner had taken place but offered no details.

The session followed an hour-long meeting that al-Thani had at the White House on Friday with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

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A source briefed on the meeting said they discussed Qatar's future as a mediator in the region and defense cooperation in the wake of the Israeli strikes against Hamas in Doha.

Trump said he was unhappy with Israel's strike, which he described as a unilateral action that did not advance U.S. or Israeli interests.

Washington counts Qatar as a strong Gulf ally. Qatar has been a main mediator in long-running negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and for a post-conflict plan for the territory.

Al-Thani blamed Israel on Tuesday for trying to sabotage chances for peace but said Qatar would not be deterred from its role as mediator.

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Israel's assault on Gaza since October 2023 has killed over 64,000 people, according to Palestinian health officials, while internally displacing almost all Gaza's population and setting off a starvation crisis. Multiple rights experts and scholars say Israel's military assault on Gaza amounts to genocide.

Israel has rejected that determination. It launched its offensive in Gaza after an attack by Hamas-led militants in which 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Israel has also bombed Lebanon, Syria, Iran and Yemen in the course of the Gaza conflict.

(Reporting by Jarrett Renshaw and Steve Holland; Editing by Aidan Lewis and Marguerita Choy)
Curb, Road Construction Resumes in Lincoln City as Oregon Coast Season Begins Wind-Down

Published 09/12/25 at 1:25 a.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Lincoln City, Oregon) - After a brief summer pause, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is resuming construction work in Lincoln City to improve accessibility for all travelers. The central Oregon coast town will again be buzzing with the sound of road and pavement work.

We appreciate your patience as we make Lincoln City more accessible, whether you drive, ride, walk or roll, ODOT said. We plan to return to town on September 15 to start work on the second half of our ADA curb ramp project.



You'll find crews returning to the stretch between Salishan Hills Drive and NE West Devils Lake Road. This comes as the Youngs Bay Bridge in Astoria is done with major traffic delays  but another is coming soon to the south Oregon coast between Bandon and Port Orford.

ODOT is urging drivers to use caution when passing through the work zone in Lincoln City, as construction activity will increase in the coming weeks. The agency has outlined several impacts and expectations for the public:

Crews will be working during daytime hours from Monday through Thursday. Some construction may occur on Fridays and during nighttime hours if needed. ODOT said shoulder and lane closures will be implemented as necessary and traffic delays are possible, with flaggers on site to help direct vehicles safely.

Construction noise is expected, especially from concrete-cutting equipment, which can be loud and dusty.

Businesses in the area will remain open throughout the construction period. All traffic lanes will be open on weekends to minimize any possible disruption.

ODOT reminds drivers that fines double in all Oregon work zones, regardless of whether workers or signage are actively present. Pedestrian access - including for those with disabilities - will be maintained through or around the work zones.

As the project progresses, ODOT will update its interactive map to reflect any changes in location or schedule.

The ADA curb ramp upgrades are designed to make sidewalks and streets more accessible for everyone. By replacing high curbs with gently sloped ramps, the improvements benefit not only people with disabilities but also those using strollers, walkers, bicycles, and hand carts. The goal is to create a safer, more inclusive environment for all who navigate Lincoln Citys streets.

A much larger closure is coming to the southern coast portion of 101 on September 19  21. The road will be closed for about 48 hours, leaving a lengthy set of detours the only way between Port Orford and Bandon.S. Oregon Coast Highway Closure Near Bandon Sept 19 - 21 Will Bring Traffic Headache See the Oregon Coast Traffic page for updates when this happens.

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NASA Announces First Evidence of Life on Mars in Possible Biosignature

Published 09/11/25 at 5:45 a.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Portland, Oregon)  Wednesday, scientists at NASA made a rather extraordinary announcement: they had discovered the possible biosignatures of life on Mars  the first real evidence. It's far from absolute proof, but the findings definitely point to the chemical remnants that could have been left behind by a microbial presence. (Photo NASA: the area with spots that could be leftover from small lifeforms)

And it has the science world abuzz.

Samples collected by the Perseverance Mars rover last year showed what NASA called a potential biosignature: a substance or structure that might have a biological origin but requires more data or further study before a conclusion can be reached about the absence or presence of life, the space agency said in a press release.



Perseverance had come across a rock formation they called the White Angel in the Jezero Crater while exploring the Red Planet. The rover had been chugging around what is known to have been a riverbed of flowing water billions of years ago. See more Astronomy News, Updates from Oregon Coast, Washington Coast.

There, they found a pattern of minerals that indicated chemical and physical reactions that usually take place after a microscopic organism had used surrounding materials as an energy source. NASA said these were likely organic carbon, sulfur, and phosphorus found in the rock.

No ancient pyramids or weird faces caused by shadows: just very old chemistry remnants. Yet the signs that pointed them that way could've been out of a sci-fi flick.

What they initially found were spots  what the team nicknamed leopard spots. These contained iron-rich minerals: vivianite (hydrated iron phosphate) and greigite (iron sulfide).



This selfie taken by Perseverance is made up of more than 60 images  and it just slightly resembles Oregon coast landmarks like Yachats or Shore Acres near Coos Bay.

Vivianite is frequently found on Earth in sediments, peat bogs, and around decaying organic matter. Similarly, certain forms of microbial life on Earth can produce greigite, NASA said.

This is a potential fingerprint for microbial life. While this is a reaction that can be produced without life forms, NASA said the evidence somewhat leans more towards life than not. It can happen when things get particularly hot  but something was different here.

What does the Oregon coast have in common with Mars? Dendritic lines.

However, the rocks at Bright Angel do not show evidence that they experienced high temperatures or acidic conditions, and it is unknown whether the organic compounds present wouldve been capable of catalyzing the reaction at low temperatures, the agency said.

Photo of Yachats, Oregon Coast Beach Connection.

All this comes back to what prominent scientists like Neil deGrasse Tyson and Carl Sagan have said for decades. It's quite a claim so it's going to need some heavy duty findings.

Astrobiological claims, particularly those related to the potential discovery of past extraterrestrial life, require extraordinary evidence, said Katie Stack Morgan, Perseverances project scientist at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California.

NASA is definitely not pointing to amoebas that say Take me to your leader just yet.



Pacific City resembling the sands of Mars one summer.

The discovery did yield some interesting hope and raise some new questions. These compounds were picked up in rock much younger than they expected.

The discovery was particularly surprising because it involves some of the youngest sedimentary rocks the mission has investigated, NASA said. An earlier hypothesis assumed signs of ancient life would be confined to older rock formations. This finding suggests that Mars could have been habitable for a longer period or later in the planets history than previously thought, and that older rocks also might hold signs of life that are simply harder to detect.

It also hearkens back to some lifeforms discovered just off the Oregon coast, living at extreme temperatures right around underwater volcanic vents. That was proof you could find life in incredibly unexpected places, making the idea of life on Mars not as distant a possibility as before.







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Those Mysterious Shafts of Sunlight Beaming Out from Oregon Coast Skies

Published 09/12/25 at 7:25 p.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Manzanita, Oregon) - On any partly cloudy day  just about anywhere  mysterious rays of light could pop out. These dramatic shafts of sunlight often pierce the sky, creating a striking visual effect. Known as crepuscular rays, these beams typically appear near sunrise or sunset and are often mistaken for something celestial.

They're a bit more common on the Oregon coast or Washington coast than inland, adding yet another layer of awe and surprise to the ocean environment. Above: the ethereal sight as it was captured in Manzanita one year.



Despite this heavenly vibe, the science behind them is grounded in atmospheric conditions. According to Treena Jensen of the National Weather Service in Portland, the rays form when sunlight shines through breaks in the clouds and illuminates particles like dust or haze in the air. This scattered light creates the illusion of rays fanning outward from the sun.

MORE ON THE SCIENCE OF CREPUSCULAR RAYS

She spoke with Oregon Coast Beach Connection a few years ago, providing tons of insight into this dazzling phenomenon.





The term crepuscular refers to twilight, which is when these rays are most commonly seen, she said. The sun must be low on the horizon, and the atmosphere must contain enough particulates to scatter the light effectively. Here, the striking sight was snapped in Lincoln City in spring. Note the bluish even pastel look: this is something that really usually just happens in spring along these beaches.





Although the rays appear to bend, they are actually straight and parallel. Satellite images confirm this, but the perspective from the ground makes them seem to radiate in different directions. This shot is from Pacific City one summer. Sunset has a brighter but paler tone to it.

In the case of this shot in Seaside taken in 2004 (above), the hole in the clouds is above where the sun is. That means the divergence would point upwards.

This effect doesn't necessarily mean Oregon coast skies are polluted, either. Jensen said while dust, pollution and even fires from a distant land are a factor, often it's the ocean that's the big cause.





Does the beam-of-light thing happen down south in places like Bandon or Port Orford? Indeed it does, as Manuela Durson captured here in the Port Orford area.- Manuela Durson Fine Arts

Salt spray from ocean waves sometimes produces that, Jensen said. It's a somewhat polluted environment, but not the pollution you normally think of. It's a natural pollution. Especially on a windy day when there's pretty big surf that can cause a lot of sea spray.





There's kind of a UFO look that accompanies this. Holes in the clouds in various places can create odd, random spots lit up on the beach, like this circular area that almost seems like its getting hit with a spotlight. This photo was taken at Lincoln City at a secret park that lurks above Taft / Siletz Bay.





More sights from Manzanita and dramatic rays shooting out from distant clouds (and below).

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UPDATE: The links have now been well established that the assassin, in addition to being the boyfriend of a transgender transitioning from male to female, was also involved in the sexual degenerate "furry" subculture where people pretend to be animals, particularly cats and dogs. The assassin's tranny lover had posted during the campaign that they were "ridin' with Biden"

The British media is doing a better job of finding and reporting this stuff than the American media.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15096571/Trans-partner-Charlie-Kirk-killer-Tyler-Robinson.html

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2025/09/14/charlie-kirk-assassin-relationship-transgender-roommate/

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/09/bombshell-charlie-kirk-assassin-was-steam-group-read/

__________________________________________________________________________________

ORIGINAL POST:

When the pro-transgender etchings on the Charlie Kirk assassin's bullets came to light, it appeared that the assassin may have himself been transgender. The bullets also had ANTIFA markings. However, after the assassin was identified, it did not initially appear that he himself ever claimed he thought he was a woman.

Now, the other shoe has dropped. It has been discovered that the assassin lived in an apartment in St. George, Utah with a transgender partner. His partner is a biological man pretending to be a woman and involved in "transitioning". This likely is connected to his motive.

After the shooting, the assassin sought help from his partner to retrieve the murder weapon, using the Discord chatroom. However, instead of becoming an accessory after the fact, the transgender partner informed the police.

One of the bullet etchings also referred to the "furry" sexual degeneracy subculture, where participants pretend to be animals, usually cats or dogs. So far, there is nothing to show if the assassin or his partner were involved with the "furries." The recent Minnesota school shooter was also found to have a girlfriend who was a "furry".

https://nypost.com/2025/09/13/us-news/charlie-kirk-shooter-tyler-robinson-lived-with-transgender-partner/

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15095195/tyler-robinson-roommate-text-messages-cops-arrest-utah.html

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/09/breaking-charlie-kirk-assassin-tyler-robinson-lived-his/

Expect the American MSM propaganda media to try to sweep these connections under the rug.

UPDATE: There are now indications that a network of "transgender" activists being involved in the assassination, including neighbors reporting a number of suspicious people driving cars with out of state plates in and out of the assassins apartment shortly before the attack. Also social media posts of trannies who apparently had foreknowledge of what was going to happen.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/09/mysterious-state-traffic-charlie-kirk-assassins-home-sparks/

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/09/we-f-cking-did-it-transgender-connected-tyler/

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/09/relative-spills-lance-twiggs-relationship-charlie-kirk-assassin/

The homosexual activist group GLAAD tried to justify the assassination and suggested targeting other conservatives.

https://thefederalist.com/2025/09/13/glaad-smears-kirk-puts-target-on-back-of-other-conservative-activists/
US financial giant announces its arrival in city ahead of Trump state visit to UK with plan for new anti-money laundering unit

Bank of America is a US financial giant (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

Bank of America is a huge player in the US and global financial sector

Bank of America plans to begin hiring staff in Belfast in the coming months as it sets up an anti-money laundering team employing up to 1,000 people in the city.

It is one of a number of US financial institutions to collectively pledge around 1.25bn of investment in the UK ahead of Donald Trumps state visit this week.

The bank already operates in Dublin, where it has 1,000 staff, and has operations in England.

The Belfast Telegraph understands the jobs will be new, and not transfers from the Republic or Britain.

Bank of America has started scouting office space for the anti-money laundering team, who will monitor transactions for any illegality.

As many as 1,000 staff could be hired for the Belfast operation.

Bank of America is a huge player in the US and global financial sector

Johnny Adair joins 110,000-strong London anti-migrant demo

The bank currently funds a programme at Belfast Metropolitan College to provide digital training to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The local education system and English-speaking workforce was a draw, as was our growing status as a hub for financial services.

A 2020 Assembly report estimated that more than 20,000 people work in the banking sector here.

Bank of America is a US financial giant (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

CEO Brian Moynihan said: At Bank of America we are focused on helping our clients advance economic opportunity and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.

The early US-UK trade agreement that the president and the prime minister began discussing in February has provided the business community with the certainty and framework it needs to strengthen transatlantic commerce.

We are pleased to be able to extend Bank of Americas investment in the UK with the creation of a new Belfast operations facility to support our global business, bringing up to 1,000 new opportunities to Northern Ireland.

Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan (John Lamparski/Getty Images)

Bank of America is one of the worlds largest financial institutions.

Its acquisition of Merill Lynch during the 2008 financial crisis, along with its practices in the years leading up to the crash, were the focus of criticism and investigation.

The announcement is part of a wave of investment from the US announced by the UK Department for Business and Trade on Saturday.

The UKs financial services sector has received a commitment of 1.25bn from US companies, with London, Edinburgh and Manchester joining Belfast in benefiting from this investment.

Companies which have pledged money include PayPal, Citi Bank and S&P Global, and the department says this will support job creation, drive innovation, and deliver improved services for consumers in the UK.

The department described the investment announcement as reinforcing the strength of the UK-US economic partnership ahead of next weeks presidential state visit.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: This commitment from Americas leading financial institutions demonstrates the immense potential of the UK economy, our strong relationship with the US and the confidence global investors have in our Plan for Change, which is making the UK the best place in the world to invest and do business.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves (Yui Mok/PA)

These investments will create thousands of high-skilled jobs.

The UK has been seeking to complete an economic and trade deal with the US to avoid being negatively impacted by President Trumps disruptive tariffs policy.

The state visit to the UK has been seen as one part of a diplomatic strategy by the government to win favour with him.
Belfasts Godfather of Punk on why hes delighted his mural has been vandalised

The veteran DJ and former record company boss said: It just goes to show, I must be doing something right when people sneak out in the middle of the night to deface my mural.

Terri Hooley in front of his wall mural

Hugh Jordan Sun 14 Sep 2025 at 16:00







A wall mural honouring Belfasts very own Godfather of Punk Terri Hooley has been vandalised  and the musical legend says hes absolutely delighted about it!
Police are at the scene of the alert. Stock image

A security alert at the Victor Place area of east Belfast is now over after police confirmed a number of items have been removed and a man has been arrested.

It comes as homes were evacuated earlier this morning as a result.

Police said their officers were in attendance and motorists were advised to avoid the area.

Detective Sergeant Kitchen said: Shortly before 8:50am on Sunday 14th September, a number of suspicious objects were located at a property in the area.

"Officers attended and a number of items have been removed for further forensic examinations. One man was arrested in relation to the investigation and remains in police custody at this time.

Residents, who were evacuated from the area, have now returned to their homes and we thank them for their co-operation during this public safety operation. Officers will continue to maintain a presence in the area and conduct further enquiries.

Police are at the scene of the alert. Stock image

'You have no idea what you have unleashed', warns Charlie Kirk's widow

The PSNI appealed to anyone with any information in relation to the incident, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 361 14/09/25.
People take part in a march to mark the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Derry. Picture date: Sunday January 30, 2022.

Here are some of the key dates in the decades-long campaign for justice by the families of civilians killed by soldiers on Bloody Sunday in Londonderry.

 January 30 1972

Members of the Parachute Regiment open fire on a crowd taking part in a civil rights march in Derry. Thirteen people are killed and 15 others injured.

 April 1972

An inquiry led by Lord Chief Justice Lord Widgery supports the soldiers version of events, that they were returning fire and acting in self defence. Bereaved families dismiss the report as a whitewash.

 February 1992

First meeting of the Bloody Sunday Justice Campaign.

 January 1994

The campaign writes to Prime Minister John Major seeking a full independent inquiry.

Lord Widgery, the then Lord Chief Justice, pictured in his room at the Old Bailey as he looks through his report on the Bloody Sunday shootings (PA)

 February 1994

Mr Major refuses because there has already been a public inquiry by Lord Widgery.

 January 1997

A 40,000-signature petition calling for a new inquiry is delivered by the campaign to 10 Downing Street.

 January 1998

Prime minister Tony Blair announces a new inquiry, with Lord Saville of Newdigate appointed to chair the probe.

 2000  2004

The Saville Inquiry hears oral evidence. Proceedings take place in Derry and London after soldiers win a legal challenge to be allowed to give their evidence in England.

 June 2010

Lord Saville delivers his findings that there was no justification for shooting any of those killed or wounded. Prime Minister David Cameron issues a public apology. saying the killings were unjustified and unjustifiable.

Prime Minister David Cameron telling MPs in the House of Commons that the Saville Inquiry into the Bloody Sunday killings found the actions of British soldiers was both unjustified and unjustifiable (PA)

 July 2012

The Police Service of Northern Ireland formally launches a murder investigation into the events of Bloody Sunday.

 September-October 2018

The first Ministry of Defence compensation settlement in relation to Bloody Sunday victims is awarded.

 March 2019

The Northern Ireland Public Prosecution Service (PPS) announces that one former paratrooper, known as Soldier F, will be prosecuted for the murders of James Wray and William McKinney and the attempted murders of Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon and Patrick ODonnell. He is also charged with a further count of attempted murder of a person unknown.

The PPS also announces that sixteen other former soldiers and two suspected ex-members of the Official IRA, all of whom were also investigated as part of the major police murder probe, will not face prosecution.

 April 2019

Veterans protests in support of Soldier F take place across the UK.

 September 2019

The case against Soldier F is heard in court for the first time at a sitting of Derry Magistrates Court. The veteran was not present in court for the short hearing.

Motorcyclists taking part in the 2019 Rolling Thunder ride protest in London to support Soldier F (PA)

 April 2021

The families of five of those killed announce that they will legally challenge the decision of the PPS not to prosecute five veterans. The families of Jackie Duddy, Michael Kelly, John Young, Michael McDaid and William McKinney are granted permission by the High Court to challenge decisions not to prosecute several other former members of the Parachute Regiment.

 July 2021

The PPS announces it is discontinuing the prosecution of Soldier F amid concerns that the case could collapse in light of a separate court ruling on the admissibility of evidence which caused the collapse of another Troubles murder trial involving two military veterans.

The McKinney family signal their intent to challenge the PPS decision on Solider F in the courts.

 September 2021

The various legal challenges against the PPS are heard together before three senior judges, including the original decisions not to prosecute five soldiers. Judgment is reserved.

 March 2022

The judges quash the PPS decision to discontinue the prosecution of Soldier F and order prosecutors to reconsider.

The other legal challenges against PPS decisions not to take prosecutions against several other veterans were dismissed by the court.

 September 2022

The PPS announces it is reactivating the case against Soldier F. A week later, discontinued court proceedings against the military veteran resume.

 December 2023

Soldier Fs case is sent to the Crown Court for trial.

 June 2024

Soldier F appears in court for the first time since the prosecution commenced. He sits in the witness box at Belfast Crown Court, with a thick floor-to-ceiling blue curtain shielding him from the main body of the court to protect his anonymity.

 December 2024

Soldier F pleads not guilty to each of the seven counts facing him as they were read to him during his arraignment inside Belfast Crown Court.

 September 2025

The trial of Soldier F is scheduled to commence.
Concerns have been raised about the relations between ministers at Stormont (Liam McBurney/PA)

A war of words between Sinn Fein and the DUP is unsettling the Northern Ireland powersharing Executive, a former Stormont minister has said.

Independent MLA Claire Sugden called on the Executive parties to tone down their public rows and concentrate on delivery.

The Northern Ireland Assembly returned on Monday from its summer recess and ministers quickly became embroiled in a series of disagreements.

DUP deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said on Monday she would be showing leadership by attending a banquet during the upcoming state visit by US President Donald Trump, while also telling MLAs that Sinn Fein First Minister Michelle ONeill would not join the event.

Independent unionist MLA Claire Sugden expressed concerns about relations between Stormont ministers (Liam McBurney/PA)

DUP Education Minister Paul Givan also faced criticism after he said he had ordered the removal of transgender guidance from the website of Northern Irelands Education Authority.

On Tuesday, DUP leader Gavin Robinson and Ms ONeill had a public row after the Army withdrew from a jobs fair in Londonderry following objections from some councillors.

Mr Robinson said he did not believe Ms ONeill was a First Minister for all, while the Sinn Fein vice-president told him to butt out.

On Wednesday, Ms ONeill and Ms Little-Pengelly appeared together before their Stormont scrutiny committee where there were sharp exchanges with a number of MLAs.

While the pair insisted the Executive is delivering on its objectives, they also disagreed on several issues.

On Thursday, a High Court judge urged the Northern Ireland Executive to resolve a row over Irish language signs at Belfasts Grand Central Station, warning it is seen as a laughing stock.

Former justice minister Claire Sugden told the BBC Sunday Politics programme the First and deputy First Minister had given polar opposite views on a number of issues when they had appeared before committee.

She said: I suppose to me that points to an instability within the Executive.

Ultimately, if we are about delivering, we have to ensure we implement all of these things that they say they are trying to do.

I would have a concern that the war of words on various issues is unsettling the Executive.

I asked for a commitment we would see the end of this mandate out so that we can push through these policies that we are so keen to highlight and we can do more in relation to people on the ground.

A lot of these strategies, a lot of this work, is quite high level and it probably will take a number of years before it realistically filters through to the people on the ground.

Michelle ONeill and Emma Little-Pengelly disagreed on a number of issues during their joint appearance at a Stormont committee (NI Assembly/PA)

Ms Sugden said she is concerned the Executive parties seem to disagree on everything.

She added: Yes, there are four political parties and yes, to an extent, each of them are talking to their base, but they have to recognise they all signed up for one government and that government exists to improve public services for everyone across Northern Ireland.

I think they maybe need to tone down this bad relationship.

The people out there arent stupid, on one hand they say they are doing this and we are on common ground, and the next they are disagreeing with each other.

I think if they are talking about communication they need to look to their own communication and how they present themselves as a government to the people of Northern Ireland.

The MLA also said she does not believe the Executive has delivered enough in terms of legislation.

She said: We havent really had any substantive legislation up to this point.

We have about 20 months until the next election, we would need to see an awful lot more in terms of actions, outcomes and legislation before they can say they are delivering, because right now it doesnt feel that they are.
President Donald Trump demanded NATO and the rest of the world follow his lead when it comes to handling Russia, penning a letter to the world in an early Saturday morning Truth Social post threatening Moscow with major sanctions.

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, the President wrote.

Trump has been slammed in the media for his

The president has received harsh criticism for his perceived weak stance towards Russia in the wake of Poland striking down Russian drones flying over NATO airspace.

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On Wednesday, President Trump responded to the incident by posting, Whats with Russia violating Polands airspace with drones? Here we go! to Truth Social.

Trump, 79, told reporters the following day he believed Russia might have flown drones over Poland by mistake. That theory was sharply rebuked by Polish leaders on social media.

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, Trump continued.

Turkey, Hungary, and Slovakia are among NATO members who import Russian oil.

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The President also cited one of his signature struggles in his post. He urged NATO to put 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.

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 concluded.

The Daily Beast has reached out to The White House for comment.

It is the second time this week the President has suggested steep tariffs on China from American allies will contribute to ending the war in Ukraine. He made a similar plea to the EU on Tuesday.

The President described the conflict in the Ukraine as Bidens and Zelenskyys WAR, referring to his predecessor, Joe Biden, and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He once again did not blame Vladimir Putin for the conflict, though it was Russia who invaded Ukraine in February of 2022.
Virginia Giuffre spoke publicly about being trafficked by Epstein while still a teenager (Crime+Investigation/PA)

The siblings of Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre have said Lord Peter Mandelson should never have been appointed UK ambassador to the US.

The Labour grandee was sacked on Thursday after emails were published showing he had sent supportive messages to Epstein, even as the paedophile faced jail for sex offences.

Ms Giuffre, who died in Western Australia in April aged 41, was one of the most outspoken accusers of convicted sex offenders Epstein and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell.

Her brother, Sky Roberts, and sister-in-law Amanda Roberts gave their first broadcast interview in the UK as they spoke on BBCs Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg.

Asked if Lord Mandelson should have been given the role in February, Mr Roberts said: Absolutely not. He should not have been given the position in the first place.

Ms Roberts said: Why does it take us to have to pull out the skeletons for people to be held accountable?

Lord Mandelson was sacked last week as the UKs ambassador to the US (PA)

Our governments have allowed these people to hold their status and their title without shame, and so part of me is like, we should have done something sooner. He should have never been given that title.

Ms Giuffre also sued the Duke of York for allegedly sexually assaulting her when she was 17 after she was trafficked by Epstein, which eventually led to Andrew paying millions of pounds to settle the case.

She alleged they trafficked her to the duke, with the duke denying the claim and saying they never met.

Andrew stepped down from public life after the furore over his friendship with the paedophile financier.

Ms Roberts said the royal family had not reached out to their family in any way following the settlement, and that she believes more revelations will come to light.

A memoir of Giuffres life, titled Nobodys Girl, is scheduled to be released in October.
The Conservative Party has written to Sir Keir Starmer demanding answers about what Downing Street knew about Lord Peter Mandelsons links to Jeffrey Epstein and when.

They also called for the Prime Minister to release documents relating to his appointment as ambassador to Washington and correspondence that shows how his Downing Street operation reacted when alerted to the emails obtained by Bloomberg without delay.

The Labour grandee was sacked on Thursday over emails that showed he sent supportive messages even as Epstein faced jail for sex offences.

The Prime Minister was asked to release any communication between officials and advisers as part of preparations for Prime Ministers Questions last week (James Manning/PA)

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch accused Sir Keir at the weekend of lying over what he knew and said he had very serious questions to answer.

She was referring to reporting that 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.

A Cabinet minister said No 10 had extracts of the emails on Tuesday.

Lord Mandelson was deemed worth the risk to appoint as ambassador after checks were carried out, Business Secretary Peter Kyle told broadcasters on Sunday.

Alex Burghart, the shadow chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster, has now written to the Prime Minister setting out a series of questions.

He said the scandal had exposed appalling judgment on the Prime Ministers part and accused him of avoiding scrutiny.

In the letter, he asked:

 Whether Sir Keir was aware of the existence of the emails and if he had been briefed on their contents before Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday.

 If he asked his staff before he appeared in the House of Commons what more information might surface, in relation to Lord Mandelsons interview with The Sun that morning where he said that a lot of traffic, correspondence between him and Epstein would surface.

 When Sir Keirs Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney spoke with Lord Mandelson during the week and what was discussed.

 Whether the Prime Minister would answer questions from the House of Commons and its committees and direct other officials to give evidence.

Mr Burghart also called on Sir Keir to publish documents, including details of vetting by the Cabinet Office and Mr McSweeney.

He urged the Prime Minister to release all correspondence between the Foreign Office, Downing Street, Lord Mandelson and the British Embassy in Washington relating to the cache of messages Bloomberg obtained.

Sir Keir was also asked to release any communication between officials and advisers as part of preparations for Prime Ministers Questions last week.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch accused Sir Keir of lying over what he knew and said he had very serious questions to answer (Chris Radburn/PA)

The Tories have said they will use every parliamentary mechanism available in the coming days to compel the release of files.

Mr Burghart said: This scandal has exposed the Prime Ministers appalling judgment. He ignored warnings about Peter Mandelsons relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, forced through his appointment, and is avoiding scrutiny about what he knew.

Keir Starmer must now publish the Mandelson/Epstein Files in full, and order his Chief of Staff and senior officials to face questioning.

While Putin violates Nato airspace and Britain prepares to host the president of the United States, we are saddled with a Prime Minister paralysed by scandal and incapable of leading our country.

Peter Mandelson should never have been appointed ambassador. It is time that someone took responsibility for this terrible decision.
A vehicle marked with messages written on its windows in tribute to Charlie Kirk (Lindsey Wasson/AP)

By Nicholas Riccardi and Josh Boak, Associated Press

By Nicholas Riccardi and Josh Boak, Associated Press

Investigators are not ready to discuss the motive behind the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in the US, a Utah governor has said.

But Spencer Cox said that the suspect had left-leaning political beliefs, disliked the conservative influencer and is being uncooperative in custody.

Clearly a leftist ideology, Mr Cox told NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday.

Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday (Lindsey Wasson/AP)

On CNNs State of the Union, he said: That information comes from the people around him, his family members and friends.

Mr Cox said Tyler Robinson, 22, is not cooperating and that friends paint a picture of someone radicalised in the dark corners of the internet.

Clearly there was a lot of gaming going on, Mr Cox said on NBC.

Friends have confirmed that there was kind of that deep, dark internet, the Reddit culture, and these other dark places of the internet where this person was going deep.

A Republican who has called on all partisans to tone down their rhetoric following the attack, the governor added: I really dont have a dog in this fight.

If this was a radicalised Maga person, Id be saying that as well.

Mr Cox stressed on several Sunday morning US news shows, however, that investigators are still trying to pin down a motive for the attack on Mr Kirk, a father of two and Trump confidant, who was killed on Wednesday while on one of his signature college speaking tours at Utah Valley University.

The governor said more information may come out once Robinson appears in court on Tuesday.

The governor said the suspects partner was transgender, which some politicians have pointed to as a sign Robinson was targeting Mr Kirk for his anti-trans views.

But authorities have not said whether it is relevant as they investigate Robinsons motive.

Tyler Robinson will face court for the first time this week (Utah Governors Office/AP)

The room mate was a romantic partner, a male transitioning to female, Mr Cox said.

I can say that he has been incredibly cooperative, this partner has been very cooperative, had no idea that this was happening.

Investigators have spoken to Robinsons relatives and carried out a search warrant at his familys home in Washington, about 240 miles (390 kilometres) south-west of Utah Valley University, where the shooting took place.

State records show Robinson is registered to vote but not affiliated with a political party and is listed as inactive, meaning he did not vote in the two most recent general elections.

His parents are registered Republicans.

Ammunition found with the weapon used to kill Mr Kirk was engraved with taunting, anti-fascist and meme-culture messages.

Court records show that one bullet casing had the message: Hey, fascist! Catch!

Robinson grew up around St George, in the south-western corner of Utah between Las Vegas and natural landmarks including Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.

He became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known widely as the Mormon church, at a young age, church spokesman Doug Andersen said.

Robinson has two younger brothers, and his parents have been married for about 25 years, according to social media posts.

A tribute to Charlie Kirk is shown on large screens at a sporting event (Wade Payne/AP)

Online activity by Robinsons mother reflects an active family that took vacations to Disneyland, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Alaska.

Like many in that part of Utah, 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 seen smiling as he grips the handles of a .50-caliber heavy machine gun.

A high school honour roll student who scored in the 99th percentile nationally on standardised 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 that was posted to a family members social media account.

But he attended for only one semester, according to the university.

He is currently enrolled as a third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship programme at Dixie Technical College in St George.

Meanwhile, Turning Point USA, Mr Kirks conservative organisation, will hold a memorial for him on September 21 at State Farm Stadium outside Phoenix, where the Arizona Cardinals play.

Mr Kirks casket arrived on Thursday in his home state aboard Air Force Two, accompanied by US vice president JD Vance.

His widow, Erika Kirk, vowed to continue his campus tour and his radio and podcast shows.

To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die, she said on Friday in a livestreamed video.

It wont. I refuse to let that happen.

Flowers, US flags and handwritten messages have been left at a makeshift memorial to Mr Kirk at Utah Valley Universitys main entrance.

The school has said there will be increased security when classes resume on September 17.
Banners wishing the Pope a happy 70th birthday were held up by worshippers in St Peters Square on Sunday (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

The Pope has marked his 70th birthday by thanking God, his parents and all those who prayed for him.

Leo saw giant Happy birthday banners, in English, Italian and Spanish, balloons and congratulatory signs held up by the faithful gathered in St Peters Square for his traditional noon blessing on Sunday.

Groups of Peruvians, including dancers in traditional attire, were out in force, a testament to the two decades the Pope spent in Peru as a missionary and a bishop.

My dears, it seems you know today I have turned 70, Leo said to cheers.

Leo waved to the faithful gathered in St Peters Square at the Vatican for the Angelus prayer on his 70th birthday (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

I thank the Lord, my parents and all those who remembered me in their prayers.

Many people in the square knew it was Leos birthday and wished him well, especially given the weight of responsibility he has taken on to run the Catholic Church.

Lorenzo Vecchio, a member of a Catholic university group in the square, said: He definitely needs a lot of support, because he has to carry on a pontificate during a particularly difficult period, both for geopolitical issues and certainly for internal matters.

We are certainly happy that he is a very young Pope.

Faithful from Peru display a banner wishing the Pope a happy 70th birthday (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

Celso Fernandez, a Rome resident originally from Leos former diocese in Chiclayo, Peru, recalled how Chiclayo faithful used to celebrate their former bishops birthday, which fell on the same day as a local religious celebration.

He said the then Robert Prevost would spend his birthday with locals to honour their feast day, and now we come to him for his birthday.

Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni issued a special greeting thanking Leo.

In a statement, she said Leos teachings provide reliable and solid guidance in extremely complex times, when certainties seem to waver and changes are as sudden as they are profound.

Leo will spend the afternoon of his birthday presiding over an ecumenical prayer service in honour of 21st century martyrs.

When he was elected last May at age 69, he became the youngest pope since 1978, when Karol Wojtyla was elected Pope John Paul II aged 58.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, and US secretary of state Marco Rubio visit the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in the Old City of Jerusalem (Ariel Schalit/AP)

US secretary of state Marco Rubio was in Israel on Sunday as its military intensified attacks on northern Gaza, flattening multiple high-rise building and killing at least 13 Palestinians.

Mr Rubio said before the trip that he would seek answers from Israeli officials about their view of a path forward in Gaza, following Israels attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar last week that upended efforts to broker an end to the conflict.

His two-day visit also represents a show of support for the increasingly isolated Israel as the United Nations holds what is expected to be a contentious debate next week on commitment to the creation of a Palestinian state.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, met with US secretary of state Marco Rubio on his arrival in Jerusalem (Ariel Schalit/AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly opposes the recognition of a Palestinian state.

Mr Rubios visit proceeded despite US President Donald Trumps anger at Mr Netanyahu over the Israeli strike in Doha, which he said the US was not notified of beforehand.

On Sunday, Mr Netanyahu, Mr Rubio and their wives, along with US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and his wife, toured the Western Wall and the excavated tunnels near it.

I think his (Mr Rubios) visit here is a testament to the durability, the strength of the Israeli-American alliance. Its as strong and as durable as the stones of the Western Wall we just touched, Mr Netanyahu said.

On Friday, Mr Rubio and Mr Trump met with Qatars prime minister about the fallout from the Israeli operation.

The back-to-back meetings with Israel and Qatar illustrate how the Trump administration is trying to balance relations between key Middle East allies despite widespread international condemnation of the attack.

The Doha attack, which killed at least six people, also appears to have ended attempts to secure an Israel-Hamas ceasefire and the release of hostages before the upcoming UN General Assembly session, at which the war in Gaza is expected to be a primary focus.

Meanwhile, Qatars prime minister denounced Israel as foreign ministers from Arab and Muslim nations met Sunday to discuss a possible unified response.

Satellite photo showing the compound targeted in an Israeli air strike in Doha, Qatar, last week (Planet Labs PBC/AP)

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who also serves as foreign minister, said Qatar remained committed to working with Egypt and the US to reach a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, but that Israels strike represented an attack on the principle of mediation itself.

 Deadly airstrikes mount

On Sunday, at least 13 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded in Israeli strikes across Gaza, according to local hospitals.

One strike on a tent in the city of Deir al-Balah killed at least six members of the same family.

Two parents, their three children and the childrens aunt were killed, according to Al-Aqsa Hospital.

The family was from the northern town of Beit Hanoun, and arrived in Deir al-Balah last week after fleeing a Gaza City shelter.

The Israeli military did not immediately comment.

Associated Press video showed what appeared to be thousands of people fleeing Gaza City on the seaside road to the south with their belongings packed on cars and lorries, even as smoke rose from an airstrike some distance away.

Israel has been warning residents to evacuate Gaza City as it expands its operation.

The Israeli military destroyed three high-rise buildings on Sunday after warning residents to evacuate.

One building, part of the Islamic University in Gaza City, was struck twice and flattened.

The Israeli military destroyed multiple high-rise buildings in Gaza on Sunday (Yousef Al Zanoun/AP)

Al-Shifa hospital reported casualties, but could not confirm how many, saying some bodies remain trapped inside.

Before the strikes, residents scrambled to pull out belongings, tossing mattresses from balconies and wheeling away items, including suitcases.

The military said Hamas had positioned observation points on the buildings to gather intelligence about troop movements and that militants were poised to strike Israeli troops, though it offered no evidence to support those claims.

This is part of the genocidal measures the (Israeli) occupation is carrying out in Gaza City, said Abed Ismail, a Gaza City resident.

They want to turn the whole city into rubble, and force the transfer and another Nakba.

The word Nakba is Arabic for catastrophe and refers to when around 700,000 Palestinians were expelled by Israeli forces or fled their homes in what is now Israel, before and during the 1948 war that surrounded its creation.

Israeli strongly denies accusations of genocide in Gaza.

 Starvation in Gaza

Separately, two Palestinian adults died of causes related to malnutrition and starvation in the Gaza Strip over the last 24 hours, the territorys Health Ministry reported on Sunday.

That has brought the death toll from malnutrition-related causes to 277 since late June, when the ministry started to count fatalities among this age category, while another 145 children died of malnutrition-related causes since the start of the war in October 2023, the ministry said.

The Israeli defence body overseeing humanitarian aid in Gaza said that more than 1,200 trucks carrying aid, primarily food, entered Gaza over the past week.

Aid workers say the aid that reaches Gaza is insufficient for the territorys enormous needs.

Much of it is also looted before it can reach Palestinians in desperate need.
Gerry Adams commended Mary McAleese from the stage but he didn't know what she was saying about him in private

Much of the magic of the office of Irish president lies in mystique as to who someone really is and what they really think

Gerry Adams, Mary McAleese and her husband Martin (Photo by Paul Faith/PA Images via Getty Images)

Sam McBride Sun 14 Sep 2025 at 08:00

When Mary McAleese stepped down as Irish president in 2011, Gerry Adams commended her from the stage of the Sinn Fein ard fheis. Had he known what McAleese was saying about him in private, he might have felt very differently.
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.
PITTSFIELD  The Berkshire Carousel is galloping towards a spooky October finale.

Upcoming fall events and themed days Oct. 4: Pumpkins and Ponies* Oct. 11: Hackney Pony Day Oct. 18: Mini Meet and Greet Oct. 23: Berkshire Eagle Trunk or Treat* (special hours: 5-7 p.m.) Oct. 25: Closing Day* *Denotes free ride days.

The carousel, which reopened this year after a seven-year hiatus, will wrap up its regular service on Oct. 25, according to carousel coordinator Janet Crawford. It will cap off three days of consecutive events for the carousel's staff, starting with a free ride day sponsored by The Eagle on Oct. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m., in tandem with The Eagle's trunk or treat. It will also participate in the Pittsfield Halloween Parade on Oct. 24 but will not be open during it.

Looking ahead, the carousel will host myriad free ride days in October, the first of which is on Oct. 4 and is sponsored by the Hackney Foundation. It will feature giveaways of free coloring books. Throughout September, Guido's Fresh Marketplace is also providing free cider doughnuts with the purchase of a ride ticket, which cost $2.

After its regular weekend service ends, the carousel will open for a special event on Thanksgiving weekend as well as select days in December.

"All of those involved in the carousel are really pleased [with] this season and learning what works best," carousel founder Jim Shulman said. This year, the carousel has tried several new initiatives to bolster ridership, including sponsored free days  which cost about $500  a passport program and a gift shop. It also has a new patio area with children's games.

The free days have drawn noticeably higher attendance. According to Crawford, the carousel sees between 200 and 300 riders a day during its normal days of operation. However, that total can more than double during its free days  on Aug. 2 and Aug. 24, it saw peaks of 591 and 710, respectively.

Crawford said the carousel is breaking even thanks to the free ride days and a $15,000 grant from the Virginia and Harvey Kimmel Family Foundation, which they matched with fundraising, though she did not share additional financial data with The Eagle. She noted that the carousel faced unique expenses this first season back, including bringing the building up to code and securing operating permits. Any money the carousel makes will be reinvested into it.

So far this year, the carousel has had about 6,000 riders, which Shulman said is consistent with its second season in 2017. Its first season in 2016 drew roughly 27,000 visitors, including 5,000 on opening weekend  a celebration of more than a decade of work that went into building it.

Shulman noted that the carousel originally operated seven days a week with longer weekend hours, which likely contributed to its higher first-season attendance. This year, it opened on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 5 p.m.

Carousel comeback

In 2018, the carousel spun to a halt and was in service for only one weekend. The declining health of its executive director, Maria Caccaviello, prevented her from promoting the carousel, Shulman said, and forced her to step aside. After an extended battle with cancer, Caccaviello died in 2020.

In the years that followed, the carousel remained shuttered. Shulman offered to turn it over to the city in 2024, but later withdrew the offer when Crawford led a new group that took the reins this year.

About a decade prior, Crawford helped create the carousel and designed two of its horses. She said it was "heartbreaking" that it was collecting dust as the city debated Shulman's proposal.

"[It seemed] like it was not going to happen this year," Crawford told The Eagle in May. But that changed once Crawford recruited an enthusiastic group of new volunteers  over 20 of whom signed up through Pittsfield's Retired Senior Volunteer Program  and it welcomed riders back for the first time in seven years in June.

"The key to our success has been an outstanding group of volunteers," Crawford said. "They truly enjoy spending time with our loyal regular riders and meeting new friends. Thanks to their dedication of time and a great group effort, we've had a successful season."

Crawford and Shulman noticed that criticism of the carousel's Center Street location has tapered off, replaced by excitement for what's next for it.

"Our outstanding neighbors have proven that a location is what you make of it," Crawford said. "With the support of the community, we'll continue to improve our space and make children happy."

Upcoming fall events and themed days

Oct. 4: Pumpkins and Ponies*

Oct. 11: Hackney Pony Day

Oct. 18: Mini Meet and Greet

Oct. 23: Berkshire Eagle Trunk or Treat* (special hours: 5-7 p.m.)

Oct. 25: Closing Day*

*Denotes free ride days.
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Punk performers Bob Vylan appear to have mocked the killing of Charlie Kirk in a performance in Amsterdam.

A member of the outspoken duo, who caused controversy when they chanted for the death of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) at Glastonbury Festival, told the audience if you chat shit you will get banged in videos widely shared on social media.

During their performance at the Netherlands Club Paradiso, frontman Bobby Vylan, whose real name is reportedly Pascal Robinson-Foster, told fans: I want to dedicate this next one to an absolute piece of shit of a human being.

Bob Vylan performing on the West Holts Stage, during the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Somerset. Glastonbury Festival (Yui Mok/PA)

The pronouns was/were. Cause if you chat shit you will get banged. Rest in peace Charlie Kirk, you piece of shit.

Kirk, who was a prominent political commentator in the US and ally of president Donald Trump, was shot and killed at a Utah Valley University event on Wednesday, in what authorities called a political assassination.

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Hundreds of people attended a vigil for Mr Kirk in central London on Saturday with speakers hailing him as a Christian martyr and calling for people to wage a war on evil.

In a statement on its website, Club Paradiso said: On Saturday September 13, during his performance at Paradiso, artist Bob Vylan made statements that many experienced as harsh and offensive.

Paradiso believes in the power of artistic freedom. Music, and punk in particular, has traditionally been a form of art that amplifies anger, discontent, and injustice without filter.

In a world on fire, artists sometimes choose language that sounds confrontational or violent. That is part of artistic expression, but not automatically language that we as a venue endorse.

A memorial for Turning Point USA chief executive and co-founder Charlie Kirk is seen at Utah Valley University (Lindsey Wasson/AP photo)

Paradiso shares the outrage and concern regarding the genocidal violence taking place in Gaza.

That Bob Vylan raises his voice against it is legitimate and necessary. Should the Openbaar Ministerie (public prosecution service) wish to investigate whether any criminal offences have been committed, Paradiso will cooperate.

The duo, who blend elements of punk with rap, hip-hop and grime, have upcoming gigs in the Netherlands at Doornroosje, on September 15th, and 013, on September 16th.

A translated statement on the 013 website said: We do not accept that an act like Bob Vylan, an outspoken punk-rap duo with a long history of political activism, is threatened with cancellation because of words born of outrage over a humanitarian disaster.

It added: Were not alone in this: Paradiso and Doornroosje have also confirmed their decision to programme Bob Vylan. The threats made against Paradiso demonstrate how vulnerable the space for artistic expression can be. Intimidation should never determine who gets to perform on stage.

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A translated statement on the Doornroosje website added: Bob Vylan plays at Doornroosje because hes an act that fits within our programming. The band has previously been booked for Doornroosje and played at the Valkhof Festival.

Following Bobby Vylans comments about the IDF at Glastonbury in June, Avon and Somerset Police launched an investigation.

Earlier in the month, BBC director general Tim Davie said the corporations decision to broadcast Bob Vylans set live was a very significant mistake.

While facing questions from MPs on the UK Culture, Media and Sport Committee on Tuesday, Davie said the punk duos set was antisemitic and deeply disturbing.

The corporation issued an apology after the Bob Vylan set at Glastonbury, saying: We deeply regret that such offensive and deplorable behaviour appeared on the BBC and want to apologise to our viewers and listeners and in particular the Jewish community.

Bobby Vylan said in a social media post that there was nothing antisemitic or criminal about anything I said at Glastonbury.
Woody Allen said Jeffrey Epstein couldnt have been nicer when he was invited to a series of dinners at the home of the paedophile financier.

The director said he had not met Epstein before he was among the guests at a dinner in December 2010, which also included Britain's Prince Andrew.

Allen (89) told The Sunday Times he and his wife Soon-Yi Previn had been invited by a publicist to the dinner with one of those British royals and other guests.

Epstein had just finished a prison term for soliciting an underage girl for prostitution.

Woody Allen and his wife Soon-Yi (PA)

We didnt know Jeffrey at all then, but we see all these people there and they all embraced him, so we figured, OK, hes a substantial character, said Allen.

He told us hed been in jail and that he had been falsely put in jail in some way.

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He told us he was trying to make up for it now by being philanthropic and giving money to cutting-edge scientists and universities. He couldnt have been nicer.

Allen said his wife, the adopted daughter of his ex-wife Mia Farrow and her previous husband Andre Previn, had wanted to meet the duke.

She told The Sunday Times she could not stand Andrew, describing him as such a dullard.

Allen said he and Soon-Yi became regular guests at Epsteins house, where there was always a table of illustrious people.

We never, ever, saw Jeffrey with underage girls. He always had a girlfriend but never an underage girlfriend, he said.

He said Epsteins former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year term for sex trafficking, was not at any of the dinner parties.

Epstein was found dead in his cell in a New York prison in 2019 after being arrested on sex trafficking charges.

Prince Andrew stepped down from public life after the furore over his friendship with the paedophile financier, and paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case with Virginia Giuffre, a woman he claimed never to have met.
The events of Bloody Sunday unfolded after days of mounting tensions in Co Derry.

A week before the fatal shootings, soldiers had fired plastic bullets and CS gas at protesters at a banned civil rights demonstration on Magilligan Strand near Derry.

Four days later, two Royal Ulster Constabulary officers  Constable David Montgomery, 20, and Sergeant Peter Gilgunn, 26  were shot dead by republicans in the nationalist Creggan area of the city.

The young men were the first policemen killed in Derry during the Troubles.

While the mood in the city was tense when the morning of January 30th arrived, few could have predicted the bloodshed that followed.

It was just after lunchtime when demonstrators started assembling on the Creggan estate for the latest Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (Nicra) protest march, an event outlawed by a Stormont ban on large public assemblies and processions.

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This time the destination was the citys Guildhall.

The Bloody Sunday Commemoration mural in Derry depicts the death of Jackie Duddy (PA)

 2.50pm:

Due to get under way at 2pm, the start is delayed by 50 minutes to accommodate the steady stream of late arrivals.

Marchers leave Creggan Drive and set off for the city centre, with hundreds joining in at almost every turn.

 3.25pm:

The march passes the Bogside Inn bar and continues on to William Street.

Estimates of the size of demonstration at this point vary. Organisers claimed up to 20,000 people were involved, while the authorities put it at a more conservative 3,000 to 5,000.

 3.45pm:

With the British Army having erected barricades blocking the way to the Guildhall, the main body of the march turns left on to Rossville Street towards the revised rallying point at the famous Free Derry corner at the entrance to the nationalist Bogside estate.

A number break off and continue down William Street to confront soldiers at a barricade. Some rioting ensues.

Minor clashes between stone-throwers and security forces at this junction were commonplace, with locals dubbing the area aggro corner.

 3.55pm:

Before the main shooting incident, and at a location away from both the riot and march, two soldiers in a derelict building on William Street fire a number of rounds after claiming they had come under attack.

An Official IRA member is believed to have fired at the building during this incident.

Two men are injured when the soldiers opened fire.

One of them, 59-year-old John Johnston, dies four months later.

Campaigners have long acknowledged him as the 14th victim of Bloody Sunday.

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However, the Bloody Sunday inquiry said the wounds he sustained on the day did not contribute to his death, noting he had an inoperable brain tumour.

A mural on the side of a house in Derry depicts the 13 who were killed on Bloody Sunday and John Johnston who died four months later (PA)

 3.56pm:

Rioters disperse from William Street after the Army deploys water cannons.

Paratroopers request permission to commence an arrest operation on those who had fled down Chamberlain Street and Rossville Street.

 4.07pm:

A company of paratroopers, led by Major Ted Loden, is given an order to start arresting any remaining rioters in William Street. But they are told not to engage in a running battle down Rossville Street.

 4.10pm:

The soldiers open fire on people in the area of Rossville Flats.

Where the victims were shot:

 Car park of Rossville Flats: Jackie Duddy.

 Forecourt on the other side of the flats: Pat Doherty, Barney McGuigan.

 Rubble barricade in Rossville Street beside the flats: Hugh Gilmour, Kevin McElhinney, Michael Kelly, John Young, William Nash and Michael McDaid.

 Glenfada Park on other side of Rossville Street: James Wray, Gerald Donaghey, Gerald McKinney and William McKinney (not related).

 4.40pm:

The shooting ends.

As well as the 13 fatalities, 15 other people are wounded.

More than 20 soldiers fired in the incident, expending 108 rounds in total.

The Army claimed it came under fire in the Rossville Flats area, allegedly from the Provisional IRA.

Eyewitnesses insisted none of the dead were armed.
Former UFC champion Conor McGregor will face a time problem on Friday if he addresses two local authorities on Friday afternoon which are more than 50km apart in a bid to be backed in the presidential election.

The Independent candidate is set to address Waterford City and County Council from 2pm onwards along with another 15 hopefuls.

McGregor is number nine of the list to be heard, with each candidate afforded five minutes to present their case to councillors followed by 10 minutes of questions.

At 3.30pm, Wexford County Council is expected to begin hearing presentations with McGregor 13th on the list of 18 candidates to be heard. Each candidate will have the same protocols to follow as with Waterford council.

Candidates must secure the support of four county councils in order to have their name on the ballot paper for the presidency. And at the September meeting of WCC councillors expressed their desire to hear the candidates.

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Among the other candidates to be heard in both Waterford and Wexford councils are Independents Gareth Sheridan, Dolores Cahill and Peter Casey.

The metropolitan district mayor, Fianna Fails Adam Wyse, said that he does not expect Mr McGregor to turn up as he is supposed to attend Wexford council too.

Cllr Wyse added: It remains unclear if a video link presentation will be allowed and if that happens Mr McGregor does opt for that option then he is pretty cowardly. If he does turn up some councillors have indicated that they will walk out in protest.

Cllr Wyse noted that he believes Mr McGregor is not a serious candidate.

His record is one of violence, vulgarity and vanity, and the very idea of him as president is an insult to the Irish people.

Cllr Wyse pointed out that the presidency is meant to embody dignity, compassion and respect.

McGregor offers only chaos, controversy and a circus. Allowing him to use our chamber as a platform would be a mistake. I am calling on my fellow councillors to join me in refusing him a hearing, he said.

On Monday night McGregor is to address Dublin City Council with several female councillors across all parties indicating that they will also walk out in protest according to one former Lord Mayor.

Laois County Council is also due to hear from presidential candidates on Monday afternoon but it remains unclear if McGregor will be one of those making a presentation.

Carlow County Council is to hold a special meeting this Friday, with only one candidate securing the backing of two councillors which is Gareth Sheridan. Seven submissions had been received by the councils deadline. McGregor had made contact after the deadline of Friday, September 5th.
An EU resolution on Gaza is a "positive step" but "disappointing, particularly on stronger language in describing what is happening in Gaza as a genocide", according to an Irish MEP.

There was much debate in the European Parliament this week before the resolution passed with 305 votes in favour, 151 against, and 122 abstentions.

The resolution pledged to "combat famine" in Gaza, but left out stronger language on Israel's actions.

In an interview with BreakingNews.ie, Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh said: "I welcome the fact that the Parliament passed a resolution on the atrocities in Gaza. Sadly some in the Parliament feel Israel has a right to defend itself by committing the atrocities we are seeing.

"Ultimately it passed, a couple of things fell through which I was really disappointed with, particularly on stronger language in describing what is happening in Gaza as a genocide. It falls short in that way... Ireland and a couple of countries are leading the way in bringing a humanitarian approach to what is happening in Gaza to the EU.

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"Stronger wording and more action is needed."

'Man-made famine'

Ms Walsh said "this is a man-made famine", and added: "I wish that was reflected in the resolution, but we're one step closer to having a united voice on this in the Parliament.

"In committees we often say we need to see the data to understand issues, but there's more data coming out of what's happening in Gaza than you can imagine, we're seeing it before our own eyes.

"Numerous colleagues have told me the Irish people are being so strong on their stance on Gaza, bringing it to the fore, as an Irish representative I'm trying to support that."

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has been criticised for the EU's approach to Gaza, but Ms Walsh said she was pleasently surprised with the president's tougher stance on Israel in her State of the Union speech.

"Like many of my colleagues, I was surprised at the strength in language. The president laid out what needs to happen, it was very important that she recognised this is a man-made famine, and went on to acknowledge the inability to agree on action and the pain that is causing people. This was something we'd never heard from the president of the Commission, or many of the prime ministers in the EU 27. Sometimes we forgot Ireland is an outlier on this, in a positive way. Many of my colleagues in my own grouping were disappointed in the language from the president of the Commission, I certainly was not one of them.

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EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen gives her annual State of the Union address during a plenary session at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France, on September 10th, 2025. Photo: AFP via Getty Images

"She had very clear lines on her proposals on sanctions on extremist ministers, I only wish she included the name of prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The proposal for partial suspension of trade on the EU-Israel association agreement... these proposals to go before the European Council are a hell of a lot further than I thought she would go.

"We need to continue to lobby the Commission to bring urgency on these proposals. Now prime ministers need to deal with this at the speed at which Palestinians and everyone in the Middle East deserves."

She said the role of MEPs, national and local politicians is now to work to further these proposals.

This is an unimaginable humanitarian crisis, and the genocide Benjamin Netanyahu and his extremist ministers are creating is killing innocent people.

"To make it very clear to Irish people reading this, it's not just the Commission making the proposals happen. They will be put forward to the EU Council and we need to work across the 27 member states to make sure they agree across this so we can move forward.

"This needs to be actioned across all major capitals across the EU. We need pressure on it from MEPs, national representatives, local representatives, we need unity on a European level.

"The resolution was a promising step but there wasn't strong enough language in declaring a genocide in Gaza as there should have been. There is a lot of work we have to do in the European Parliament on this.

"This is an unimaginable humanitarian crisis, and the genocide Benjamin Netanyahu and his extremist ministers are creating is killing innocent people."

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She added: "Constituents sometimes say we are too silent, so I constantly try to echo what is the Irish position on this.

"Following up after the State of the Union, with the backdrop of Israel's bomb in Doha, multiple examples of Israel breaking international law, president Donald Trump changing his language on Israel following the Qatar bomb attack, all of that creates further pressure.

"But listen, the time to act was two years ago, so urgency is needed, and that's where the pressure continues to come in."
A war of words between Sinn Fein and the DUP is unsettling the Northern Ireland powersharing Executive, a former Stormont minister has said.

Independent MLA Claire Sugden called on the Executive parties to tone down their public rows and concentrate on delivery.

The Northern Ireland Assembly returned on Monday from its summer recess and ministers quickly became embroiled in a series of disagreements.

DUP deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said on Monday she would be showing leadership by attending a banquet during the upcoming state visit by US president Donald Trump, while also telling MLAs that Sinn Fein First Minister Michelle ONeill would not join the event.

Independent unionist MLA Claire Sugden expressed concerns about relations between Stormont ministers (Liam McBurney/PA)

DUP Education Minister Paul Givan also faced criticism after he said he had ordered the removal of transgender guidance from the website of Northern Irelands Education Authority.

On Tuesday, DUP leader Gavin Robinson and Ms ONeill had a public row after the British army withdrew from a jobs fair in Derry following objections from some councillors.

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Mr Robinson said he did not believe Ms ONeill was a First Minister for all, while the Sinn Fein vice-president told him to butt out.

On Wednesday, Ms ONeill and Ms Little-Pengelly appeared together before their Stormont scrutiny committee where there were sharp exchanges with a number of MLAs.

While the pair insisted the Executive is delivering on its objectives, they also disagreed on several issues.

On Thursday, a High Court judge urged the Northern Ireland Executive to resolve a row over Irish language signs at Belfasts Grand Central Station, warning it is seen as a laughing stock.

I would have a concern that the war of words on various issues is unsettling the Executive. Claire Sugden

Former justice minister Claire Sugden told the BBC Sunday Politics programme the First and deputy First Minister had given polar opposite views on a number of issues when they had appeared before committee.

She said: I suppose to me that points to an instability within the Executive.

Ultimately, if we are about delivering, we have to ensure we implement all of these things that they say they are trying to do.

I would have a concern that the war of words on various issues is unsettling the Executive.

I asked for a commitment we would see the end of this mandate out so that we can push through these policies that we are so keen to highlight and we can do more in relation to people on the ground.

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A lot of these strategies, a lot of this work, is quite high level and it probably will take a number of years before it realistically filters through to the people on the ground.

Michelle ONeill and Emma Little-Pengelly disagreed on a number of issues during their joint appearance at a Stormont committee (NI Assembly/PA)

Ms Sugden said she is concerned the Executive parties seem to disagree on everything.

She added: Yes, there are four political parties and yes, to an extent, each of them are talking to their base, but they have to recognise they all signed up for one government and that government exists to improve public services for everyone across Northern Ireland.

I think they maybe need to tone down this bad relationship.

The people out there arent stupid, on one hand they say they are doing this and we are on common ground, and the next they are disagreeing with each other.

I think if they are talking about communication they need to look to their own communication and how they present themselves as a government to the people of Northern Ireland.

The MLA also said she does not believe the Executive has delivered enough in terms of legislation.

She said: We havent really had any substantive legislation up to this point.

We have about 20 months until the next election, we would need to see an awful lot more in terms of actions, outcomes and legislation before they can say they are delivering, because right now it doesnt feel that they are.
Palestinian Oscar-winning director Basel Adra has said Israeli soldiers conducted a raid at his home in the occupied West Bank, searching for him and going through his wifes phone.

He said Israeli settlers had attacked his village, injuring two of his brothers and one cousin, and he accompanied them to hospital.

While there, he said he heard from family in the village that nine Israeli soldiers had stormed his home.

The soldiers asked his wife, Suha, for his whereabouts and went through her phone while his nine-month-old daughter was at home. They also briefly detained one of his uncles, he said.

Adra said he spent the night outside the village, unable to get home and check on his family because soldiers were blocking the village entrance and he was scared of being detained.

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Israels military said soldiers were in the village after Palestinians had thrown rocks, injuring two Israeli civilians. It said its forces were still in the village, searching the area and questioning people.

Adra said settlers attacked the Palestinians on their land and denied throwing rocks or seeing anyone from the village do so.

Basel Adra said two of his brothers and a cousin were injured in an earlier attack by Israeli settlers (Leo Correa/AP)

Videos filmed by Adras cousin and viewed by the Associated Press showed settlers attacking a man Adra identified as his brother Adam, who was taken to hospital with bruising to his left hand, elbow and chest.

In another video, a settler chases a solidarity activist through an olive grove, tackling her to the ground.

Adra has spent his career as a journalist and filmmaker chronicling settler violence in Masafer Yatta, the southern reaches of the West Bank where he was born.

After settlers attacked his co-director, Hamdan Ballal, in March, he told the AP he felt they were being targeted more intensely since winning the Oscar this year.

He described Saturdays events as horrific.

He said: Even if you are just filming the settlers, the army comes and chases you, searches your house. The whole system is built to attack us, to terrify us, to make us very scared.

Another co-director, Yuval Abraham, said he was terrified for Basel.

He added: What happened today in his village, weve seen this dynamic again and again, where the Israeli settlers brutally attack a Palestinian village and later on the army comes, and attacks the Palestinians.

No Other Land, which won an Oscar this year for best documentary, depicts the struggle by residents of the Masafer Yatta area to stop the Israeli military from demolishing their villages. Ballal and Adra made the joint Palestinian-Israeli production with Israeli directors Abraham and Rachel Szor.

The film has won a string of international awards, starting at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2024. It has also drawn ire in Israel and abroad.
US secretary of state Marco Rubio was in Israel on Sunday as its military intensified attacks on northern Gaza, flattening multiple high-rise building and killing at least 13 Palestinians.

Mr Rubio said before the trip that he would seek answers from Israeli officials about their view of a path forward in Gaza, following Israels attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar last week that upended efforts to broker an end to the conflict.

His two-day visit also represents a show of support for the increasingly isolated Israel as the United Nations holds what is expected to be a contentious debate next week on commitment to the creation of a Palestinian state.



Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, met with US secretary of state Marco Rubio on his arrival in Jerusalem (Ariel Schalit/AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly opposes the recognition of a Palestinian state.

Mr Rubios visit proceeded despite US President Donald Trumps anger at Mr Netanyahu over the Israeli strike in Doha, which he said the US was not notified of beforehand.

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On Sunday, Mr Netanyahu, Mr Rubio and their wives, along with US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and his wife, toured the Western Wall and the excavated tunnels near it.

I think his (Mr Rubios) visit here is a testament to the durability, the strength of the Israeli-American alliance. Its as strong and as durable as the stones of the Western Wall we just touched, Mr Netanyahu said.

On Friday, Mr Rubio and Mr Trump met with Qatars prime minister about the fallout from the Israeli operation.

The back-to-back meetings with Israel and Qatar illustrate how the Trump administration is trying to balance relations between key Middle East allies despite widespread international condemnation of the attack.

The Doha attack, which killed at least six people, also appears to have ended attempts to secure an Israel-Hamas ceasefire and the release of hostages before the upcoming UN General Assembly session, at which the war in Gaza is expected to be a primary focus.

Meanwhile, Qatars prime minister denounced Israel as foreign ministers from Arab and Muslim nations met Sunday to discuss a possible unified response.



Satellite photo showing the compound targeted in an Israeli air strike in Doha, Qatar, last week (Planet Labs PBC/AP)

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who also serves as foreign minister, said Qatar remained committed to working with Egypt and the US to reach a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, but that Israels strike represented an attack on the principle of mediation itself.

 Deadly airstrikes mount

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On Sunday, at least 13 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded in Israeli strikes across Gaza, according to local hospitals.

One strike on a tent in the city of Deir al-Balah killed at least six members of the same family.

Two parents, their three children and the childrens aunt were killed, according to Al-Aqsa Hospital.

The family was from the northern town of Beit Hanoun, and arrived in Deir al-Balah last week after fleeing a Gaza City shelter.

The Israeli military did not immediately comment.

Associated Press video showed what appeared to be thousands of people fleeing Gaza City on the seaside road to the south with their belongings packed on cars and lorries, even as smoke rose from an airstrike some distance away.

Israel has been warning residents to evacuate Gaza City as it expands its operation.

The Israeli military destroyed three high-rise buildings on Sunday after warning residents to evacuate.

One building, part of the Islamic University in Gaza City, was struck twice and flattened.



The Israeli military destroyed multiple high-rise buildings in Gaza on Sunday (Yousef Al Zanoun/AP)

Al-Shifa hospital reported casualties, but could not confirm how many, saying some bodies remain trapped inside.

Before the strikes, residents scrambled to pull out belongings, tossing mattresses from balconies and wheeling away items, including suitcases.

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The military said Hamas had positioned observation points on the buildings to gather intelligence about troop movements and that militants were poised to strike Israeli troops, though it offered no evidence to support those claims.

This is part of the genocidal measures the (Israeli) occupation is carrying out in Gaza City, said Abed Ismail, a Gaza City resident.

They want to turn the whole city into rubble, and force the transfer and another Nakba.

The word Nakba is Arabic for catastrophe and refers to when around 700,000 Palestinians were expelled by Israeli forces or fled their homes in what is now Israel, before and during the 1948 war that surrounded its creation.

Israeli strongly denies accusations of genocide in Gaza.

 Starvation in Gaza

Separately, two Palestinian adults died of causes related to malnutrition and starvation in the Gaza Strip over the last 24 hours, the territorys Health Ministry reported on Sunday.

That has brought the death toll from malnutrition-related causes to 277 since late June, when the ministry started to count fatalities among this age category, while another 145 children died of malnutrition-related causes since the start of the war in October 2023, the ministry said.

The Israeli defence body overseeing humanitarian aid in Gaza said that more than 1,200 trucks carrying aid, primarily food, entered Gaza over the past week.

Aid workers say the aid that reaches Gaza is insufficient for the territorys enormous needs.

Much of it is also looted before it can reach Palestinians in desperate need.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says he will be seeking answers from Israeli officials about how they see the way forward in Gaza following Israels attack on Hamas operatives in Qatar that has upended efforts to broker an end to the conflict.

Speaking before leaving for Israel, Mr Rubio said President Donald Trump remains unhappy with the Israeli strike but that it does not shake US support for Israel.

Were going to talk about what the future holds, and Im going to get a much better understanding of what their plans are moving forward, Mr Rubio said.



US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to the press before departing for Israel (Nathan Howard/pool/AP)

Obviously were not happy about it. The president was not happy about it. Now we need to move forward and figure out what comes next.

Mr Rubio and Mr Trump met on Friday with Qatars prime minister to discuss the fallout from the Israeli operation, in a demonstration of how the Trump administration is trying to balance relations between key Middle East allies days after Israel targeted Hamas leaders in a strike on Doha.

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The attack has drawn widespread international condemnation and appears to have ended attempts to secure an Israel-Hamas ceasefire and the release of hostages ahead of the upcoming UN General Assembly session at which the Gaza war is expected to be a primary focus.

Mr Trump wants Hamas defeated, he wants the war to end, he wants all 48 hostages home, including those that are deceased, and he wants it all at once, he said.



Satellite photo showing the compound targeted in an Israeli airstrike in Doha, Qatar, last week (Planet Labs PBC/AP)

Well have to discuss about how the events last week had an impact on the ability to achieve that in short order, he added.

Mr Rubio will have meetings in Jerusalem on Sunday and Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others.

His visit is a show of support for the increasingly isolated country before the United Nations holds what is likely to be a contentious debate on the creation of a Palestinian state, which Mr Netanyahu opposes.

The Trump administration is walking a delicate line between two major allies after Israel took its fight with Hamas to the Qatari capital, where leaders of the militant group had gathered to consider a US proposal for a ceasefire in the nearly two-year war in Gaza.

Qatar is a key mediator, and while its leaders have vowed to press forward, the next steps are uncertain for a long-sought deal to halt the fighting and release hostages taken from Israel.
The Conservative Party has written to Sir Keir Starmer demanding answers about what Downing Street knew about Peter Mandelsons links to Jeffrey Epstein and when.

They also called for the UK prime minister to release documents relating to his appointment as ambassador to Washington and correspondence that shows how his Downing Street operation reacted when alerted to the emails obtained by Bloomberg without delay.

The Labour grandee was sacked on Thursday over emails that showed he sent supportive messages even as Epstein faced jail for sex offences.

The UK prime minister was asked to release any communication between officials and advisers as part of preparations for Prime Ministers Questions last week (James Manning/PA)

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch accused Mr Starmer at the weekend of lying over what he knew and said he had very serious questions to answer.

She was referring to reporting that Downing Street was aware of the emails on Tuesday, two days before Mandelson was removed from his post and a day before Mr Starmer backed him at Prime Ministers Questions.

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A UK Cabinet minister said No 10 had extracts of the emails on Tuesday.

Mandelson was deemed worth the risk to appoint as ambassador after checks were carried out, UK business secretary Peter Kyle told broadcasters on Sunday.

Alex Burghart, the shadow chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster, has now written to the UK prime minister setting out a series of questions.

Peter Mandelson should never have been appointed ambassador. It is time that someone took responsibility for this terrible decision Alex Burghart, shadow chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster

He said the scandal had exposed appalling judgment on the Prime Ministers part and accused him of avoiding scrutiny.

In the letter, he asked:

 Whether Mr Starmer was aware of the existence of the emails and if he had been briefed on their contents before Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday.

 If he asked his staff before he appeared in the House of Commons what more information might surface, in relation to Mandelsons interview with The Sun that morning where he said that a lot of traffic, correspondence between him and Epstein would surface.

 When Mr Starmer's chief of staff Morgan McSweeney spoke with Mandelson during the week and what was discussed.

 Whether the prime minister would answer questions from the House of Commons and its committees and direct other officials to give evidence.

Mr Burghart also called on Mr Starmer to publish documents, including details of vetting by the Cabinet Office and Mr McSweeney.

He urged the prime minister to release all correspondence between the Foreign Office, Downing Street, Mandelson and the British Embassy in Washington relating to the cache of messages Bloomberg obtained.

Mr Starmer was also asked to release any communication between officials and advisers as part of preparations for Prime Ministers Questions last week.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch accused Mr Starmer of lying over what he knew and said he had very serious questions to answer (Chris Radburn/PA)

The Tories have said they will use every parliamentary mechanism available in the coming days to compel the release of files.

Mr Burghart said: This scandal has exposed the Prime Ministers appalling judgment. He ignored warnings about Peter Mandelsons relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, forced through his appointment, and is avoiding scrutiny about what he knew.

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Keir Starmer must now publish the Mandelson/Epstein Files in full, and order his Chief of Staff and senior officials to face questioning.

While Putin violates Nato airspace and Britain prepares to host the president of the United States, we are saddled with a Prime Minister paralysed by scandal and incapable of leading our country.

Peter Mandelson should never have been appointed ambassador. It is time that someone took responsibility for this terrible decision.
Investigators are not ready to discuss the motive behind the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in the US, a Utah governor has said.

But Spencer Cox said that the suspect had left-leaning political beliefs, disliked the conservative influencer and is being uncooperative in custody.

Clearly a leftist ideology, Mr Cox told NBCs Meet the Press on Sunday.



Charlie Kirk was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday (Lindsey Wasson/AP)

On CNNs State of the Union, he said: That information comes from the people around him, his family members and friends.

Mr Cox said Tyler Robinson, 22, is not cooperating and that friends paint a picture of someone radicalised in the dark corners of the internet.

Clearly there was a lot of gaming going on, Mr Cox said on NBC.

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Friends have confirmed that there was kind of that deep, dark internet, the Reddit culture, and these other dark places of the internet where this person was going deep.

A Republican who has called on all partisans to tone down their rhetoric following the attack, the governor added: I really dont have a dog in this fight.

If this was a radicalised Maga person, Id be saying that as well.

Mr Cox stressed on several Sunday morning US news shows, however, that investigators are still trying to pin down a motive for the attack on Mr Kirk, a father of two and Trump confidant, who was killed on Wednesday while on one of his signature college speaking tours at Utah Valley University.

The governor said more information may come out once Robinson appears in court on Tuesday.

The governor said the suspects partner was transgender, which some politicians have pointed to as a sign Robinson was targeting Mr Kirk for his anti-trans views.

But authorities have not said whether it is relevant as they investigate Robinsons motive.



Tyler Robinson will face court for the first time this week (Utah Governors Office/AP)

The room mate was a romantic partner, a male transitioning to female, Mr Cox said.

I can say that he has been incredibly cooperative, this partner has been very cooperative, had no idea that this was happening.

Investigators have spoken to Robinsons relatives and carried out a search warrant at his familys home in Washington, about 240 miles (390 kilometres) south-west of Utah Valley University, where the shooting took place.

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State records show Robinson is registered to vote but not affiliated with a political party and is listed as inactive, meaning he did not vote in the two most recent general elections.

His parents are registered Republicans.

Ammunition found with the weapon used to kill Mr Kirk was engraved with taunting, anti-fascist and meme-culture messages.

Court records show that one bullet casing had the message: Hey, fascist! Catch!

Robinson grew up around St George, in the south-western corner of Utah between Las Vegas and natural landmarks including Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.

He became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known widely as the Mormon church, at a young age, church spokesman Doug Andersen said.

Robinson has two younger brothers, and his parents have been married for about 25 years, according to social media posts.



A tribute to Charlie Kirk is shown on large screens at a sporting event (Wade Payne/AP)

Online activity by Robinsons mother reflects an active family that took vacations to Disneyland, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Alaska.

Like many in that part of Utah, 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 seen smiling as he grips the handles of a .50-caliber heavy machine gun.

A high school honour roll student who scored in the 99th percentile nationally on standardised 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 that was posted to a family members social media account.

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But he attended for only one semester, according to the university.

He is currently enrolled as a third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship programme at Dixie Technical College in St George.

Meanwhile, Turning Point USA, Mr Kirks conservative organisation, will hold a memorial for him on September 21 at State Farm Stadium outside Phoenix, where the Arizona Cardinals play.

Mr Kirks casket arrived on Thursday in his home state aboard Air Force Two, accompanied by US vice president JD Vance.

His widow, Erika Kirk, vowed to continue his campus tour and his radio and podcast shows.

To everyone listening tonight across America, the movement my husband built will not die, she said on Friday in a livestreamed video.

It wont. I refuse to let that happen.

Flowers, US flags and handwritten messages have been left at a makeshift memorial to Mr Kirk at Utah Valley Universitys main entrance.

The school has said there will be increased security when classes resume on September 17.
An Irishwoman in Nepal said the situation is still "incredibly volatile," as a curfew is in place after multiple days of violence.

Trouble erupted last Monday when a group of young protestors staged a demonstration in the country's capital, Kathmandu, to protest against corruption, nepotism, and restrictions on social media.

It escalated rapidly when security forces opened fire on protestors, killing 30 people.

By Tuesday, protesters had torched the parliament, the Supreme Court and multiple government offices, including Singha Durbar  the central administrative complex.

Police stations were overrun, political leaders' homes attacked and Tribhuvan International Airport closed. Since then, the army has been deployed to restore order.

Brid Gavin OConnell, a 66-year-old retired healthcare worker from Galway who has visited Nepal many times, said she has never witnessed anything on this scale.

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It is terrible. Nepal has not had it easy the past few years, especially with the earthquake in 2015. This is at a scale I have never seen.

"The Gen Z generation came out to demonstrate against the corruption in the Nepalese government. They were calling for accountability and transparency."

Fire rages through the Singha Durbar, the main administrative building for the Nepal government, in Kathmandu on September 9th, 2025.

Billowing smoke

When the protestors were shot, there was a huge uproar over it, as on the second day [September 9th], they burnt the parliament building.

We could see thick black smoke billowing up into the air. We could hear gunshots and ambulance sirens all day," she said.

Amid the chaos, people took advantage of the situation with riots and looting taking place across the city.

She spoke to some of the locals who believe the burning of some buildings was actually done by those in power, taking the opportunity to burn any record of their corruption.

Brid Gavin OConnell returned to Nepal recently from Malaysia

Either way, the situation in the country quickly deteriorated. When the curfew is in place, we dont go out," she said, adding that the airport was initially closed but has since been reopened.

Even day-to-day errands have become an issue as society has started to unravel.

"We went to the shop this morning and tried to buy some bread, but there was no bread because there were no deliveries. ATMs were closed as well, so people had to be mindful of the little money they had. Schools and colleges have also been closed," she said.

She is lucky that the people she is staying with have running water and electricity.

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As most people are staying inside away from the anarchy, social media has become crucial to piece together what happened.

We have seen videos of people being shot in the head, and their friends standing right beside them.

We have seen videos of people being shot in the head, and their friends standing right beside them. The anger is really high, and people are just trying to mourn their loved ones.

At the moment, she is hoping her flights back to Ireland will run as scheduled, but as she said, "that is a first-world problem compared to what they are going through.

The latest update is that her flight to Dubai has been delayed, meaning she will miss the connecting flight to Dublin.

Her main concern now is that her medication could run out. I have been gone since August 13th, and even though I brought more than I needed, I could not stay here forever."

A supermarket in Nepal before and after the violence.

Her friend's daughter is also studying in Ireland, so she is trying to get back for the start of the semester on Monday.

Even as things have quieted down from the early in the week, there is still a looming sense of uncertainty.

World Nepals government lifts social media ban after deadly protests Read more

The army was brought out last night, but we did not go near the areas where people have protested.

When we go up to the roof of where we are staying, you can hear the sound of protestors and gunshots. We were able to see the police station on fire from there as well.

Things really hit home when someone staying in the same building went out and asked her to take care of her kids.

"The children are seven and three, and it just dawned on me what if she were killed? They would be left thinking 'Why did mammy not come back?" she said.
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CultureLive reviewsReview Visceral and thrilling: This plea for peace is as relevant as ever Bernard Zuel, John Shand, Chantal Nguyen , Harriet Cunningham and Shamim Razavi and September 14, 2025  3:38pm 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

MUSIC

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs

Sydney Opera House Concert Hall

September 13

Reviewed by HARRIET CUNNINGHAM

 Michael Tippett began A Child of Our Time in September 1939. The oratorio had its premiere in 1944. In the interim, Tippett lived through the Blitz and spent three months in prison as a conscientious objector while the world warred. And yet this is a work that speaks with a clarity and cohesion that belies the chaos of its time. Our Time. Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, under the baton of Brett Weymark, made a spectacular case for the work, not only with words and music but also using the physical presence of a massed choir to tremendous dramatic effect. The choristers were not wearing the usual concert blacks, but dressed in everyday city greys, browns and navy blues. Normal people, living their lives. Teddy Tahu Rhodes was one of the soloists. Simon Crossley-Meates Furthermore, they didnt stand and sit with the usual quasi-military precision of a trained choir, instead moving like a crowd, one or two at first and then more, as if the Opera House was a train pulling into Central full of commuters. This could happen to anyone. But then, at artistic director Brett Weymarks signal, the crowd roared into life, as one. It was visceral and thrilling.

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The Symphony Chorus and VOX singers negotiating Tippetts dense fugues with solid skill, while the Festival Chorus swelled the ranks to shattering effect in the five spirituals. Meanwhile, soloists Teddy Tahu Rhodes, Nicholas Jones, Sian Sharp and  a particular highlight  soprano Deborah Cheetham Fraillon rang out from the mix. The first half of the concert featured two premieres: Agnus Dei by Australian composer Alice Chance, and A Plastic Theatre by UK composer Joanna Marsh. In A Plastic Theatre the chorus became another instrument of the orchestra, building a complex, fascinating patina over which soloist Helen Sherman articulated Katie Schaags dreamlike, nightmarish words. Chances work, by contrast, was the antidote to angst, a deeply affecting setting of the Latin Agnus Dei next to an arrangement of a traditional hymn from Mer Island, which held out hope for a moment of stillness and reflection. MUSIC

Donald Runnicles conducts Shostakovichs Fifth Symphony

Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Opera House, September 13

Reviewed by PETER McCALLUM



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Canadian pianist Marc-Andre Hamelin played the famously unassertive solo opening of Beethovens Fourth Piano Concerto with reflective simplicity, and when conductor Donald Runnicles and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra answered with the second phrase, it was as though the whole musical thought had been uttered in a single breath. The sense of shared goals and understanding between soloist, conductor and orchestra was one of the things that made this performance so memorable. The other was Hamelins own combination of superb technical command and inner-looking focus, as though always moving beyond brilliance to pursue a deeper thought. The first movement unfolded in a mellow glow until Hamelins cadenza (which he wrote himself), which explored darker expressive shades in the pianos mid to low register. In the second movement the orchestras gruffness and Hamelins quiet inner song were minutely synchronised with breathless rhythmic unanimity. The springing gait of the last movement repeatedly moved to a plateau of calm in the rustic second theme, as though wanting to take time to follow up an important idea. This movement had another of Hamelins highly original cadenzas. It was one of those performances that found an ideal point of balance between quiet vitality and meditative flow. Anna Clynes This Midnight Hour, which opened the concert, found a different sort of balance between wild energy and languor. The way the opening section mixed frenetic rushing passages in the cellos and double basses, interrupted with dramatic flashing chords from the wind reminded me, perhaps oddly, of the opening of Wagners The Valkyrie, which also portrays a wild nocturnal flight.

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Clyne moved on to a doleful minor-key melody, and then brought in textures that conjured up a medieval world. The close settled on a warm chord of strings, woodwind and muted trumpets played from the upper balconies, which was beautifully tuned and balanced by the SSO players, until the timpani abruptly ended the reverie. In Shostakovichs Symphony No 5, Op. 47, Runnicles and the SSO moved from brooding sometimes stormy heaviness in the first movement, through delicate textures of magical clarity in the second, to the deep stillness of the Largo, which is its expressive centre. Runnicles repeatedly led the music to a sense of profound stasis, quickened only by the most shaded tones before reviving the pulse with barely-moving stirrings and ending the movement in transcendent calm. The finale also has its moments of stasis while its clamorous noisy passages created Shostakovichs notoriously ambivalent excitement  visceral exultation or enforced rejoicing? MUSIC

Worlds Collide in the Round

Bankstown Arts Centre, 13 September

Reviewed by SHAMIM RAZAVI



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Richard Petkovics Culture X Festival dreams big, and Worlds Collide offers a glimpse of that dream made real. That we get only a glimpse is less a reflection of the bands limitations and more a function of the ambition their dream. That ambition goes beyond the obvious - having a loose collective of musicians from seven cultural traditions would be bold enough - and looks not merely to bring diverse sounds together but to forge something distinct that could only have emerged from Western Sydney. For now it remains a work in progress. Inevitably in the world music palette, the interplay between MC Eskys (Filipino and very Sydney) urban patter and Danny Telas Colombian ululations is always interesting and occasionally hints at a new musical language. Similarly, Yaw Derkyis exuberant Ghanaian percussion keeps the performance firmly in party mode. The band pays due respect to this countrys first victims of cultural collision but Aboriginal music is contributed only through a guest appearance by Raph Hatz on yidaki. Previous iterations of this ensemble have featured middle eastern strings and the group would be stronger for incorporating these voices into the core ensemble. Lyrically, it is the high minded stuff you would expect - anti-war exhortations on Bombs, a celebration of cultural identity on Freedom and a joyful meditation on the soul in Ayah. That last piece is the standout of the night - rising above stylistic collage into something transcendent, calling the audience at once inward - towards our shared essence - and outward into our one human family.

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Not that the lyrics matter much - the real message was in the audience: young and old, black, white and everything in between, cool and uncool ... all united by the music. It may be earnest and a little homespun, but a world too often cynical and slick, we could use more collisions like this. DANCE

Dracula

State Theatre until September 12

Newcastle Civic Theatre September 17 to 21

Reviewed by CHANTAL NGUYEN

 The audience was in full Gothic dress-up at Sydneys opening night of Dracula by BIG Live. Spurning the traditional ballet company structure in favour of a fully privately funded show-based business model (more akin to musical theatre), BIG is currently the new kid on the dance company block. You have to admire its entrepreneurial spirit. Though BIG blurs the line between ballet as a classical artform and ballet recast as popular entertainment for business, its performances are mostly sold out. Clearly, it has reached audiences typical classical dance companies have not.

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The choreography tells a sufficient if unchallenging ballet-as-popular-entertainment story. The choreography (Joel Burke, who is also co-founder, artistic director and dances the role of Jonathan) condenses Bram Stokers novel into a two-act ballet. It tells a sufficient if unchallenging ballet-as-popular-entertainment story, rather than being maturely expressive or artistically sophisticated. Act 1 is tighter than a tonally patchy Act 2, though the four ghost women are a consistent highlight. Eric Luchens sets are satisfyingly gothic, and Toby Alexanders score plays like a pub quiz round of name that famous classical music piece. While the musical familiarity is meant to help audiences feel at home and quickly identify what mood the story intends to inspire, it underestimates audience ability to resonate with lesser-known music, to the storys detriment: some pieces are so cliched or famous in their own right that their meaning overrides. The dancers are mostly young, their freshness somewhat compensating for inexperience.

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The first glimpse of Draculas castle features the opening of Bachs Toccata and Fugue in D minor for organ - musical shorthand for horror films - prompting audience snickers. As Dracula (Ervin Zagidullin) embarks on a killing spree to Tchaikovskys ubiquitous 1812 Overture, my guest asked with genuine puzzlement if the music meant Act 2 had turned into a slapstick comedy. The dancers are mostly young, their freshness somewhat compensating for inexperience. But for seasoned ballet-goers, even those preferring traditional ballet companies, the main reason to consider Dracula is Zagidullin, a Vaganova-trained former Mariinsky Ballet artist with the powerful masculine technique and fearless leaps unique to the Russian school of male ballet. One of BIGs strengths is that it regularly features guest eastern European stars such as Maria Khoreva, Iana Salenko, and Daniil Simkin. Renowned eastern European companies such as the Bolshoi and Mariinsky scarcely toured Australia even before the Russia-Ukraine war, so BIG provides valuable opportunities to experience this iconic style, which  especially with male dancers such as Zagidullin  is unlike anything else in the dance world. MUSIC

LeAnn Rimes

ICC Sydney Theatre, September 13

Reviewed by KATE PRENDERGAST



She had her first record deal at 11, her first No.1 (from wistful country debut album Blue) at 14. Back touring Australia for the first time in two decades, LeAnn Rimes jokes to a devoted audience that it was a good thing she didnt take folks advice to do songs more appropriate for her age back then: it would be really weird singing them now.

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Rimes seemingly innate maturity  in her sense of self, and in the superlative control she has of that powerhouse soprano  is what grounds the Texas-raised megastars show. Barefoot on stage, rose gold and luminous in a ruffled silk pantsuit, the lithe 43-year-old carries us with a laid-back, easy grace through her decades of international multi-platinum fame, refusing to let any one hit, genre, or cult movie define her. LeAnn Rimes carried the audience through her decades of international multi-platinum fame. Justin Ma Because, despite the intermittent yelling of Coyote Ugly! from a few too-eager punters, that film (Rimes tells us, perched casually on a chair) was her introduction to sex songs and one to which she was pretty unprepared. Her most recent albums  including Chant: The Human & the Holy (2021) and Gods Work (whose resurrected version was released in 2023)  are far from pop bangers, falling into what the industry calls contemporary Christian. Theyre not immediate crowd-pleasers but Rimes turns out to be at her best when delivering soaringly optimistic, spirit-moving songs like Something Betters Coming. She doesnt pander with her biggest hits either, dialling a lot of them back to a groove she sways along to, arms raised and completely unfazed.

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That first No.1 hit, the one she released at 14  One Way Ticket  is slowed right down, its final verses segueing into what Rimes reveals is its inspiration, Tracy Chapmans Fast Car. In slow, reverent belters like You Light Up My Life, particularly in those impossibly held, impossibly pure high notes, listening to Rimes feels like being pierced with a shaft of beatific morning light. Her band  an acoustic and electric guitarist and a drummer  know well to give a gentle backing to such an instrument. They get their dues near the end, with some idiosyncratic solos during Cant Fight the Moonlight (that Coyote Ugly song, on which our guy can sure slap on those hand drums). Reuben De Melo comes on stage briefly to meet his former The Voice Australia coach and reprise their Coldplay duet of Fix You that sealed his season win last year. Its not an evening of huge spectacle or dynamic physical performance but, with its spoken and sung messages of hope, Rimes voice seeks to summon a better dawn. MUSIC

Maid Made Boss (La serva padrona)

Pinchgut Opera

City Recital Hall, September 13

Reviewed by PETER McCALLUM



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In 1733, the 22-year-old Pergolesi wrote some crisp, stylishly brilliant music for a short, extraordinarily silly libretto and changed the course of music history. In setting out to create no more than a filler (or intermezzo) between the acts of a serious, long forgotten work, Pergolesi established, with melodious, well-finished music and rapidly changing tone, the musical and dramatic language for comic opera that Mozart was to perfect in The Marriage of Figaro and which continues in various forms to this day. Pinchgut Operas production of the resulting work, La serva padrona (translated here as Maid Made Boss), captures the style to a tee, with singing of sparkling lightness from Celeste Lazarenko and Morgan Pearse (the only two singing roles), and crisply energised instrumental playing from the Orchestra of the Antipodes under conductor Erin Helyard. Morgan Pearse, Celeste Lazarenko and Gareth Davies. Anna Kucera In the role of Serpina, Lazarenkos lines were imbued with sunny, well-phrased warmth and an even finish across her range, the upper register bright and ringing, the lower firm and neatly polished. Morgan Pearse was previously known to Sydney audiences for his work in contemporary pieces with Sydney Chamber Opera a decade ago, and it was a delight to hear him in the type of 18th-century part that has been the basis for his international career since. Singing with polished articulation and tonal firmness in all registers, he performed with suave agility and a fine-grained mahogany sound, tossing off difficult passages with lightly worn virtuosity and precision. Gareth Davies took the mute role of Vespone, whose very silence is the whole joke until he is prodded to growl, with dour humour.

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Between the two scenes, the orchestra performs a three-movement, concerto-style interlude, and violinist and leader Matthew Greco led this with refined neatness and immaculate style. Playing from behind the stage, the orchestra, under Helyards direction, projected with clarity, light colour and airy grace. Lochie Odgers design was a simple platform with blue sky and white clouds populated with costumes of deeper hue. The dramatic dialogue of the piece is as much with the audience as between the characters, and director Eugene Lynch met with charm the challenge of sustaining a work that celebrates its own superficiality and whose one goal is not to be taken seriously. Pergolesi himself had little time to celebrate. He died a few years later aged 26, leaving on the evolution of music, a delicate but indelible mark. MUSIC

Cut Copy

Night At The Barracks, September 12

Reviewed by BERNARD ZUEL

 Maybe Cut Copy knew their audience and the location well  maybe a little too well.

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On a night Sydney forgot its supposed to rain all the time, the four-piece electro-pop seemed perfectly positioned. Coming on stage at 7.30 sharp and scheduled to be off by the 9pm curfew, before them was an audience bulking around the 35-45-year-old/parents-night-off demographic, in good mood with a light buzz on, knowing theyd be home in plenty of time for a good nights sleep before Saturday-morning activities. Meeting the moment, from 2008s Nobody Lost, Nobody Found to the brand-new Solid, from 2004s Zap Zap to this years Still See Love, Cut Copy offered a really pleasant, mid-level workout dance set: easy to move to, throw shapes to, without fearing sharp elbows or hectic sweat. While hardly thrilling, it was nice, even a little Wa Wa Nee, as the hour mark approached. And maybe it would have been enough, a little festival atmosphere and a little loosening of the hamstrings to remember when back at work on Monday. But when Time Stands Still found Ben Brownings bass more prominent, it was as if somebody had given permission to loosen up, or someone remembered there could be more. The new Gravity added fusion keyboards before the best breakdown, and build-up, of the night so far as it segued into Out There On The Ice, a duo deserving of the strobing lights. Then Meet Me In A House Of Love, with its New Order synth stabs and solid footed underpinnings, moved into a pumping Hearts On Fire, and lordy, we had a dance party. Where had this been all night? This made even crueller the shock of the power cutting out before the end of Hearts On Fire, the screens still showing mouth and hand movement but all sound absent. They were back after five minutes, and Need You Now and Lights And Music did a pretty good job re-establishing the energy, but in doing so, they served a clearer message: this body-active part of the show should have started a good 15 or even 30 minutes earlier in the set. Playing it safe might have seemed sensible, like the audience, but sometimes you need to play to the senses not just the sensibility.
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NationalCBD A bang, a political takeover and a 4000-word showdown: Inside the implosion at Residents 3000 Stephen Brook and Karl Quinn September 15, 2025  5:36am 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

City of Melbourne residents might have heard a loud bang last week. That was the implosion (or do we mean explosion) at Residents 3000, the action group for CBD residents, where secretary Merle Willis has clearly had quite enough. She fired off an extraordinary dispatch to members, urging president Rafael Camillo to resign. Willis said the group had been subjected to political takeover by Camillo and others and had become unacceptably hostile. Residents 3000 president Rafael Camillo. Joe Armao All is not well, she wrote, adding that it had become too dominated, controlled and directed by Camillo for his own purposes. Group members, more used to discussing the Metro Tunnel, Queen Victoria Market redevelopment, graffiti and city greening, didnt quite know where to look.

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Those purposes now include the fact that Camillo was elected to the City of Melbourne council last year on the ticket of businessman and pollster Gary Morgan, the executive chairman of Roy Morgan Research who himself failed in his bid to become lord mayor. A result perfectly in keeping with the electoral eccentricity of the City of Melbourne elections. Willis urged Camillo to resign from the committee so he could focus on being a councillor and she could restore the group to balance and its proper purposes. But Camillo rose from his sickbed to tell CBD he wasnt going anywhere. In a message about Residents 3000, which was sent by a council media manager. Doesnt that strike you as a bit weird? I will not be stepping down as President of Residents 3000, Camillo said. As the president, I do not have a material conflict of interest as I do not receive a salary from the organisation.

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Welllllllll, CBD can think of plenty of other potentially tricky situations. Such as, which hat is he wearing when he talks to council officers. Is he Councillor Camillo, or Residents 3000 prez? Related Article Brighton Brighton locals vow to protect their seaside suburb from Gold Coast high-rises My decisions as President reflect my personal views, not the priorities of Council, Camillo said. OK, but shouldnt the decision of a residents group president reflect the views of the group and not the personal views of the president? Just sayin. The groups AGM is next month, when members can have their day, Camillo told us.

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And  plot twist  he said Willis was no longer secretary. Members of Residents 3000 should disregard unauthorised emails, from a person claiming to be, but has not been for the last month, the Secretary of Residents 3000 committee. Willis promised us a response, and sent us two emails totalling about 4000 words, including one at 3.12am. If people knew the full story, she told CBD, it wouldnt pass the pub test. They have not followed any of the proper processes to have removed me as secretary. Nor have I resigned as secretary, Willis told CBD. As a long-term member, I was not going to be as easily chased out.

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The no-show at Foxtels big show On a commercial broadcasters calendar, there is no bigger date than the annual upfront presentation, where no stone is left unturned in attempts to woo advertisers and media buyers to advertise during next years exciting line-up. Patrick Delany. Foxtels presentation on Thursday night at the White Bay Power Station in Sydney  a massive former electricity generation plant built for the citys tram and rail network in the early 20th century, and now an arts and events centre  pulled out all the stops. There were interactive games, tasty canapes, wine, beer and spirits (free-flowing), a DJ, and on-screen talent (Garry Lyon, Sarah Jones, Cooper Cronk, Colin From Accounts stars Genevieve Hegney and Helen Thomson, among others). And, of course, endless speeches from senior execs. But there was one conspicuous absence: Foxtel boss Patrick Delany.

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Im sorry I cant be there tonight, the CEO of Foxtel Group said in a pre-recorded video message. Im in London for a DAZN board meeting. It caused quite the stir, but Delany clearly knows which side of his bread is buttered. On the side of a face-to-face with Len Blavatnik, the multi-billionaire owner of Warner Music, DAZN, and, since May, Foxtel. London, here we come. Other than Delanys absence, notable was just how heavily Foxtel leaned on sport. The first hour was nothing but. Foxtel Media CEO Mark Frain milked every sporting pun in the book, while Adam Gilchrist even managed to sneak in the launch of his new tequila, El Arquero (Spanish for The Keeper). In the old days, the late Foxtel content supremo Brian Walsh would have made sure the entertainment offerings got equal billing. On Thursday, they got about 15 minutes.

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We guess this is what happens when you get taken over by someone whose company is often referred to in Europe as the Netflix of sport. No drama? No drama. Shell be right, sport. The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
Charlie Kirks funeral could complicate the timing for a possible meeting between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and US President Donald Trump.

Kirk, an influential MAGA figure, was shot dead while speaking at a Utah university last week, and Trump has indicated he will attend the funeral, scheduled for Sunday.

Defence Minister Richard Marles told Sky News yesterday he had no doubt Albanese would meet with Trump. Albanese will soon travel to New York for the United Nations General Assembly and a meeting between the two leaders could happen as soon as next week.

Anthony Albanese and Donald Trump are yet to meet in person since the presidents re-election. Getty

But asked when it would happen on the ABC, Albanese said: We will meet when we meet.

Obviously things occur, such as the funeral as a result of Mr Kirks tragic murder, on Sunday, and that means peoples arrangements will be finalised when theyre finalised, he said.

That [the funeral] is a factor obviously because I was asked by a journalist earlier, would I be having a meeting on Sunday, and quite clearly that isnt going to be the case.
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NationalNSWCrime Family home of luxury Sydney rapper sprayed with 20 bullets Sally Rawsthorne September 14, 2025  1:55pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

In June this year, Sydney rapper Ali Younes, aka Ay Huncho, told a Sydney court that he feared for his safety. On bail for his alleged role in a kidnapping and a raft of serious driving offences, Younes implored the Supreme Court to change his bail conditions to allow him to report to police by phone and to make his movements less predictable for would-be assassins. Sydney rapper Ali Ay Huncho Younes. Instagram The rappers fears for his safety appear prescient; in the early hours of Sunday morning, his family home was peppered by over 20 bullets. It is the second shooting in Merrylands in the past week; bullets were sprayed into a home on Wright Street in the early hours of last Tuesday. Police say that was a case of mistaken identity, but investigators are now looking at whether that shooting was also targeted at Younes.

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Nobody was injured in either shooting, leaving police working to establish whether Sundays attack involved warning shots or attempts to kill. Its brazen, its dangerous behaviour and its putting the community at risk, Cumberland Police Area Command Detective Inspector Ricki Lindner told reporters. Everyday sum new s**t, Younes wrote to accompany this image on Instagram earlier this year. Instagram Younes does not live at the home, which was purchased in 2021 for $1.1 million. Court documents obtained by this masthead show that the 28-year-old, who has 150,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok, is accused of being part of a group that ambushed a man lured to a drug house at Granville in January last year.

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It is alleged the victim had been dragged into a garage and then assaulted, and was left unconscious and with serious injuries. Younes and his co-accused can allegedly be heard on an audio recording openly discussing their involvement in the purported kidnapping and laughing about it. The alleged victim went to hospital but did not co-operate with police, documents say. In a separate incident in March, Younes, who was driving with a bodyguard, allegedly drove his Toyota Hilux at excessive speed about 130 kilometres per hour in a 60 kilometre roadworks zone. He was also charged with failing to display a rear P-plate. The documents also alleged a police search of the vehicle located $4550, high-end jewellery including a $10,000 gold ring with a large 60 on the front and R4W and Never Cross The Family on each side, and a large gold necklace covered in diamonds with 60 Proper with a heavy chain.

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The Alameddine Crime Family currently use the gangs called Ready 4 War R4W and Proper is also a gang linked with the Alameddine crime family, a document said. These items were seized as they were suspected proceeds of crime which are estimated to be valued at over $200k. The accused stated his only work was a [rapper] known as Ay Huncho. Younes barrister Peter Lange has previously said Proper is a streetwear label. The gold ring was a gift based on Younes online presence and because of his alignment with a luxury lifestyle, the ring maker told the court.
A spectator who allegedly made a Nazi salute at Saturdays Lions game at the Gabba has been charged.

The 39-year-old man from Pratten, on the Southern Downs about 200 kilometres south-west of Brisbane, was arrested at the stadium.

He was later charged with one count of public display of giving Nazi salute and received a lifetime ban from the AFL.

The man allegedly made the Nazi salute during the Lions v Suns game at the Gabba on Saturday. AFL Photos

Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Kelly said he did not believe the man had planned to make the alleged salute before the game.

It was a member of the crowd who did a Nazi salute  he has been charged with that offence, he said.

Kelly said police were also investigating whether the accused man was connected to any right-wing or nationalistic groups.

We take it very seriously, Kelly said.

He said the incident was reported to police by other people in the crowd.

It was a great game, depending on who you barrack for, I suppose, but its really important that people do report these kinds of behaviours, and thats what were seeking from the community.

If you see something thats not right, let us know ... Its really important that everyone plays their part.

He urged anyone with information related to the incident on Saturday night to contact police.

The man is expected to appear in court on September 29.
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NationalQueenslandCity life Council says locals dont want more concrete on suburban streets. But this family does Felicity Caldwell September 15, 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 40 View all comments

Two in five Brisbane streets have no footpaths  a proportion that has been stagnant for years. In fact, out of the more than 15,000 streets owned and managed by Brisbane City Council, only 1892 have footpaths on both sides. Last week, we revealed the Brisbane hotspots for crumbling, cracked and broken footpaths. But for some families, the problem is different. Sarah Hanley says more walkable streets would help families stay active without compromising safety. Brisbane mum Sarah Hanley has three young boys, and they like to walk or ride on their daily commute. Their trip to school includes 800 metres next to a busy main road, with six lanes of traffic.

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Unfortunately, footpaths are poorly maintained and drivers frequently fail to give way to pedestrians crossing driveways, Hanley said. This part of our walk is tense and unpleasant, though we are fortunate enough to enjoy a safer and more peaceful experience along the bikeway remainder of the journey. Danita Parry, the acting chair of councils infrastructure committee, said councillors regularly asked residents about building more footpaths  and it was not always supported. They tell us they would prefer to keep their leafy streets with trees, grass and gardens rather than opt for more concrete, Parry said.

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While were keen to deliver more footpaths where residents want them, many of the remaining streets without footpaths are in smaller and quieter residential areas that have significant trees. Its about striking the right balance so were providing footpaths where residents want them, like near schools, shops and public transport, while protecting the tree-lined character of our suburbs. Parry said there were thousands of kilometres of footpaths in Brisbane, and the council had delivered almost 60,000 square metres of new and reconstructed footpaths in the past two years. The Hanleys walk from school to childcare is through quieter residential streets, but half the route does not have footpaths at all.

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That presents a challenge when pushing a pram, and for her now three-year-old who is learning to ride a balance bike. During peak hours, we often have to step into the road to navigate around cars parked across their driveways or lawns roped off for grass regeneration, she said. We would love to be able to enjoy our neighbourhood without the constant worry of uneven or non-existent paths and unsafe crossings. LNP councillors took to social media recently to celebrate almost 30,000sqm of footpaths being resurfaced or built in the past financial year. Asked for a breakdown, the council said that figure was made up of 5076sqm of new footpaths, and 24,696sqm reconstructed.

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The council no longer keeps its footpath data in kilometres, but based on a minimum width of 1.2 metres, it would have laid 4.23 kilometres of new footpaths in Brisbane over the past year, and 20.58 kilometres of reconstructed footpaths. Related Article City life This parking rule is catching drivers out. Now theres a push to alter it New footpaths are delivered by councillors through their $568,000 annual suburban enhancement fund, based on consultation with residents. Queensland Walks executive officer Anna Campbell said Brisbane invested in the Metro and Kangaroo Point bridge, and the next step was making sure the walking network was reliable. While we appreciate that some residents like to maintain the council-owned verge with lawn and trees, we can successfully incorporate connected and accessible paths and include shading and cooling properties, she said.

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Verges are owned by council, and we would hate to hear that council has prioritised one residents wishes rather than ensuring that a mother can push the pram, kids can safely get to school or a wheelchair user can participate in employment or daily activities. 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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Ashley Gollan sits opposite his wife, Kim, tightly clasping her hands over the dining table on their last cruise together. A woman in a colourful dress stands at the head of their table, gently swaying as she uses her powerful, throaty vocals to sing: Youre the best thing thats ever happened to me. With those lyrics, Ashley points at his wife, as tears fall down his face. He quietly says I love you over and over and kisses her hand, wiping his eyes. Ashley and Kim Gollan remarried on their last cruise together, in 2019. Ashley Gollan So dont go, dont go away, the woman continues singing, as the dining room erupts in applause. When the song finishes, the woman tells Ashley not to cry. Shes beautiful, she says, as Ashley nods. This song, Best Thing That Ever Happened, was played at Ashley and Kims wedding in 1989, and became the soundtrack to their decades-long marriage based on travel, hard work and raising three children to become accomplished adults. Ashley cherishes the memories from that 2019 cruise where he arranged the private rendition before the couple remarried on the deck, as his wife battled complications from botched surgery by Dr Munjed Al Muderis three years earlier.

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We had a relationship that no one else could understand, Ashley says now, in tears. Had he not talked her into having two knees replaced, she would be alive. Before Kims death in 2022, she sued Al Muderis for medical negligence and was paid $1.2 million to settle on a no admissions basis and with a confidentiality agreement  waived by Al Muderis during his defamation case against this masthead. The Federal Court dismissed Al Muderis defamation case last month, finding he failed a significant group of patients and that the star surgeon was cruel, callous, not honest and placed profits and fame before the safety of his patients. He has appealed the judgment. Dr Munjed Al Muderis, pictured in 2014 in his surgical scrubs. Tim Bauer Ashley is now calling for the National Australia Day Council to strip Al Muderis of his NSW Australian of the Year award from 2020, something he promotes widely to patients. It doesnt pass the pub test, the grieving widower says. This call is backed by retired surgeon Jan Swinnen, who was nominated for the same award that year but did not attend because he was on a humanitarian mission overseas. Swinnen has volunteered with Medecins Sans Frontieres in Congo, Pakistan, Yemen, Gaza and elsewhere. He said invasive surgeries should not be performed in poor countries without rigorous oversight.

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If the awards want to maintain their integrity in the public eye, they should say we made a mistake and withdraw, Swinnen said. I dont want to squash medical innovation, but innovative activities should be well regulated, with good oversight. With Al Muderis, you scratch the surface, and you find business. Jan Swinnen has backed calls for Al Muderis NSW Australian of the Year award to be stripped. Edwina Pickles Red flags called for investigation Al Muderis performed a double knee replacement on Kim Gollan in 2016, which was the beginning of six years of further surgeries, pain, disfigurement, infection, and ultimately, her death at the age of 58 in 2022. Related Article Investigation

To the bone It was horrific: Routine procedure by Munjed Al Muderis led to six years of pain Her daughter Temperance Gollan was one of the more than 30 patients and family members who gave evidence during Al Muderis failed defamation case against this masthead. In her affidavit, Temperance described watching her mother shuffling on her bottom around the house to avoid the pain of walking and said her legs were a deep purple-red colour that would sometimes leak and ooze after the surgery.

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Despite these symptoms, Al Muderis instructed Kim to walk on what later turned out to be broken bones, exacerbating the problems. Eventually, when the fracture was found, Al Muderis organised for emergency surgery and joked about her condition: Youre lucky, youre getting two operations for the price of one, he said. The court saw a letter from Al Muderis to Kims GP stating he was startled to realise the fracture was missed and obviously there was misleading diagnosis. An emotional Ashley Gollan looks over family photos from happier times. Dan Peled It is very unfortunate that this happened to her and I sincerely apologised to Kim about missing this fracture, the letter stated. However, under cross-examination, Al Muderis sought to minimise the letter, saying it was speculation and denied responsibility for her problems. After examining the evidence, Justice Wendy Abraham ruled Al Muderis failed Kim.

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Investigations We do not know who he is: Charities deny Dr Al Muderis ambassador roles There were red flags that called for investigation. He failed to do so. As her surgeon, he was the person responsible, the judge found. If the fracture had been detected earlier, as it should have been, there is little doubt that Mrs Gollan would have been treated differently. I am satisfied that in relation to Mrs Gollans aftercare, Dr Al Muderis failed to conduct himself with the level of care, skill and attention that an ordinary person in the position of his patients would have expected. Al Muderis lawyers continue to attack the integrity of this mastheads journalism and said the appeal would challenge all of the findings of the trial judge, including Her Honours entire approach to the matter. Grieving husbands mission Ashley Gollan now lives on Russell Island, a remote community accessible by barge on the outskirts of Brisbane, where he surrounds himself with photos and memorabilia of his late wife.

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Exclusive PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership As Coalition slumps to new low, poll shows one minor party is reaping the benefits James Massola September 14, 2025  6:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 201 View all comments

Support for Pauline Hansons One Nation has surged to a record high of 12 per cent after weeks of rancorous debate about immigration as the Coalition plumbs the depths of political unpopularity in the latest Resolve Political Monitor. Labor still enjoys a substantial 55-45 lead two-party preferred over the Coalition, based on stated preferences, the same margin as at the May 3 election, when Anthony Albanese won a record 94 seats in the lower house and thrashed the opposition. Anthony Albanese retains a commanding lead, but the major parties have retreated and One Nation has gained. Nathan Perri While Opposition Leader Sussan Ley maintains a net positive result on her performance in the role, the Coalition continues to struggle and is now tracking on the worst primary result since Resolve started polling on the figure in April 2021. Labors commanding lead is actually a fall from the stratospheric 59-41 recorded by the government last month, as support for both major parties went backwards in September and minor parties gained.

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Labors primary vote fell from 37 per cent to 35 per cent over the last month, a movement within the margin of error, while the Coalitions vote also fell within the margin of error by 2 percentage points from 29 to 27 per cent this month. The major beneficiary of the drop in support for the two major parties is One Nation, which saw its primary vote rise from 9 per cent to 12 per cent in the last month. Total support for other parties, including the Greens, One Nation, independents and others increased 4 percentage points overall in the last month, while the Greens vote dipped 1 point from 12 to 11 per cent and backing for independents rose to 9 per cent. Twenty-seven per cent is the lowest primary vote recorded in the Resolve Political Monitor for the federal opposition since the poll began in April 2021 and is well down on the 31.8 per cent it secured at the last election.

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Conversely, the rise in One Nations vote to 12 per cent is the partys highest ever in the Resolve poll and the first time the party has been in double figures. The survey of 1800 people took place from September 9 to 13 and has a margin of error of 2.3 per cent. Resolve pollster Jim Reed said that the immigration debate is undoubtedly responsible for boosting One Nations vote. If youre unhappy with the major parties on the environment, you go to the Greens, and if youre unhappy about immigration, you go to Pauline, he said.

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We dont know yet if this is a short-term blip by way of a protest, or a long-term trend. The rise of the Greens has taken Labors primary vote, but gives back on preferences. We might be seeing the same thing starting to happen on the Coalitions right flank. Thousands of people marched at the end of August in rallies in state capitals against immigration. Related Article Exclusive

Resolve Political Monitor Albanese won 94 seats at the election. Now voters want to give him even more Overall, primary vote support for minor parties and independents rose to 38 per cent, which is higher than either Labors 35 per cent primary vote or the Coalitions 27 per cent. The findings come as the Albanese government prepares for a week of climate change policy announcements, including the long-awaited unveiling of Australias interim 2035 emissions reduction target .

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The prime minister will fly to Papua New Guinea this week for celebrations to mark PNGs 50 years of independence, before travelling to New York next Saturday for the UN General Assembly. He is also expected to finally meet US President Donald Trump, armed with new defence spending commitments. While the Coalition has fared poorly in the most recent poll, voters favourable assessment of Leys performance continued. Respondents were polled following Liberal senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Prices demotion from the shadow ministry last Wednesday after she made controversial remarks about Indian migrants and refusing to back Ley as leader.

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Asked to rate Leys performance as opposition leader in recent weeks, 41 per cent of people said it was good or very good, 32 per cent said it was poor or very poor and 26 per cent of people polled were undecided. That translates to a net positive performance rating of 9 percentage points, consistent with two prior polls, as the number of people who are undecided fell. In comparison, 44 per cent of voters said Albaneses performance was good or very good but 45 per cent said it was poor or very poor. Just 11 per cent of people were undecided and the prime ministers net performance rating was -1 per cent.

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Albaneses lead over Ley as preferred prime minister slipped slightly, with 38 per cent of people preferring Albanese, a 3 percentage point dip compared with August. Leys 26 per cent result is unchanged from last month, and 35 per cent of respondents are undecided. Following the sacking of Price, Ley announced a reshuffled frontbench on Sunday, bringing Tasmanian senator Claire Chandler into the shadow ministry as spokeswoman on cybersecurity and science, while MP Simon Kennedy was appointed shadow assistant minister for artificial intelligence and the digital economy. In addition to promoting two conservatives after sacking a favourite of the hard right, Ley handed the defence personnel portfolio to WA MP Melissa Price, a moderate and ally who did the job in the Morrison government. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.
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PoliticsFederalDefence Opinion Why this defence treaty with a Pacific neighbour matters just as much as submarines Jennifer Parker Defence and national security expert September 15, 2025  5:00am

September 15, 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

Debate on Australias defence strategy often centres on the budget and the plan to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. Both matter, but an equally critical pillar  partnerships  receives far less attention. The anticipated signing of what Papua New Guineas defence minister has called a mutual defence treaty underscores this point, highlighting the renewed focus on a neighbour whose security is inseparable from Australias own. The signing of a defence treaty between Australia and Papua New Guinea is expected this week, when Prime Minister Anthony Albanese travels to PNG to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the nations independence. It will be more than symbolic. It reflects an increasingly close defence relationship built in recent years, including the 2023 bilateral security agreement, major Australian investment in the Lombrum Naval Base expansion in PNG, and deeper co-operation through exercises such as Talisman Sabre. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles with Papua New Guinea Defence Minister Billy Joseph at Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane this year. AAPIMAGE Australia and Papua New Guinea have a longstanding relationship, but several factors are driving the renewed security focus. Chief among them is Chinas growing influence across the Pacific, particularly in PNG over the past decade. While Australia remains PNGs largest trading and aid partner, China is now its second-largest trading partner, with major investments in critical infrastructure. Beijing has sought to leverage this economic relationship into security ties, lobbying PNG to sign a security deal in 2023 and a policing agreement in 2024, both of which ultimately stalled. Chinas push shows it views the Pacific as a strategic arena, evident in its 2022 security agreement with Solomon Islands. A Chinese security and, more specifically, military foothold in the Pacific, particularly in PNG, would directly threaten Australias interests. It could enable Beijing to cut Australia and the US off from Pacific sea lines of communication, and position missiles or broader military forces within striking distance of Australia. While such a scenario is not an immediate likelihood, it explains why PNG sits so high on Australias security agenda, and on Chinas too.

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The signing of a defence treaty between Australia and PNG is about more than countering Chinas influence. It also recognises PNGs enduring importance to Australia, both historically and geographically. In World War I, Australias first naval casualty, Able Seaman Bill Williams, died on September 11, 1914 at the Battle of Bita Paka in PNG, Australias first military operation as a nation. Related Article Exclusive

Defence Ghost Sharks and a historic defence treaty to China-proof our nearest neighbour For its part, PNG needs significant investment to modernise its defence capabilities. Despite releasing a defence white paper and national security policy in 2013, resourcing shortfalls have limited progress, prompting Port Moresby to seek partners, signing security agreements in 2023 with Australia, the US and the UK. While it is not yet clear how this weeks expected treaty will build on the 2023 Framework for Closer Security Relations, it will undoubtedly elevate the relationship further. PNG Defence Minister Billy Joseph has described it as a mutual defence treaty, enabling a totally integrated force with the Australian Defence Force, with a consultation requirement similar to NATOs: obliging the two countries to consult when their territorial integrity, security or political independence are threatened. Other reports suggest it may also pave the way for PNG citizens to serve in the ADF. While the 2023 security agreement between Australia and PNG already contained a clause on security consultation, the new treaty may strengthen this commitment, which serves both countries interests. A mutual defence treaty would typically imply an obligation to respond to an attack on either party, akin to NATOs famed Article 5: an attack on one is an attack on all. Whether this treaty will go that far remains unclear, but the possibility is significant.

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Equally notable is the discussion of force integration. Integration is better understood as a spectrum rather than a binary choice. Full integration would imply a common command-and-control framework to direct units from either military, common training, interoperable equipment, and the sharing of highly classified information. That is an ambitious goal that remains unlikely in the near term. Still, steps towards deeper co-operation include Colonel Boniface Arumas appointment as deputy commander of Australias 3rd Brigade in January 2024. While full integration may be out of reach, greater interoperability and shared structures mark positive progress for both countries. Related Article Opinion

Foreign relations China and Australia in a high-speed race to win control of the Pacific Peter Hartcher Political and international editor There has also been considerable discussion about allowing PNG citizens to join the ADF, and vice versa, an initiative that could strengthen integration through cultural affinity and mutual understanding. While this is widely expected to feature in the treaty, it carries challenges. A flow of PNG personnel leaving their own defence force for higher paid roles in the ADF would risk undermining Port Moresbys military capacity. A better path is unit-level integration, such as PNG patrol boats under Australias joint headquarters, a model scalable across the Pacific. It is encouraging to see two partners, which have at times taken each other for granted, taking meaningful steps towards closer defence ties. The signing of this treaty represents the most significant upgrade in the relationship since PNGs independence. While it is unlikely to amount to a full mutual defence pact or a fully integrated force, it is a clear sign that Australias regional defence strategy is beginning to bear fruit. Jennifer Parker is a defence and national security expert associate at the ANUs National Security College. She has served for more than 20 years as a warfare officer in the Royal Australian Navy. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform. Sign up here.
The dish: Hummus, the Levant

Plate up If ever there was a dish to prove that simplicity is perfection, this is it: hummus. Its so basic in its ingredients, so humble in its creation, and yet hummus is unquestionably one of the great dishes of the world.

Simply perfect...hummus. Getty Images

Consider the items you need to make it: chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and a mortar and pestle. The chickpeas are cooked and then thrown into the mortar with tahini  Levantine sesame paste, itself an ingredient far greater than the sum of its parts  lemon juice and garlic, and then ground and blended into a smooth, thick paste.

This paste can then be topped simply with fresh olive oil, or with added chopped herbs, whole chickpeas, pine nuts, or even minced lamb. Grab a hunk of fresh-baked flatbread, scoop out a huge dollop of hummus, and you have yourself one of the most delicious mouthfuls of food you could ever hope to consume. All with just a few ingredients.
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Reviews & adviceTripologist Opinion Your frequent flyer account is taking another hit Michael Gebicki The Tripologist September 15, 2025  5:00am

September 15, 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 27 View all comments

Key points From December 15, most partners will require three Amex points per airline point

Proposed RBA reforms have caused banks to devalue their reward programs

Co-branded credit cards muscle up your points-earning dollars

If you use credit cards to earn airline points, changes are in the wind that might affect your choice of providers. Towards the end of 2025, American Express will devalue the number of airline points Australians earn when they exchange their membership rewards points. Effective from December 15, 2025, you will need three Amex Membership Reward points to buy one airline point with British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways and Virgin Atlantic, up from the current transfer rate of 2:1. Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus will cease to be a transfer partner, but its not all bad news. The two Amex rewards points now required for one Qantas or Virgin Airlines point will not change, so too remaining the same is Singapore Airlines, at its current exchange rate of 3:1. llustration by Simon Letch The story behind the change Amex is not alone. This is part of a general trend in which Australias banks have devalued their airline reward schemes, or even cancelled reward partner programs, since mid-2025. For example from October 1, the only points acquired under the CommBank Awards program that can be used for flights will be with Qantas or Virgin Australia (previously there were 15 different airlines you could use the points for). The trend is a response to the Reserve Bank of Australias proposal to ban card payment surcharges and reduce interchange fees.

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Scheduled to come into effect on July 1, 2026, the RBA move  if approved  will cut the interchange fees that apply to card payments. These are the fees banks collect from a merchant  an airline in this case  when a card is used for a transaction. Part of that fee is used to buy airline points that reward customers, increasing the appeal of the banks credit cards. When the banks earn less from their interchange fees, as the RBA proposes, they respond by reducing the value of their reward points, or ditching some or all of their reward partnerships. On the flip side of the coin, the RBA proposal would be a win for flyers since it reduces airline surcharges on credit and debit cards. Related Article Opinion

Tripologist Want an upgrade on your flight? Heres what works (and what doesnt) Michael Gebicki The Tripologist If your favourite airline is one of those affected, shift those points from your Amex account to your airline before the stroke of midnight on December 14. Before that date, you might want to consider which card is going to work hardest to earn points for every dollar spent  and the answer is co-branded cards. These are a partnership between a bank and a specific airline. Rather than earning rewards points that must be exchanged for airline points, they earn airline points, often at a rate of one point per dollar spent. When banks and other financial institutions are devaluing their rewards points, the points-earning power of co-branded cards makes a lot of sense.

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Which cards come out on top? For building your Qantas points balance, the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card is difficult to beat. You earn 2.25 Qantas points per dollar spent on eligible Qantas products and services and 1.25 Qantas points on everyday purchases per dollar. For every dollar spent on government bodies in Australia, the rate drops to 0.5 Qantas points per dollar. The sign-up bonus is 70,000 Qantas points when you spend $3000 on eligible purchases within the first three months. Offsetting the annual $450 fee is a $450 Qantas Travel Credit to use on eligible domestic or international Qantas flights when booked through American Express Travel. Related Article Opinion

Tripologist Qantas just devalued your frequent flyer points, but theres an upside Michael Gebicki The Tripologist For an even bigger sign-up bonus, the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card drops 150,000 bonus Qantas Points plus $250 in your Qantas Business Rewards Travel Fund, provided you apply before October 7 and spend $6000 on eligible purchases on the card within three months of approval. The earn rate is lower than the Amex Express Ultimate Card, at two Qantas points per dollar spent on Qantas products and services, but the same for everyday business spend and 0.5 Qantas Points on government, utilities and insurance per dollar. The annual fee is $450. Another handsome Qantas points earner, the ANZ Frequent Flyer Black card, earns one Qantas Point for every $1 up to $7500 per statement period. Thats on top of 90,000 bonus Qantas Points and $200 back when you spend $5000 on eligible purchases in the first three months from approval. The annual fee is $425.

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Virgin Australias Velocity High Flyer Cardholders earn one Velocity Point per dollar spent on retail purchases, up to $8000 a month. Thats on top of 40,000 bonus Velocity Points for each month when $3500 or more is spent on eligible purchases for the first two months after approval, and 20,000 Velocity Points if you keep your card open for more than 12 months. Theres also a swag of ancillary benefits, such as two complimentary single-entry lounge passes a year and up to 100 Status Credits a year for eligible bookings. The annual fee is $329. Since the sign-up bonus applies to new members only, that might not factor into your choice of cards. If so, one card that might work well for you is the HSBC Star Alliance credit card. This earns one Star Alliance Point per dollar spent on eligible purchases, up to $3000 per statement period. Thats not an earth-shaker. For example, those HSBC points convert to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer points at the ratio of 1:0.8, and the same for United Airlines, Air Canada and Eva Air points. Theres also no sign-up bonus, but spend $4000 on eligible purchases within 90 days of approval and youre on the fast track to Star Alliance Gold status. That brings solid benefits, including access to more than 1000 Star Alliance airport lounges around the globe, priority airport check-in and boarding, dedicated airport security lanes and priority baggage handling. On the downside, keeping that gold status requires a minimum annual spend of $60,000 on eligible purchases.

CORRECTION An earlier version of this story stated that from October 1, the only points acquired under the CommBank Awards program that can be used for flights will be with Virgin Australia. Points can also be used with Qantas. The story has been updated.

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WorldNorth AmericaUS politics Fox News host apologises for saying mentally ill homeless people should be killed Michael Koziol September 15, 2025  5:39am 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: A Fox News anchor has apologised for saying mentally ill homeless people should be killed by lethal injection amid growing concerns about hatred and violence in public discourse on both mainstream media and social media in the US. Brian Kilmeade, a host of the morning show Fox & Friends on the top-rated cable news network, made the remarks while discussing the stabbing murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in North Carolina last month. A 34-year-old homeless man with a history of mental illness and criminality, Decarlos Brown, has been charged. Foxs Brian Kilmeade pictured in 2024. AP In the on-air exchange, Kilmeades co-host Lawrence Jones argued that governments had spent billions of dollars on mental health programs, but many homeless and mentally ill people did not want to avail themselves of help. You cant give them a choice. Either you take the resources were going to give you, or you decide that youre going to be locked up in jail, Jones said.

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Kilmeade added: Or involuntary lethal injection, or something, just kill them. Related Article Graphic content

Crime The other brutal killing that shocked Americans (including Charlie Kirk) The comments were made on Wednesday by the same hosts who would interview President Donald Trump on Friday, following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. On Sunday, Kilmeade apologised on air for what he described as an extremely callous remark. In the morning, we were discussing the murder of Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, North Carolina, and how to stop these kinds of attacks by homeless mentally ill assailants  including institutionalising or jailing such people so they cannot attack again, he said. Now, during that discussion, I wrongly said they should get lethal injections. I apologise for that extremely callous remark. Im obviously aware that not all mentally ill homeless people act as the perpetrator did in North Carolina, and that so many homeless people deserve our empathy and compassion.

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Kilmeade made his comments as social and mainstream media come under the spotlight for their contributions to toxic public discourse in the US, following Kirks assassination at a university in Utah. Appearing on Fox & Friends, Trump blamed the left for escalating violence and said radicals on the right were often justified in their cause because they simply opposed crime. I couldnt care less Asked what could be done to fix the problem of radicalisation and bring people together, Trump said: Ill tell you something thats going to get me in trouble, but I couldnt care less. The radicals on the right oftentimes are radical because they dont want to see crime. Theyre saying: We dont want these people coming in, we dont want you burning our shopping centres, we dont want you shooting our people in the middle of the street.

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The radicals on the left are the problem. Theyre vicious and theyre horrible and theyre politically savvy  although they want men in womens sports, they want transgender for everyone, they want open borders. Last week, cable news network MSNBC fired political analyst Matthew Dowd for appearing to cast blame on Kirk for his own murder. Hes been one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures, in this, who is constantly pushing this sort of hate speech aimed at certain groups, Dowd said on air. I always go back to hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions. 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 Grieving in public view, Erika Kirk blends the personal and political to further her husbands cause Emma Goldberg September 14, 2025  1:57pm 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 crucifix thrust out the tinted window of a car. Hands resting on a coffin. The images of Erika Kirk in the days since her husband, Charlie Kirk, was assassinated have been wrenching. Erika Kirk disembarks Air Force Two with JD Vance and his wife, Usha, after they accompanied Charlie Kirks body back to Arizona on Thursday. AP Though Erika Kirk has now lurched into a new and harrowing spotlight as she grieves in public, for four years she has stood on convention stages alongside Charlie Kirk and built her own following of young conservative admirers, while helping her husband build his. You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife, Erika Kirk said, standing in a white blazer at a lectern at Turning Point USA headquarters on Friday, in her first public speech since her husband, a right-wing force and a key ally to US President Donald Trump, was killed at a college event in Utah. The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry.

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Erika Kirk holds her husbands hand after he was shot dead, in an image she posted on Instagram. Instagram Kirk also shared images on Instagram, where she has more than 4 million followers, of her hands folded together with Charlie Kirks in his coffin and herself embracing Vice President JD Vance with his wife, Usha Vance  braiding the personal and the political, the vulnerable and the operational, as she finds herself a widow on a national stage. If they thought my husbands mission was big now, she wrote, you have no idea. This is the blueprint that she and Charlie Kirk created together since marrying in 2021. The public image of their marriage deeply appealed to young people in the right-wing movement they were building, drawing in those who wanted the family life they put on display. Charlie Kirks politics and worldview were inextricably wound together with his personal life, and his marriage was a core part of his public reputation. And Erika Kirk, 36, a former Miss Arizona winner and an entrepreneur who made biblical streetwear, played a critical role in projecting that image.

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She left many political topics to her husband, who was known for views that were anti-immigrant, anti-civil rights and anti-Islam. But she also boosted his inflammatory rhetoric on transgender people, same-sex marriage and other issues, and she made her own condemning statements about the political left. The spiritual battle  I know you guys feel it. Its so deep in the soul. You can walk into a room and feel the enemy, she told a Turning Point crowd recently. Charlie and Erika Kirk at the Turning Point ball celebrating Donald Trumps inauguration in January. Getty Images Just three months ago, at a hotel convention centre in Dallas, the Kirks jointly headlined the Young Womens Leadership Summit, the largest gathering of young conservative women in the country, a Turning Point USA event. When Erika Kirk took the stage for opening night, before an audience of 3000 people, she emerged in a rose pink dress and a puff of pink smoke. Audience members applauded and raced to snap videos as she talked about marriage and motherhood, while criticising left-wing perspectives on both.

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Before I met Charlie, I was not on the path of I want to have six kids, and a white picket house fence  that was not my mindset, she told the room. But this is how amazing God is. When you meet the right man, everything shifts. When I met Charlie, that was it. I could care less about a career. This last point elicited an ecstatic cheer from an audience member. When Charlie Kirk joined his wife onstage  How great is Erika, by the way?  the room burst into more applause. Erika Kirk grieves over her husbands body in a photograph she posted on Instagram. Instagram College-aged women in the audience put their hands over their hearts and broke into a chorus of side conversations about how enviable their marriage seemed. I really enjoyed that conversation about marriage and relationships, Ella Guidry, 22, said. Charlie Kirk told the room that they would answer questions but that they would avoid politics for the night, though it was a crowd largely receptive to even his inflammatory comments, whether about immigration or race. Instead, they wanted to talk about their relationship and raising children  the fun stuff, Charlie Kirk said.

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The two discussed making time for date nights despite Charlie Kirks travel schedule and of observing the Sabbath every weekend to have time to read the Bible. Candles are left at a vigil for Charlie Kirk in Provo, Utah, on Friday. AP Related Article Violence Experts look to bullet casing messages for hints on motive as Trump hits out at left over Kirk shooting Together, the couple presented a unified message to the room: Get married early, have children. Youre not wasting a degree when youre raising your children with wisdom, love and truth, Erika Kirk advised. I dont want you to chase a pay cheque. Charlie Kirk was the more emphatic foil to his wife, the two of them beaming playfully at each other while she softened his messaging. Young ladies need to be willing to submit to a godly man when you meet one, Charlie Kirk said. The hyper-toxic feminism is very off-putting to young men.

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For the women who are getting married after 30, thats OK, Erika Kirk said. Im trying to bridge the gap here. Because it is OK. Its not ideal. Its not probably the best statistical odd position for you. But God is good. Many Turning Point members had long wanted to emulate the seemingly glamorous model they saw in watching Charlie and Erika Kirk. I like how they talked about how you can have everything, just not at the same time, Kieran Cunningham, 27, said, after heading to the Dallas conference from Bedford, Texas. A photograph Erika Kirk posted on Instagram after her husband was killed. Instagram To some young women at the Turning Point USA womens event, Erika Kirk represented contradictions that they see woven broadly into right-wing messaging about family and professional life. She was a successful entrepreneur, but she urged her followers to put motherhood before career; she was a public face for a movement, but she advised sublimating ambition to faith and family. This emphasis on submission seemed at odds with Erika Kirks high-profile public reputation to some of her followers. As high school student Nicole Hadar put it: There was a lot of talk from Erika about being submissive toward your husband. I do want to be married one day, but I also want to pursue a career.

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For others, it was a comfort that Erika Kirk didnt seem torn between the two. Erika does have her own business, Cunningham said. Related Article Violence Torn in the USA: How Charlie Kirks death exposed Americas extreme divide And after all, Erika Kirk has company in the large and fast-growing coterie of conservative women  from Phyllis Schlafly to wellness influencer Alex Clark  whose careers are spent urging women to be dubious of certain feminist messaging about womens ambitions for public life. That Erika Kirk embraced a public role in her husbands movement is unsurprising given the story of their union. Charlie Kirk messaged her on Instagram in 2018 wanting to meet. They went to dinner at a Bills Bar and Burger, in New York, and Erika Kirk thought she might be interviewing for a job at Turning Point USA. Fifteen minutes into dinner, Charlie Kirk said, he pivoted from wanting to hire her to wanting to date her. (You should absolutely interview for your spouse, Charlie Kirk advised at a Turning Point conference a year ago.) They got married in 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

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In her speech on Friday, two days after Charlie Kirks death, Erika Kirk pledged to take on the mantle of her husbands work. Loading Related Article Violence How Charlie Kirks social media machine rewired a generations politics She discussed the pain of figuring out what to tell their two children and she reflected on the force of their faith and the strength of their marriage, all while promising that the Turning Point USA campus tour would continue and that the groups large December gathering would go forward as planned. To everyone listening right now across America, the movement my husband built will not die, Erika Kirk said. It wont. I refuse to let that happen.

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This article originally appeared in The New York Times. 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.
By David Young, PA

The brother of a man killed on Bloody Sunday says it is still sinking in that a former British paratrooper accused of the murder is to finally face trial.

Soldier F, who cannot be identified, is accused of murdering James Wray and William McKinney when members of the Parachute Regiment shot dead 13 civil rights protesters on the streets of Derry on January 30th, 1972.

He is also charged with five attempted murders during the incident in Derrys Bogside area  namely of Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon, Patrick ODonnell and a person unknown.

He has pleaded not guilty to the seven counts.

The funeral procession of the 13 who died on Bloody Sunday (PA)

The long-awaited trial of the military veteran is due to begin at Belfast Crown Court on Monday.

The non-jury case will be heard by judge Patrick Lynch.

The Wray and McKinney families are expected to be joined by a large group of supporters as they walk together to the court on Monday morning.

Ahead of the trial commencing, William McKinneys brother Mickey summed up his feelings.

Were here now, at last, after all this time, he told the PA news agency.

Its not nervousness, its anticipation more so.

Im not even sure that its really sunk in yet that were here now.

James Wray (left) and William McKinney who died on Bloody Sunday (Bloody Sunday Trust/PA)

Bloody Sunday was one of the darkest days in the history of the Troubles.

Thirteen people were killed on the day and another man shot by paratroopers died four months later.

Many consider him the 14th victim of Bloody Sunday but his death was formally attributed to an inoperable brain tumour.

Police in the North launched a murder investigation after the landmark Saville Inquiry, which reported in 2010, found there was no justification for shooting any of those killed or wounded.

At the time of the inquirys publication, then-British prime minister David Cameron issued a public apology, saying the killings were unjustified and unjustifiable.

The Saville report overturned the long-disputed findings of the 1972 Widgery Tribunal which concluded that the soldiers had been shot at first, and returned fire in self-defence.

In 2019, the Norths Public Prosecution Service (PPS) announced that one former paratrooper  Soldier F  would face prosecution for two murders and five counts of attempted murder.

Other veterans who served in Northern Ireland have held protests in support of Soldier F (PA)

However, two years later, the PPS halted the prosecution, citing concerns the case could collapse if it went to trial.

That move followed the collapse of a different legacy trial of two other veterans accused of murder during the Troubles.

The trial of Soldier A and Soldier C for the 1972 shooting of Official IRA leader Joe McCann in Belfast ended in April 2021 after a judge ruled that key evidence due to be relied upon by the prosecution was inadmissible. The inadmissible evidence were statements given by the soldiers to the Royal Military Police (RMP) in the aftermath of the shooting.

The case against Soldier F also involves RMP statement evidence, from other soldiers who were on the ground in the Bogside during the shootings, and the outcome of the McCann case prompted the PPS to review the prosecution and, ultimately, discontinue it.

But this decision was then successfully challenged in court by the family of Mr McKinney, with judges in Belfast quashing the PPSs decision.

The prosecution was subsequently resumed by the PPS and it has now reached Crown Court trial.
GARDA speed vans in Carlow and Kilkenny collected 765,440 in fines over a 30-month period from January 2023 to June 2025, new figures reveal. The Carlow garda district generated 293,040 in revenue, while Kilkenny collected 362,800. The Thomastown district contributed 109,600 to the total.

However, revenue from speed vans in the two counties fell by 13.4% between 2023 and 2024, dropping from 378,320 to 327,520.

The local figures were released as part of national data showing that garda speed vans collected over 32 million across Ireland during the same period.

Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ni Mhurchu, who obtained the figures, has called for a get tough approach on speeding, particularly on rural roads and at accident black spots.

There are 52 families across the country mourning loved ones because we have failed to tackle speeding in any meaningful way, said Ms Ni Mhurchu, citing her calculation that speeding caused 52 deaths on Irish roads in 2024. The MEP based this figure on a 2020 European Commission report estimating that 30% of fatal crashes result from speeding or inappropriate speed. With 174 road deaths recorded in Ireland in 2024, she calculated that 52 were speed related.

Nationally, Dublin topped the revenue table with 6.2 million collected, followed by Tipperary (3.3 million) and Cork (2.9 million). Revenue from Carlow and Kilkenny was considerably lower than surrounding counties, according to the press release.

The figures also revealed that the speed van system operates at an overall loss, with gardai paying over 44 million to private speed camera operators between early 2023 and August 2025.

Overall revenue from speed vans fell by 15.9% nationally between 2023 and 2024.

Ms Ni Mhurchu welcomed additional funding of 9 million announced at the end of 2024 for up to 100 new speed cameras, but called for smarter positioning of current equipment and consideration of re-education courses for repeat offenders.
Home News Open our doors wide for all of Gods children: Churches creating worship spaces for those with sensory challenges

To accommodate families of children facing sensory challenges, including young people on the autism spectrum, some churches are opening spaces to better serve the needs of their members during worship.

Saint Pius X Catholic Church of Granger, Indiana, a parish comprised of 3,000 families, is one of those churches.

The Catholic parish opened the sensory-sensitive room earlier this year, converting a space that had originally served as a storage area for the congregation.

Stephanie Sibal, director of stewardship and engagement, told The Christian Post that converting it to a sensory room traces its origins to a discussion among members of St. Pius Xs children's faith formation team.

Nine months ago, we started planning and fundraising for the project, Sibal told CP at the time of this interview, noting that there was a lot of work that needed to be done to make the former storage room sensory-friendly.

Construction started about six months ago, and we've had the room open for almost two months. We're already hearing about how the space is allowing parishioners with sensory needs  children and adults  to be able to more fully participate in the Mass, some for the first time.

Tim Wheeler, director of religious education at St. Pius X, told CP that the church created the room to help families at the parish who have members who live with sensory processing disorders and are active members.

This space is an extension of our church, not just a separate room, and it allows these families to not only worship with our parish family, but with their families as well, said Wheeler.

We want to open our doors wide for all of Gods children, and this room is a resource for those families. The room is there for them to use, but we also dont expect anyone to use it if theyd rather sit in the pews as a family.

To make the room appropriate for those with sensory disorders, it was built to include additional insulation, as well as special windows that limit the amount of noise that can come through.

There is also a dial present that can control microphone volume and dimmable lights, along with alternative seating and what Wheeler called fidgets to help people calm themselves when necessary.

The room also includes images and descriptions of the various parts of the Catholic Mass to help those in the space follow along and participate in the worship.

It is important to us that people know this isn't a calming room or a playroom, but a room specifically designed for those with sensory processing disorders, Wheeler emphasized. It can be used for the entire Mass or just certain moments, but it is a resource for these families, not an expectation that they use it.

Lakewood Church of Houston, Texas, launched the Lakewood Champions Club ministry in 2009 to support the spiritual development of children and others with special needs.

Lakewood Associate Pastor Craig Johnson, who founded the Champion Club, told CP in an interview that the inspiration came from his son, Connor, being diagnosed with Autism in 2006.

"One of the challenges was being able to go to church as a family. At that time and even today, the majority of churches dont have any ministry or program for special needs children," said Johnson.

According to Johnson, Lakewood's ministry includes a "sensory station" in which they "work with the five senses" and serves as "a calming area where they can regulate and be able to learn."

There is also a "creative learning station" where they "work with them educationally through different methods and we develop their gifts and talents so they serve." Lakewood also has a "spirit area" to "help them develop a relationship with God through Gods Word, lessons, scripture memorization and worship."

"At our services, they will rotate in between these four stations, and they are developed just like every other child. We also provide inclusive opportunities with typical children so that one day the child may move into a typical environment," Johnson said.

"It also provides for the typical child awareness and empathy for the special needs children. Now we have a Champions kids program model, a teen program model, and an adult program model."

Another prominent congregation working on making a more welcoming space for those with special needs is Liquid Church, a multi-site megachurch in New Jersey.

Eryn Mera, a pastor who oversees special needs ministry at Liquid Church, told CP that the church has sensory rooms in the classrooms at the Parsippany campus, as well as what she called "a chill space/sensory room" at other campuses.

"We have buddies who support them, use chill spaces to give them time to reset, and we use sensory toys and adaptive materials," explained Mera. "Kids worship in the class with peers, middle schoolers/teens/adults worship with peers in worship or at special events for their age group."

Additionally, Mera noted that Liquid Church offers "headphones or a quiet room to reset when needed."

'God wants these special individuals to know Him'

Tom Stolle, the executive director of the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware and the father of a son named Jimmy who has autism and other intellectual challenges, believes that the introduction of special worship spaces for those struggling with similar issues is on the rise.

"I have seen several churches that affiliate with the BCM/D create spaces specifically for individuals with sensory challenges," said Stolle, noting that his home church has undertaken such measures.

Known as Wonderfully Made, the ministry has been a great benefit to his son, said Stolle, explaining that Jimmy "cannot sit through a standard worship service" due to the noise.

"We know God created my son Jimmy and people like Jimmy in the image of God. We know God wants these special individuals to know Him. He receives the Gospel each week in this Wonderfully Made ministry in the way he can," he said.

"My church is not the only church in our convention ministering to individuals like Jimmy. I have seen an increase in this effort. Other churches have created designated spaces, and we have a church within our convention that started a church that is specifically for individuals affected by disabilities."

Stolle believes that "we will continue to see an increase" in such ministry endeavors, adding that "I believe the church itself is disabled if it does not include individuals and families affected by disabilities."

"When the church does not make inclusion of individuals affected by disability a part of their mission, they are leaving behind individuals," said Stolle. "Jesus didnt go to the cross and die only for people not affected by disabilities."

"Churches should create these spaces because without them, some families wont come to church. They know, due to sensory challenges, their child cant tolerate a standard worship service. They also may believe that the church members wont welcome their child because they may feel the child is disruptive."

Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, a research organization centered on Evangelical church trends, told CP that the trend of sensory rooms for worship is probably more centered on larger churches "due to the logistical challenges."

"Sensory disorder symptoms related to loud noise and bright lights would be more of an issue in churches that utilize a lot of contemporary lighting elements or prefer to set their volume loud," he explained.

"However, more churches should be discussing how best to welcome people with sensory processing disorders since the symptoms often coexist with certain mental health conditions, and the number of people with those diagnoses has been increasing rapidly."

McConnell also told CP that "listening to the needs of individuals in a congregation is always important" when determining how to organize corporate worship.

"In most church activities, the goal is to mainstream as many people as possible," he continued. "If the goal of setting up a separate space is simply so that the rest of the congregation is not inconvenienced, then you would have to question the motive."

'A piece of the Kingdom'

When asked about what advice she had for churches considering a similar worship space, Sibal of St. Pius X told CP that the size of a congregation should not be an issue.

No matter the size of your church, if this is something you are interested in doing, find the space. The support will come because the need is there, Sibal said.

A key for us throughout the process was getting input from the families that were going to use the space  from planning to construction to filling the room with adaptable seating and fidgets. This isn't a playroom or a traditional calming room  it's an adaptable and interactive worship space.

Mera of Liquid Church told CP that she believed it was important to "start small," noting that her church began with a "Buddy Program" for those with special needs, then expanded from there.

"It is a lot of work, but it is well worth it because we do not get the full expression of God's Kingdom if we do not strive to include people of all abilities," said Mera.

"Without our friends on the spectrum, or with Down Syndrome, or other abilities, we would be missing a piece of the Kingdom."
Home News NJ megachurch opens cafe staffed by individuals with special needs to support clean water charity

A New Jersey megachurch has officially opened a coffee shop that will be staffed by individuals with special needs, and the proceeds from sales will go to charitable efforts to provide clean water to overseas communities.

Liquid Church held a grand opening ceremony for its Clean Water Cafe at their Parsippany campus on Monday, with around 100 people, including Mayor James R. Barberio, in attendance.

The cafe will provide employment for adults with special needs such as Autism or Down syndrome, while also giving its proceeds to programs providing clean water to communities in Africa and Central America.

Brooke Stempert, communications manager for Liquid Church, described the cafe as the marriage of two causes that are near and dear to us at Liquid Church.

Locally, the Clean Water Cafe will provide inclusive, supportive employment for all adults, including those with special needs such as Autism, Down syndrome and many others, Stempert said.

Then, as a nonprofit, all proceeds from the cafe will help provide clean water to those in need in Africa and Central America. Clean water is our global cause at Liquid Church, and through the cafe, we hope to increase our impact to provide clean water to those who need it most.

Stempert described the ceremony as amazing, noting that the ribbon cutting included free coffee and breakfast, as well as a custom photo booth for visitors.

At the Clean Water Cafe, we believe that people with Special Needs can change the world for good, Stempert added. We hope that our customers and supporters realize that as they enjoy their favorite coffee, they are changing the world with every sip.

The opening of the cafe to the surrounding community was originally announced in early 2020, however, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the church to delay the grand opening.

In an interview with The Christian Post in 2020, Liquid Church Lead Pastor Tim Lucas explained that the coffeehouse was part of their overall ministry to people with special needs.

This includes support groups for parents of children with special needs, as well as hosting an annual Night to Shine prom and having a Buddy Program that involves assigning every child with special needs a buddy who is with them from fifth grade through high school, ensuring that they can participate in church events.

In general, the church is 30 years behind culture when it comes to special needs. They dont have the manpower and muscle even if theyre passionate about it, Lucas told CP at the time.

What happened at Liquid was, millennials stepped up and said, We understand inclusion, so most of our buddy volunteers are in their 20s and 30s.
Home News San Diego pastor fatally shot in his home; congregation left in disbelief

A pastor in San Diego County was shot and killed inside his home this week, leaving his community reeling from the sudden loss. The suspect is in custody as the investigation continues.

The San Diego County Sheriffs Office confirmed the death of Pastor Felipe Ascencio, who was fatally shot at his residence on Eighth Street in Ramona on Sunday afternoon, KGTV reported.

Law enforcement did not disclose the identity of the suspect or a possible motive but said the person is in custody and the case remains active.

Ascencio served as the pastor of Templo Monte Horeb, where he was known for his role beyond the pulpit. Longtime congregants described him as a mentor, father figure and personal guide.

For a moment it was just something we couldnt believe, Miguel Hernandez, a member of the church, was quoted as saying. Even on Wednesday, we had church, and we were still thinking that he was going to walk in and say hello to everyone.

His death has shaken the tight-knit congregation and the Ramona community.

Francisco Tomas, a close friend, said Ascencio welcomed him into his home during a difficult period in his life.

Jesus Flores, who grew up attending Templo Monte Horeb, said the pastor offered him critical emotional support during a rough time.

Ascencio is survived by his wife and two children. Friends described him as a devoted family man whose influence reached far beyond church walls.

He left an example that we should all follow  to love one another, Tomas added. He was a good friend, a good husband, a loving father  the best pastor anybody can have.

Community members have started organizing support efforts in response to the tragedy. A GoFundMe campaign has also been launched to help Ascencios wife and children with expenses related to his death.

The campaigns organizer wrote, Hello Ramona Community, In this very difficult time for my family, I am reaching out with a heavy heart on behalf of my sister, Abigail. She has suffered the heartbreaking loss of her beloved husband, Felipe  a devoted father of two and pastor of Mount Horeb Church here in Ramona.

The statement continues, We are humbly asking for your support to help cover costs related to the crime, as this sudden loss has placed a great burden on the family. Any contribution, no matter the size, will mean so much and bring comfort during this painful time.

It concludes, From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, prayers, and generosity. May God bless you.
Home Opinion The hijacking of revival

The word revival is being thrown around everywhere these days, as if it carries a special anointing when used. Hire a superstar worship leader, or a well-known pastor, and throw together a service, and it's a revival. But that is not revival.

Revival is a sovereign act of God that cant be worked up  it must be brought down. He provides the fire if we provide the sacrifice.

Damaged goods

Spiritual damage occurs when people think they are experiencing revival, but in reality, they are not.

Some preachers put on a show, and although most Christians agree that it is just a show, what about those who are caught up in it? Do they then lead others astray? Become prideful? Or, when time goes by and the blessing/healing doesn't materialize, do they become depressed or lose hope? Nothing good comes from counterfeit revival.

Filled with the wrong spirit

From outlandish reports of angels leaving feathers to gold dust glittering in the air, and from people acting more demonic than Spirit-filled, the abuses under the banner of revival are sad to witness.

What would the Apostles say about such shenanigans? Genuine revival is preceded by deep repentance, not laughing at the pulpit! Old saints were never drunk on Gods glory, they were completely broken by His presence.

Wheres the fear of the Lord? Wheres the reverence? Wheres the repentance? Without these three elements, you can call it what you want, but its not revival.

Definitions matter

Granted, I do believe that there have been incredible outpourings such as what weve seen on college campuses and at some churches over the last few years, but overall, the word revival is being misused, abused, and hijacked.

In biblical terms, the word revival is often used in a prayer asking God to revive His work and to fill His people with a fresh anointing: Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? (Ps. 85:6).

God breaks us in order to remake us

In my new book, I Almost Quit (free PDF here), I discuss the absolute necessity of being broken by God and how He continues to break us, which is the true mechanism of revival. You can watch my interview here with Pastor Jack Hibbs for more.

If He is breaking and humbling you through situations or circumstances  if He is burying you in obscurity  if likes and followers are decreasing, friendships fading, and your church/ministry is not growing, then you must face it and embrace it. If He is not growing your ministry, perhaps it is so He can grow your character. Brokenness isnt fun, but it is powerful: God breaks in order to remake. The power of revival only flows through broken vessels.

Height requires depth

Dont misunderstand, God often grows a church, elevates a person, or expands a ministry  growth can also be a sign of spiritual health. However, the higher you go up in ministry, the deeper you must go in the prayer closet.

The more God exalts you, the more you must humble yourself. The more He uses you, the more you must serve others. Spiritual height requires spiritual depth.

Revival isnt sparked by advertisement

Gone are the days of the great Scottish and Welsh revivals or the Great Awakenings in America, where men and women cried out to God in extended prayer meetings. They saw little movement of the Spirit initially, but they wouldnt be moved. They pressed in because they understood the true definition of seeking God with all their heart.

No big names. No Facebook ads or Instagram boosts. No selfies, self-centeredness, or self-promotion. Just hungry believers praying that God would rend the heavens again (Is. 64:1).

Theres nothing wrong with posting things now and then. God wants us to get the message out, but we must continually examine our hearts and motives. Many pastors and influencers are too busy jockeying for position and growing their brand to seek the heart of revival.

Revival is rarely convenient

Whether it was Wesley and Whitefield riding countless hours on horseback in the 1700s, or Duncan Campbell preaching revival in the Hebrides Islands in 1949, seeking God is not convenient. We must pursue, press in, and prioritize it.

As a church known for seasons of spiritual awakenings, many are under the impression that God planted us in a large metropolitan area of Los Angeles County, but instead, He tucked us back into the rolling hills of a small rural community.

Were not super easy to reach, nor is the location convenient for most people. It takes effort to reach us. To many, our location doesnt make sense, but to God, it makes perfect sense: God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty (1 Cor. 1:27).

I have found that God rarely makes sense. Despite what Ive heard over the years, such as, How can you live in California, especially in such a broken area of Los Angeles County? I know that God has called us for such a time as this: The light of revival often falls in the darkest places. The safest place on earth is in the center of His will.

Heaven  hear our cry

In order for God to rend the heavens and rain down revival (Is. 64:1), the soil of our heart must be tilled  we must break up the fallow ground of pride, kill ulterior motives, repent of self-exaltation, and deal with besetting sin.

Dont wait for someone else to spark revival; fuel the flame in your heart. God often brought seasons of revival to the least likely, not necessarily the mega ministry or multi-campus facility, but through the desperate seeker who fasted for a downpour and prayed for God to rip open the heavens.

Will you pray today for your own heart to be spiritually awakened?
Bailey Zimmerman canceled his Laughlin, Nevada, show after citing safety concerns with the stage. Getty Images for MTV

Country music star Bailey Zimmerman was forced to cancel the final show of his New To Country Tour because of safety concerns at the Rio Vista Outdoor Amphitheater in Laughlin, Nevada, Parade reports.

In an Instagram post featuring a simple black backdrop, Zimmerman expressed his disappointment about the cancellation.

This is something an artist never wants to tell their fans, he wrote on Saturday. I am beyond disappointed, and Im sorry, but we have to cancel our show tonight in Laughlin, NV.

The cancellation stemmed from what Zimmerman described as unforeseen local production limitations and an unsafe stage. He emphasized that the decision had nothing to do with him or his team, stating they arrived fully prepared to end the New To Country Tour the right way.

The safety of yall, my band, and my crew is the most important thing to me, and I just cant put yall at risk, Zimmerman explained in his post.

He added, I really hate disappointing you all, and I hate ending the tour this way, but like I said, its what I have to do.

Fans who purchased tickets to the Laughlin concert will receive full refunds to their original method of payment, with payments expected to appear within 14-21 days. Ticket holders with questions are advised to contact their ticket providers directly.

Despite the disappointing conclusion to his current tour, Zimmerman has already announced his next venture. The Different Night Same Rodeo Tour is scheduled to begin on Feb. 19, and it will cover more than 30 cities across the United States, including Knoxville, Boston, Atlanta, Fort Worth, Nashville and Toronto.

The tour is set to conclude June 20.

The New To Country Tour, which began on June 6 in Indianapolis, featured special guests Dylan Marlowe and Drew Baldridge.

Fans responded supportively to Zimmermans announcement, with one commenting, Im so sorry, BZ! I know you care soooo much about your fans and team. This must have been such a hard choice.

Another added, Sad, but you and your crew need to be safe.

This story was written with the assistance og AI.
Former U.S. Congresswoman Mary Rose Oakar comments about the West Side Market during a panel discussion on Jan. 28, 2020. Lisa DeJong/The Plain Dealer

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Mary Rose Oakar, a pioneering lawmaker who spent 16 years fighting for womens economic equality and breaking barriers in the male-dominated halls of Congress, died Saturday in Cleveland. She was 85.

Born March 5, 1940, to parents of Lebanese and Syrian ancestry, Oakar was the youngest of five children in a working-class Cleveland family. Her father was a laborer and her mother a homemaker.

She would later reflect on her diverse upbringing in an interview with the U.S. House of Representatives historian: We were very oriented toward our neighborhood. I came from a very diverse community, which I love. ... I went to school and grew up with people of all backgrounds and races. I think that dealing with my peers was a great experience in preparation for being in public life.

After working her way through school as a telephone operator, Oakar graduated from Ursuline College in 1962 and earned a masters degree from John Carroll University in 1966. She also studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and Columbia University.

From 1963 to 1975, she taught at her alma mater, Lourdes Academy, and Cuyahoga Community College before entering politics as a Cleveland City Council member from 1973 to 1976.

In 1976, Oakar launched an innovative congressional campaign that would become the stuff of Cleveland political legend. Traveling through her district in a Model T Ford and later a rose-decorated convertible, she distributed rose-themed pens to remind voters of her name.

So we would go in this Model T Ford all over the district, which was pretty large, she recalled. And people would come out because they wanted to see the car, and then Id get to meet them.

Oakar became the first Democratic woman elected to Congress from Ohio. She served eight terms, representing Clevelands West Side from 1977 to 1993. She quickly established herself as a formidable advocate for womens economic rights, telling The New York Times: Economic security is the truly liberating issue for women. If youre economically liberated, youre free to pursue other avenues in your life.

One of her most significant legislative achievements was championing federal funding for breast cancer research. At a time when little federal money was directed toward the disease, she pressed the issue relentlessly until Congress approved more than $400 million in funding in the early 1990s  nearly triple the previous years budget. She also helped establish new quality standards for mammography screenings.

I wish this had happened sooner, because wed be about 10 years closer to finding a cure. Then again, weve got to go forward, not backward, Oakar said of the breakthrough funding.

Oakar was also an advocate for senior citizens, serving on the House Select Committee on Aging. In 1980, she sponsored legislation to fight elder abuse, which sought to provide funding incentives for states to expand adult protective services.

In 1995, President Bill Clinton appointed her to the Advisory Board for the White House Conference on Aging. She also hosted a television and radio program called Senior Forum.

Rep. Marcy Kaptur, a Toledo Democrat who succeeded Oakar in representing parts of Cleveland, recalled one of her mentors fondest legislative victories: ensuring that Catholic nuns became eligible for Social Security benefits.

She came up to me and she said, Marcy, do you know that the Roman Catholic sisters who taught us all are not eligible for Social Security. The priests are, but not the women, Kaptur remembered. When she did that, the entire Congress applauded. Didnt matter whether faith, no faith.

Kaptur also recalled Oakars guttural laugh that brought joy to every meeting and her efforts for peace in the Middle East.

She would go to the end of the earth to help her constituents, Kaptur said.

Former U.S. Rep. Mary Rose Oakar, Cleveland Municipal Court Judge Ann Clare Oakar and U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur in 2017, Courtesy of U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur

Oakar co-founded the Congressional Womens Caucus and fought for institutional equity, including granting women access to congressional gyms and pools. She rose through Democratic leadership to serve as secretary (later vice chair) of the House Democratic Caucus from 1985 to 1989, becoming one of the few women in either party to hold a leadership position at the time.

Former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown said Oakar helped teach him the value of constituent service.

I learned early in Congress, how important it was to help people one at a time, said Brown, who entered Congress as Oakar departed. You cast votes, you make great speeches, but if you are not helping people one at a time, you are not doing your job. What she was known for locally is, If you got a problem, call Mary Rose. That really stands out.

Local projects she championed included the Franciscan Village of Our Lady of Angels near Kamms Corner in Cleveland, which provides affordable senior housing. She also advocated for NASA Glenn Research Center, the protection of Lake Erie and the push to bring the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to Cleveland.

Mary Rose Oakar served Cleveland and this country with courage and compassion, said a social media statement from Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb. As our citys own trailblazer  first Democratic woman from Ohio in the U.S. House, advocate for womens health, seniors and our waterfronther legacy lifts us up. Rest in power."

A career of service and purpose and always to her beloved Cleveland, added a statement from Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. Rest in peace Congresswoman Mary Rose Oakar.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican who served with Oakar in the U.S. House, praised her approach in a statement issued Sunday.

She cared deeply about the people she represented in her district but also worked hard to advocate for all of Ohio, DeWine said. As a former teacher, Mary Rose never lost her passion for education and children. ... She remained a passionate advocate for children until her death.

Former Democratic Cleveland mayor and U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich said he stayed in close contact with Oakar over the years. Although she walked with kings, Kucinich said she never lost the common touch.

Whether in Cleveland or Washington, if you said the name Mary Rose, she was popular enough that everyone knew whom you meant, Kucinich said.

From her humble home in Ohio City on Clevelands West Side, to the highest echelons of power in Washington, D.C., and far beyond, she brought the sensibilities of Clevelands neighborhoods, the practicalities of every day life into the considerations of those in power, Kucinich said.

Her love for Cleveland and the people of the community was always constant. Her love for, and dedication to her family was constant. Hers is a legacy of caring. Its hard to imagine that she is no longer with us.

Former Democratic U.S. Rep. Dennis Eckart, who served alongside Oakar, characterized her as having fierce representation of some old world values that kept her grounded in what constituents were sitting at their kitchen table thinking about.

She was totally approachable in countless venues, whether it was a church festival or a union hall, and I think that was the secret of her success, Eckart said. Mary Rose was deeply rooted in Clevelands ethnic communities and most everything she did reflected the roots of the city.

Despite her advocacy for womens rights, Oakars staunch anti-abortion position sometimes put her at odds with major feminist organizations. As one of the few Arab Americans in Congress during the 1980s, she also criticized what she saw as the Reagan administrations tilt toward Israeli interests in Middle East policy.

A campaign rally for Mary Rose Oakar, Democrat 10th Cong. Dist. race surrounded by supporters at UAW HALL LOCAL 1005. Roadell Hickman

Oakars congressional career ended in 1992 when she was defeated by Republican Martin Hoke after being implicated in the House bank overdraft scandal. She had written 213 overdrafts during a three-year period. After leaving Congress, she pleaded guilty to charges of receiving illegal campaign contributions in 1995 and received probation, community service and fines.

She later served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2001 to 2003, and served a single term on the Ohio State Board of Education from 2012 to 2016.

Former Ohio Democratic Party chairman and Ohio Representative Chris Redfern of Marblehead said Oakar served as a mentor to him and other Democrats in the legislature, who admired her lifetime achievements.

To sit next to her in caucus was a thrill for me, Redfern recalled. She was opinionated. She was a guiding force for a lot of members including myself.

She was named president of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee in 2003, leading the organization through the difficult post-9/11 era when Arab Americans faced heightened discrimination and government scrutiny.

The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee said in a statement: Congresswoman Oakar embodied the values of justice, service, and integrity. She was not only a fierce advocate for Arab Americans, but also a dear friend and mentor to many within our community.

Kaptur, who visited Oakar regularly in her final years at Ennis Court in Lakewood, remembered her mentors enduring spirit: She had ailments for a number of years, but she never let her dampen her spirit. Such resilience.

Even in her final month, Kaptur noted, Politically, the woman was totally attuned to contemporary events.

A cause of death has not been released. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Sept. 19 at McGorray-Hanna Funeral Home, 25620 Center Ridge Road in Westlake. Her funeral mass will be at 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 20 at St. Patrick Church, 3602 Bridge Avenue, Cleveland.

DeWine has ordered that the flags of the United States and the state of Ohio be flown at half-staff on all public buildings and grounds throughout Cuyahoga County as well as the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center, and the Rhodes State Office Tower from sunrise to sunset on the day of her funeral.

Oakar is survived by her niece, Cleveland Municipal Court Judge Ann Clare Oakar, and other family members.

She finished her life, as Kaptur noted, in a place where they say Mass everyday a fitting end for a woman of deep faith who spent her career fighting for those society too often overlooked.
The summer has been a cold one for the labor market in the United States. Not only were just 22,000 new net jobs added in August, but for the first time since December 2020, jobs were lost in June. The onset of the winter of employment had been a reality for some time in some sectors of the economy, such as manufacturing and the mining and oil sectors. It also happened in construction, where job losses over the past three months were confirmed on Friday. This is an area of the economy where around 34% of workers are foreign-born, and the onslaught of anti-immigration policies is opening a deep rift that affects not only them but also U.S.-born workers, businesses and ongoing projects.

A number of construction industry firms attested to this situation in a late August survey conducted by the Associated Contractors of America and the National Center for Construction, Education and Research (AGCE and NCCER, respectively). Nearly a third of companies reported having been directly or indirectly affected by immigration policies in the past six months, compounding the problem faced by 92% of respondents, who reported difficulty finding workers. Specifically, 5% of respondents said their sites have been raided by immigration agents, and an additional 10% have seen their workers leave due to rumors of possible action by authorities.

The raids dont just affect individuals without work authorization. AGCE Chief Economist Ken Simonson explains that many immigrants with work authorization also fear Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) because of how a raid could affect their family members or other nearby communities at risk if they were dragged in by a mass arrest. Twenty percent of respondents say their subcontractors have also lost employees. The most affected states are Georgia, Virginia, Alabama, Nebraska and South Carolina.

The Federal Reserve has also acknowledged the complication arising from ICEs actions. Last week, the monetary authority published its latest report on regional economic conditions, the so-called Beige Book, in which it referred more than a dozen times to the problems that anti-immigration action is creating in the labor market in the twelve Fed districts.

Half of the Districts noted that contacts reported a reduction in the availability of immigrant labor, with New York, Richmond, St. Louis, and San Francisco highlighting its impact on the construction industry, the report reads. Specifically, in the case of the New York Federal Reserve, it noted that the drop in immigrant workers has led to project delays. Solutions are being sought. Some employers are opting to offer four-day workweeks to retain workers, according to the report.

In the case of the Richmond Fed (which includes North and South Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and most of West Virginia), difficulties in finding workers among immigrants in this sector have increased. Multiple construction contacts encountered increased difficulties finding workers due to the available immigrant labor pool, and they were not optimistic about future labor availability, the Beige Book states.

The lack of immigrant labor not only fails to open doors to American-born workers, it also negatively impacts them, says Ben Zipperer, an economist at the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), a progressive think tank. In a recent report he explained that deportations also affect national workers in several ways. One of the most notable is the breakdown of the complementary ties that exist in jobs involving both foreign and native-born labor. The labor chain is broken. when there are fewer immigrant roofers and framers to build the basic structure of homes, there will be less work available for U.S.-born electricians and plumbers, he explains, providing an example that can be applied to other industries and cuts across several sectors. The reduction in the immigrant population and its activities also reduces consumption and investment, which reduces job creation.

Official figures on job demand and openings, hires, and resignations compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) complete the employment picture. The so-called JOLTS report for July reflects how job openings across the country are declining overall, but, counterintuitively, they have grown in the construction sector. Specifically, they rose from 242,000 in June to 306,000 a month later. This is 77,000 more job openings than in the same month last year.

Industry economists acknowledge that these are highly volatile data, but Anirban Basal, chief economist at Associated Contractors and Constructors (ABC), explained in a note that bids have risen to the highest level in more than a year. Given the continued decline in nonresidential construction spending, this increase in bids is attributable to immigration policy and its effects on the labor force, rather than to increased demand for construction workers.

AGCEs Simonson says these job postings often contain many anticipated jobs that need to be filled for other phases of construction, but other data from the JOLTS report also shows a deterioration for the sector, such as those referring to people leaving their jobs because they have a better option. Job turnover for these employees is the lowest in the last nine years, suggesting concerns about job security in a difficult labor environment and pressure from tariff costs. There are no opportunities, Simonson says.

This economist says the current labor shortage is the main reason why projects of all kinds are experiencing delays because there arent enough qualified workers to hire. Seventy-eight percent of firms surveyed by AGCE and NCCER say they have at least one project that has been delayed in the last 12 months, and 45% attribute the cause to a shortage of workers and the shortage of their subcontractors.

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The divided response to the assassination of Charlie Kirk is inappropriate, says Today in Ohio. A generation ago, no one would have been calling for vengeance. The calls would have been for peace. AP

In the wake of conservative activist Charlie Kirks assassination in Utah, Americas reaction has revealed a troubling political chasm  one where calls for vengeance are as common as pleas for unity and peace.

The start stark reality was the subject of a compelling discussion on cleveland.coms Today in Ohio podcast, where hosts Chris Quinn, Lisa Garvin and Leila Atassi examined the nations fractured response to political violence.

The podcast highlighted JD Vances emotional tribute to Kirk, with the vice president flying to Salt Lake City to be with Kirks family and later escorting his casket back to Arizona on Air Force Two. Vances tribute acknowledged their deep friendship and highlighted Kirks willingness to engage with those who disagreed with him  a quality increasingly rare in todays polarized landscape.

In a nation where our president casts anybody who disagrees with him as enemies who should be in prison, Kirk welcomed people who disagreed with him to debate, Quinn noted. He wasnt open minded to what they said, but at least he was having conversations. Something that weve lost in the country.

The hosts expressed dismay at how many Americans, including those in influential media positions, immediately jumped to calls for retribution rather than reflection. Quinn contrasted todays response with historical moments of leadership following political violence:

I wish everybody would have stood up the next day and called for peace and calm instead of talking about vengeance, Quinn said. You think back to Bobby Kennedy after Martin Luther King was killed. All those people seething and... he said, remember what Martin Luther King stood for. Lets keep peaceful as we move forward. Lets give tribute to him that way. We dont have that today. We dont have the universal condemnation of the violence and the calling for everybody to be peaceful.

The podcast discussion also touched on a topic Garvin raised before the podcast began, the troubling pattern of people losing their jobs for making negative comments about Kirk after his death  ironically contradicting Kirks own advocacy for open debate and free speech.

Atassi offered a particularly pointed observation about the current political climate:

I think generally the moment were in is more about power over the masses. And the only way you achieve that is by keeping people divided. So youll never see this administration calling for unity ever.

The podcast noted that where once we could unite in collective grief and recommitment to peaceful discourse after political violence, we now splinter further along partisan lines, with tragedy becoming just another weapon in the endless culture war.

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.
This undated photo posted to Instagram on June 9, 2025, by Iryna Zarutska shows a self portrait. Zarutska was killed Aug. 22 in a random stabbing on a light-rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina. In his column today, Ted Diadiun asks why her assailant, an individual with a history of violence and mental health challenges, was free to attack her. (Iryna Zarutska via AP) AP AP

Amid all the awful news reports we have endured over the last three weeks  and there have been too many  one almost came and went under the radar for me, and for most of America.

It shouldnt. It needs to be heeded and remembered.

It happened on Aug. 22, when a young woman who fled Ukraine three years ago to find a new home in the safe embrace of the United States got on a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina, bound for home after her Friday evening shift at a local pizza parlor.

Her name was Iryna Zarutska. She was 23, beloved by her family and her co-workers  a talented artist, they say, and a sculptor, who hoped eventually to work as a veterinarians assistant. But that night she sat down in front of a man who soon rose up, raised a knife high, stabbed her repeatedly in the neck and chest, then casually walked away as she fell from her seat and died in a pool of blood on the floor of the train. The man was arrested at the next stop and charged with her murder.

It was the kind of mindless, senseless tragedy that happens too often in cities and towns around the country, perhaps getting a short notice in the local news, and then being largely forgotten  except for the grieving survivors who will suffer its consequences all the rest of their lives.

But in this case, two things happened to change that:

On Sept. 5, the Charlotte Area Transit System released the appalling surveillance video of the attack.

It is heartbreaking to watch as the slender young woman steps onto the train, unconcernedly sits down in front of a man who appears to be dozing, and begins looking at her phone. You see her look up in terror and shrink back as the man looms over her, and then  well, believe me, you dont want to see the rest.

The video quickly went viral in all its horrible, uncensored detail, and outrage spread via social media from Charlotte all the way to the White House and around the globe.

The second thing was this:

Reporters looking into the background of the accused murderer, Decarlos Brown Jr., discovered that he had a long history of violent lawbreaking. Over the last dozen or more years he had been arrested 14 times, the most serious of which put him in jail for six years after he pulled a gun on a man and robbed him of his cellphone and cash. More recently, he allegedly assaulted his sister, who declined to press charges, and he was so unruly that his mother kicked him out of her house. He was living in a homeless shelter at the time of his attack.

After his most recent arrest, a judge released him without bail with the promise that he would voluntarily undergo a competency hearing, which he did not complete. This was why he was a free man rather than in jail on Aug. 22.

What, many people wanted to know after they heard this, and recovered from watching the video, was he doing out among us?

I was surprised to see this guy was out, said an associate professor who specializes in prison research, in an interview with USA Today.

If you look back at this guys past, you think, How could we not see something like this coming? said Matthew William Logan of Texas State University.

The answer is complicated.

Brown had a documented pattern of delusional behavior and had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Thats an illness, not a crime, but complicated or not, its hard to understand how a judge could look at his violent past and determine that he was not a danger to society.

His most recent arrest was in January, for repeatedly dialing 9-1-1 and saying that authorities had implanted something in his brain. After the murder, he told his sister he stabbed Ms. Zarutska because she was reading his mind.

The question, however, is not complicated.

A young, vibrant, innocent woman full of the possibilities of life is dead, because we do not have the courage, or the will, or whatever it takes to keep the monsters of society from preying on our innocents. We keep on trading the lives of law-abiding, productive citizens for the dregs of society, who either kill themselves after their crimes, or wind up locked away from the rest of us  too late to save their victims.

We spend more time worrying about the rights of criminals  making sure we dont abuse them; trying to understand what led them to their misdeeds; how we can resurrect them  than we do about the people who suffer from their crimes.

Its time to reverse our priorities.

It is beyond ironic that Brown was freed without paying bail, just as President Donald Trump is being ridiculed by some for trying to eliminate cashless bail laws. That practice evens the playing field for those unable to buy their way out of jail for minor offenses, the argument goes, and Trump is accused of being racist in opposing it, because minorities are less likely to be able to afford to make bail.

That argument misses the point spectacularly in this case.

It is true that Decarlos Brown is Black and Iryna Zarutska was white. But it is also true that Browns criminal history was not exactly parking tickets and absent turn signals. North Carolina doesnt have an official cashless bail law, but its system of releasing people on their own recognizance amounts to the same thing, and without that, Zarutska would likely still be alive  which seems like the more important point.

Ted Diadiun

If we want to level the playing field on bail reform, perhaps the better way would be to eliminate all bail other than for minor offenses.

At least that would protect us from judges who dont seem able to tell the difference between a dangerous criminal and a benign one.

Ted Diadiun is a member of the editorial board of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.

To reach Ted Diadiun: tdiadiun@cleveland.com

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* Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication.

* Email general questions, comments or corrections regarding this opinion article to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com.
Senior advocate Sabita Bhandari was appointed on Sunday, September 14, as the attorney general of the Nepal government, becoming the first woman to hold the position.President Ramchandra Paudel appointed Bhandari as the attorney general on the recommendation of interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, according to a notice issued by the Presidents Office.Bhandari has now become the first woman attorney general of Nepal.She is also a former information commissioner at the National Information Commission.Earlier, President Paudel approved the resignation of Ramesh Badal from the post of attorney general. It is a normal practice for the attorney general to resign after the change of government.
A profile on Sushila Karki

Sushila Karki, a former Chief Justice of Nepal, is widely respected for her integrity and anti-corruption stance. Having served at the helm of Nepals judiciary, she earned recognition for promoting transparency and justice.

Her appointment as interim prime minister comes at a time when the country is grappling with political instability and civil unrest.

Background of the crisis

The unrest that led to Karkis appointment began earlier this month when the government imposed a ban on popular social media platforms, citing national security concerns.

The move triggered widespread protests, particularly among youth groups who perceived it as an attack on their freedoms.

The protests escalated quickly with a focus on corruption, leading to violent clashes with security forces.

At least 72 people had lost their lives, and over 1,300 were injured amid the unrest. The governments response drew severe criticism, and Prime Minister Oli faced mounting pressure.

On September 9, he resigned, paving the way for the formation of an interim government. His resignation came after he and several ministers were heckled and forced to confront public outrage.

Appointment of Sushila Karki

After intense consultations involving the president, military leadership, and protest representatives, Karki was selected to lead the interim administration. President Ramchandra Paudel confirmed her appointment on September 12.

Karkis judicial background and reformist image made her a widely acceptable candidate for leading the country through turbulent times.

PM Modis reaction

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Karki, calling her appointment a new dawn for Nepal. Modi expressed hope that her leadership would promote peace and stability in the region and emphasised the deep cultural and historical bonds between India and Nepal. He also reaffirmed Indias support for Nepals democratic transition.

Call for tourism revival

The recent unrest severely affected Nepals tourism sector, causing estimated losses exceeding NPR 25 billion. In light of this, the interim government urged citizens and expatriates to return and help rebuild the industry, which plays a critical role in the countrys economy.

Looking ahead

The cabinet expansion is expected to happen today, as the interim government looks to finalise key appointments and restore administrative functions.

With the upcoming elections scheduled for March 5, 2026, Karkis leadership will be a test of Nepals ability to restore democracy and national unity. The nations focus now turns to how effectively her administration can address grievances, rebuild institutions, and prepare for a peaceful electoral process.

Pledging accountability, Karki said, "Those involved in the barbaric incident will be investigated. My team and I haven't come here to savour power. We won't stay longer than six months. We'll hand over responsibility to the new parliament. We won't succeed without your cooperation."
On September 14, 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jeyhun Bayramov, departed for a working visit to the State of Qatar.

According to Azernews, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan shared the information in a post on official X.

As part of the visit, the Minister is scheduled to participate in and deliver a speech at the Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit to be held in Doha on September 14-15, as well as hold high-level bilateral meetings.
Two investigations warn about how data collected through menstrual tracking apps can be used by governments to monitor peoples reproductive lives, and by companies to make a profit

What does the volatile global political environment have to do with the menstruation of millions of people? With whom do menstrual cycle apps share our medical data? And how can this information be used to criminalize women who choose to have an abortion?

More and more people are downloading menstrual tracking apps on their phones. Hence, these questions are becoming a major concern for researchers and academics. This is because the data stored in these apps is considered to be a gold mine for the market. Two recent investigations  one from the Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy at the University of Cambridge and another from Privacy International, each using different methodologies  reach similar conclusions: theres a latent risk of this data ending up in the wrong hands, both in the private and public sectors. Governments can use this data for law enforcement purposes, while companies can utilize it for commercial purposes.

Menstrual tracking apps turn personal health information into data thats collected, analyzed and sold. This poses risks and harm to users and society, as menstrual tracking data can be used to monitor peoples reproductive lives, says Dr. Stefanie Felsberger, lead author of the Minderoo report.

Femtech  the market for technology products focused on womens health and wellness  is a lucrative business, expected to reach $60 billion by 2027. Menstrual cycle apps contribute at least 50% of this growing market and present themselves as closing the gender health gap, according to the Minderoo report. The three most popular apps alone have 250 million downloads overall.

These apps collect information about the users menstrual period, symptoms, emotions, exercise, sexual preferences and contraceptive methods  among other data  and generate predictions about ovulation dates, PMS and their next cycle. However, according to medical studies, they fail to accurately predict these events.

A woman receives sanitary pads. Maskot (Getty Images/Maskot)

If [cycle tracking] data falls into the wrong hands, it could cause harm that goes beyond reproductive health, such as intimate partner violence, risks to job prospects, workplace surveillance, or discrimination in health insurance, Felsberger adds.

Commercial use of data

This is where the inextricable web of third parties with access to this data becomes important. Privacy Internationals study  titled No Bodys Business but Mine: Vol 2  focuses on whether, given the ongoing threats to sexual and reproductive rights worldwide, menstrual tracking apps are truly safe for those who use them. It also looks at how responsible these firms are with their privacy policies.

Concerns about data privacy have been around for some time, but have evolved over the years. In 2019, Privacy International conducted the first investigation into 10 apps, focusing on whether they shared data with Facebook. Now, taking into account changes in the political landscape, as well as technological transformations, such as the expansion of cloud-based services and artificial intelligence, they conducted another technical study with new questions.

This time, for a period of five years, they focused on Googles most-downloaded apps and followed the invisible network of private third parties that show up in the process. And, while they found that, overall, period tracking apps were not sharing users cycle data as egregiously with third parties as we found for some apps in 2019, new privacy risks emerged. we did observe several categories of third parties that many apps were integrating for different purposes, such as advertising software development kits (SDKs) or application programming interfaces (APIs) to service certain app functionalities, and these third parties often processed some degree of the users personal or device data, the study says.

A young woman looks at a menstruation app. SolStock (Getty Images)

Fear of reproductive surveillance

In this regard, the researchers agree with the Cambridge findings. The biggest concern has to do with how this data could be used for reproductive surveillance. Off-device storage introduces an additional risk: the possibility that such data could be seized and used against individuals (and without their knowledge), particularly in jurisdictions where reproductive care is criminalized or restricted, an essay by Privacy International notes.

This concern extends to several Latin American jurisdictions, where abortion is still criminalized. And, in the U.S., many of the concerns have been heightened since the reversal of Roe v. Wade, particularly in states that have introduced restrictions and prohibitions on access to abortion. Theres a fear that apps will share incriminating data about their users sexual health (for example, weeks of missed menstruation) to comply with a police investigation, which could result in a violation of a womans right to privacy and health.

The warnings are supported by at least two cases. One in Nebraska  where a woman was convicted of terminating a pregnancy after prosecutors used Facebook messages in which she and her mother discussed purchasing an abortion drug  and another in the United Kingdom, where Carla Foster, a separated mother of three, was sentenced to 28 months in prison for accessing an abortion after the 24-week mark, which is the legal limit in Wales. The evidence against Foster included her online history, text messages and phone calls. Furthermore, as revealed by Tortoise Media, investigators also requested data related to period-tracking apps.

In addition to the black holes in some apps, according to Sian Norris  author of the book Bodies Under Siege (2023)  anti-abortion groups have also launched their own period-tracking apps. FEMM Health is the brainchild of the World Youth Alliance, an anti-abortion organization financially backed by the Chiaroscuro Foundation. Chiaroscuro is primarily funded by Sean Fieler, a prominent donor to U.S. conservative organizations, she writes in The Dial. This means, she continues, that nearly half-a-million women are now sharing their sensitive reproductive health data with an anti-abortion organization. Norris explains that, under privacy guidelines, the company can share user data with the courts.

In Latin America, theres also concern about data collection. In 2023, a team of researchers from the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education  led by Paola Ricaurte Quijano  conducted a qualitative study titled My body is mine: menstrual apps and the sociotechnical normalization of gender. This qualitative study  which interviewed 32 people  found that, by design, apps reinforce binary conceptions and stereotypes of femininity. It concludes that theres an algorithmic bias that benefits those with regular cycles more, while noting that most users dont read privacy policies or consider data protection to be a requirement for installing the app. They are simply in a passive position, because they do not see feasible solutions that they can carry out individually and practically to protect their personal data, the report states.

However, given this situation, some users have begun to search for menstrual tracking apps that improve privacy. Others, meanwhile, have simply deleted these apps, for fear of the lack of data protection.

Apps take a stand

Not all is lost, however. According to Privacy International, some apps offer a notable feature from a privacy perspective: the option to store data locally on the users device. This means that menstrual cycle information entered by the user remains on their device and isnt automatically transmitted to the developer, nor saved to the cloud. This approach can improve user privacy and control, as only the user (i.e., their device) processes and stores their data.

Some users have begun to search for menstrual tracking apps that improve privacy. Riska (Getty Images)

Furthermore, some apps  such as Flo and Period Tracker (GP Apps)  have publicly taken a stand against the criminalization of abortion and the excessive use of power by authorities in this post-Roe world. And new alternatives have emerged, such as an app called Euki. It was created by the Digital Defense Fund and Ibis Reproductive Health  two organizations centered on sexual health and social technology  and is the one thats the most esteemed among privacy advocates. It was designed with a privacy-by-default approach, can be used without creating an account and is open source.

These privacy goals should be the norm, not the exception. The current regulatory landscape doesnt impose sufficient accountability on apps to adopt better privacy practices. To ensure that developers include robust privacy-by-default while designing their apps, there must be explicit regulatory standards and safeguards that make privacy attractive to developers. Additionally, the exceptions that allow for the sale and sharing of user data with third parties must be reconsidered and limited.

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Why would three teenagers, their principal, and their whole families all move across the country at the same time?

Saved By the Bell is remembered as a run-of-the-mill teen sitcom, if that mill somehow produced excessive quantities of cheese, but really, its science-fiction. For one thing, Zack Morris literally has the power to stop time. Whenever he wants, he simply calls a time out to freeze everyone else, leaving him free to move around and even manipulate objects in the frozen environment.

Thats weird enough, but then theres the alternate timeline. Zack, his friends Lisa Turtle and Samuel Screech Powers, and even Principal Belding were all characters in a previous series, Good Morning, Miss Bliss, in which they lived in Indiana, not Bayside, California. Why would three teenagers, their principal, and their whole families all move across the country at the same time?

One Redditor, dngaay, believes the answer is way darker than anyone believes. After another user posed the question on the correct forum, r/AskScienceFiction, in 2019, they responded, Belding accidentally murdered Miss Bliss when he pushed her down a flight of stairs. Zack, Lisa, and Screech were the only witnesses.

Don't Miss

Now, you may be asking, what could the even-keeled Miss Bliss, played by Hayley Mills in the original series, have done to provoke such an outburst from the affable Belding?

Well, in the second episode of Saved By the Bell, Mr. Belding reveals hes a Vietnam veteran. Treatment for PTSD being what it was in the 80s and 90s, its not totally implausible that some innocuous comment or gesture caused him to snap. Incidentally, this is revealed when Belding tells Slater, I never had a date until I was in the army, and even she was with the enemy. And: After the war, I was dateless again because that Viet Cong girl dumped me.

He tells him this because Slater has distracted him from one of Zacks schemes by faking a gender identity crisis. It was a weird show.

Anyway, to avoid going to prison, dngaay continued, Belding bribed them with a scholarship to a high school in California, where his shady-ass brother had connections. Wanting to escape the drab Indiana life, the Morrises, the Turtles and the Powerses decided to pack up and move to Beverly Hills, that is.

Theres a few problems with that: For one thing, Bayside High is a public school, albeit one prestigious enough that it would still be tempting to average Midwestern students and families, enough that maybe some busy parents wouldnt ask too many questions about the scholarship necessitating the switch. It also doesnt explain why Zack Morris life is completely different, with reunited parents and no siblings, but perhaps the unexpected windfall fixed their marriage.

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Maybe Zack had other demands. Hey, Belding killed once. If nothing else, this certainly explains that relationship.
Law graduate Fahr Parsi (not her real name) hides her face to protect herself from Taliban reprisals, in June 2025.

Resistance is breaking through in clandestine and virtual sessions, created in the country and from exile, where Afghan women read, debate, and share scanned PDF files of banned books

On the afternoon of August 15, 2021, Fahr was arranging books on the shelves of her womens library in Kabul when the Taliban swept into the city. The day would mark the beginning of what the United Nations calls the most restrictive country in the world for womens rights.

The 29-year-old law graduate, who uses the pseudonym Fahr Parsi for her safety, watched her dreams crumble within hours. The library she had founded with university classmates in 2019 would have to closea space that had once buzzed with womens voices discussing literature, law, and their aspirations.

With the fall of the capital after 20 years of US-backed Afghan government rule, the systematic restrictions on womens education, work and public spaces returned in full force.

Fahr, whose real name is concealed for her safety, hastily sold chairs and shelves, along with her friends, to pay the remaining rent. The collection of 4,000 books was moved under the cover of darkness to a secret location in Kabul, away from Taliban scrutiny.

Since retaking power, the Taliban have systematically erased women from public life with unprecedented speed and scope. According to Human Rights Watch, girls are banned from attending school above grade 6, while universities have been closed to women entirelyincluding medical training programs. Those found to read books or secretly educate themselves face persecution and physical beating, and their families risk punishments.

Fahr was among those who refused to give in. Along with several other women, she took to the streets of Kabul in protest against the Talibans restrictions on womens education, work and public freedoms. Two of her friends were arrested on site and later tortured in prison, she says.

Upon returning home, her family urged her to abandon her activism. Her parents warning carried the weight of a society where family honor could be destroyed by association with dissent: If you are imprisoned, it can risk your safety and ruin our reputation among people.

Most jobs, public parks, gyms, libraries and cafes are now forbidden to women. Traveling without a mahram (a close male relative such as a husband or brother) is prohibited, and in the latest decree, women are banned from speaking loudly in public or even at home.

Dozens of women who defied these rules through protests or public questioning have been detained, with many reporting torture and sexual abuse in Taliban prisons, according to reports by BBC and other international outlets.

Books themselves have become targets in this ideological war. The Taliban have collected volumes from public libraries in Herat and Kabul, particularly those by Afghan and foreign authors whose contents conflict with Taliban ideology.

Zalmai Forotan, the Talibans inspector for libraries, told BBC Persian in November 2024 that books containing ideologically or religiously disputed topics or featuring images of living beings would be inspected and confiscateda process that has left library shelves increasingly bare.

The Taliban initially called restrictions on womens education and freedoms temporary, promising to reverse them once a proper Islamic climate was established. Instead, they have implemented increasingly severe limitations with methodical precision. Public spaces have shrunk dramatically for Afghan women, who now navigate a maze of prohibitions that govern everything from their footsteps to their voices.

Networks of resistance

Even as the Taliban tightened their grip on womens spaces, some women created workarounds to educate each other and quietly defy the regime. Fahr is among them. After her public protests were silenced and the library closed, she moved online with a close friend to establish a secure book club on WhatsApp and Telegramtransforming her physical library into a digital network of resistance.

Initially nearly 300 women joined our WhatsApp group, where I provide scanned PDFs of the stored books, she explains. Sometimes I deliver printed books to members as loans, if I trust them completely.

Each member shares observations about books with photos after finishing them. But the operation requires extreme caution in a climate where trust has become a luxury few can afford.

We hold secret reading sessions only with a few members we trust completely, Fahr adds. We fear the Taliban may have spies among us. Also, some women are afraid to come out for in-person sessions, fearing detention by Taliban intelligence.

She personally vets every new member before adding them to the WhatsApp group and asks members not to discuss political topics, fearing Taliban surveillance. Keeping the books themselves poses constant danger.

The Taliban have conducted door-to-door searches for anti-Taliban groups like the National Resistance Front (NRF) and ISIS-K in several Kabul neighborhoods, forcing Fahr to hide her collection like contraband.

Its even a threat to keep these banned books, she says.

Despite the risks, demand for booksespecially novels and motivational textsis increasing. Fahr believes women are seeking inspiration as they face an uncertain future with diminishing hope, turning to literature as both escape and sustenance.

Afghan women resort to reading in secret, risking severe punishment if discovered by the Taliban. In this image, taken in June 2025, the leader of the women's reading club, Fahr Parsi (not her real name), reads a book. Fahr Parsi

One book the group recently read is Sinuhe, The Egyptian, a novel exploring themes of suppression, using women as tools, loss of identity, and the power of knowledge.

Fahima, 18, who asks to be identified by her first name only, joined the club shortly after her 10th-grade midterm exams were canceled due to the education ban.

I dreamed of becoming a doctor. Unfortunately, I wasnt able to achieve it, and its now been almost four years since Ive been away from my studies, she says.

She has read 35 books through the club, inspiring her to write The Path of Light, an account of an Afghan girls life under Taliban rule. She hopes to tell future generations what her generation lost.

Marjan, another participant in her twenties, has read 15 books since joining last year. She was a 12th-grade student preparing for the Kankor exam (Afghanistans nationwide university entrance exam) to become a lawyer when the Taliban banned her from school four years ago.

This is what makes me feel proud and motivated to keep this book club going, no matter what, Fahr explains.

Support from exile

While Fahr takes risks inside Afghanistan, other Afghan women in exile have built networks to support girls who remain in the country. In Germany, the activist Maryam Amwaj facilitates a Telegram group with other women from European countries, running reading circles for girls in western Afghanistan.

Together they select books spanning social science, novels, and Islamic texts in PDF format, agreeing to read designated pages before sharing reflections.

It is the least we can do for our sisters inside the country to fight against the darkness that is only increasing, Amwaj says.

Shahrbanu Haidari, an exiled Afghan womens rights advocate and researcher based in the UK, describes these book clubs as one of many forms of resistance emerging across Afghanistan.

Afghan women havent given uponly the form of their resistance has changed, she says. If you dont see girls on the streets of Kabul protesting, it doesnt mean theyve stopped. It means the Taliban crackdown has intensified, and women have adapted.

The dynamic shifted after reports of violence and sexual abuse of women protesters in Taliban prisons became widespread. Haidari stresses that secret book clubs and education circles are spreading among women throughout Afghanistan.

This is a form of conscious resistance against the Talibans efforts to Talibanize the minds of Afghan girlsa battle of books and ideas.

The Taliban have not stepped back from their policies against women or reversed any restrictions. The international community has largely shifted focus to other global crises, leaving Afghan women increasingly isolated.

But Fahr hasnt given up.

I will keep this going, until the day comes when we can read again freely and I can reopen my library for girls again.

This article was published in partnership with Egab, a platform that works with journalists from the Middle East and Africa.

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There is a terrible thing that can happen to high-rise towers, if they have been poorly and cheaply constructed. It is called 'progressive collapse'.

It means that even a fairly small failure can lead, in swift stages, to the crumbling of an entire wall, or even the whole structure.

Is Sir Keir Starmer's Government now undergoing such a collapse? It is beginning to look as if this is so. And the weak point may turn out to be the Prime Minister himself.

Sir Keir was presumably chosen as Labour's leader because he had so little baggage. His past as Director of Public Prosecutions gave him an air of calm responsibility and Establishment weight.

Despite an interesting, even exotic, political past in his younger days, he was not frightening in any obvious way.

As the Tories ripped themselves to pieces, all he needed to do was stay calm, commit no gigantic blunders and make no worrying political commitments.

And he wafted into Downing Street without anybody ever really knowing who he was.

There were problems from the beginning, but he was at first shielded by a giant majority. He must now know, for instance, that his choice of Rachel Reeves as Chancellor was a profound mistake.

Sir Keir Starmer reads his notes on the front bench in the House of Commons

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner resigned over underpaid stamp duty earlier this month

He and several of his colleagues made fools of themselves by accepting various kinds of hospitality and generosity from the wealthy donor Lord Alli.

And Lord Alli has now reappeared on the scene as a pretty ruthless landlord to normal tenants, however generous he may have been with the loan of his penthouse to the Starmers.

The timing of this latest embarrassment ends a luckless fortnight for Sir Keir, who has not merely lost two senior figures to scandal but handled the cases of Angela Rayner and Peter Mandelson with all the deftness of a three-toed sloth trying to carry a Ming vase across a marble floor.

He is always reminding us of his years as a prosecutor. Why did he not realise much earlier that Rayner and Mandelson were indefensible?

In the case of Mandelson, a smart lawyer really ought to have known he was an unfeasible choice before he was even appointed.

Part of Sir Keir's problem is that he came without a faction or a machine of his own.

Once in government, he was compelled to rely ever more heavily on the Blairite networks which are still deeply entangled in the Labour machine. But where have they got him?

It is hard to think of another party leader who has been in such deep trouble so soon after a decisive victory.

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

Mandelson's message in the 'birthday book' compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell said Epstein was 'my best pal!'

There is already talk among Labour MPs about getting rid of him.

There are growing rumours that the Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, is eyeing a return to Parliament after eight years building an independent power base in the North.

But if Sir Keir goes, after what look likely to be terrible local government results in May, and Andy Burnham replaces him, will it do the Government any good?

Support is draining away from Labour, as it did from the Tories. It is unwise to make too much of street protests, but yesterday's march through London could be a warning that public discontent is deeper and stronger than anybody previously thought.

At this delicate moment, the last thing we want is a clumsy, directionless Labour Government that has lost control of our borders.

There is an urgent need to develop a strong, responsible patriotic opposition.
After days of deflection, deception and lies, we are now entering the end-game of the Mandelson/Epstein saga. Downing Streets attempts to claim it was unaware of the full, sordid nature of Peter Mandelsons relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein have collapsed. And all that remains to be resolved is who pays the price for the shameful attempt to try to hide the truth from parliament and the British people.

The full sorry sequence of events has been established. On Monday, the Bloomberg news agency presented Mandelson with a detailed 2,000-word memo outlining emails between him and Epstein, and asked for a response. On Tuesday, the Foreign Office became aware of the memo, and passed a copy on to Keir Starmers advisers, including his most senior aide Morgan McSweeney. The Foreign Office also opened a propriety and ethics investigation into Mandelson.

On Tuesday evening, Mandelson conducted an interview with The Sun newspaper in which he admitted to having maintained a close social relationship with Epstein even after he had been convicted of having sex with a minor. He also stated further embarrassing details of the relationship were due to be published.

Yet despite all this, Starmer stood up in the House of Commons at Wednesday lunchtime, and told MPs: The ambassador has repeatedly expressed his deep regret for his association with Epstein, and he is right to do so. I have confidence in him, and he is playing an important role in the UK-US relationship.

What he didnt tell the House was that the day before No 10 had received evidence Peter Mandelson had literally expressed his love for Epstein, even after he had been convicted of being a paedophile. He didnt tell the House that at that very moment the Foreign Office was conducting an investigation into Mandelsons conduct. And he didnt tell the House that even though he was expressing confidence in his ambassador, his most senior adviser was in possession of the full facts about the true nature of his relationship with Epstein, the very facts that would be later used to justify his sacking.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer leaves No 10 with his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney

So Starmer clearly misled the House of Commons, and the country. The only question is whether he did so knowingly, or inadvertently. There are now only three explanations for Starmers deception. The first is that when he stood up in the Commons, he knew the full truth about Mandelson and that he was under investigation, and he simply lied.

The second explanation is that he asked McSweeney what the situation was regarding Mandelson, McSweeney lied, and Starmer unwittingly regurgitated those lies to the House. The third explanation is that Starmer simply didnt want to confront the truth about Mandelson, didnt bother to ask anyone about what was going on, and misled the House via the sin of self-serving omission.

We have some clues over which explanation is the most accurate. According to sources I and my colleague Glen Owen spoke to for The Mail on Sunday, Starmer was last week embroiled in a furious row with McSweeney, in which he bellowed: You are supposed to protect me from things like this!

We were also told that at the time of Mandelsons vetting for the role of Washington ambassador, a security assessment of the risks associated with his appointment was watered down before being presented to the Prime Minister. It was deemed politically inconvenient to present the original, we were told.

But whatever the truth, the choice facing Starmer is now clear: He either has to ask for McSweeneys resignation. Or he has to resign himself.

There is no escape. Before he was elected, Starmer claimed, To change Britain, we must change ourselves  we need to clean up politics. He would, he pledged, restore standards in public life with a total crackdown on cronyism.

Which leaves Sir Keir confronted with the acid test of that pious rhetoric. Either he misled the Commons in an attempt to defend his crony Mandelson. Or he was misled by his crony McSweeney, who was himself trying to defend his crony Mandelson. Or neither man bothered to ask the questions they were obliged to ask, and both effectively misled the Commons to protect Peter Mandelson. Which represents the worst example of cronyism of all.The voters are sick to death of the political hypocrisy, degeneracy and venality exposed by the Mandelson Affair. Someone has to be held to account. And if Keir Starmer doesnt choose who, the British people will make that choice for him.
Humiliatingly sacked as US ambassador, Peter Mandelson is now being forced to cut links with his international lobbying firm Global Counsel, which he set up in 2010. But he will be laughing all the way to the bank.

Mandelson has a 21 per cent shareholding in the 30million company which means hell trouser 6.3million. But thats not all. The latest company accounts show that he is also owed 1million by the firm.

A further 300,000 is owed to another company, Willbury Ltd. Mandelson owns all the shares of Willbury which, according to Companies House, has assets of 1.78million. It all looks like a payday approaching 8million. And we havent even mentioned the pay-off from the Foreign Office after he was sacked from his 200,000 role as ambassador.

Sacked Scottish Secretary Ian Murray was brought back into the Government one day later  in the Culture department. I thought we were outlawing fire and rehire, sniffed one Labour MP.

Peer pooh-poohs PM

As founder of the influential Blue Labour group, Lord Glasman has emerged as one of the partys most respected thinkers.

Glasman warned No10 against employing Mandelson as ambassador to the US. Asked last week if Starmer could survive with record low approval ratings, he said: The next six months will be decisive for him. Will he make it? He may. Or he may not. The latter, I suspect.

Its not just in Westminster that Labour is unravelling. There is a by-election in the Welsh Parliament seat of Caerphilly next month. With impeccable timing, the Labour leader of Caerphilly council, Sean Morgan, has quit the party. He not only expects Plaid Cymru to win, he will be voting for the partys candidate. Labour is a busted flush, he declares. Hard to disagree.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

Theyre deeply unpopular, theyre broadly incompetent and nobody likes them. The verdict on Starmers Government  not, as you might expect, from a Tory MP, but from Paul Fleming, the general secretary of Equity, the actors union.

MILIBANDS ALL HOT AIR

Ed Miliband, who refused to move from his Climate Change post in the Cabinet reshuffle, declared: Britains clean energy future will be powered by secure unionised jobs for local people right across the country.

Last month, Greg Jackson, the founder of Octopus Energy  the countrys largest supplier, serving 13 million households  was given a three-year directorship in the Cabinet Office. His energy company has never recognised a trade union.

Hard-pressed commuters whove just endured a week-long Tube strike will be reassured that London Mayor Sadiq Kahn is advertising for a 52,000 spin doctor to safeguard Transport for Londons reputation.
I have seen many ugly things on social media. But after the murder of Charlie Kirk, something new and disturbing appeared.

My feed was filled with people celebrating his death with grotesque glee.

Videos of Kirk were chopped, twisted and repurposed by users, making him appear to say things he never said  all to justify their hate.

Influencers and Left-wing journalists joked about the father-of-twos assassination, reducing his death to a sinister meme.

This is not just cruelty. It is the normalisation of violence against those who dare to think differently. A culture that cheers when opponents are silenced by force is one that is heading towards catastrophe.

Yes, Kirks murder is a personal tragedy for those who knew him.

But it is also an attack on everything Western civilisation stands for: free debate, peaceful dissent and the ability to speak the truth even when others find it offensive.

The assassination alone will have a chilling effect on free speech  and not just in America.

I have seen many ugly things on social media. But after the murder of Charlie Kirk, something new and disturbing appeared, says Kemi Badenoch

Father-of-two Charlie 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

The sniper's nest used by the assassin who killed Charlie Kirk on the university campus was revealed by authorities

In Britain we may not have the menace of guns, but we face the same threat from Leftist activists trying to silence and persecute their political opponents. And, chillingly, our rulers are following their lead.

Take Graham Linehan, the comedian and writer who gave us Father Ted and who was arrested by five armed officers at Heathrow airport last month for three tweets challenging the presence of males in womens changing rooms.

He had made no threats. He broke no moral code. He said what millions of ordinary people believe.

Yet the thought police came for him, because someone disagreed with Linehans belief that men cannot be women and called them in. That should terrify anyone who values living in a free country.

There are several ways in which free speech is being eroded in Britain, and the Conservatives are going to fix them all. Two of them stand out.

First is the criminalisation of speech. Laws meant to prevent harm are now being used to police peoples own opinions. Offending someone has effectively been turned into a crime. That is wrong.

Second is politicised policing. Real and appalling crimes  like shoplifting, burglaries and rape  are going unsolved, yet police are being sent after comedians like Linehan for what they post online.

Justice is being twisted into a weapon against ordinary people while violent offenders and abusers walk free.

At a time when bakeries are locking up sausage rolls for fear of theft, this is a waste of police time and a betrayal of voters who expect officers to protect public safety rather than for them to arbitrate on personal disputes.

Of course, what happened to Charlie Kirk and to Graham Linehan are on different scales. But both are symptoms of the same sickness: a culture that seeks to silence, not debate.

It follows the arrest of Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan (pictured) after posts he had made on X, wherein he said: If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space... Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the balls'

Worse, we have a government that sneers at those who dare raise the alarm about the erosion of free speech.

That is why I have asked Lord Young, founder of the Free Speech Union, to lead a review into the laws now being abused to stifle expression.

He will bring together the sharpest legal minds, parliamentarians and campaigners to identify where reform is needed.

Because this is bigger than one case  free speech is the foundation of democracy. Without it, there is no accountability, no creativity, no freedom.

I have never flinched from that fight. As equalities minister, I challenged Stonewalls attempts to rewrite the law, defended academic freedom and said what too many feared to say: there is no right not to be offended. Protecting people from satire or criticism is not the job of the state.

Charlie Kirk paid the ultimate price for expressing his beliefs. And Graham Linehan is being dragged through the courts for sharing his.

Free speech is not negotiable. It is the bedrock of a free nation and one of the values true liberals and true conservatives share.

It is now the duty of all of us to defend it.

The review Lord Young will lead is only the beginning. It is the first step in a Conservative programme to restore Britains culture of open debate.

From schools to universities, from the workplace to the digital public square, we will defend the right to speak, to question, to criticise and to dissent.

Free speech is not a privilege granted by the state  it is the birthright of every citizen.

And under my leadership, the Conservative Party will fight to protect it.
Turn the clock back to those giddy days when the Sussexes were still royal and no one had heard of Covid. Suddenly, London suffered a major transport failure. Tiny fractures spotted in the pedestals of Hammersmith Bridge forced the instant closure of a major traffic route over the Thames.

That was on April 10, 2019. By sheer coincidence, just five days later, Paris also came to a standstill, too. The Cathedral of Notre Dame had just burned down.

Now, fast forward to the present day. Notre Dame is reborn, more splendid than before. And Hammersmith Bridge? Sadly, almost nothing has changed at all. After six years and five Prime Ministers, it is still closed to all motor traffic. A national landmark is now a national joke, a monument to chronic public sector inertia  from town hall to City Hall to Whitehall.

Now that this saga has gone on for longer than the Second World War, I have decided to pay yet another visit. We are less than two years from the 200th birthday of the original Hammersmith Bridge. Might the bicentenary be focusing minds?

Dont hold your breath. The closure of the handsome, Harrods-green bridge still leaves a five-mile stretch of the Thames with no crossing point for vehicles.

At the southern end, leafy Barnes is delightfully peaceful. The A306, which used to carry five bus routes and 20,000 cars over the Thames every day, is a cul-de-sac.

To the north, the metropolis of Hammersmith, with its shops and hospital, is just a short walk over the bridge. However, if you need to go by car or ambulance, it can take an hour. All that traffic has been shifted elsewhere.

So many vehicles have to cross over Putney Bridge, to the east, that, in 2022, Putney High Street was crowned Britains most congested road.

Tiny fractures spotted in the pedestals of Hammersmith Bridge forced the instant closure of a major traffic route over the Thames in 2019

The Victorian bridge is Grade II Listed by Historic England, meaning it is a 'particularly important' national structure of 'more than special interest'

The bridge has remained closed to motor traffic for six years, a period spanning five prime ministers. Pictured: Cyclists riding over the bridge in July 2021

A local MP recently warned the current repair schedule for Hammersmith may take another ten years. Hammersmith Council says its preferred repair option  a double-decker crossing with vehicles on top and walkers below  could cost upwards of 250 million. And yet, after four years of testing, the council cannot confirm whether the piers (the pillars in the river) could bear the weight of this design.

During the summer, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said it may be the case that the bridge could qualify for a new

1 billion Structures Fund for old infrastructure. The not-so-good news is that her department has failed to confirm this.

Meanwhile, planning permission has just been granted for more than 1,000 homes on an old brewery at Mortlake, south of the bridge. That will mean thousands more people needing to cross the Thames each day, many by car.

For Barnes residents like Heidi Patton, whose disabled husband requires regular hospital treatment, the situation defies belief. Getting to any hospital appointment is a major operation, she says, and we dont even think about the theatre any more.

This could be a nice village in Surrey or Hampshire, says fellow Barnes resident Louisa Barnett. But the problem is I dont want to live in a village. I want to live in London. And this isnt London.

Louisa has lived on the south side of the bridge for more than 20 years, but the final straw came in 2023 when she was unable to get across to her dying sisters bedside in time to say goodbye. She is now preparing to move her home and her Geronimo Jones jewellery business over the river to reconnect with the world.

People say their lives feel smaller because they cant move around like they used to, says writer Julia Watkins, part of the local action group Hammersmith Bridge SOS.

A national landmark is now a national joke, a monument to chronic public sector inertia  from town hall to City Hall to Whitehall, writes Robert Hardman (pictured by Hammersmith Bridge in 2023)

A previous propsal would have turned the bridge into a permanent inaccessible monument

Margaret Thatcher, the IRA, two councils, all the main political parties, the Whitehall blob and the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan (pictured) all have been blamed for the bridge's failure to reopen

At the southern end of the bridge, leafy Barnes is delightfully peaceful. The A306, which used to carry five bus routes and 20,000 cars over the Thames every day, is now a cul-de-sac

A local MP recently warned the current repair schedule for Hammersmith may take another ten years to complete. Pictured: A cyclist cycles between the cones and barriers which block the southern end of Hammersmith Bridge in April 2022

Some of its members tell me the election of a Labour Government, in tandem with a Labour mayor and Hammersmiths Labour council, has made no difference.

As one puts it: They all hate cars and, besides, they think this is just a posh area for the rich, white, middle class. The south side of the bridge does, indeed, sit in one of Londons smartest boroughs, though the area also includes plenty of social housing.

I have to say that I find many people who would relish permanent closure. We felt cut off when the bridge first closed but now I love the peace, says tech designer Elaine Mannix, walking her dog in Barnes. We love all the clean air. Keep it like this, says another dog-walker, Olivia Reynolds.

I meet Nigel Edwards, who is chairman of the action group and has painstakingly documented years of inaction. Why does he still bother? Because we are a major G7 nation and I cannot think of any other country which would allow a vital piece of infrastructure in the heart of the capital simply to fall apart.

When it comes to apportioning blame, you can take your pick from Margaret Thatcher, the IRA, two councils, all the main political parties, the Whitehall blob and the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan. All, to some degree, have explaining to do.

It was exactly 200 years ago, in 1825, that work began on the first suspension bridge across the tidal Thames. It opened in 1827 but, within 50 years, it needed upgrading. The great Victorian engineer, Sir Joseph Bazalgette, designed a larger replacement which sits on the same piers we see today. He did the whole thing for 12 million in todays money.

There were new owners in 1986, after Mrs Thatcher dismantled the old Greater London Council (GLC). The capitals rail bridges ended up in the hands of Network Rail, some road bridges ended up with Transport for London (under the Mayor of London) and City of London river crossings are funded through a 1.5 billion medieval trust fund. Then a bright spark decided to hand the rest to whichever council had a similar name. So Hammersmith Council got Hammersmith Bridge.

This overlooked the fact that most users are from the opposite borough of Richmond and that the cost would be impossible for one local authority.

The closure of the bridge has cut off Barnes from the rest of London, a move which has divided residents

The condition of the bridge was not helped by the IRA, who tried to blow it up in 1939, 1996 and 2000. However, what has really done for the bridge has been the lack of council maintenance over the past two decades, by both Labour and Tory administrations.

When those tiny fractures appeared in 2019, it emerged that the bearings which allow the bridge to move had seized up. There was an eye-watering initial estimate for repairs: 120 million. That has since doubled.

A furious four-way, cross-party blame game ensued. Hammersmiths (Labour) council demanded help from the (Conservative) government which, in turn, expected the (Labour) Mayor to dig into its Transport for London budget. Richmonds (Liberal Democrat) council angrily blamed everyone.

That anger intensified a year later on August 13, 2020, when a heatwave exposed fresh cracks and there was a fear of imminent collapse. The bridge was closed to all traffic, including boats below.

Britain was an international laughing stock. On September 7, The New York Times declared: Londons bridges really are falling down. Just two days after that headline, the then transport secretary Grant Shapps announced a Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce which would get this thing sorted.

It was still almost a year before anyone was allowed across again  and only on foot. Since then, the bridge has had new rubber bearings and decking costing 48 million. New cycle lanes mean people can, at least, ride across instead of pushing their bikes.

There has been just one meeting of the Taskforce since the election, a 90-minute session back in January which concluded with a request for more traffic surveys. The council and the Department for Transport say they are considering a range of options, while the anti-car lobby agitates for a permanent closure.

However, new support is gathering for an old idea. I meet retired chartered and marine engineer Tim Cunis and independent Hammersmith councillor David Morton, who are arguing for proper scrutiny of a 2019 plan by maritime engineers, Beckett Rankine. This offered two options for a temporary self-funding toll bridge, leaving the existing bridge free for repair at a fraction of the current estimate.

Bikes and pedestrians are able to use the bridge. (Pictured: Jeremy Vine on a penny farthing using the new carriageway)

A toll bridge to the west would be the easier option, since it could start from the grounds of St Pauls School which has indicated it would be amenable to leasing the necessary land. The other end would feed into the Hammersmith gyratory system.

However, it would be very close to a block of flats and involve the removal of some parking bays and trees. The Labour leader told me there was no way the voters in that ward would accept that, says Mr Morton, who fell out with the Labour group in 2023.

Mr Cunis takes me through bundles of papers on the viability of the scheme, including a 2020 report from the vice-president of the Institution of Civil Engineers who acknowledged it could be done.

The council and TfL have rubbished the proposal, sighs Mr Cunis. But no one has properly looked at how it could work.

The council says the decision to reject the Beckett Rankine plan was made by TfL engineers but TfLs report only analyses the proposal to the east, not the proposal to the west.

A TfL spokesman says that it continues to work closely with the Government and the borough, adding that, ultimately, this is a decision for the council, not for TfL. And so the bureaucrats just keep on passing the buck.

Have they either overlooked this game-changing solution, or else buried it for fear of a few Nimby voters? The man behind the plan insists it would still be relatively straightforward.

You could have a temporary bridge paying for itself up and running in three to four months using standard units which are widely available. The main issue would be planning consent, says Tim Beckett of Beckett Rankine.

Elements of the Grade II listed bridge that need repair include pedestals, anchors and chains

The old bridge could then be lifted out in sections, he says, and repaired in five years, after which the toll bridge (which would pay for itself) would simply be removed. He points to the recent restoration of the Union Chain Bridge between Scotland and England across the Tweed at Berwick.

Its also a suspension bridge, slightly smaller but even older than Hammersmith, and is now carrying traffic once again after a complete overhaul. Duration? Two years. Cost? A mere 10.5 million.

Given that this shambles has lasted more than six years and the current estimate is 250 million, surely this idea is worth a fresh look?

It comes with a pedigree. Tim Becketts company operates all over the world and has completed 200 projects on the Thames alone. Mr Becketts father, Major Allen Beckett, played such a key part in the success of D-Day in 1944, with his floating roadways and anchors for Mulberry harbour, that the French have erected a memorial to him at Arromanches.

But then the French know about restoring national landmarks  even charred cathedrals. Sadly, its we Brits who are in need of a miracle.
It was 10pm when my friend Bella* finally caught my eye across the marble coffee table, now strewn with empty wine glasses, and gave me the knowing wink that Id been waiting for all evening.

After a frenetic day of running around after our toddlers, our Friday night drinks and nibbles were about to take a hedonistic turn in the form of a little bag of white powder.

It might not be the sort of online order youd expect from a group of thirty-something mums in this leafy London suburb (there are more Ocado vans than masked moped riders round here).

But the truth is, a couple of lines on a Friday evening has come to represent a much-needed escape from to the day-to-day drudgery of motherhood.

So how did we get here, exactly?

Back in our twenties  child-free, mortgage-less and with boundless energy  scoring class As on a Friday night was the norm. Whether it was a night out in a trendy club or a dinner party that went on until sunrise, few social occasions passed us by without a packet making an appearance among my London friendship circle.

As easy to order as calling an Uber, youd simply text a number with your postcode and preferred amount, then wait for the rider to arrive at your address.

For bored mums in leafy Hampstead a couple of lines on a Friday evening has come to represent a much-needed escape from to the day-to-day drudgery of motherhood, writes Sarah Roik (stock image)

The only downside to this? Getting into a car with a stranger in the dead of night (or worse, broad daylight); the fear that I could be arrested or even abducted was never far from the back of my mind. Our friend Sarah*, who was training to be a criminal barrister, got a free pass.

At upwards of 60 per gram it was expensive, but a bag would be shared around between a group and, much like buying rounds of drinks, everyone took it in turns to fork out.

Once the bag had been secured came the fun part: sneaking into the ladies cubicles in pairs, like naughty schoolgirls, to take our turn at dipping a key into that little plastic bag.

Then emerging back into the night, sparkly-eyed fizzing with excitement as it hit you: first the plasticky drip at the back of your throat, followed quickly by an intoxicating burst of energy.

For us, it wasnt a party drug so much as a social lubricant compelling us to chat for hours on end  to each other, to the bartender, to strangers in the smoking area, it didnt matter.

It facilitated a kind of intimacy that nothing else could and powered us on into the night, pausing only occasionally to light up a Marlboro Red or take another sip of our cocktails.

Plus, it felt like everyone in our friendship circle was on it, from the executive assistant at a leading tech firm to the personal trainer who would somehow drag herself out of bed the following morning for her first client session.

Of course, things could occasionally take a darker turn; like the many times I found myself stuck in the corner as one friend told me about her childhood trauma for the tenth time, her black pupils dilated to the size of saucers.

Or the time I snorted so much powder I didnt recognise my own reflection in the mirror of the ladies toilets.

But generally it was a happy blur, with the clock striking midnight and then 6am before wed had a chance to blink.

Wed inevitably still be going as the sun came up, reluctantly dialling a cab to take us home again for a few hours rest before the following mornings bottomless brunch booking.

I wont pretend there werent mornings where I regretted the previous nights antics (a lack of sleep and a bone-chilling comedown will do that to you) but with zero responsibilities and the weekend stretching out ahead of us, we took the fallout in our stride.

Now, 10 years later and with a three-year-old of my own to look after, my Saturday mornings couldnt look more different. After a long week at the ad agency where I work, Im exhausted; and between the 7am wakeup call to take my daughter to private swimming lessons, the inevitable roster of childrens birthday parties and the weekly Waitrose shop, its hard to imagine how a hangover would fit in around my schedule.

For a while, they didnt; pregnancy followed by breastfeeding demanded a teetotal 18 months when the thought of a white line couldnt have been further from my mind.

But when I eventually emerged from the fog of sleepless nights and CBeebies, I found myself craving the fun and spontaneity that had propelled me through my twenties.

Drugs are as easy to order in Hampstead as calling an Uber, youd simply text a number with your postcode and preferred amount, then wait for the rider to arrive at your address, writes Sarah Roik (stock image)

Sarah and her friends in leafy Hampstead have no inclination to give up their party habit any time soon (stock image)

It turned out my girlfriends, who were also juggling careers with early motherhood, felt the same way  and slowly but surely, we began piecing back together something resembling a social life.

Now? Far from being over, our partying habits have simply evolved.

Just as weve swapped nightclubs for nurseries, and vodka shots for vintage cabernet, we only dial up trusted dealers whose clientele include actors and athletes  even if that means splashing 150 for a bag of high-quality powder.

Our current venue of choice is my friend Kates* four-storey townhouse in north London where she lives with her banker husband and two-year-old son, curtains firmly closed to prying neighbours.

It creates a kind of cloistered magic, a sacred space where we can talk freely about the joys and horrors of modern motherhood  from our postpartum sex lives to the comical circus act of trying to juggle childcare with our careers.

But these days the fun ends strictly at midnight and we live by the rule of six; a minimum of six hours rest is a non-negotiable, especially if a full day of parenting duties awaits. Gone are the days of scraping by on no sleep; these days we tap into our dealer network to stock up on lorazepam to ensure a good nights kip, Victoria Ratfliff style.

As for my husband, he regards my habit with a sort of amused indifference; he knows Id never do it under the same roof as our child, and as I still have all of my faculties come Saturday morning, he doesnt complain.

Will we still be doing this in five years? Ten? As long as our diaries and finances allow, I cant see it changing any time soon.
The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards is now well underway with an impressive array of big-name stars already flooding onto the red carpet.

A-listers have been descending in their droves on the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles to celebrate the best of the TV industry.

Comedian Nate Bargatze, who has insisted that he will not make the show political, is hosting for the first time after becoming a popular repeat guest on Saturday Night Live.

Sydney Sweeney, Selena Gomez and Harrison Ford are all among the stars who have posed up a storm for the cameras as they made their way into the glitzy gathering.

But many famous faces appeared to have made a misstep with their sartorial choices.

The three-hour show began on CBS at 8pm ET/5pm PT.

Here, FEMAIL has rounded up the worst dressed on this year's red carpet.

Renowned actress Parker Posey, 56, who most recently appeared in The White Lotus, arrived in an old fashioned frilly, tiered lilac gown that featured long sleeves and a sheer mini cape with a fur hem

Beloved actress Sarah Paulson, 50, acclaimed for her roles in Ryan Murphy's series American Horror Story, arrived to the red carpet in a brown feathered ensemble that fluffed out into a unkempt ballooned skirt

Real Housewives star Bronwyn Newport, 39, wore a Richard Blackwell custom couture sparkling hourglass gown dating back to his 1962 collection - but the nude-illusion dress with bold silver sequin embellishments left her looking a little washed out

Lisa, from South Korean girl group BLACKPINK, 28, hit the red carpet in a whimsical candyfloss-like dress that featured swirling strands of fabric sweeping high up her hip before floating down into a long train

Country star Lainey Wilson, 33, appeared to mix and match her outfit by opting for a sleek flowing halter neck top but pairing it with bejeweled sheer pants and cowboy hat to create an awkward juxtaposition

Gilmore Girls star Rose Abdoo, 62, was largely swamped by her choice of gown - she was left completely covered by the geometric patterned dress in hues of green, orange and pink that draped to the floor with batwing style sleeves

Irish actress Sharon Horgan, 55, who is best known for her roles in Pulling, Catastrophe and Bad Sisters, slipped into an all-black lingerie-inspired ensemble that had various overlapping layers, patterns and cutouts

Megan Stalter, 34, who rose to fame in HBO Max comedy Hacks and Lena Dunham's Too Much, appeared to make a political statement with her very underwhelming ensemble of blue jeans, white T-shirt and black ballet flats - before adding the message 'cease fire' to her handbag

Isa Briones, 26, known for her roles in Star Trek: Picard, Goosebumps and Takers, donned a lime green maxi dress with an unusual bustle around the waist but made the exaggeratedly long ribbon sweeping from her updo the star of the outfit

Michelle Williams, 45, appeared on the red carpet in a one-shouldered white dress with sheaths of fabric running in various directions that swamped her body and left an unflattering silhouette

KTLA Morning News anchor Megan Henderson, 50, wore a Mary Katrantzou dress that overwhelmed viewers with a whole host of garish features including bold geometric patterning, multi-colored sequins, several large bows and bold cutouts to the bodice

TV personality Zuri Hall, 37, who often co-hosts on American Ninja Warrior, took to the Emmy red carpet in an unusual maroon ensemble that featured a curved bodice and oodles of extra material bunched at the hips

Film and television director Shannon Murphy opted for a lackluster peach maxi dress that consisted of capped statement shoulders and butterfly detailing across the torso before she added a wrap around woven with various clashing colors

American actress and producer Fiona Dourif, 43, risked a wardrobe malfunction as she slipped into a daring black maxi dress with a series of sheer panels across the entire gown that left her looking somewhat on edge

TV host Nischelle Turner, 50, arrived on the red carpet in a strapless silk gown in a very bold shade of green which boasted a structured bodice that was swamped with sagging excess material at the waist
Hollywood might be obsessed with perfect looks and sparkling smiles, but the real battleground is found just above the eyes, according to an award-winning beauty expert.

Makeup artist Laura Kay from Laura Kay London, told The Daily Mail how the real key to beauty lies within the eyebrows, explaining how they help frame the face, lift the features and define and balance your facial structure.

According to the brow expert, they can add instant glamour, or undo it all if theyre left uneven, sparse, over-plucked, overdone, or not quite the correct length, thickness or colour.

Revealing her ultimate guide to Hollywood's battle of the brows, Laura has put ten of the world's most famous faces under the microscope.

In her list, she's revealed the one actress who boasts a surprisingly uneven pair of arches, as well as the A-lister whose eyebrows leave much to be desired.

'Thin, straight, and sparse, they lack the density or arch needed to frame his face if we are looking at the golden rule of facial beauty,' Laura explained of the actor.

From Angelina Jolies near-perfect arches to Brad Pitts surprisingly lacklustre effort, heres who reigns supreme and who needs a serious brow intervention.

1. Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie and Margot Robbie, pictured left to right, were awarded first and second place, respectively, in Laura's list

Laura said: 'Angelinas brows are almost flawless  bold, defined, and with a high arch that perfectly complements her dramatic and unique bone structure.

'Her brows taper elegantly at the ends and add balance to her eyes and face shape. Occasionally, her use of make-up at red carpet events makes them look slightly overdrawn.

'But the level of precision suggests she may have had some help from a brow technique called microblading, so perhaps the extra make-up application at events is not needed as they are already perfect. Either way, she still sets the standard for Hollywood arches.'

Marks out of 10: 9.5

2. Margot Robbie

'Margots brows are soft, feminine, and in perfect proportion to her oval face shape,' according to the expert. 'The gentle arch flatters her jawline, giving her a timeless balance.

'At times, however, the tails of her brows fade too soon, so I would extend them which would add extra elegance and totally enhance her look further. Still, hers are among the most enviable in Hollywood.

Marks out of 10: 8.5

3. Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson's arches look polished - but one sits flatter than the other, claimed Laura. Pictured, Scarlett in September 2025

'Scarletts brows are structured and well-maintained, but they dont always, unfortunately, match,' admitted Laura.

She added: 'One arch sits slightly flatter than the other, which can subtly drag down her eyes in photos.

'The strong base line and even colouration suggest she may have turned to microblading for extra definition.

'More lift and symmetry would instantly elevate them. Shes close to perfect, but the imbalance doesnt quite make them flawless.'

Marks out of 10: 8

4. Zendaya

Laura said: 'Zendaya has naturally full, expressive brows that suit her youthful beauty. But the fronts can sometimes look heavier than the tails to the trained eye, throwing off balance slightly.

'On close inspection, her arches could benefit from more definition to give her face extra lift. Polished refinement would take them from good to great.'

Zendayas brows are bold and youthful, but heavy at the front, claimed the beauty expert. Pictured, Zendaya in January 2025

Marks out of 10: 7

5. Timothee Chalamet

'Timothees brows are naturally thick and straight, giving him that baby face look he is known for,' explained the makeup artist.

'His brows sit low on his brow bone, which can sometimes make his eyes appear on the smaller side.

'On closer look from a technical observation, one brow is denser than the other, adding a hint of unevenness  but this can also add to his appeal, as its one part of his look that could be seen as rugged, which his fans love.

'If in the future he was looking to define his brows, as an expert Id give them a lift and more balance, which would bring sophistication to match his growing stardom.'

Marks out of 10: 7

6. Jenna Ortega

Timothee Chalamet, pictured left, and Jenna Ortega, pictured right, both made Laura's list

'Jennas brows are straight and youthful looking, but I think shes still finding her style,' revealed the beauty expert.

'They often look sparse at the ends and lack a curve, so currently dont deliver the impact needed for full on red-carpet glamour.

'But with strategic shaping, she could evolve them into the bold brows of the next generation and could give Angelina a run for her money.

'Although her score at the moment is only a five, with expert precision she could easily be the new brow queen of Hollywood.'

Marks out of 10: 5

7. Ryan Gosling

Laura said: 'Ryans brows are neat, symmetrical, and clean - but not especially memorable.

'They occasionally thin out at the ends, leaving them looking faint or too light in photos.

Ryan Goslings (pictured) brows are neat and symmetrical - but dont have the wow factor, according to Laura

'Slightly darker brows that are fuller at the ends would give his face more definition and better frame his features.'

Marks out of 10: 5

8. Julia Roberts

'Julias brows are soft and natural, and definitely part of her signature look that she is famous for  of course, alongside her famously warm smile,' said Laura.

'If she wanted to enhance her brows it would be my recommendation to have a higher arch and a stronger end which would give her a more youthful look.

'Naturally they can sit a bit flat on her face, which makes her eyes appear heavier. The tails can also fade into nothing, leaving them looking unfinished.'

Julia Robertss (pictured) natural brows flatter her warmth, but lack lift, claimed Laura

Marks out of 10: 4.5

9. Brad Pitt

'For a man once voted the most beautiful in the world, Brads brows are surprisingly underwhelming,' claimed the makeup artist.

'Uneven in height and lacking symmetry, one often arches higher than the other. They can also look patchy and undefined, falling flat against his otherwise striking face.

'Grooming and a sharper shape would transform them, but as they stand, his brows are a rare weak spot in his famous looks.

'Perhaps this is tactical though, as he is known for his perfect looks, so the imperfect also has appeal.'

Marks out of 10: 4

10. Tom Cruise

Brad Pitt, pictured left, and Tom Cruise, pictured right, both made Laura's list

'Toms brows are his weakest feature by far,' insisted the brow expert. 'Thin, straight, and sparse, they lack the density or arch needed to frame his face if we are looking at the golden rule of facial beauty.

'They do little to lift or modernise his expression, leaving him looking dated compared to other stars.

'With todays techniques, he could easily achieve a fuller, more defined yet still natural brow look - but right now, unfortunately, they do look a bit dated.'

Marks out of 10: 3
This week, Melania Trump is set to accompany her husband, President Donald Trump, on a three-day official state visit to the UK - and many eyes will be on her.

Although she often keeps a low-profile, rarely joining him on White House engagements, Melania will make an exception.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla will host the First Couple at Windsor Castle, as Buckingham Palace - usually where state visits take place - is under renovation.

Trump and Melania - who are set to arrive in the UK on Tuesday - crossed the pond in 2019 for a similar three-day state visit during his first term. But that time, they met with the late Queen Elizabeth II and attended multiple events, including a dinner with the royal family at Winfield House in London. This visit includes a grand state banquet.

During the 2019 trip, Melania stunned in her outfits, some of which were made by British designers. One of her Gucci dresses even featured a playful nod to the country with prints of beloved London landmarks including Big Ben, Tower Bridge, double-decker buses and the Houses of Parliament.

Local designers included Burberry and Irish-born milliner Philip Treacy.

She supplemented those with other outfits from Italian luxury fashion house Dolce & Gabbana, and American designers Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren, one of her favorites.

Melania mostly chose muted tones, wearing a lot of navy blue, khaki and white. But she pulled out a bright red, beaded cape dress by Givenchy for dinner at the US Ambassador's residence.

On September 17, Melania Trump is set to accompany her husband, President Donald Trump, on an official state visit to the UK. She last accompanied him in 2019 for a visit, seen here with Queen Elizabeth II

Melania is seen here during her last UK state visit in 2019

In 2019, Melania stunned in outfits made by British designers. Melania seen here in a London-themed Gucci garment as she left for the UK in 2019

According to both royal experts and stylists, there are some particular fashion rules Melania will want to follow this time around.

David Loranger, PhD and associate professor of fashion marketing and merchandising at Sacred Heart University, told the Daily Mail exclusively about what the First Lady needs to wear in order to avoid a public gaffe.

'During a state visit, it's generally a faux pas to wear anything that might compete with your host. In other words, if she tried to load up on jewelry (such as a tiara) to compete with the Royals, it could be considered bad form.

'She's also had issues wearing items that contain messaging, such as the "don't care" jacket which, whether she intended it or not, sent a message. So that should be avoided.'

He also said any type of UK-specific dress item or pattern, like the plaid tartan, 'might be viewed as appropriation' and should be 'edited out' of stylists' selects.

Loranger stressed that Melania needs to be extra careful with her outfits, especially because 'anything she wears could be misconstrued due to increased tensions related to the US's relatively antagonistic stance towards the UK in recent months.'

He recommended that the First Lady stick to classic looks on this particular trip.

And, in a shift from tradition, the professor revealed that he thinks Melania should not wear a British designer during the visit.

The British designers she's sported included Burberry, and hats from Irish-born Philip Treacy. Melania seen here in 2019 during her last state visit

They will be hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle as Buckingham Palace is under renovation. Melania is seen in 2019 with the late Queen and Camilla

The president and first lady are seen here ahead of dinner at Winfield House with the royal family in 2019

Their visit to the UK comes just as police are set to launch one of the largest drone operations in British history to counter threats during their trip. Melania seen here during a trip to London in December 2019

'She's there as a representative of the American People, therefore, she should fulfill that role by wearing an American designer.

'I think it enhances the festivity of the occasion by displaying an American perspective on fashion and style.

'She also should consider perceptions back home in the US. The administration has been dogged about "Made in America" and they should walk the walk, or ironically risk being viewed as unauthentic.'

UK police are set to launch one of the largest drone operations in British history to counter any threats during Trump and Melania's trip.

Pilots from Thames Valley and other forces including Hampshire Constabulary will fly the devices above a ring of steel on the ground surrounding Windsor Castle.

The policing operation will be the largest since the Kings coronation in 2023, and the scale of resources deployed will be similar to that of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral, sources told the Daily Mail.
Runways, influencers, and fast fashion are embracing an image that discreetly evokes a reactionary feminine ideal  and the look is proving seductive to younger generations

Quiet luxury hinted at fatigue of the loud, anything-goes culture of the previous decade. Many women were simply tired of being told sex sells or that empowerment means ever-shrinking hemlines. Quality over quantity, tradition, subtlety  these were back in vogue.

The passage could have appeared in an old book about the perfect woman, but it actually comes from an April article titled How Fashion Predicted A Trump Triumph in the magazine Evie, a fashion and lifestyle publication that embraces and espouses conservative values. The influence of Evie in the United States has led even The New York Times to dedicate an extensive profile to its founder, Brittany Martinez.

The magazine is not the only one to have explored the links between fashion and reactionary shifts. A quick search on the subject pulls up dozens of articles in publications that are hardly MAGA. If anyone says I didnt know our country was going down a conservative path, I would ask you, have you been on the internet in the past four years at all? joked TikToker Lindsey Louise in a viral video posted after the last presidential election.

@officialnancydrew looking at trends, it has be obvious our climate was moving conservative for years, i wrote about this on my substack and i honestly could talk about this forever lol. from everything wellness to trad wife content to old money aesthetic to the constant need to be edgy we have seen the shift in culture online. also i note that some of these concepts have been taken from indigenous cultures and were constructed into ytness and  luxury  rebrand. ffashiontrendsffashiontiktokssocialmediap#politics  original sound - lindsey louise

Fashion is not just about clothes, as sociologist Diana Crane points out in her 2000 book Fashion and its Social Agenda. Rather, she says, it is a reflection of our norms and cultural values. As such, it has the potential to influence social attitudes towards body image and beauty standards.

The idea is perfectly applicable a quarter-century after her books publication. In recent years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, a series of aesthetics inspired either by nostalgia or by the archetype of the billionaires have taken hold. From floral dresses meant to evoke a bucolic shepherdess, to beige suits that could be worn by Siobhan Roy in Succession, or the flawless (and highly desirable, like a donut) face with a slicked-back bun of Hailey Bieber and her followers.

At first glance, these elements might seem unrelated, if not for the fact that a deeper reading of these macro-trends reveals a kind of pursuit of perfectionism and discretion that fits like a glove with more conservative values.

If we want to understand current trends, we can observe what is happening in the world in political terms, reflects Daphne B., cultural journalist and author of Made-Up: A True Story of Beauty Culture Under Late Capitalism. There has been an obvious rise of the ultra-right, in Europe as well as the United States. In consequence, the values and aesthetic of conservative movements are appreciated, because they are those closest to power.

Tags like #coquette, #cleangirl and #oldmoney now belong to the general slang of young people; so do words like Ozempic, tradwife and the lamentable classic chic.

There are influencers who call themselves stay at home girlfriend or stay at home mum, explains Carla Vazquez Jones, a fashion communications consultant in New York who has worked for brands like Loewe and Etro. Fitness divas who go for their iced matcha and pilates class, but dont work. Within this perfection, you also find the clean girl which, as I interpret her, is a style. It looks like youre not wearing makeup, but you obviously are, just with a dewy finish.

She continues: Theres also the 1990s look embodied by Carolyn Bessette, patron saint of minimalism. She wore pencil skirts, tall boots, visible bras, headbands. Then in the third ring of perfectionism you have trad wife style, with dresses that look like they came out of 1800. Very Southern, with pastel colors, a little 1950s. The concept is fraught: it comes with the idea that you should be home, taking care of your children, cooking for your husband.

More and more young people are looking to emulate that image, and of course, there are many influencers who are happy to model such a lifestyle.

As Crane puts it, fashion reflects the societal values of the moment, and runways have been quick to channel these trends that appeal to an ideal of conservative femininity. In the fall-winter shows, countless tailored dresses, knee-length skirts, synthetic fur coats that scream economic opulence, and the return of high heels have been seen.

It bears mentioning that more than 80% of creative directors in the major fashion houses are men, the most unequal ratio in 50 years. Also, that sophistication, decorum and refinement are terms that have returned to the pages of fashion magazines, defining feminine ideals that we once seemed to have left behind.

The phenomenon is already reflected in shopping trends: in the last month, compared to the same period in 2024, online searches for equestrian boots rose 39%, and knee-length skirts 33%; prints such as large polka dots increased 49%, and gingham checks  a popular pattern in the 1950s, when this conservative female ideal also prevailed  33%.

Those statistics were released by fashion technology company Heuritech, whose fashion director Frida Tordhag offers this analysis: We are witnessing a more conservative era in fashion, on an aesthetic as well as cultural. After years that were dominated by the urban aesthetic and inspired by the 2000s, full of daring silhouettes, low-cut tops and vanguard styles, we are seeing a shift to something more refined and evergreen. Even the fast fashion brands, which cemented their success through micro-trends and party clothes, are reinventing themselves and adopting cleaner lines, discreet silhouettes and a more sophisticated aesthetic that can be described as conservative.

A canon of hegemonic beauty is becoming more widespread in certain circles: svelte but toned bodies, tanned skin and blonde manes (note, this is an ideal that only works for white people).

There is a plethora of reasons that drive us to modify our bodies, says Daphne B., and one of them is the social advantage enjoyed by those who adjust to the prevailing ideal. Because again, those who set certain standards are those who hold the power.

She continues: U.S. poet Claudia Rankine studied the pursuit of blondness and its prevalence in politics. To her, it is connected to whiteness, desirability and privilege. Experimenting with the body is a matter of freedom, yes, but she uses the term complicit freedom to indicate that what we like is whats most valued. Beauty culture is optional, but if you choose not to participate, there are consequences.

This is no abstract theory. I have a group of American friends and all of them, without exception, got Botox done before they turned 30, says Vazquez.

Una imagen de street style en Los Angeles. Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin (GC Images)

Connecting the dots

This aesthetic shift, which leans on hyper-feminization, hadnt been experienced so visibly since the mid-20th century  perhaps the archetypal moment in exemplifying a restrictive fashion that responds to a conservative shift, notes Juan Gutierrez, head of the contemporary clothing collection at Madrids Museo del Traje.

He continues: That was when the brakes were applied to the social advancements made during the 1920s and 1930s. Specifically, the process of female emancipation was cut short by a situation in which it was thought that alleviating the trauma of war required a return to traditional structures, with female figures fulfilling their domestic duties while beautifying themselves to satisfy male erotic fantasies. This was the era of bullet or torpedo bras, which gave the bust a conical shape that was projected in a hyperbolic manner, the effect being accentuated by garments that narrow the waist. The restrictive nature of such trends dominated until youth fashions took over.

Since the 1960s, it has been young people opposing the system who drove fashions evolution, turning it into a tool for self-expression. Now, the tables have turned.

January Jones and Marten Weiner in an episode from the first season of Mad Men (2007), which was set in 1960. Everett Collection (AMC/courtesy Everett Collection)

Today, the confusion of adolescence is compounded by the perfection sold on social media, which is young peoples channel for interaction with the world around them. The generation that is now 20 has grown up with the belief that there is no future, explains journalist Elsa Cabria, who recently launched a podcast about how the ultra-right global network has put womens bodies at the epicenter of a cultural and political battle.

If as a young girl, you dont see anything else, you consider becoming a trad wife to be a possibility, because you think that you wont get anywhere by working. The risk is that you buy into the whole package, says Cabria. Perhaps we are asking young people to think, analyze, reflect, for them to draw conclusions and be more intelligent than a very perverse system. At the height of feminisms, there were many women, but not all  some felt excluded. They thought we had gone too far. Now, they see themselves represented in this other kind of woman and that you should too, because it has cost too much to get to where we are.

Cabria thinks the response must be to rebel, to go against, though in reality, theyre letting themselves be manipulated by the ultra-conservative majority, they think its trendy.
Theres no doubt about it - Italian food is the most popular in the world; with around 60 million people flocking to the Mediterranean country every single year to eat its signature dishes.

Among the most popular destinations for tourists is Italys capital, Rome. With a rich history and its own signature culinary style, its top of the list for millions of visitors - but how does its cuisine differ from the rest of the country?

The Grand Hotel Palace Rome, situated in the heart of the citys historic centre and just minutes away from the Trevi Fountain, puts food at the forefront of its offering, so visitors can experience the Italian capital the most authentic way.

The Daily Mails Femail was invited to the five-star Grand Hotel Palace, part of the Millennium Hotels collection, to soak up Roman culture and cuisine - hosted by two experts in the Italian capital, hotel employees Alessandra and Flavia.

Sara Ciccotti, head chef at the hotels Cadorin restaurant, is passionate about Roman cooking; after learning the secrets of popular dishes from her mother when she was a child.

While she and her chef de partie, Christian Venosa, are of course the experts in such cookery, Sara insists one can recreate classic Italian food at home - as long as amateur cooks follow some key principles.

The secret lies in simplicity and honoring the ingredients, she says. In Italy, we turn a few fresh, seasonal, high-quality elements into dishes that can truly move you.

In particular, she believes the popularity of Roman cuisine comes down to its authenticity and the fact that much of it is steeped in history.

Sara Ciccotti, head chef at the Grand Hotel Palace Rome, has revealed her top tips for making the perfect pasta dish as she showcases the very best of Roman cookery at the exclusive hotel's Cadorin restaurant

The Daily Mail's Femail was invited to stay at the Grand Hotel Palace Rome, part of the Millennium Group. Pictured: The hotel's restaurant, Cadorin, which has since been updated with slick new chairs and a new layout

The most ancient dishes associated with the capital are derived from poverty-stricken ancestors who couldnt afford luxuries like meat. Among the ingredients they ate, which are still popular today, are courgette flowers and artichokes.

Where meat was consumed, it was parts of the animal that were considered less desirable and cheaper - hence the popularity of tripe dishes.

While such ingredients are still popular in Rome, the citys food scene has grown and evolved since ancient times as newer ingredients have been introduced to Italy. Its now generally agreed that the four main pasta dishes native to Rome are carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana and alla gricia - the most popular among the Grand Hotel Palaces guests, according to Sara.

Seated for dinner at the Grand Hotel Palace Romes restaurant on our first evening in the stunning city, and after being treated to a walking tour by Alessandra and Flavia, we enjoyed a tasting menu created by Sara and Christian.

The first thing that grabs one's attention in the restaurant is its surroundings - the mesmerising paintings by Guido Cadorin, depicting 1920s high society enjoying 'la dolce vita'.

Among the delicacies we tried were stuffed courgette flowers, saltimbocca (veal) and a take on the Roman classic, cacio e pera - the standout dish.

The bright, sparkling lobby of the hotel, with a grand chandelier and art deco features, is a stunning first impression of the building (the reception has since been rearranged)

The Cadorin restaurant is named after the 1920s Venetian painter, Guido Cadorin, whose frescoes depict high society in his time (restaurant has since been rearranged)

Pasta is a staple meal in Italian cooking, with many regions of Italy making different types

The breakfast buffet at the Cadorin restaurant offers a huge range of foods including several sweet options

The Cadorin restaurant is a majestic dining space, serving up classic roman dishes (old set up pictured)

The bar is kitted out with more liquors than one can count, placed under one of Cadorin's paintings

As a pasta enthusiast, I was surprised to learn of this dish which Id never tried before - but after the first mouthful of silky, al dente spaghetti, it had already become a new favourite.

Smooth pasta strands are coated in a creamy sauce which is made from a combination of pasta water and cheese, plus the fat from the crispy guincale that adds saltiness and a crispy bite to the dish.

Christians version is a twist on the classic which adds sweet notes - coming from the surprise but welcome addition of pear.

With our bellies full and our eyes heavy after a long day of travelling and eating, it was time to head up to our rooms - via the hotel's bright, glistening art deco reception - for some much-needed rest.

The rooms are as grand as the hotels reception and restaurant, with chic striped fabric walls and floor-to-ceiling draped curtains which add a touch of luxury.

As for the bed, it was heaven. The superior room, in which I stayed, is fit for double occupancy with plenty of space, but the king-sized bed is even more of a treat for a solo traveller.

The hotel offers superior rooms and deluxe rooms, as well as junior, executive and signature suites - depending on your travel needs.

Sinking into the firm mattress and the clean pressed sheets, it was mere moments before I drifted off to sleep - and I needed my rest ahead of a busy itinerary the following day.

A 9am start saw Max from Crown Tours pick us up to take us to the Colosseum for a tour - but first, breakfast.

The hotels breakfast buffet offers pastries, bread, fruit, cold meats, cheeses, and even grilled vegetables to start off your day.

However, I decided to follow Italian tradition and opted for a sweet breakfast - a mini (and deliciously crispy) croissant with some honey flavoured yoghurt, washed down with a mild black coffee.

The hotel is situated at the heart of Rome's historic centre, just a 15 minute walk away from sights including the Trevi Fountain

The rooms at the Grand Hotel Palace are simple yet chic, with elegant marble flooring and a comfortable bed

The rooms are bright and airy, decorated with draped curtains

There was enough time to leisurely eat my breakfast before Max arrived to pick us up. Then it was off to the Colosseum - the ancient site that brings in around 15 million tourists every single year.

The tour company helped us navigate the ticket collection process and Max guided us smoothly through the several-step security check before we were finally able to enter the centuries-old site.

The majesty of the place is difficult to describe - but Max, originally from Pompeii, did a great job as he took us through the grisly history of public fights, shows and executions that took place on the very site where we were standing, around 2,000 years earlier.

His knowledge of the Colosseums history was unmatched - as was his ability to move around the packed site without bumping into too many other tourists.

Maxs nuggets of history kept our attention for the entirety of the two-hour tour, which was over before we knew it. From there, it was time for lunch - and this time we headed to a famous old trattoria, Checco er Carrettiere in the Trastevere neighbourhood, for a different classic pasta dish - carbonara.

Its often said that, to Italians, its a cardinal sin not to finish ones plate - but with portions so generous as theyre served up at Checco er Carrettiere, I may have inadvertently caused offence by not being able to eat a gram more of the delicious, silky spaghetti.

Swimming in a rich sauce of egg yolk, pecorino and garnished with the crispiest guincale Ive ever tasted, every bite of this dish was bursting with a salty, creamy flavour. It was delicious - but just a little too much for me.

The menu at the Cadorin restaurant is executed by a team of chefs who can be seen at work if diners get a prime position

I barely made eye contact with my clearly disappointed waiter as I handed back my unfinished plate - and every day since, Ive regretted not asking to box up my leftovers and take them home with me.

The next few hours were spent getting lost (intentionally) in the back streets of Romes historic centre. I passed a bustling market, the Pantheon, and picked up a gelato at the famous Gilotti - piccolo, they said, as they handed me two enormous scoops and chuckled as my eyes widened.

As if I hadnt eaten enough, dinner was just around the corner - at Il San Lorenzo, a stunning bistro tucked away in a back street of the historic centre.

For this meal, we took a break from Roman classics to enjoy an innovative tasting menu, showcasing the raw fish inventions of head chef Gareth Saywell (formerly of Notting Hills Orasay).

Carpaccios of tuna, shrimp and cod, all drizzled with a peppery kick of olive oil, were followed by smoked clams, yet more spaghetti and an extremely boozy rum baba (which was a little too boozy for me) plus plenty of bread to soak up the rich sauces.

As the courses were served up and wine and conversation flowed, we realised four hours had passed by in the blink of an eye, and it was time to head back to the hotel for another much-needed rest.

We were welcomed with smiling faces as we entered the hotel lobby, before dragging our tired legs up the stairs to our rooms.

In a flash, our trip to Rome was nearly over - but our final morning gave us time to head over to the Trevi Fountain (just minutes away from the hotel) and make a wish before enjoying one final meal at the Grand Hotel Palace - fish, spaghetti with lamb ragu and panzanella.

Despite a jam-packed tour of Rome, I didn't manage to make time to enjoy the hotel's spa - but I did take a quick look around before we were picked up for the airport.

The spa and gym, which is located in the basement of the hotel, is a serene and peaceful haven which would be the perfect way to relax after a long day of exploring the bustling city.

Complete with a sauna and a heated pool, the spa, while small, has everything an exhausted traveller would need to recharge.

As we said goodbye to the hotel that had been our home for the last two days, I could think of little else than the delicious food Id enjoyed during the trip.

Beneath the grand hotel is a serene spa complete with a sauna (pictured)

The spa area also contains a gym which is free for guests to use

In addition to the sauna and treatment rooms, the spa contains a heated pool which is lit up in calming colours

While I wont be dining on any more shrimp carpaccio any time soon (sadly), Saras words ring true - the beauty of classic Roman dishes are their simplicity and authenticity.

She explains that, with good quality ingredients and a little patience, I can make Roman pasta dishes at home whenever I feel nostalgic for the Grand Hotel Palace and Romes stunning backstreets.

Using high-quality ingredients is essential, she advises.

Then, respect the original recipes before thinking about changing them. And finally, the secret ingredient is the passion you put into making them.

She also warns against some common mistakes people make when they try to cook Italian food - trying to change something that is perfect as it is.

Adding cream to carbonara, minced garlic to sauces, or breaking pasta before cooking it these small actions take away the true essence of the dish, she explains.

One dish I wasnt able to try in Rome (because my stomach simply didnt have the capacity) was cacio e pepe - a classic pasta dish flavoured with pepper and pecorino.

Luckily, Sara has shared the secrets to perfecting the dish at home - al dente pasta, taking the pasta off the heat before tossing in the pecorino and crucially, patience.

Cacio e pepe cannot be rushed, she warns - wise words we should bear in mind for all Italian cooking.
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A new LED face mask designed by skincare nurses with nearly 20 years of experience in the industry promises to reverse signs of ageing with just 10 minutes of daily use.

While dermatologists and spa therapists have been using light-emitting diode (LED) therapy to treat skin concerns for much longer, Cheshire-based CurrentBody is credited with creating an at-home market after it launched its first face mask in 2018.

Since then, the beauty gadget has exploded in popularity among millennial and GenZ skincare enthusiasts - with hundreds of thousands of testimonies on #SkinTok, celebrity endorsements, and new iterations being launched constantly.

This includes Irish firm Skin Krush's Rejuvenating LED face mask that costs less than 300 - but promises to pack the same punch as costlier devices ranging from anywhere between 399 to 1,440.

Whereas Current Body's Light Therapy Face Mask Series 2 that is loved by celebrities for its skin brightening and tightening effects, Skin Krush's counterpart is nearly 30 per cent cheape

Skin Krush was established in Dublin in 2021 by Sinead Gallagher and Jeanette Dunne, who met at St Vincent's University Hospital and went on to set up one of the country's most successful aesthetic clinics.

It was through their work at Renew Skin Clinic that the duo realised there was a lack of affordable - yet safe - at-home devices that worked as advertised.

They launched Skin Krush with a microdermabrasion exfoliating tool before rolling out their signature LED masks - with Clear and Calming or Rejuvenating benefits - last November.

'We set up a Renew Skin Clinic 19 years ago to offer non-surgical aesthetic treatments and now have three clinics around Ireland,' Sinead explained. 'Over the course of our work, we discovered that while people wanted quick and easy fixes, l they were often time or cash poor.'

These silicone LED masks are meant to be more comfortable than hard shell alternatives because they 'contour to the shape of your face'. Skin Krush's white masks also have a built-in timer - so they're safe to use at home - while being fitted with 132 bulbs for maximum effectiveness.

How we test

For this review, I was sent the Rejuventing LED Mask that uses the industry standard 630nm red light and 830nm infra-red light to stimulate collagen production and reduce redness, while giving the user a more youthful, glowing appearance

To see a difference, customers are required to wear the mask for 10 minutes a day, three to five times a week, for six to eight weeks.

According to Skin Krush's founders, their customers see dramatic results with minimum effort - but do the masks live up to the hype?

For this review, I tested the Rejuvenating LED Mask that uses the industry standard 630nm red light and 830nm infra-red light to stimulate collagen production and reduce redness, while giving the user a more youthful, glowing appearance.

Skin Krush Rejuvenating LED face mask review

Skin Krush Rejuvenating LED Mask review      Product Specs Battery life 60 mins

Adjustable Yes What we love Ease of use Timer settings and wireless remote control means it's easy to use

Price Is a lot more affordable than other rivals What could be better Comfort Wrap around design made it slightly disorientating Review In addition to the white mask, I received eye shields, an adjustable strap, a manual controller, USB charging cable, linen storage bag, and the instruction manual. The device's controller needs to be charged for 180 minutes before its first use, and then you're ready to go. When I told Sinead my goal at the end of the six-week testing period was ditching concealer, and doing away with full-coverage makeup entirely, she told me 'consistency is key'. 'We recommend using it three to five times per week for 10 minutes, you could use it every day or night if you desire but no less than three times to see results,' she said. I took my 'before' selfie and realised how tired my skin looked - especially around the eyes. While I've never suffered from acne in my 20s and 30s, barring the occasional PMS flare-up, I was struck by how dull my complexion looked in the picture. So, I wrapped the mask around my face every weekend, and squeezed in a 10-minute session once or twice after work, for a total of four treatments per week. My favourite thing about the mask is the timer, which meant I could close my eyes and relax without worrying about overexposure or fretting about how much of the treatment was left. The corded remote is easy to use as it just has one button - which turns it off and on. I've seen women reading magazines or doing chores with the face mask in TikToks that might give those less clued into the world of skincare a fright - but I found the red light slightly disorienting despite the eye protectors. Before I knew it, six weeks were up - and I was impressed by the results. The dark spots around my mouth and on my cheeks basically vanished, some of the fine lines had definitely disappeared and, my skin was visibly bouncier.

Our verdict

After six weeks, my skin was visibly bouncier and my complexion had cleared up dramatically. The dark spots around my mouth and on my cheeks basically vanished, some of the fine lines had definitely disappeared and, after the six weeks were up, I woke up to more even-looking skin than I could remember having in a long time

Since I finished testing the mask, it has remained part of my skincare routine and I typically use it once or twice a week.

On the other hand, I find myself reaching for full coverage foundation and concealer much less frequently - so I'll take the win.
Emmys host Nate Bargatze is said to be worth more than 56 million - so the $100,000 (73,000) donation he's promised to make to a US volunteering charity for children at tonight's ceremony is unlikely to be too painful.

However, his generous gift comes with a twist...he'll only give the money to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America after the Emmys if the ceremony's winners have kept their acceptance speeches short.

Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live this week, the funnyman said the amount would diminish every time a star went over the 45 seconds allocated for thank you speeches.

Bargatze will take the helm at the ceremony held at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles.

The show takes three hours and stars famously enjoy their moment to wax lyrical when they get an award in their hands.

Of his plans to donate money after tonight's ceremony he said: 'Everybody gets 45 seconds to do all the thank-yous.

'So what I came up with is I'm going to donate $100,000 to the Boys & Girls Club that's what the show's starting at.

'When everybody uses their 45 seconds, if someone goes over, we take away $1,000 a second every time they go over.'

Keep it short: Emmys host Nate Bargatze, 46, has a novel idea to keep thank yous succinct tonight; he will play on the heartstrings of those who win to ensure their speeches are kept short and sweet.

The funnyman is estimated to be worth 56million - after wowing crowds with his clean brand of comedy (pictured in 2022)

The star, 46, admitted cutting people off won't be easy, saying: 'I know people work hard for the Emmys and stuff so I feel bad.'

His jokes have amassed him an incredible 56million personal fortune and he's seen to be a safe pair of hands for the show thanks to his tendency to steer clear of profanity, controversial and dark comedy.

The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards will air tonight, with Severance leading the nominees with 27 nods, followed by The Studio with 23 potential honors.

There's plenty of UK interest at this year's ceremony.

Adolescence actor Owen Cooper will find out if his role as a troubled teen in the year's standout TV hit will land him a record at the ceremony  as the youngest ever male Emmy winner.

The 15-year-old's nomination for best supporting actor for Adolescence is just one of 13 that the show, about a teenager accused of murder, has received.

Cooper  the Warrington schoolboy who was 14 when the show was filmed  was the toast of pre-Emmy parties in Hollywood on Friday night, accompanied by his mother Noreen, a carer, and father Andy, who works in IT.

Cooper said: 'I will never forget this for the rest of my life. If I break the record that would be cool. It's all next level. This time last year I didn't know what I'd be doing.

Seating placards have revealed where celebrities will be sitting at the upcoming Emmy awards, with Sydney Sweeney getting a better seat than Hollywood legends Harrison Ford, Christopher Meloni, and Jude Law

Owen Cooper attends Netflix's Emmy's Toast on September 12. He has been nominated for best supporting actor - and will be the youngest ever male winner if he scoops the prize

Netflix's Adolesence went global last year; the dark drama focuses on a teenager accused of murder - and how his life online influenced him

'Never could I have believed that this show would change my life in the way that it has.'

Stephen Graham  who is up for the best actor award for his performance as Cooper's father  and Ashley Walters, who plays detective Luke Bascombe, were the 'toast of the party' at Netflix's pre-Emmy bash while Irish actress Sharon Horgan  nominated as best actress for Bad Sisters  posed with Monica Lewinsky at a party for talent agency WME.

Other Brits up for awards tonight include Gary Oldman (for Slow Horses), Aimee Lou Wood and Jason Isaacs (The White Lotus), Colin Farrell (The Penguin) and Bella Ramsey (The Last Of Us).

It comes after Adolescence swept up two major prizes at the 2025 National TV Awards.
Holiday in Mexico left the family deciding to sell their home in the UK

A British couple have revealed how they've swapped grey skies and a 9-to-5 life for backpacking around the world - and say their kids, seven and three, are having the times of their lives.

Sheffield couple Josh and Katie, both 33, said a holiday to Mexico was the final spur they needed to ditch their lives in the UK - and they decided to put their homes on the market.

When it sold within 24 hours, the couple began planning their nomadic new lives, deciding to take just one backpack each with them.

They'd previously enjoyed a similar adventure before having children, taking a year off to travel to Australia in 2015.

However, their jaunt to Mexico in January saw them realise that they could 'get so much more for the same money' if they sold their three-bedroomed home and moved abroad.

After putting it on the market in April it sold in just 24 hours, and now the family's globe-trotting adventure has begun in Thailand.

Selling 'everything you can imagine' on sites like Facebook Marketplace and Vinted, they left for Asia from Manchester on August 22nd.

With no plans to return, Josh and Katie, who document their travels on @4backpacksmanymemories on TikTok, estimate they'll spend between 1,500 to 2,000 per month funding their new way of life using money from their house sale.

They will spent 500-a-month on accommodation and the rest is just spending money with a daily budget in Thailand currently around 35 per day.

Living the Thai-life! Couple Josh and Kate, both 33, pictured with their children, aged seven and three, after they made the decision to sell up and enjoy a new life abroad

Josh and Katie say they'll use online resources to homeschool their children, seven and three

The couple estimate their monthly spend back at home was 4,000 - almost double what they are spending currently.

Josh, an exterior cleaner, from Sheffield, South Yorkshire, said: 'We're taking four backpacks and that's literally it.

'Everything we own we sold. We've been on Vinted to sell the clothes, and sold our beds, sofa, TV and vehicles.

'We just kind of sat down and thought one day, the amount of money we spent on a two-week all-inclusive you can get so much more for your money if you look into it.'

Katie, a hairdresser, added: 'When we left the UK it was as I suspected.

'The day before saying bye to my mum was hard but as soon as I got on the plane I was fine. It just feels surreal and it's an adventure - even now sat here we don't feel like we're thousands of miles away.

'It's like 'god, we've done it, we're here'. The kids are just thriving already as well.'

Originally the couple considered emigrating to Australia on a sponsored visa with Katie's original trade as a hairdresser but the 'amount of hours' she would need to work put them off.

And we're off! The family pictured at the airport, backpacks at the ready, as they headed off to Thailand on the first stage of their adventure

The couple realised they could get more bang for their buck after they had 'researched' on holiday in Mexico and found 'how much money they could make stretch' on their travels.

She said there really is no plan and that's why there adventure is proving so much fun.

Katie explained: 'I didn't want to work five days a week and not see the kids.

'In places like southeast Asia you can stretch your money.

'We haven't got a route planned. We just want the simple way of life and to spend quality time together as a family.

'I'm pretty chill with it, the only bit I worry about is missing my family.

If I could pick them up and take them with me, I would. It's the unknown to us all but that's what excites us.

'We know as a family as long as we have each other we can conquer anything.'

After thinking they would settle in Australia, Katie said the couple decided against it because her original trade as a hairdresser meant she would need to need to work a huge amount of hours to make it work

The plan is there is no plan! The couple will travel to their next destination at the end of the month

It's the unknown to us all but that's what excites us' says Katie - although the couple admit they miss their families

The plan for their children is to 'learn other things' outside mainstream schooling.

Josh said: 'We'll be following Oakwood Academy - a site who are supplying us with online resources and we're having a private tutor checking in with them weekly.

'I've actually got a friend who's done this kind of thing before.

'They were spending 1,500 to 2,000 per month including accommodation, food and activities which is considerably cheaper than what we pay now.'

The family are set to visit their next destination in southeast Asia on September 29 but are loving the 'free' life they have and have not got anywhere booked.
The King and Queen attended church at Balmoral today, following the King's reunion with Prince Harry on Wednesday and ahead of a busy week in which the Duchess of Kent's funeral will take place and President Trump will arrive on English soil.

Charles and Camilla headed north of the border following the King's summit over tea with his youngest son at Clarence House earlier this week.

Sat side-by-side in the royal Bentley on Sunday morning, the King, 76, and Queen, 78, looked relaxed as they attended the traditional service at nearby Craithie Kirk.

With the Scottish sun shining, the royal couple didn't need coats, with Camilla looking elegant in a green tartan ensemble with a green pillbox hat with a feather adornment and Charles donning a smart navy suit.

After what is likely to have been an emotional week for the King, as he spent time with Prince Harry for the first time in over a year, the couple appeared to be enjoying a restful Sunday at the Scottish royal residence.

While tensions between the Kings' sons Prince William and Prince Harry appear to remain, the reconciliation meeting between father and son could be the first step towards Harry's family returning to the UK for a visit next year, a royal source claimed this week.

The Clarence House rendez-vous could pave the way for Archie and Lilibet to visit their grandfather for the first time in more than three years.

The Duke of Sussex spent 54 minutes having a cup of tea with King Charles 'rebuilding their father-and-son relationship'.

The King and Queen looked relaxed as attended a church service at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral on Sunday

Queen Camilla looked elegant in a green tartan ensemble as she sat beside the King for the short journey to church this morning

When they last met in February 2024 after the monarch was diagnosed with cancer, Harry's audience was limited to just over 15 minutes.

Asked how his father was by a reporter shortly after arriving at the Invictus reception, Harry - who turns 41 next Monday - replied: 'Yes, he's great, thank you.'

'The King wants to be a grandfather to his grandchildren so thats an important pull. He was so pleased when they came over for Queen Elizabeths Platinum Jubilee and he was able to spend some time with them,' a royal source told the Daily Mail on Thursday.

'Its become clear that Harry now regrets some of his actions. He wants to reset his relationship with his family and with the people of the UK.

'Its hard to see him ever coming back to live in Britain but this may be the start of something that at least allows them to be a functioning wider family again.'

But whether Meghan Markle will want to come with them remains another matter, the insider has said. Meghan hasn't returned to the UK since the Queen's death in September 2022.

Today Harry's spokesman said he has 'loved being back in the UK' and a source has suggested he could return soon with his children in tow.

The King and Queen, pictured close to Balmoral, will return to London this week for the Duchess of Kent's funeral in Westminster Cathedral on Tuesday

The royals make their way through the pretty countryside around the Scottish royal residence

The Duke of Sussex during a visit to take part in a panel discussion on how social action positively impacts mental health in London last week

Prince Harry has been building bridges with his father the King on his recent trip to the UK

Charles last saw Archie and Lilibet in June 2022, when Harry and Meghan returned for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. He has only met Lilibet once and Archie a handful of times.

Harry's taxpayer-funded security was reduced after he and Meghan quit royal duties - sparking his legal battle with the Home Office - but the Sussexes would likely receive armed bodyguards when visiting the King.

'There are all sorts of obstacles to that happening again because of Harrys insistence that they have guaranteed armed police protection.

'But maybe there is a way of getting them over to Balmoral or Sandringham next year or another royal residence where they are within the security perimeter', the insider said.

The King and Queen will return to London this week for the Duchess of Kent's funeral in Westminster Cathedral on Tuesday.

The service will be attended by the King, Queen and other senior Royal Family members.

President Trump also arrives in London this week. The President and First Lady Melania Trump will meet the Prince and Princess of Wales on Wednesday morning in the Windsor estate grounds.

They will then meet the King and Queen for an open-air greeting. Trump will also receive a fly-past by the Red Arrows and UK and US F-35 military jets on the East Lawn at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, as well as a special Beating Retreat military ceremony.
READ MORE: I'm a physiotherapist - start doing these four exercises NOW

It's the most tried and true health advice: regular exercise is key to warding off obesity, aging and chronic diseases.

Mountains of research also shows working out just a few days a week could slash the risk of dying from cancer.

However, a new study has pinpointed a specific workout routine shown to slow the growth of cancer cells, even after just one session.

Researchers in Australia recruited women who had survived breast cancer and had them undergo a single bout of either resistance training, such as weightlifting, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which involves short, intense bursts of exercise followed by short breaks.

They found that immediately after one 45-minute resistance or HIIT session, participants showed up to 47 per cent more myokines in their blood.

Myokines are proteins released by skeletal muscle cells during exercise that help muscles communicate with the rest of the body.

They have also been shown to regulate metabolism and suppress molecules that cause inflammation, a key driver in cancer cell formation.

The team estimated that the increased myokines produced may slow cancer growth by 20 to 30 per cent.

Researchers in Australia found resistance training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) may slow cancer cell growth

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Francesco Bettariga, lead study researcher and PhD student at Edith Cowan University in Australia, told the Daily Mail: 'By demonstrating anti-cancer effects at the cellular level, our results provide a potential explanation for why exercise reduces the risk of cancer progression, recurrence, and mortality.

'While our study has limitations and further in vivo work is needed, these findings highlight how exercise could contribute to improved survival outcomes in people with cancer.'

The study, published earlier this summer in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, looked at 32 patients who had been treated for breast cancer, ranging from stage one to stage three, at least four months beforehand.

The largest cancer stage group was stage two (41 per cent).

The average participant age was 59 with a body mass index (BMI) of 28, which is considered overweight but not obese.

Participants in the resistance training group completed eight repetitions of five sets of exercises for major muscle groups.

These included chest press, seated rows, shoulder press, lateral pulldowns, leg press, leg extensions, leg curls and lunges.

Participants in this group got one to two minutes between sets to rest.

In the HIIT group, participants performed seven 30-second bouts of high-intensity exercise on at least three of the following exercise machines: stationary bike, treadmill, rower and cross-trainer.

They had three-minute rest periods between sets.

Bettariga told this website: 'We selected two distinct exercise modalitiesresistance and aerobic trainingbecause they provide different physiological benefits: resistance training improves muscle strength, while aerobic training enhances cardio-respiratory fitness in order to determine which exercise could drive greater cancer-suppressive effects.

'Specifically, we used a high-intensity exercise to determine whether greater intensity could amplify these anti-cancer effects.'

Both groups completed about 45 minutes of exercise in total.

Researchers also performed blood tests on participants at three separate times: before working out, immediately following the sessions and 30 minutes after working out.

The team found that completing either the resistance or HIIT regimen just one time increased levels of myokines in participants' blood.

The largest jump was in the myokine IL-6, which increased 47 per cent in the HIIT group immediately after exercise. IL-6 is a protein released from muscles during exercise that plays a crucial role in immune function.

Meanwhile, the resistance group showed a 23 per cent increase in decorin, a myokin that regulates tissue growth, and a nine per cent increase in IL-6.

The team found myokine levels gradually decreased over time after participants finished working out, though they remained elevated.

Based on results, researchers estimated the myokine levels produced from exercising could reduce the growth of cancer cells by 20 to 30 per cent.

Myokines have been shown to suppress inflammatory proteins called cytokines. Cytokines are secreted by immune cells to control inflammation.

However, high cytokine levels can trigger excess inflammation, which damages cell DNA and increases the risk of cancer cells forming.

Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of the disease, striking 311,000 US women every year and killing 42,000

A recent study in JAMA found that breast cancer rates went up by about 0.79 per cent each year from 2000 to 2019

Bettariga said: 'We found that both resistance training and HIIT increased the release of myokines with anti-cancer properties after just a single exercise session. We then observed a reduction of up to 30 per cent in cancer cell growth in [lab testing].

'What stood out was that both modalities had comparable effects, suggesting that exercise intensity is the main driver of these anti-cancer changes, rather than the specific type of exercise performed.'

Breast cancer strikes 311,000 American women every year and kills 42,000, according to the American Cancer Society.

While the disease generally has a high survival rate of 92 per cent, that rate can drop as low as 33 per cent if cancer cells spread to other areas.

It's also on the rise among young women, with rates increasing by 0.8 per cent every year from 2000 to 2019, one study suggests. Experts have tied this rise to hormone-disrupting chemicals and early menstruation, which can increase exposure to hormones like estrogen that can fuel breast cancer.

Though the new study results are promising for breast cancer, it's unclear if they would translate to other forms of the disease.

Bettargia said: 'Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Surprisingly, no studies with this specific design had been conducted in this population, making our findings highly relevant to millions of women living with breast cancer.'

There were several limitations, including the small sample size and the focus on only one form of cancer.

Bettariga told this website that the team next plans to investigate these effects in other types of cancer and groups of people with the disease.

He said: 'It is now time to examine the effects of regular, long-term exercise programs on these anti-cancer responses. We also aim to explore additional mechanisms, particularly the role of the immune system, which plays a crucial part in controlling cancer cell growth.'
A hospital where 'everything cracks' and 'death trap' ceilings leave ailing patients in fear has been ranked the 'worst' in the country.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, Norfolk, was this week branded the worst of 134 acute hospital trusts in England in damning government analysis, which was publicly revealed for the first time.

The hospital, which opened in 1980 and serves around 250,000 residents, uses thousands of props to keep it ceilings up and has one of the worst records for A&E and cancer treatment waits.

The trust was placed under special measures in 2018, with particular concern over maternity services, and only taken out four years later.

But patients continue to raise issues with their treatment, with one woman claiming she felt 'dismissed' after she had a miscarriage.

Emma Simmonds, 41, went to the hospital's early pregnancy unit after bleeding at almost 11 weeks pregnant in 2023, but was told to return the next day, where she found out she had a miscarriage.

She said she has lost all faith in the hospital and will never go back.

Meanwhile, major delays to its redevelopment have left an ageing building with a poor ceiling.

A hospital where 'everything cracks' and 'death trap' ceilings leave ailing patients in fear has been ranked the 'worst' in the country

Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, Norfolk, was this week branded the worst of 134 acute hospital trusts in England

Health secretary Wes Streeting claimed the move would 'end the postcode lottery' of care and pinpoint where urgent help is required

After warnings that it would be unsafe after 2030, the Government committed to rebuilding the hospital.

But the start date for construction, originally set for 2025 and costing an estimated 862million, has been pushed back up to three years, with completion not expected until 2032.

It means patients have to make do with crumbling ceilings.

Around 8,600 props are used to hold up ceilings with current material, reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), only lasting 40 years before breaking down.

RAAC was widely used in roofing between the 1950s and 1990s and is weaker than concrete.

Multiple schools with RAAC have had to close buildings amid fears ceilings might collapse.

'The words that one of our patients used is that they were lying under a death trap,' Phulmattie Mohan, a hospital matron, told ITV.

Specialist teams checked on weak spots in the ceiling daily, in 2022, while buckets were placed under the leaking roof to catch water.

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A year earlier, an intensive care was evacuated because of concerns the roof would collapse. The critical care unit remained closed for around three weeks.

Patients have also described hearing cracking sounds from creaky roofs during overnight stays.

Former patient Desmond Bilverstone said: 'They make a hell of a lot of crackling noises.

'At night time you can hear it and you think what's going on next? Everything cracks around here.'

Queen Elizabeth had one of the poorest ratings for A&E nationwide.

Under NHS guidelines, 95 per cent of patients should be admitted, transferred or discharged within four hours.

But just 52.1 per cent were seen within four hours in July, latest data available shows.

One patient, Sue Grey, told The Sun: 'The A&E just stinks. But they're dumped in a croaky old hospital with no air conditioning, and it's held up by god knows what for however long it can be.

'The conditions now are just awful.

Local residents are keen to stress that hard working staff are not at fault for the struggling hospital, rather mismanagement and poor funding.

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In November, the hospital closed 60 of 250 beds to try and make a saving of 5.5m, with money used to fund care in the community instead.

Simon Illingworth, the hospital's former chief operating officer, was instructed to find 29.5m of savings in the 2024 to 2025 financial year, the second highest in the country, according to the Health Service Journal.

On Tuesday, the Government publicly released rankings for hospitals, ambulance services and mental health providers, allowing patients to see which are giving sub-standard treatment.

Health secretary Wes Streeting claimed the move would 'end the postcode lottery' of care and pinpoint where urgent help is required.

'Patients know when local services aren't up to scratch, and they want to see an end to the postcode lottery,' he said.

The rankings, which score NHS trusts on seven different areas including waiting times for operations, cancer treatment, time spent in A&E and ambulance response times, show 107 of 134 falling into tier three or four, meaning they are the 'most challenged'.

Just 27 are rated in the top two tiers.

Latest data at Queen Elizabeth shows that only 53.4 per cent of newly-diagnosed cancer patients referred for urgent treatment were also seen within two monthsthe target is 85 per cent.

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Patients have also described hearing cracking sounds from creaky roofs during overnight stays. (File image)

Meanwhile, only 86.9 per cent of patients started treatment within 31 days of being booked in June, below the goal of 96 per cent.

The health service target of telling at least 75 per cent of patients with suspected cancer they do or don't have the disease equally wasn't met at 70 per cent.

After its latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection last year, the regulator rated Queen Elizabeth as 'requires improvement', citing issues with surgery, end of life care and outpatient care.

The Daily Mail has contacted Queen Elizabeth King's Lynn Hospital for comment.

Following the government's ranking, the hospital's interim executive managing director Chris Brown said he was sorry it had 'fallen short', and added 'immediate steps are being taken to address the issues'.

'Our patients deserve the highest standards of care, and we are sorry that in some of our performance areas, as reported in the National Oversight Framework data, we have fallen short,' he said.

'Immediate steps are being taken to address the issues. We are working closely within our newly formed Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group, as well as with NHS England and regulators to deliver urgent improvements.

'We recognise and take very seriously any concerns raised about The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

'Our staff work tirelessly under very challenging circumstances, and we are committed to supporting them as we make the necessary changes.

Paul Brooks, Director of Estates and Facilities at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital added: 'We are in the fifth year of a Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) rolling safety programme to create a steel support structure across our main hospital building.

We currently have 8,598 steel and timber support props in 56 areas of the hospital. As a RAAC Trust the QEH has been prioritised for rebuild by the Government's New Hospital Programme. The New QEH is currently in the design phase and is set to open to patients in 2032.'
A Fox News presenter suggested during a live segment that people struggling with homelessness and mental health issues should be executed.

Brian Kilmeade made the comments on the network's flagship talk show Fox and Friends on Wednesday alongside co-hosts Lawrence Jones and Ainsley Earhardt.

The trio had been discussing the murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska who was killed while on a bus when Kilmeade made the now heavily criticized remark.

Jones suggested that people not taking up programs to help those battling mental health and homelessness should be locked up, when Kilmeade went nuclear.

'Or involuntary lethal or something, just kill them', he said - with the comment passing by his cohosts who looked completely unfazed by the remark.

Earhardt added: 'Yeah, Brian, why did it have to get to this point?', failing to comment on his suggestion.

Kilmeade then proceeded to say that cities with large homeless populations were voting for the wrong leaders, urging those in North Carolina to 'wake up'.

Zarutska was murdered in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 22 after being stabbed in the neck, suspect Decarlos Brown is accused of killing her.

Brian Kilmeade made the comments on the network's flagship talk show Fox and Friends on Wednesday alongside co-hosts Lawrence Jones and Ainsley Earhardt

Zarutska, seen here, was murdered in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 22 after being stabbed in the neck, suspect Decarlos Brown is accused of killing her

Her death has sparked outrage amongst Republican lawmakers due to Charlotte being a Democrat-led city.

Kilmeade added: 'You can't put  keep putting these people in power. 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 called on people in North Carolina to vote for Republican Michael Whatley in the 2026 Senate race.

The clip of their conversation has since gone viral, with Kilmeade being heavily criticized for the comment.

California Governor Gavin Newsom even reacted to the clip, quoting a bible reference in a post to his X.

He posted: 'Proverbs 21:13: Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.'

Kilmeade is facing extreme criticism for the remark he made on the network show

Virginia Rep. Don Beyer added: 'Americas homeless population includes over a million children and tens of thousands of veterans, many of whom served in Iraq or Afghanistan.

'Nobody deserves to be murdered by the government for mental illness or poverty. These Fox hosts are calling for mass murderits sick.'

Another user added: 'Im at a loss of words. So many Vets live in our streets and the answer is to euthanize them?

'My Dad is a Vietnam Vet and many of his friends still deal with PTSD. Hearing this truly breaks my heart.'

Sarah Longwell, the founder of publisher of conservative site The Bulwark chimed in also, posting: 'My god. What is happening?'

Daily Mail has approached Fox News for comment on Kilmeade's remarks.
Fox News host Brian Kilmeade issued a groveling apology after suggesting that individuals struggling with homelessness and mental illness issues should be killed.

Kilmeade made the comments Wednesday during a live segment on the network's flagship talk show Fox and Friends alongside co-hosts Lawrence Jones and Ainsley Earhardt.

The trio had been discussing the murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska who was savagely killed on a train in North Carolina when Kilmeade made the now heavily criticized remark.

Jones suggested that people not taking up programs to help those battling mental health and homelessness should be locked up, when Kilmeade went nuclear.

'Or involuntary lethal or something, just kill them', he said - with the comment passing by his cohosts who looked completely unfazed by the remark.

But during Sunday's episode of Fox and Friends, Kilmeade confessed his remark was 'extremely callous'.

'We were discussing the murder of Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte, North Carolina and how to stop these kinds of attacks by homeless, mentally ill assailants, including institutionalizing or jailing such people so they cannot attack again,' he said.

'Now during that discussion, I wrongly said they should get lethal injections. I apologize for that extremely callous remark.

Fox News host Brian Kilmeade apologized for suggesting that homeless and mentally ill people should be executed during a Fox and Friends episode last week

'I am obviously aware that not all mentally ill, homeless people act as the perpetrator did in North Carolina and that so many homeless people deserve our empathy and compassion.'

Following his initial, controversial statement, Earhardt stated: 'Yeah, Brian, why did it have to get to this point?', failing to comment on his suggestion.

Kilmeade then proceeded to say that cities with large homeless populations were voting for the wrong leaders, urging those in North Carolina to 'wake up'.

Zarutska was murdered in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 22 after being stabbed in the neck, suspect Decarlos Brown is accused of killing her.

Her death has sparked outrage amongst Republican lawmakers due to Charlotte being a Democrat-led city.

Kilmeade added: 'You can't put  keep putting these people in power. 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 called on people in North Carolina to vote for Republican Michael Whatley in the 2026 Senate race.

Zarutska, seen here, was murdered in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 22 after being stabbed in the neck, suspect Decarlos Brown is accused of killing her

The trio had been discussing the murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska who was savagely killed on a train in North Carolina when Kilmeade made the now heavily criticized remark

The clip of their conversation has since gone viral, with Kilmeade being heavily criticized for the comment.

California Governor Gavin Newsom even reacted to the clip, quoting a bible reference in a post to his X.

He posted: 'Proverbs 21:13: Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.'

Virginia Rep. Don Beyer added: 'Americas homeless population includes over a million children and tens of thousands of veterans, many of whom served in Iraq or Afghanistan.

'Nobody deserves to be murdered by the government for mental illness or poverty. These Fox hosts are calling for mass murderits sick.'

Kilmeade is facing extreme criticism for the remark he made on the network show

Another user added: 'Im at a loss of words. So many Vets live in our streets and the answer is to euthanize them?

'My Dad is a Vietnam Vet and many of his friends still deal with PTSD. Hearing this truly breaks my heart.'

Sarah Longwell, the founder of publisher of conservative site The Bulwark chimed in also, posting: 'My god. What is happening?'

Daily Mail has approached Fox News for comment on Kilmeade's remarks.
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 shed 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?

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.

Nicolette Booth 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

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 dont 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 wont 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 its 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.

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

We had loads of viewings, but when our eventual buyer went AWOL we decided we couldnt 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 doesnt 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.

Its 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 doesnt 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 will prohibit the practice of rental bidding  where a landlord sets a ballpark rent and chooses the tenant who makes the highest offer

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 isnt 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, theyll 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 wont 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 hasnt yet been made law.

EPC ratings run from A, the best, to G, the worst. The Governments 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 cant 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.

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.

Were 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 youve 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 its 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 Rightmoves 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 havent made any profit that year.

He got into buy-to-let partly because he didnt 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 isnt 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 wont obey the rules anyway, he says. Landlord licensing feels like an extra tax on good landlords.

If I sell my portfolio, Ill 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?

Are you making or losing money as a buy-to-let landlord? ed.magnus@thisismoney.co.uk
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the agency in charge of processing immigration applications, goes around asking coworkers and neighbors whether someone is eligible for U.S. citizenship or not, in the style of the Cuban Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR). The American government attacks the LGBTQ+ community just like the Cuban government did in the 1960s. Donald Trump has flirted with staying longer in the White House, in the same way in which Fidel Castro  having tasted so much power during his lifetime  decided to lead Cuba for nearly half a century. The former has already devoted efforts toward attacking opposing ideologies and freedom of expression, concepts that the latter completely nullified. One man worships what the other turned into a religion: exaltation, maximum control, a sea of fanatics, as well as the certainty that theres no reason for the dictator label.

These comparisons are, among other reasons, why Carlos Icaza, a 63-year-old Cuban-American barber (almost the same age as the Revolution), finds it inconceivable that a large part of his community in the United States still defends the Republican. He knows a dictator when he sees one. Cubans have never known what a democracy is, he asserts. They need a [strong]man to tell them what to do.

Hes not the only one who thinks so. Daimarys Hernandez, a manicurist whose husband is about to be deported from the Krome Detention Center in Florida, finds it incredible that her people dont understand how a dictator acts.

The same Cubans who have been here for years dont realize that Trump acts the same way as Fidel did, she adds.

Its been almost nine months since Trump was sworn into office. In the 2024 presidential elections, 68% of Cuban-Americans in Florida gave the Republican their vote. However, since his return to power, those arriving from the island have not been exempt from deportations, self-deportations, the denial of political asylum, confinement in detention centers, as well as fear of what might happen to them when they go to work or school, or when they enter or leave the country.

Jorge Duany, former director of the Cuban Research Institute (CRI) and professor of anthropology in the Department of Global & Sociocultural Studies at Florida International University (FIU), believes that, to date, theres insufficient evidence that voters have changed their preference for the current U.S. leader.

The available polls show that the majority of voters in the last presidential election would vote the same way if the election were held today, he points out.

Jessica Ruiz, however, no longer falls into that group. She wouldnt recast her vote for Trump. I voted with the hope that his administration would bring real improvements to the economy, more job opportunities and a more stable future for our families, she sighs. But as the months have gone by, my experience has been very different from what I expected. Instead of feeling more security and progress, Ive seen an environment of division, decisions that dont always favor ordinary workers, and an economy that hasnt felt as strong as he promised. Today, with the clarity that experience gives me, I can say that if I had the opportunity to withdraw my vote, I would.

At first glance, nothing has changed in Florida since the Biden administration concluded back in January. Egg cartons are just as expensive. Gasoline prices havent gone down. Rent is rising daily. These were the issues that Cuban-Americans were concerned about and voted on in the November elections, a time when  unlike other years when Cuba policy steered their vote  they were most concerned about the countrys economy. This, at least, is according to a survey by FIU. After nine months in office, however, Guillermo Grenier, the sociologist at FIU who led the survey, affirms that Trump hasnt delivered on his promises to reinvigorate the economy.

The economy is much worse now than when Biden left office, he says. But Grenier insists that this fact doesnt mean the community feels let down, nor does it guarantee a widespread departure from Trumpism or the Republican Party.

Still, beyond the price of gas, eggs and rent, Florida today is also a very different place than it was a few months ago. At Miami International Airport, several Cubans have already received warnings or threats about having their green cards revoked when traveling to Cuba. Others have been detained by ICE agents outside immigration court. Theres no shortage of divided families, where an uncle who voted for Trump has his nephew on the verge of deportation. In just eight days, the most feared prison of the Trump era  the South Florida Detention Facility, nicknamed Alligator Alcatraz  was built in their backyard. There, several Cubans have ended up suffering the nightmare of rampant mosquitoes, a lack of food, and unhygienic conditions.

None of this, according to locals, had ever happened to them before. But in the Sunshine State, just as some are disappointed, there are also those who profess the religion of every man for himself.

A few days ago, Daimarys had a client come to get a hand and foot treatment. She told me, [We should] deport everyone who doesnt have papers. Daimarys confronted her: Why are you talking like this? Because you have papers? Theyre illegal because they dont have the opportunities we Cubans had. But those people come here to do the work that neither my children or yours  who were born here  will ever do.

I never imagined that, after leaving Cuba, I would experience what were experiencing here

The Trump administration  in an initiative led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the former senator from Florida who is of Cuban descent  has enacted several measures in recent months aimed at suffocating Havana. This was, and has always been, another means of securing the Cuban vote in Florida. But the truth is that Cuba isnt at the center of Oval Office conversations. Trump isnt offering millions of dollars for Miguel Diaz-Canels arrest (like he is for Nicolas Maduro), nor has he managed to satisfy the long-standing desire to overthrow the dictatorship.

No Kings protest against Trump in Miami, Florida, on June 14. Jeff Greenberg (Universal Images Group / Getty Images)

Cubans  who have experienced an exodus of nearly two million people from the island in recent years  havent lost hope of moving to the U.S. According to a study by the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH), 78% of those interviewed still want to emigrate, amid a crisis that has affected all levels and sectors of society. Due to the benefits that the community has received in the United States for decades, the majority prefer this country as a destination. But now, the chances of arriving are almost zero, amid a national expulsion campaign.

Based on data from recent months, the outlook for the Cuban community in the U.S. is as follows: more than 500 people have been deported to the island, which, added to those deported by Trump during his previous term, brings the total to more than 4,200, the highest number ever.

Cubans have also been sent to South Sudan, or to Eswatini, in Southern Africa. Others have been handed over to the Mexican authorities. A total of 42,084 are currently in the U.S. with final deportation orders. Family reunifications have been interrupted by the travel ban, which affects applications from residents, as well as business or student visas. Theres polarization from shore to shore: former militants in communist organizations have been banned from traveling to the United States, while in Miami, a hunt has been declared for Castroist repressors to be deported.

Currently, nearly 550,000 Cubans on U.S. soil are unable to become legal residents. Theyre affected by various statuses, while some have deportation orders in hand, or supervised release permits. Theyve also been harmed by the elimination of humanitarian parole or the CBP One app, which has left them struggling with the expiration of work permits or drivers licenses.

Florida immigration attorney Liudmila Marcelo asserts that, perhaps like never before, the situation for Cubans is almost the same as for other immigrants in the country. The exception is that some may still be able to navigate the path toward the Cuban Adjustment Act, such as previous beneficiaries of humanitarian parole or CBP One. Now, this doesnt mean that these two groups of Cubans are completely safe, she clarifies. There are reports of arrests of Cubans who entered under this category. Ive been contacted by relatives of some people whove been detained simply for a traffic [violation].

Marcelo also asserts that the number of asylum applications granted in the community remains lower than the number of asylum applications denied. Several longtime opponents or protesters  many of whom were present at the massive protests held in Cuba on July 11, 2021  have had to flee the long prison sentences imposed by Diaz-Canels government. Once in the United States, however, some judges dont feel that there are sufficient grounds to grant them protection. Its often frustrating that well-founded cases arent evaluated in the courts the way they deserve to be, the lawyer says.

Yaquelin Boni, a 59-year-old Cuban member of the opposition group Ladies in White, left the island after one of her sons was imprisoned for political reasons. She now has another son in the hands of ICE. What shes seen under this second Trump administration has made her reject the possibility of naturalization. Im no longer interested in being a citizen, she laments from West Palm Beach, where she lives. Im not going to swear allegiance to this... I never imagined that, after leaving Cuba, I would experience what were experiencing here.

In such an unstable political climate, one of the most heated debates in recent days has focused on the questions surrounding the Cuban Adjustment Act. Passed by Congress in 1966, it has since guaranteed Cubans path to regularization. Within a divided community, there are those who question whether the legislation makes sense today  when other dictatorships have emerged on the continent  or those who downplay the refugee status of Cuban emigrants. And there are also those who assert that, should they benefit from this type of law, Cubans should stop visiting the island from which they fled. Others insist that nothing will stop them from returning to the arms of their families. Generally, though, theres a common sentiment among Cubans: the fear of losing a policy that has protected them for decades.

However, attorney Marcelo asserts that this concern is simply part of the overall fear amid the anti-immigrant crusade in the country. Its a way to sow panic and gather supporters for local political campaigns, she maintains. The lawyer asserts that, although there are other factors that can jeopardize obtaining residency  such as the discretionary element of the USCIS officer, who evaluates the individuals behavior for a period of one year  there isnt an imminent risk that the Adjustment Act will be eliminated.

This law is ironclad, Marcelo emphasizes. Only the announcement of free and democratic elections in Cuba and a consensus in Congress can repeal it.

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Steelmakers are facing electricity costs that are significantly higher than their European rivals.

Producers will pay up to 25 per cent more for power compared to France and Germany this year, according to a report by trade group UK Steel.

This will lead to an extra 26m in annual costs, leaving the industry with 'a hand tied behind its back'.

Gareth Stace, director-general at UK Steel, said: 'Uncompetitive power prices pose a threat to jobs, future investment, and our Net Zero ambitions.'

Increased prices: Steelmakers are facing electricity costs that are significantly higher than their European rivals

Talks between UK and US officials over steel tariffs have been reignited ahead of Donald Trump's visit to the UK this week.

Steelmakers have faced 25 per cent tariffs from the US since March.
Kevin Maxwell reprieve over 1m debt

KEVIN Maxwell, youngest son of disgraced media tycoon Robert Maxwell, has been given 45 days to make a payment reported to be 1m to avoid becoming bankrupt for the second time.

Judge Michael Payne accepted he should be given time to release the assets needed in order to pay the debt in full after a brief hearing at Oxford County Court yesterday.

Creditor Global Investment had sought repayment of the debt, which neither side would quantify, and had petitioned to have Maxwell declared personally bankrupt.

But the two sides reached a last-minute agreement shortly before the hearing and Maxwell agreed to pay all costs.

Judge Payne said that, if the designated amount was not paid within the time limit, 'there will be no further adjournments after the 45 days as this matter has gone on rather longer than it should have done'.

He added: 'If the sums have not been paid, I expect the [bankruptcy] petition to go ahead.'

Maxwell, 45, said after the hearing that he did not intend returning to court. 'This is a matter that relates to company or corporate obligations which I guaranteed. The matter has now been sorted out between the companies in a formal way,' he said.

He added that the debt was not related to his telecoms company Telemonde.

Maxwell, who lives with his wife Pandora in a manor house at Moulsford near Wallingford, Oxfordshire, was declared insolvent in 1992 with stated debts of 400m , the largest-ever UK bankruptcy amount.
A single mother whose beauty salon was allegedly targeted in three separate firebomb attacks says she has been left too traumatised to work, with her once-thriving business forced into liquidation.

Sheryne El-Kak, 33, opened her beauty clinic in Burwood in Sydney's west in 2023, and was full of hope for its success.

The first alleged arson attack took place at her salon, called Sheryne Skin, at about 5am on June 13 when two men gained entry.

CCTV captured one man allegedly dousing the interior with accelerant while dressed in a hooded jumper, black pants and checkered flannelette shirt.

Another clip showed one of the men slipping and accidentally setting himself alight.

The shop sustained minor damage, NSW Police said, and no injuries were reported.

The salon was targeted again weeks later on July 2 when a group of three men arrived in an allegedly stolen Subaru at about 11.30pm.

The men allegedly broke into the salon and poured an accelerant from a yellow jerry can throughout the clinic, but it failed to ignite and they fled in the SUV.

The skin and beauty clinic has more than 60,000 followers on Instagram and is owned by nurse Sheryne El-Kak, who also has a significant following online

Accelerant from a yellow jerry is seen on the clinic's floors, but it failed to ignite

An alleged arsonist dousing the clinic in accelerant

After the second attack Ms El-Kak was forced to hire a full-time security guard, but the men still returned.

On July 5, two men in orange high-visibility clothing allegedly used axes to try and break in but were scared off when they realised Ms El-Kak was there with security.

'I don't have enemies. I've never been involved with any criminals,' Ms El-Kak told the Daily Mail.

'I'm straighty-one-eighty, I don't know why anyone would come after me.

'After the third attack I was too scared to return to work, as were my staff members.

'I couldn't pay the rent and the business went into bankruptcy.'

She said she now lives like a recluse, and survives on Centrelink payments to provide for her young family.

'Some days I can't get out of bed. I don't have family to fall back on. But I won't let what's happened dictate my future,' she said.

'I'm straighty-one-eighty, I don't know why anyone would come after me,' Ms El-Kak told the Daily Mail

The business went under after Ms El-Kak was too scared to work and unable to pay rent

Inside the beauty clinic in Burwood that has been the target of three alleged attacks

The land ord has locked up the property after bills were not paid

The ordeal has pushed her in an unexpected new direction - studying law at the University of New England.

'I want to be a voice for people in similar positions,'she said.

'I'd like to specialise in family law or work as an independent children's lawyer.'

Bassam Charrouf, 42, and Ayman Kalaoun, 43, were arrested in August over the three alleged arson attacks.

The pair were arrested at their respective homes with police seizing clothing from Charrouf's home which they alleged was the same clothing he wore during the salon incidents.

He was charged with aggravated break and enter commit a serious indictable offence and aggravated break and enter with intention in company-not steal.

He was refused bail at Liverpool Court and is due to return to court at Burwood on October 1.

Police facts state he was serving parole for the aggravated break and enter until October 16, 2028.

Kalaoun was charged with aggravated break and enter to commit a serious indictable offence.

He was refused bail and faced Bankstown Court, where he was again formally refused bail, to face Burwood Court on October 8.
How far would you go for a full head of hair?

For as long as humans have aged, balding has been a natural part of life.

Yet, for many, the mere thought of losing their hair can send shivers down their spine.

Over the centuries, men have tried everything imaginable to stop hair loss - from furious concoctions to bizarre rituals.

Some even turned to a remedy so extreme that Greek physician and philosopher Hippocrates dismissed it as too radical.

From the ancient Egyptians who smeared animal fats onto their scalps, to the 17th-century Brits who tried using chicken dung, the quest for a cure has taken many strange turns.

Some Amazon tribes brewed banana-based mixtures, while Victorian Americans applied concoctions of cologne and camphor spirit - all in the hope of saving their strands.

Thankfully, modern science has replaced superstition, old wives tales and guesswork with clinically proven treatments.

Still, the lengths people used to go to...

Ancient Egypt

Egyptians, famous for their extravagant wigs, began searching for a cure for hair loss 4,000 years ago.

One such 'cure' involved reciting a magic spell to the sun god and then swallowing a mixture of onions, iron, red lead, honey and alabaster.

Roman dictator Julius Caesar reportedly grew his hair long at the back and then combed it forwards to try to cover his receding hairline

Another popular hair loss remedy was to rub the fats of various animals onto the scalp.

Ancient Rome

Roman dictator Julius Caesar was known for being very self-conscious about his appearance.

He reportedly grew his hair long at the back and then combed it forwards to try to cover his receding hairline.

Caesar, who reigned from 46 through 44BC, was also thought to wear a particular fragrance called 'Telinum,' which was made from a mixture of flowers, fruits, oils and even 'gladiator sweat'.

The Amazon

The Taiwano Indians in the South American rainforests believed that scalp problems and hair loss could be treated with the heated extracts of bananas.

While this method might not have worked for hair loss, they were onto something.

Bananas are good for hair because their potassium, natural oils, and vitamins help condition and moisturize hair, improve elasticity, strengthen strands.

They also nourish the scalp, leading to softer, shinier, and more manageable hair while also helping to reduce dryness and breakage.

17th Century Britons

Health magazines in 17th century Britain advised balding men to apply chicken dung to their scalp to prevent hairless.

They also suggested using cat dung to remove hair from unwanted places.

Chicken dung was a common remedy found in contemporary medical handbooks like Peter Levens's The Path-Way to Health, which also prescribed applying ashes of bird droppings with lye to the scalp.

1876-1913 America

In Victorian America vigorous brushing was the most prescribed hair care treatment.

Using a stiff brush was supposed to keep the hair soft and shiny, while a soft brush was believed to stimulate hair growth.

Hair loss was also treated by applying a mixture of cologne, spirit of camphor and tincture of cantharides to hair roots each night.

Hippocrates figured that men castrated before puberty did not suffer from hair loss

Another preventative measure called for mixing tincture of cantharides with Jamaica Rum, Glycerine, Sesqui-Carbonate of Ammonia, Rosemary Oil and Distilled Water.

Ancient Greece

In most cases hair loss in men and hair loss in women is caused by male hormones.

But it was Hippocrates, the 'Father of Modern Medicine', who first recognised a connection.

Hippocrates figured that men castrated before puberty did not suffer from hair loss.

We know today that this is due to the absence of testosterone, which is normally converted into dihydrotestosterone, or DHT the active ingredient in baldness.

Hippocrates developed a number of different treatments for balding including a mixture of horseradish, cumin, pigeon droppings, and nettles to the scalp.

But the methods were unsuccessful and he lost the rest of his hair.

Duke University researchers came to the conclusion in 1995 that 'while castration may be a cure, it is not commercially acceptable.'

Modern hair loss solutions

Hair loss is a multi-factorial condition so there is no one guaranteed treatment.

But, specially prescribed combinations of proven hair loss treatments can often slow hair loss and promote hair regrowth.

There is also the option of a hair transplant, a surgical procedure that redistributes hair follicles from a thicker, 'donor' area (usually the back of the head) to thinning or bald areas of the scalp.

It can restore a fuller head of hair but requires sufficient donor hair and can involve risks like scarring, pain, and swelling.
The Trump administration is deploying cutting-edge artificial intelligence to conduct an unprecedented review of more than 55 million visa holders in what could become the largest immigration dragnet in U.S. history.

But in practical terms, the unprecedented vetting process will likely target a far smaller pool than the number being floated publicly. It's a sort of psychological warfare designed to trigger mass self-deportations, a former State Department employee tells the Daily Mail.

'They don't need to scrub 55 million. They just need to say they are casting the net as extensively as possible, to encourage those who know they are ineligible, probably overstaying their visas, to self-deport before they are caught by the federal government and punished,' the employee says.

The State Department confirms all visa holders will face 'continuous vetting' to identify potential violations that could lead to deportation, including overstaying visas, criminal actions, or terrorist-related activities. Social media accounts will get scrutinized as well as target countries' immigration records.

The unprecedented sweep comes just days after Trump slashed access to student visas and follows a 20% staff reduction at the State Department, making the operation logistically daunting without AI technology.

'It's not a manpower issue, especially after staff cuts. It's a capabilities issue,' the former official said, questioning whether AI can accurately cross-reference 55 million identities with eligibility requirements.

Experts caution that relying on automated tools will likely mean that some people could be targeted or even forced out of the country unjustly.

The Trump administration has launched a sweeping review of more than 55 million people holding valid U.S. visas  and now, sources familiar with the process tell Daily Mail that they are turning to cutting-edge AI technology to do it

The State Department told Daily Mail that as part of this new process, all U.S. visa holders, including visitors from many countries, will face 'continuous vetting,' as they look for any reasons that tourists could be barred from admission to or continue to live in the United States

The administration is already using AI-powered automated services for Trump's student visa crackdown, recently terminated State Department staff tell Daily Mail.

'They have to say they will look at all 55 million visa holders... but they're going to prioritize certain countries. I am sure you can guess which ones... but they can't say that,' a State Department employee familiar with the process said.

The targeting strategy has stunned even current officials. 'That sounds insane. I am just happy I am not in consular affairs,' another employee told Daily Mail.

Immigration experts are demanding transparency. 'There is just a lot we don't know about how the State Department is going about this, and I can imagine they won't really want to tell us,' Julia Gelatt from the Migration Policy Institute said.

Gelatt suspects the reality will be more like an 'ongoing database check' similar to ICE's continuously monitored data center that tracks people without legal status.

Julia Gelatt, Associate Director of the U.S. Immigration Policy Program at the Migration Policy Institute, tells the Daily Mail that the administration should be more transparent about its planned processes for reviewing millions of entry permits

'Different government databases are speaking to each other looking for matches, but there are concerns some have incomplete information - like FBI data - so if somebody has an arrest but is ultimately found innocent, that might not be recorded,' Gelatt explained.

She fears visas will be wrongly revoked based on faulty data or political opinions Trump opposes, pointing to spring student visa cases where 'people who had any interaction with law enforcement, not arrests, had their visas revoked.'

Recent examples prove the system's flaws. In April, Japanese BYU student Suguru Onda had his visa mistakenly terminated - likely by an AI software error - over a fishing citation and speeding tickets, despite an otherwise spotless record.

His attorney told NBC officials aren't thoroughly checking AI-flagged cases, and Onda's situation isn't isolated.

Technology analyst Rob Enderle, president and principal analyst at the Enderle Group, says the odds of this ending very poorly for many people is 'exceptionally high' - adding that these AI platforms aren't always being used properly

Technology analyst Rob Enderle warns the odds of AI-powered visa reviews 'ending very poorly for many people is exceptionally high,' saying the platforms prioritize speed over accuracy.

'There is a far greater focus on productivity than quality. That means you can't rely on the results... this could result in either someone being deported in error, or found to be compliant in error,' Enderle said.

The concerns aren't theoretical. On March 25, Turkish Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk was arrested by DHS agents after her F-1 visa was revoked and transferred to an ICE facility in Louisiana, drawing sharp criticism from lawmakers and civil rights groups over politically motivated targeting.

'Every single student visa revoked under the Trump Administration has happened because the individual has either broken the law or expressed support for terrorism,' a State Department official told Fox News.

Enderle says the system should undergo extensive testing alongside human reviewers until error rates drop to acceptable levels, but doubts that will happen given staff cuts.

Migration Policy Institute's Gelatt calls the 55 million figure wasteful, believing many targeted don't even live in the United States.

Officials add that all the 'available information' for visa verification will include social media accounts, as well as any immigration papers and records from their country of origin

'If you have tens of millions of people around the country, what info do you have access to, and how reliable can it be?' Gelatt said. Adding, 'It's one thing to deal with someone linked to a terrorist organization; this is something else entirely.'

Since Trump took office in January, the State Department says that roughly 6,000 student visas have been revoked to date about 4,000 of which were taken from international students who violated the law.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, there were almost 13 million green-card holders and almost 4 million people in the U.S. who were on temporary visas last year.
This Rust Belt city's grim reputation as an epicenter of child exploitation and abuse was underscored this week after Marshals announced they had rescued 10 missing children and arrested 130 fugitives in a month-long blitz in northeast Ohio.

Over 30 days, armed officers swept through neighborhoods plagued by crime and poverty in Cleveland and its grittier neighbor East Cleveland, targeting violent offenders wanted for everything from homicide to sexual assault.

The raids, part of Operation TriDENT, netted suspected killers, gun traffickers, and sex offenders. In total, five homicide suspects were detained, along with 46 wanted for felonious assault and 20 for weapons offenses.

Authorities also seized 11 firearms, including two that were stolen, and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition. Each arrest amounted to a 'violent threat removed from our streets' the US Marshals Service said.

But amid the weapons and drug busts, it was the rescue of 10 missing children that struck the most chilling chord in a city long haunted by vanishing kids.

The sheer scale of Cleveland's missing children epidemic is staggering.

According to Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost's annual report, Cuyahoga County  which encompasses the cities  recorded 2,717 missing child reports in 2024, more than any other county in the state.

Ohio as a whole saw 16,404 cases, with officials stressing that the vast majority were runaways who eventually returned home.

Operation TriDENT saw 10 missing children rescued amid a month of raids across the Cleveland area

The busts lifted the lid on a crisis of missing children, who are prey to sexual exploitation rackets

Still, the numbers mask a darker truth: hundreds of children never make it back. Some are abducted, others sucked into trafficking or prostitution rings, and a handful turn up dead.

In May 2025 alone, one child went missing every single day in Northeast Ohio, fueling concerns that the state's new Missing Persons Working Group, launched by Governor Mike DeWine earlier this year, was failing to stem the tide.

Sylvia Colon, co-founder of the nonprofit Cleveland Missing, which supports families searching for loved ones, says the crisis disproportionately affects poor and minority families whose children's disappearances rarely attract national headlines.

'Keshaun Williams has been missing now over two years. Ashley Summers went missing when she was 14 years old  she's now 32,' Colon told the Daily Mail.

'These cases get covered locally, but not nationally. And I know why: they don't look a certain way.'

Williams vanished in June 2023, after leaving a house party in Cleveland's tough Slavic Village neighborhood. His mother called around 10:30pm urging him to come home  but he never arrived. His disappearance remains unsolved.

Summers' case is even more haunting. She disappeared in July 2007, last seen near her family's west-side home. Initially dismissed as a runaway, her family quickly suspected foul play. Eighteen years later, they are still searching for answers. 'Families are victims, but we may not think so,' Colon said.

'The media and the public are very quick to blame families when a child goes missing. We really have to look at how we can support families better  from the community side, law enforcement, legislation, and the media.'

Among those detained in Operation TriDENT was Shon Turner, 34, accused of pushing a six-year-old boy out of a third-floor window, leaving the child with life-threatening injuries.

Keshaun Williams vanished in June 2023, after leaving a house party in Cleveland's tough Slavic Village neighborhood

Dave Yost, Ohio's attorney general, reports that Cuyahoga County is the epicenter of Ohio's missing children crisis

Sylvia Colon, co-founder of Cleveland Missing (center), says the missing kids mostly come from poor and minority families

Jymar Brown, 12, was last seen wearing a gray jacket and gray sweatpants when he went missing in Cleveland

Jashawn Brian Holiday, 14, was another of Cleveland's youngsters to be reported missing in recent weeks

Turner was arrested within hours of his warrant being issued.

Other suspects included alleged gang members and repeat offenders wanted for firearms and violent assaults.

Officials stressed removing such predators from the streets directly protects vulnerable children who are often caught in the crossfire of violent neighborhoods.

The simultaneous recovery of 10 youngsters reinforced just how entangled Cleveland's missing children crisis is with broader cycles of crime, abuse, and exploitation.

The raids come amid renewed calls for transparency over the notorious Jeffrey Epstein trafficking scandal, which critics say exposed how elite predators prey on vulnerable teens while law enforcement fails to keep pace.

Today, experts warn that a new frontier of abuse is emerging, with predators turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to ensnare victims.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) says its CyberTipline has fielded over 7,000 reports in the past two years involving AI-generated child exploitation.

These range from 'nudify' apps that create fake child pornography to realistic chatbots that predators use to groom minors.

In some cases, offenders use synthetic images to blackmail children into producing real material or handing over money in so-called 'sextortion' schemes.

'These technologies represent a new frontier of child exploitation,' the group warns.

Colon admits it remains unclear how much AI-driven grooming is fueling disappearances in Ohio, but says online predators are constantly adapting.

Authorities insist that progress is being made. Ohio has expanded the use of Amber Alerts and improved coordination between agencies.

Yet critics argue the patchwork of local police departments, courts, and welfare agencies is still too fragmented to confront the crisis effectively.

The Buckeye State's Missing Persons Working Group has yet to turn the tide against the crisis

Ashley Summers disappeared in July 2007, last seen near her family's west-side home

In subsequent alerts, the FBI produced an age-progressed image to show what she may look like nowadays

Cleveland teen Cierra Rishelle Sandy, 17, was reported missing in September

Nettia Tinker-Taylor was just 14 when she was reported missing earlier this month

Cleveland City's online board for missing children has a frightening number of posts

Governor DeWine's Missing Persons Working Group, which includes law enforcement, family members, and advocates, was designed to stitch the system together.

But as disappearances continue, families say the state's response remains inadequate.

Meanwhile, in Cleveland's streets, hope and fear coexist uneasily. For every child found during Operation TriDENT, countless others remain missing. For every fugitive taken off the streets, another offender lurks in the shadows.

'We can't find people by ourselves. It takes a village,' Colon said.

'My own family member was missing for nine years. It is lonely.'

The sweep of arrests and rescues underscores the stark reality of Cleveland  a once-proud industrial powerhouse now battling waves of poverty, crime, and abuse.

East Cleveland, the city's hardscrabble neighbor, is often described as among the most dangerous communities in America, with boarded-up houses, collapsing infrastructure, and residents struggling to survive.

The city's plight rarely makes national news, overshadowed by crises in bigger cities like Chicago or New York. Yet the numbers tell their own story: Some parts of Ohio record shocking numbers of missing youngsters.

Behind each statistic is a terrified family, a missing face on a flyer, and an unanswered question.

For now, authorities are hailing Operation TriDENT as a success  a blow against the gangs, traffickers, and predators who prey on Cleveland's most vulnerable.

But as the cases of Keshaun Williams and Ashley Summers make clear, the fight is far from over.
America's greatest unsolved code leads to a $60million treasure - but no one has been able to crack it for 180 years.

The mystery of the Beale ciphers begins in 1885, when a small pamphlet with three ciphertexts was published.

A cipher is an unreadable, encrypted message that needs a key to be read.

The pamphlet details how a man named Thomas J. Beale, a Virginia native, had buried treasure at an unknown location.

In the spring of 1822, Beale left a locked iron box that contained 'papers of value and importance' to a local innkeeper named Robert Morriss.

Morriss was meant to hold the box until Beale 'called' for it - but he left town and was never seen again.

Morriss supposed that Beale 'was killed by Indians, afar from his home, though nothing was heard of his death'.

The innkeeper, called the 'custodian of the Beale Papers' in the pamphlet, opened the locked box 23 years later. He found 'some unintelligible papers, covered with figures, and totally incomprehensible' to him.

The mystery of the Beale ciphers begins in 1885 when a small pamphlet with three texts - the first one is pictured (above) - was published

Only one Beale cipher - the second text (pictured) - has been solved

The third cipher (pictured) is meant to list the treasure's next of kin

In 1862, Morriss gave the texts to a friend - who spent more than 20 years 'devoted' to the papers.

He was able to crack the second cipher, which said that the treasure was buried in Bedford County, Virginia 'about four miles from Buford's' - which is believed to be an old tavern, whose chimney is the only remnant. Jenny Kyle has pictured what remains of the chimney today and published it in Mysterious Writings.

That cipher read: 'The first deposit consisted of one thousand and fourteen pounds of gold, and three thousand eight hundred and twelve pounds of silver, deposited November, 1819. The second was made December, 1821, and consisted of nineteen hundred and seven pounds of gold, and twelve hundred and eighty-eight pounds of silver; also jewels, obtained in St. Louis in exchange for silver to save transportation, and valued at $13,000.' The treasure is believed to be worth as much as $60 million today.

Morriss' friend solved the cipher using the Declaration of Independence. He numbered all of the words in the founding document and then matched the cipher's numbers to the corresponding word's first letter.

The text didn't specify where the treasure was buried, though. The first cipher answers where the treasure is specifically buried and the third cipher indicates the 'joint owners' names and residences - but Morriss' friend ceased the treasure hunt before solving either.

Everything he knew was published in the Beale Papers, published by James B. Ward: 'The papers given above were all that were contained in the box ... They were carefully copied and as carefully compared with the originals, and no error is believed to exist.

'Complete in themselves, they are respectfully submitted to the public with the hope that all that is dark in them may receive light, and that the treasure, amounting to more than three-quarters of a million, which has rested so long unproductive of good in the hands of a proper person, may eventually accomplish its mission.'

The totality of the ciphers remains unknown - but some believe progress will be made. Nick Pelling, who has examined cipher mysteries for about 30 years, is one of these people.

The second cipher was cracked using the Declaration of Independence

The treasure is supposedly buried in Bedford County, Virginia

The is said to be buried in 'about four miles from Buford's' - believed to be an old tavern whose chimney is the only remnant

Speaking to Daily Mail, Pelling said: 'I honestly think that at least one of the first (B1) and third (B3) ciphers - probably both - will just crack one day. Someone will go, 'Oh my God.'

'I don't believe that if you've got the Declaration of Independence in your hand that you need anything else. You need just that and a smart idea and try it out.'

John Piper, 61, discovered the Beale ciphers while traveling from Raleigh, North Carolina to Houston, Texas. He was immediately captivated.

Piper told Daily Mail: 'I found myself drawing on the napkin they gave me for my coffee, trying to decipher the thing right there on the plane.'

Piper - who now lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana - printed out his first Declaration of Independence in July 2009. He believes he cracked the ciphers in 2014, he said, and 'could probably (be) validated by somebody that was in a cryptological field.'

Piper believes that the Beale papers consist of a 'layered cipher' where the first two texts are deciphered 'the same way and continue on with each other' but the third has 'some quirks' that he hasn't solved.

'Don't get too tied up with it because - I got to say it - it will take up the rest of your life,' he added.

Beale said the box contained 'papers vitally affecting the fortunes of myself and many others engaged in business with me' and that 'its loss might be irreparable'

John Piper discovered the Beale ciphers while traveling and was immediately captivated

Nick Pelling, who has studied ciphers for about 30 years, believes there is more to be found in the Beale ciphers

Pelling thinks there is more to be found because using the same Declaration of Independence key for the first cipher leads to sequences that are 'too improbable to be random'.

He said: 'It's just that it's using a method of encryption that's just sideways from what we're expecting - and we're just not smart enough to see it.'

At the same time, Pelling warns against reading into the tale surrounding the Beale ciphers over the numbers in the pamphlet. He compared the texts to buried pirate treasure legends.

'Ciphers kind of have their own life and then some of them have like a second wind and a third wind that's imposed upon them by people trying to exploit them. Even though they can't decipher them, they can make them more attractive and sell them on in one way or the other,' Pelling said.

He contends this is what happened over time with the Beale papers.

In a letter to Morriss from May 1822, Beale supposedly wrote that the box contained 'papers vitally affecting the fortunes of myself and many others engaged in business with me.'

He said that 'its loss might be irreparable' if he died, which is why it needed to be guarded 'with vigilance and care to prevent so great a catastrophe'.

Questions exist about the pamphlet's authorship and verbiage - but Pelling believes that the ciphers are ultimately genuine.

Pelling said: 'The only question anyone should have is one and only one: can we break the ciphers? Because I don't think we can rely on anything in the papers wrapped around the ciphers.'
Striking new photographs of neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell have surfaced, as the focus turns to how his teenage years at a multicultural high school may have fuelled his extremist views.

Sewell, 32, is the founder of Australian far-right extremist group the National Socialist Network, which promotes white supremacy and antisemitic ideology.

On Friday, he was found guilty on three charges of intimidation of a law enforcement officer, and his wife, over targeted threats to expose his personal information.

He was ordered to do 200 hours of community work when he's released from jail on other charges after unsuccessfully representing himself at a week-long trial in Melbourne Magistrates' Court.

But before his infamous rise as Australia's notorious moustached and bullet-headed neo-Nazi leader, New Zealand-born Sewell once looked very, very different.

As a young child, he moved to Melbourne with his brother Hugo and parents Anne and Tony.

He attended Balwyn High School in Melbournes east, a co-educational school with a predominantly Asian student population.

As a teenager in 2009, alongside his school squash team, Sewell was snapped looking awkward and unrecognisable, sporting a thick mop of shaggy hair.

Neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell was denied bail in a Melbourne court after he allegedly led an attack on a sacred Indigenous burial site

Thomas Sewell in a Balwyn High School squash team photo from 2009

He has since undergone a dramatic transformation, with his hair all but receded, leaving him with a shaved head synonymous with his extremist 'skinhead' identity.

Sewell later joined the Australian Army in 2012, quitting in 2014 before beginning but not completing civil engineering studies at Swinburne University.

Between 2016 and 2018, he worked in residential care for children at risk.

Business records indicate he briefly went into business in 2016, serving as director for just five weeks at Compass One Pty Ltd alongside two Asian men.

He later worked at a plumbing and roofing company, where his employer described him as courteous, respectful and dependable in a testimonial provided for a court appearance following his arrest for attacking a group of hikers in 2021.

His father Tony told Melbourne Magistrates' Court that he did not share his sons beliefs, describing their relationship as 'cordial' and 'normal'.

In his testimonial, Sewell senior described his son as disciplined, with 'a strong work ethic' and 'a sense of fair play'.

Photos on his public Facebook account also show a close and doting relationship with Sewell's two young daughters, aged two and eight months.

The NSN leader pictured around 2016, before embracing his skin-head identity

Sewell pictured sporting a receding hairline

He further described his son as an above-average student who excelled in sport and enjoyed solving problems and helping others less fortunate than himself.

His comments contrast sharply with those of the family of fellow NSN member Nathan Bull, who publicly disowned their son after his alleged involvement in an attack on an Indigenous sacred site.' for elegance.

On 31 August 2025, following an anti-immigration rally in Melbourne, a group of men allegedly stormed Camp Sovereignty, a First Nations protest camp in Kings Domain.

The group is accused of violent disorder, affray, assault and other offences, with several people injured, including one woman who needed staples to treat a head injury and others with minor wounds.

Police allege the group was led by Sewell, who has been charged with 25 offences including violent disorder, affray, assault and discharging a missile after Camp Sovereignty occupiers were allegedly held down and attacked.

He appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court last week where he was refused bail, with a magistrate saying she was satisfied he would endanger the safety of others if released into the community.

Meanwhile, Bull, who was wearing a mouthguard during the alleged attack has also been charged with violent disorder and affray but was granted bail by police last week.

'We, as Nathan Bulls family, are utterly devastated and remain in disbelief at his decision to join this group,' the family said in a statement.

Neo-Nazi Nathan Bull was filmed at Kings Domain in Melbourne on Sunday wearing a mouthguard when members of the National Socialist Network stormed an Indigenous sacred site

Bull's family released a statement (pictured) via social media, bluntly disowning him

Bull has a vegvisir tattoo, featuring an Icelandic symbol adopted by neo-Nazis globally as a covert swastika. He is pictured near a tribute to VC recipient Albert Jacka

'From the very beginning, we made it clear that if he chose this path, we could no longer be an active part of his life. Sadly, that is the decision he made.'

In response to misinformation, the family clarified that Bull's father has not been a member of Victoria Police for more than three years.

'He is not Luke Bull, the officer charged and found guilty in relation to a separate matter last year,' they said.

'He is in no way racist, nor did he have a negative influence on Nathan growing up.'

The family also addressed a photo from Nathans 21st birthday, where he was pictured wearing a t-shirt featuring neo-Nazi symbolism.

They said they had no knowledge of his association with the extremist group at the time, nor any understanding of the meaning behind the shirt.

'At that point, Nathan was working, engaged with his family, and we believed he was becoming a fine young man. Not long after, our trust in that belief was sadly shattered,' they said.

The family asked the media and community to stop contacting them after receiving 'deeply distressing' abusive phone calls.

'We are embarrassed to see Nathan continually featured in the media and saddened by the possibility that he may never leave this group. His choices are his alone.

'We hope this statement clears up some of the misinformation currently circulating and that we can now be allowed to live our lives without harassment due to the actions of someone who is no longer a part of our family.'

Bull, who has fast become Sewell's right-hand man, was also behind the camera filming Sewell when he interrupted Victorian Premier Jacinta Allans press conference, is due to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on December 10.
Locals living in Cornwall's iconic seaside towns have long complained of relentless crowds invading their quaint streets and landing en-masse on their beaches.

Despite 2billion being injected into their economies every summer, residents have moaned that holidaymakers were a 'nightmare' and made their communities 'hell on earth'.

But now, after summers of bashing holidaymakers and begging them to stay away, Cornish locals may have finally got their wish.

Last year Cornwall faced its worst summer visitor numbers in a decade, and this summer is not predicted to be much better.

A string of shop owners and residents in St Ives, the county's most coveted destination, told the Daily Mail that they have noticed a huge decline in earnings and a drop-off in tourists this year.

They claim a perfect storm of anti-tourism sentiment, unreliable weather, second homes and price hikes is pushing the vital British market to overseas rivals like Spain, Italy and Greece.

'You always see people complaining about the tourists but it's important to us,' waitress Ella Erijota said.

'I've noticed a massive decline in the amount of visitors this summer and it's concerning.

'Cornwall relies on tourism and needs it to survive.'

Last year Cornwall faced its worst summer visitor numbers in a decade, and this summer is not predicted to be much better (pictured: St Ives Harbour looking rather empty)

Shop owners and residents in St Ives, the county's most coveted destination, told the Daily Mail that they have noticed a huge decline in earnings and a drop-off in tourists this year (pictured: one of the many empty streets in St Ives)

A crude 6ft-long banner - written in black paint on a white board - was held by three people to welcome tourists to Cornwall

Cornish locals claim a perfect storm of anti-tourism sentiment, unreliable weather, second homes and price hikes is pushing the vital British market to overseas rivals

'It's been a lot quieter this year, I've definitely noticed a decline in tourism,' St Ives resident and shop worker Charlotte Cooper said.

Ms Cooper, along with several other business owners, explained that they had noticed a significant reduction in earnings this summer.

'I blame overpriced holiday homes for deterring tourists. You can get an all-inclusive holiday abroad for the same price as renting a home here for a couple days.

'And the money people do spend on B&Bs isn't even going into the town, it's going to owners elsewhere.'

She added: 'There are hardly any jobs outside of tourism, if you haven't made enough money over the summer you're struggling the rest of the year.'

The slump in visitors in Cornwall echoes similar trends in Spain where a relentless campaign of anti-tourist protests have been 'scaring away visitors'.

The wave of protests gripping the country have led to a fall in spending, declining nightlife and crumbling businesses.

Skylar Michael worries this is a fate that Cornwall could begin to face.

Skylar Michael (left) and Ella Erijota (right) have noticed a significant drop in visitors this summer

An anti-emmets graffiti message adorns the sign welcoming visitors to Hayle. Emmets is Cornish for ants - and slang for tourists

Shopkeeper Ewa Bubczyk thinks unreliable weather is the biggest tourist deterrent

'I've noticed a massive decline in tourists and it's not a good thing, we rely on them,' she said.

One of the biggest gripes locals have had with the tourism industry in Cornwall is the rise in second homes purchased by out-of-towners for the purpose of renting them out during the busy season.

The St Ives community believe this has priced out locals and some of their more 'traditional' tourists.

Jess Astle, who works in a beachfront shop, explained: 'A lot of people now stay outside of St Ives and are day trippers because the price of Airbnbs has shot up.

'St Ives is outpricing itself with the cost of accommodation and even the price of a meal is outrageous.'

Despite locals declaring a war on tourists after a frenzy of Brits on lads' holidays turned the quaint town into 'Benidorm on steroids' during the summers when lockdown restrictions were still in place, Ms Astle said locals were let down when they didn't visit again.

'People were also disappointed when tourists didn't return after Covid,' she added.

It's not just the cost of visiting that is deterring visitors from sampling some homemade ice cream on the gleaming pier, it is also the unpredictable nature of British weather.

One of the biggest gripes locals have had with the tourism industry in Cornwall is the rise in second homes purchased by out-of-towners (pictured: The Sloop Inn, a traditional pub in St Ives)

Locals living in Cornwall's iconic seaside towns have long complained of relentless crowds invading their quaint streets and landing en-masse on their beaches (pictured: St Ives)

Residents have moaned that holidaymakers are a 'nightmare' and make their communities 'hell on earth' (pictured: the Cornish town of St Mawes)

'The weather is a massive reason why people aren't coming here, people just don't associate British weather with a summer holiday,' explained shopkeeper Ewa Bubczyk.

'There's nothing to do when it rains, sun is super important. Whereas if you go abroad it's cheaper and good weather is basically guaranteed.'

On top of that, journeys can take over six hours from urban centres such as London and Manchester, with several transfers required to reach some of Cornwall's most picturesque locations without your own car.

'We're right at the end of the country, a lot of people drive here but even the parking is a nightmare,' Allison Peters, who has worked in St Ives for 33 years, told the Daily Mail.

'We've not got modern facilities and it makes it a bit of a logistical nightmare to come here.'

According to South West Business Council (SWBC), 2024 saw Cornwall endure its worst summer visitor numbers for a decade.

SWBC's chairman, Tim Jones, told the BBC that 17 per cent of bars and restaurants had shut down in the area.

Cornwall's tourism industry is worth roughly 2billion annually, or 15 per cent of the local economy, so many people are worried about its decline.

Jess Astle, who works in a beachfront shop, thinks the price of meals and Airbnbs is leading to a drop in tourism

In July, Cornwall Council called on the Government to recognise the area as a 'fifth nation' in the UK - a notion that many agree with

Allison Peters, who has worked in St Ives for 33 years, said the parking is a nightmare

However, others are overjoyed by dwindling tourism.

'I'd love it if tourism keeps declining,' a retired resident told the Daily Mail.

'St Ives has become a victim of its own success, I think from a local point of view a few less people wouldn't go amiss.

'It's changed and not for the better, it needs to return to the old way, to pre-Covid.'

The struggle felt by locals is only escalating as seven community groups have called for a devolved Cornish parliament as it doesn't want to be 'England's holiday park'.

Meanwhile, in July, Cornwall Council called on the Government to recognise the area as a 'fifth nation' in the UK - a notion that many agree with.

But as communities continue to criticise visitors, they risk isolating themselves and feeling the pinch even more.

Andrew George, Liberal Democrat MP for St Ives, said: 'The post-Covid bounce is well behind us. The trend towards very late bookings has increased.

'The unusually good weather during the school holidays kept numbers up to a certain extent, but the trend of recent years cant be ignored.

'If Cornwall is to retain the tourism segment of its changing economy, it needs to look closely at the facilities and infrastructure it offers.

'When youre on holiday you want to be able to travel and park with ease and not to search endlessly for a decent loo!'
It is one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in aviation history - and now, nearly 90 years later, a lawmaker from a remote Pacific territory is mounting a last-ditch bid to uncover the truth about what happened to Amelia Earhart.

Kimberlyn King-Hinds, the Republican congresswoman for the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), is urging President Donald Trump to declassify any and all records relating to the fate of America's 'First Lady of Flight.'

Earhart vanished on July 2, 1937, while attempting to become the first woman to circumnavigate the globe. Officially, she and her navigator, Fred Noonan, ran out of fuel and crashed into the Pacific Ocean.

But for decades, rumors have swirled that she was captured by the Japanese, held on Saipan - the largest island of what is now a US territory - and possibly died there in captivity.

'It's a great concern for my constituents,' King-Hinds told the Daily Mail in an exclusive interview.

'It's my duty as their representative to help seek clarity and figure out if there is something there.'

For King-Hinds, the race against time is personal.

All the Saipan elders who claimed to have seen Earhart have now passed away. The woman who collected their testimonies, local historian Marie Castro, is now 92 and frail.

American trailblazer Amelia Earhart poses atop her Lockheed Vega Monoplane in about 1932

Kimberlyn King-Hinds, the Republican congresswoman for the Northern Mariana Islands, says it's time to get to the truth

'These people who are sharing these stories are our elders who firmly believe in their hearts that this was something they'd seen,' King-Hinds said.

'Several people shared multiple accounts of seeing her. I don't want to dismiss what my community has passed down.'

The congresswoman insists she is not peddling conspiracy theories. Instead, she says, she wants 'finality' for her people - even if that means opening a hornet's nest of American history from the 1930s and the Second World War.

Earhart's disappearance shocked the world. Her twin-tailed Lockheed Electra never reached its next stop of Howland Island, and despite a 16-day search by the US Navy, no trace of the plane or pilot was ever found.

The absence of wreckage has fueled countless alternative theories.

Some verge on the absurd - including claims she was abducted by aliens or lived out her days in New Jersey under an assumed name.

But one of the most persistent is the 'Saipan theory': that Earhart crash-landed on Mili Atoll in the Marshall Islands, was seized by Japanese troops, transported to Saipan, and died in captivity.

Among the alleged evidence was a blurry photograph discovered in the US National Archives in 2017 and broadcast by the History Channel. The image purported to show Earhart and Noonan in Japanese custody.

Historians quickly debunked it, with Japanese researcher Kota Yamano pointing out the photo had been published in a travel book two years before the aviators disappeared.

Still, many islanders remain convinced.

The photo that purportedly showed Earhart, Noonan and their plane at a dock on Jaluit Atoll

Revelations about Earhart's fate threaten to tarnish the legacy of then-president Franklin D Roosevelt

Theories began swirling about Earhart's fate soon after her plane vanished on July 2, 1937, headed for Howland Island

Earhart was on one of the final legs of her round-the-world flight in 1937 when she disappeared

Marie Castro, 92, stands with a walking frame, at a celebration to mark the 128th birthday of Earhart at a library in Saipan

Castro collected accounts from three women - Matilde Arriola San Nicolas, Ana Villagomez Benavente and Maria Cruz - with recollections of seeing a foreign woman with short hair, a US plane hidden in a Japanese hangar, and the cremation of a female American pilot.

If Earhart did fall into Japanese hands, the implications for Washington could be explosive.

Some researchers claim she was secretly spying on Japanese military activities in the Pacific at the request of President Franklin D Roosevelt's administration.

According to this theory, Roosevelt knew of her capture but declined to intervene, fearing a diplomatic crisis that could spark war before America was ready.

'It's quite possible that during Earhart's early months in confinement, the Japanese government and the White House communicated about this situation,' Navy veteran and Earhart author Mike Campbell told the Daily Mail.

'Public knowledge of FDR's failure to save America's First Lady of Flight - his incompetence and cowardice in the face of his enemy's demands - would forever ruin whatever legacy his supporters imagine he retains.'

Campbell, who has spent nearly 40 years investigating the Saipan theory, fears any surviving records may have already been destroyed.

'At this late date, I wouldn't be surprised if nothing remains,' he said.

Earhart enthusiasts want to see what has been hidden for decades at the US National Archives

A priest prays at a grave site thought to be that of famed aviator Amelia Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, on Saipan. It was later found out that island natives were buried there

The discovery of an airplane generator at the bottom of Saipan Bay in the South Pacific was seen as evidence of Earhart's plane in the 1960s

King-Hinds hopes President Trump will act.

In her letter to him, she praised his record of government openness, noting how he authorized the release of thousands of classified files relating to the assassinations of John F Kennedy, Robert F Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.

'The story of Amelia Earhart, and the Pacific's possible role in it, deserves the same level of openness and commitment to truth that you have championed in other areas,' she wrote.

The White House did not respond to the Daily Mail's requests for comment. The Daily Mail also tried to speak with Castro, but her nephew Allen Castro said her health was not good enough for a phone conversation.

King-Hinds' campaign does not have universal support on the island.

Some residents of Saipan have pushed for a monument to Earhart funded by donations, others dismiss it as a waste of money. 'There's no proof she was ever here,' one critic said.

Earhart seen standing in front of the Lockheed Electra in which she disappeared in 1937

Marine explorer David Jourdan says all the signs point to the Electra being in the waters around Howland Island

Amelia Earhart, waving to an admiring crowd after her arrival at Londonderry, Ireland

THE FEMALE ICON Amelia Earhart was an American aviation pioneer who was a widely known international celebrity during her lifetime. Her accomplishments inspired a generation of female aviators, including the more than 1,000 women pilots of the Women Airforce Service who served during the Second World War. She was married to American publisher, writer and explorer George P Putnam. In 1932, at the age of 34, Earhart became the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic. Five years later the female aviator set herself the challenge of being the first woman to fly around the world. Earhart was flying a Lockheed Model 10 Electra when her plane vanished on July 2, 1937. The 39-year-old was heading to Howland Island when it is thought that she and her navigator, Fred Noonan, had trouble with their radio navigation equipment. Despite a rescue attempt lasting 16 days and scouring more than 250,000 square miles of ocean, they were never found. Earhart was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1968 and the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1973, both of which came decades after her presumed death. Advertisement

Skeptics also point to rival theories.

Some experts maintain Earhart's Electra simply ran out of fuel and sank in the deep waters near Howland Island.

Others suggest she veered off course, landed on a remote atoll and died as a castaway.

Earlier this year, deep-sea exploration company Nauticos announced it had refined Earhart's final position using analysis of her radio communications. It has launched its fourth expedition to search for the wreck off Howland.

'Our latest analysis is a major leap forward in solving one of the most enduring mysteries in aviation history,' Nauticos president Dave Jourdan said.

'We have narrowed the search area dramatically, and this presents our best chance yet to finally locate her plane.'

Whatever the truth, Amelia Earhart's legacy endures.

Born in Atchison, Kansas, in 1897, she soared to fame in 1932 as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. With her tousled hair, boyish charm and steely determination, she became a global icon and an inspiration to women everywhere.

Her disappearance only cemented her myth.

For generations, girls have grown up reading her story, dreaming of adventure and wondering what became of the fearless pilot who dared to circle the globe.

For King-Hinds, the unanswered questions are not just about aviation history, but also about honoring her people.

Even if the answer is inconvenient. Even if it tarnishes Roosevelt's legacy. Even if, as Campbell suggests, the truth has long since been buried or burned.
He has jumped from a wealthy but obscure pillar of old-money Palm Beach society to a central figure in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal in two days flat.

Now the question is how much did Joel Pashcow, who contributed some of the most salacious pages to the 'birthday book' that Epstein received from friends and colleagues when he turned 50, know of the disgraced financier's mistreatment of young girls.

'Joel knew more about Jeffrey's perversions than anyone,' one source told Daily Mail. 'That much is clear from his entry in the birthday book.

'Unfortunately he is now seriously ill and is not in a place where he could give any helpful assistance to investigators.'

Among the pages Pashcow was responsible for is one showing Epstein handing balloons and candy to young girls  and then 20 years later receiving a naked massage from topless blondes in the grounds of Donald Trump's club Mar-a-Lago.

One of the four women  who is depicted with Epstein's initials inside a heart tattooed on her buttock  has her hands on his groin.

'What a great country,' the drawing is captioned.

Another page from Pashcow, now 82, shows a photograph of Pashcow and Epstein holding a giant check for $22,500 signed by Trump  allegedly for a woman the disgraced financier had 'passed on' to the future president.

Pashcow, in glasses, is well known in Palm Beach social circles. He attended a Prostate Cancer Foundation dinner in the town in January

Pashcow's contribution to Epstein's 'birthday book' included this drawing of Epstein luring pre-pubescent girls with balloons and candy and then 20 years later getting a naked massage from four blondes, three of whom were topless

Pashcow's pages also include this picture of Epstein holding a check, supposedly from Trump, as payment for passing on a girlfriend. The woman's name is blacked out

The name of the woman is blacked out and the signature looks nothing like Trump's.

The caption reads: 'Jeffrey showing early talents with money and women! Sells fully depreciated (redacted) to Donald Trump for $22,500.

'Showed early "people skills" too,' Paschow wrote. 'Even though I handled the deal I didn't get any of the money or the girl.'

When Daily Mail sought comment, a woman at Pashcow's $30 million mansion overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway said he was 'not available'.

Pashcow introduced Epstein to Trump in the 1990s when all three moved in the same social circles in both Palm Beach and in New York.

The men, all born within 10 years of each other, became firm friends.

Pashcows loyalty to Trump is such that he has donated more than $160,000 to him since 2015 when he first ran for the White House, it can also be revealed.

Records with the Federal Election Commission show that Paschow gave tens of thousands of dollars to Trump as he sought re-election in 2020 and stepped up his giving in the last two years.

Trump and Pashcow were pictured together with Danish model Heidi Albertson at a formal event. There is no suggestion that Albertson is the woman referred to in Paschow's caption to the check picture

Pashcow donned cheap sunglasses at a 2013 ZZTop-themed fundraiser in Palm Springs where he was pictured with former model Eva Dubin and her husband. Dubin dated Epstein in the 1980s and she gave evidence for Ghislaine Maxwell at her trial

Pashcow also has a house in the Hamptons, where he was seen at a cancer fundraiser in 2023

Until the publication of the 50th birthday book, Pashcow has managed to avoid the blast zone that has engulfed other associates of Epstein.

But the book has changed all that as Pashcows three pages are perhaps the most disturbing in the volume  a lewd and disturbing series of jokes based around sex and young girls.

Daily Mail understands that Pashcow, Trump and Epstein rubbed shoulders in Palm Beach during the 1990s and 2000s.

Epstein bought his mansion on El Brillo Way for $2.5 million in 1990 and Trump already owned Mar-a-Lago, a short five-minute drive away for five years by then. Pashcow's imposing 7,000 sq. ft. home on the western side of Palm Beach is even closer to Trump's club  just six streets away.

Both Trump and Epstein were riding high on their success and Pashcow, who for years ran his own company The Atlantic Realty Trust, was a natural fit as a friend.

He is understood to have become one of the founding members of Mar-a-Lago, where annual fees now top $1million.

All three men supported the emergency services in Palm Beach by donating to or attending the annual Palm Beach Police & Fire Rescue Ball, which takes place at Mar-a-Lago.

A third page Paschow contributed to Epstein's birthday book showed women in swimwear  and Epstein's infamous plane, nicknamed the 'Lolita Express'

The lewd birthday letter bearing what appears to be Donald Trump's signature, in which the author talks about the two having 'certain things in common'. The White House denies it came from Trump

Also included was a never-before-seen photo of Ghislaine Maxwell and Epstein swimming naked and entwined in a pool

Pashcow has previously been photographed with Heidi Albertsen, a Danish model who has also been seen out with Trump.

Albertsen did not respond to requests for comment. There is no suggestion that she is the woman Paschow referred to in the caption to the check picture.

Pashcows financial support to Trump's candidacies has been ongoing for a decade now.

In total he has given $164,016.60 mostly to Trump campaigns but also to Republican organizations and candidates from 2015 to 2025.

The vast majority of Pashcows donations, 3,883 out of a total of 3,900, have been since 2023 when Trump was seeking a second term in the White House.

He gave $5,503.89 to Save America, the pro-Trump PAC and $25,000 to Trump Victory, a similar organization.

Pashcow lives in this $30 million, 7,000 sq. ft classical mansion on the Intracoastal side of Palm Beach, just six blocks from Mar-a-Lago

One donation of $10,000 was in July 2016 and another was $15,000 in October 2020, weeks before the election.

Pashcows donations to the RNC followed a similar pattern: $7,300 in July 2016 and $12,200 in October 2020.

There are also 1,900 small donations between 2015 and today to Winred, a political donation service, totaling $34,224.

Pashcows ties to Epstein run deep and he flew on his plane, dubbed the Lolita Express, at least 13 times.

On one of those plane rides was the late former chief executive of the investment bank Bear Stearns, Jimmy Cayne, who worked closely with Epstein during the pedophiles time there in the 1970s

There are 20 numbers for Pashcow in Epsteins Black Book of contacts which was seized during the raid on his Palm Beach home by police in 2006.

That is among the most of anyone. There is even a number for Paschow's boat captain so Epstein could reach him even when he was out at sea.

Also in the black book are four numbers for Pashcows daughter, Stacey, 54, a real estate agent in New York. Her mother Adrienne Bezel Harris, 80, declined to comment when approached by Daily Mail.
A generational war is stirring within the Democratic Party as aging power brokers refuse to step aside despite mounting pressure  just as a flash of new faces attempts to break through and reshape the heart of an ailing party.

Seventy-eight-year-old Jerry Nadler's retirement announcement this week offered a rare glimmer of hope for Democrats desperate for change. But the exit plans of the New York veteran who's held power since 1992 may be the exception, not the rule.

Elderly Democrats in Congress are hesitant to relinquish their power - and they have little qualms about saying why.

'I don't think there's any reason to say that everybody in the delegation should be leaving, especially if you want to have power,' 71-year-old New York Rep. Gregory Meeks told the Wall Street Journal. 'We want to keep the power that we have.'

Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has already filed paperwork to run for a 14th term next year. So has Salvatore Padellaro, a young NY-based entrepreneur with a TikTok show called 'No Smoke Just Fire,' according to Federal Election Commission filings.

Longtime members argue that their years of experience are crucial to navigate Washington and represent their constituents effectively. And if they don't leave voluntarily, they prove formidable challengers as primary opponents try to overcome what is often decades of name recognition and respect.

Following former President Joe Biden's real-time demise due to his age and mental acuity, Democrats are reticent about their most elderly members' desire to hang on.

New York Democrat Rep. Jerry Nadler, 78, made the decision to not seek re-election

Younger Democrats, like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., are seen as the future of the party

'I think the situation with Eleanor Holmes Norton is tragic and very hard to watch,' said Democratic advisor Mike Nellis, referring to the 89-year-old D.C. delegate who announced she'll run again at age 90.

Norton currently has six younger challengers, according to Ballotpedia, though whether any have a chance to topple Holmes' 33-year run remains to be seen.

Norton exemplifies the broader problem plaguing Democrats: elderly members who are 'too old or tired to wage a successful campaign against the Republican president' but refuse to 'hang up their jerseys.'

'Democratic base voters are very frustrated with the state of the Democratic Party,' Nellis told Daily Mail, warning they 'will take more and more risks on who they vote for if the wrong kind of candidate runs.'

Primary challengers casting themselves as agents of change face an uphill battle against entrenched incumbents, even though 'Democratic primary voters are ready for generational change and a different version of the Democratic party.'

The stakes couldn't be higher: In the age of Trump, when any issue can become a political flashpoint, Democrats need members willing to fight  not those clinging to power and struggling to speak as Trump reshapes their districts.

Both Doggett and Schakowsky have announced they will not seek re-election

But there are some younger candidates ready for a fight.

Harry Jarin, 35, a volunteer firefighter and former 'Jeopardy!' contestant, announced earlier this year he will take on 85-year-old Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., the oldest and most tenured Democrat in the House.

'A lot of politicians in Washington, they stew in this environment in D.C., sometimes for decades at a time, and they lose touch with young people and working people and people outside the beltway,' Jarin told The Hill in June.

'I think that's the reason for the sudden surge of primary challengers: We've now spent our whole lives seeing the same Democratic leaders do the same unproductive things in Congress and not actually deliver results.'

Jarin has slim odds of overturning the longtime congressman and former House Majority Leader.

While Republican and Democratic members average around the same age, close to 58-years-old, according to a WSJ analysis, there are far more elderly Democrats.

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., the oldest member of the House of Representatives, arrives for the news conference with the help of an aide

The outlet found that there are 55 Democrats aged 70 and up, compared to just 33 Republicans.

So far this year, there have been three Democratic lawmakers who have died in office.

Their deaths have made it tough for Democrats to oppose crucial legislation offered by Republicans, which only hold a six-seat majority, with three vacancies.

Two of the current vacancies are seats left by Democrats who died in office recently.

The past eight members of Congress to die during their terms have all been Democrats.

Nadler joins four other aging Democrats who've announced retirement this year: Lloyd Doggett, 78, Dwight Evans, 71, Danny Davis, 84, and Jan Schakowsky, 81.

"Members have to decide when they're either done with this place, or quite frankly, when this place is done with them," said Rep. Jared Moskowitz, 44.
Donald Trump has made violent crime in America's cities - and his promise to crack down on 'out-of-control' lawlessness - central to his presidency.

But a new study paints a far more complex picture of the nation's homicide epidemic and suggests the cities where Trump has deployed the National Guard are not the most murderous.

A USA Facts analysis of fatality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that New Orleans tops the national list with 46 homicides per 100,000 residents.

Memphis, Tennessee, comes in second with 41 homicides, followed by St Louis (38) and Baltimore (36).

Only then does Washington, DC - one of Trump's targets - appear on the list with a homicide rate of 36 per 100,000 residents.

He also sent troops to Los Angeles, which doesn't even break into the top 30, recording just seven homicides per 100,000 people.

The findings raise tough questions about Trump's strategy. As critics accuse him of playing politics with public safety, his supporters insist his high-profile deployments have brought order to lawless streets.

The debate comes amid national outrage over the shocking killing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, who was allegedly stabbed to death by a schizophrenic man while riding a train in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Horrific footage of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, 23, being stabbed to death as she sat on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 22 sent shockwaves across America

President Donald Trump says he will send the National Guard to fight crime in other US cities, as he has done in Washington, DC

Charlotte's homicide rate stands at eight per 100,000 - far below that of the country's murder capitals.

Still, the case has become a rallying cry for Trump loyalists who say Charlotte and other Democrat-run cities are failing to protect ordinary Americans and law-abiding migrants alike.

Trump has boasted repeatedly about his record on crime, pointing to DC, where he placed the Metropolitan Police Department under federal control and flooded the city with National Guard troops.

'Washington is now a crime-free zone,' Trump told reporters Tuesday night, insisting his actions have transformed the capital from a city in fear to one where people now stroll, dine and attend cultural events without worry.

'I'm standing here in the middle of the street,' he said. 'I wouldn't have done this three months ago, four months ago, certainly not a year ago.'

The Justice Department, however, notes that violent crime in DC had already fallen to a 30-year low in early 2024, long before Trump's crackdown.

Polls show his move was deeply unpopular with the capital's residents, though Trump insists 'friends' tell him the city has never felt safer.

The president has also teased that another city will soon see National Guard boots on the ground.

'We're going to be announcing another city very shortly,' he told reporters. 'We're working it out with the governor of a certain state who would love us to be there, and the mayor of a certain city in the same state that would love us to be there.'

Trump has long threatened to send forces into Chicago, which he has called 'the most dangerous city' in the world.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Iryna Zarutska's heartbroken family said she had only recently arrived in the US 'seeking safety from the war and hoping for a new beginning' before the random slaughter

President Donald Trump says he has his pen ready to deploy guardsmen to another crime-ravaged US city

With a homicide rate of 16 per 100,000, Chicago is far from the worst. And its Democratic leaders, Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson, have fiercely resisted Trump's threats of military intervention.

Instead, the president has hinted at New Orleans - where Republican Governor Jeff Landry has openly welcomed federal assistance - Baltimore and Portland, Oregon.

On Tuesday night, Trump lavished praise on Landry, calling him a 'great governor' who 'wants us to come in and straighten out a very nice section of this country that's become quite tough. Quite bad.'

Within hours, Landry took to X to affirm that Louisiana 'would welcome help.'

With a homicide rate that dwarfs most other US cities', the numbers show why Trump may see New Orleans as his next high-profile battleground.

But his critics say the president is cherry-picking cities where Republican governors are eager to play ball, rather than focusing on the true hotspots of violent crime.

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of New Orleans on Tuesday night, chanting 'No troops in our city' and accusing Trump of exploiting their pain for political gain.

The CDC homicide statistics offer perhaps the clearest picture yet of America's urban violence problem, since the agency compiles its data from death certificates typically filled out by coroners and medical examiners.

By contrast, FBI crime data relies on voluntary reporting from local police departments, leaving large gaps and making national comparisons difficult.

The numbers show that while America's homicide rate remains high by global standards, it is not uniformly bad across all cities.

And despite political rhetoric, the broader trend is one of declining crime.

Surveillance footage shows the killing of a university student in Philadelphia, one of America's most murder-plagued cities

The familiar sight of blue lights in downtown Washington, DC, after four people were shot in June 2022

A new report from the Council on Criminal Justice found that across 30 major cities, homicides fell 17 percent in the first half of 2025 compared with the same period last year.

Gun assaults and carjackings also dropped, though five cities - including Milwaukee and Little Rock - bucked the trend with significant spikes in murder.

For Trump, though, crime is about more than numbers. It is about image, perception and a political brand that casts him as America's defender-in-chief.

His focus on nationwide 'danger' has coincided with uncomfortable questions about his administration's handling of Jeffrey Epsteinrelated documents, an issue that briefly overshadowed his crime-fighting message this summer.

Now, as he toys with the idea of sending troops into another US city, the stakes are higher than ever.

For some Americans, Trump's deployments have restored faith in public order. For others, they represent creeping authoritarianism and a dangerous politicization of law enforcement.
How does a man who allegedly murders two country cops then abandons his family to avoid facing justice become a modern-day folk hero?

Why is a father who shot a policeman after forcing his children to live in the wilderness for four years admired as some sort of martyr?

There is clearly nothing noble about Dezi Freeman or Tom Phillips - their crimes have rightly appalled most Australians and New Zealanders - yet each has his own deluded fan club.

Experts suggest such misguided admiration is most likely to be expressed by people who are already anti-authoritarian and feel persecuted, as well as those suffering Covid-19 hangovers.

Freeman fled into bushland in Victoria's high country after he allegedly shot dead Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, and wounded a third officer.

Thompson, de Waart-Hottart and eight colleagues had attended Freeman's property at Porepunkah on August 26 to serve a warrant over sexual assault allegations involving a minor when the 56-year-old opened fire.

Freeman is a self-proclaimed 'sovereign citizen' who does not accept Australian laws or respect government authority. He has called police 'frigging Nazis', 'Gestapo' and 'terrorist thugs'.

Dezi Freeman (above) allegedly shot dead two policemen at his Porepunkah property in Victoria's high country then fled into bushland. He is considered a folk hero by admirers

Tom Phillips (above) was shot dead by police on Monday when he shot an officer on New Zealand's North Island. He had spent four years with his three children on the run

Online, his fellow sovereign citizens have portrayed Freeman - whose name was previously Desmond Filby - as a freedom fighter waging guerilla warfare against tyranny and injustice.

Phillips and his three children disappeared from Marokopa in the rural Waikato region of New Zealand's upper North Island amid a Family Court custody battle in December 2021.

Daughters Jayda and Ember were aged eight and five respectively, while son Maverick was seven. For the next four years they lived in hiding, deprived of proper food, shelter, education, and any contact with their mother.

Phillips was shot dead in front of 12-year-old Jayda on Monday about 30km north of Piopio in the Waitomo district after the 38-year-old shot and seriously injured a police officer.

Ember, now nine, and Maverick, 10, were found at a remote campsite about 2km from where their father was killed. Some details about what happened while they were held captive by Phillips cannot be published due to a court order.

Yet on social media, Phillips continues to receive praise from supporters who see the cop shooter as a protective dad and resourceful survivalist.

'RIP, Tom,' one admirer wrote. 'You taught your kids how to survive out in the bush and live off the land in those four years. You should be proud of that for teaching them at a young age. That's solid as.'

'A national hide-and-seek champion,' another wrote. 'Today will be remembered in history as the day we lost a good one, a bloke that captured the nation, the Wheres Wally? of New Zealand.'

Freeman is a self-proclaimed 'sovereign citizen' who does not accept Australian laws or respect government authority. Police are pictured hunting for him

Police form a guard of honour for slain officer Vadim de Waart-Hottart, who has gunned down by Dezi Freeman

A third said: 'Did they have to kill this guy? What crime did he commit other than removing his children from the insane world we live in?'

Victorian police have had to address similar sentiments about Freeman, who they say has had help evading capture.

'People know the whereabouts of the person who has killed two cops,' Superintendent Brett Kahan said one week into the search.

'You are committing an extremely serious crime by harbouring or assisting in the escape of Dezi Freeman.'

New Zealand Police Commissioner Richard Chambers is fed up with Phillips being considered a sympathetic figure within a small segment of the community.

'He's not a hero,' Chambers told Newstalk ZB's breakfast host Mike Hosking.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell went further, labelling Phillips 'a monster'.

'This is a guy that has taken his children into abysmal conditions,' Mitchell has said. 'He has kept them away from education. He has kept them away from medical support.

Phillips' children Ember and Maverick were found at a remote campsite (above) about 2km from where there father was killed and are in government care

Tom Phillips' three children (L-R) Jayda, now 12, Maverick, 10, and Ember, 9, are in the care of New Zealand's Ministry of Children, known as Oranga Tamaraki

'He has taken them and used them as human shields in violent criminal offending, and he has put his daughter in harms way when he tried to kill a police officer.

'So this guy is in no way, shape or form a hero. Quite the opposite - he's a monster.'

Dr Josh Roose is a political sociologist and associate professor of politics at Melbourne's Deakin University and has followed the manhunts for Freeman and Phillips.

Roose believes some of the support for both men can be attributed to ongoing resentment over Covid-19 restrictions in Victoria and New Zealand, where both jurisdictions imposed some of the world's strictest lockdowns.

'I think it certainly played a role,' Roose told the Daily Mail. 'I think you've got to contemplate that there was a lot of anger and resentment and anxiety in their communities.

'We're in a time of three or four years after pandemic lockdowns and that did an enormous amount of damage to people's trust in government.

'Particularly those people who are on the fringes of society who may have lost jobs and been in precarious work, and so they were looking for someone to blame for a lot of their challenges.

'Anyone who positions himself as standing up to government or the authorities - even when they are using violence - will be by some small percentage of the population viewed as heroes or in some sort of positive light.'

Experts suggest some of the supporters who applaud the actions of Freeman and Phillips likely feel persecuted themselves. Freeman is pictured under arrest in 2021

Roose said in the case of Freeman it was worth considering 'the sort of culture that's pervasive at the margins of Australian society where this happened'.

Porepunkah is about an hour's drive south-west of where Ned Kelly and his gang of bushrangers made their last stand at Glenrowan in 1880, two years after killing three policemen at Stringybark Creek.

'To this day, that's celebrated by a reasonably significant portion of the Australian population as an act of independence in the face of government authority and the police,' Roose said.

As for Phillips, a small percentage of the population would be attracted to 'this idea of living off the land, fleeing government authority, raising his children off the grid'.

Dr Liam Gillespie, who lectures in criminology at the University of Melbourne, suggested supporters of outlaws such as Freeman and Phillips often felt persecuted themselves.

'I think for me, the main reason that we see that occurring is when people are feeding into narratives of persecution,' Gillespie told the Daily Mail.

'So if they are experiencing or feeling a sense of persecution themselves in their lives, then they may gravitate towards other figures, or they may idolise other figures who seem to embody that and who seem to act upon that as well.'

Gillespie said it was 'a common refrain' to see certain figures who took the law into their own hands being celebrated and idolised.

Porepunkah is about an hour's drive south-west of where Ned Kelly and his gang of bushrangers made their last stand at Glenrowan, two years after they killed three policemen

A farming property between Wangaratta and Myrtleford, 25km from Porepunkah, displays Ned Kelly's image. It is not suggested that the owner of this property has any links to Dezi Freeman

'While the sovereign citizen phenomenon is relatively new the phenomenon of actually idolising those sorts of figures itself isn't particularly new,' he said.

'We can think about it in the context of Australia, with Ned Kelly, for example.'

He said the impact of Covid-19 was sometimes overemphasised when considering why sovereign citizenry had 'skyrocketed' since the pandemic but it had played a significant role.

'People who probably never expected that they would be met with those kind of restrictions suddenly were met with that reality,' he said.

'So, all of a sudden you're feeling like, "The state is curtailing my freedoms in all of these different ways and here is a movement that gives me a narrative that can explain that".'

Roose said the type of person who might applaud the actions of Freeman or Phillips was likely male and aged at least in their thirties, and perhaps more likely to live in the regions or outer suburbs.

They might be under financial stress and were 'likely to view government negatively, likely to view the police and authorities in a negative sense'.

Roose said sections of Australian society were increasingly celebrating 'political violence', citing left-wing reactions to this week's assassination of conservative US activist Charlie Kirk.

'There's always been an undercurrent of resistance to authority, including violent resistance,' he said.

'We're seeing a celebration of political violence and ideologically driven violence that we haven't seen for quite some time, post-pandemic, and a lot of that's driven by the online environment.

'It's a trend that's not going to go away.

'We're moving towards a normalisation of that celebration of violence, and a big part of that's due to people's exposure online to acts of violence, and people becoming a little bit numb to what that means.'
For years its close proximity to Europe, iconic white cliffs and staggering sea views made Dover the perfect seaside pit-stop for families searching for some British sunshine.

But this summer instead of welcoming tourists, Dover found itself at the centre of a heated political debate.

The Dover coastline is a key arrival point for Channel crossings and with more than 182,000 people arriving in Dover since the migrant crisis began, the town has become an inevitable talking point that is dominating headlines.

However, locals told the Daily Mail they feel their 'quiet' home has become defined by a 'false reality'. As politicians increasingly label Dover 'migrant central', they say the focus needs to shift towards their crumbling high street, cost of living crisis, and lack of infrastructure instead.

Average house prices in the area have soared to 282k - surpassing last years average - council funding cuts have seen multiple youth clubs forced to shut and Dover is one of the top ten areas in the UK where residents are at risk of homelessness.

'I think it's been a public perception that Dover is flooded with migrants but it isn't. The migrants are moved elsewhere so you don't see people wondering around the street,' David Faux explained.

'The town is quiet but it has become the focal point in the UK for the crisis so it has the aftermath of what comes with it.

'There's never enough money, there's no footfall, when I came hear 18 years ago there was a greengrocer and small shops but there are lots of shops that are just gone.

'Dover town has been starved of attention from the local authorities and left to wither.

As politicians increasingly label Dover 'migrant central', locals say the focus needs to shift towards their crumbling high street, cost of living crisis, and lack of infrastructure instead

The Dover coastline is a key arrival point for Channel crossings and with more than 182,000 people reaching England since the migrant crisis began. Pictured: Dover Port

David Faux (pictured) said Dover town centre is 'starved of attention' and 'been left to wither'

Dover high street is lined with boarded up shops and deserted, with residents choosing to go elsewhere for essential items

'There's the sentiment that the migrants are considered to be getting housing and jobs that local people feel they are being discriminated against, but they go about their business and we go about ours with a degree of integration.

'Where you have scarce facilities there will be unrest.'

Dover high street is lined with boarded up shops and deserted, with residents choosing to go elsewhere for essential items. The busiest stores are a Wetherspoons and Bingo shop - which homeless people rely on for shelter.

Meanwhile, a key partner of Dover foodbank, Trussell say 7,874 food parcels were delivered to people in the area between April 2024 and March 2025 - 2,823 of which were children.

And despite the high street crumbling, Kent has seen a rise in its population with 21,400 people moving to the area between 2023 and 2024.

In April, hundreds of protestors took to the streets in Dover's town centre in clashing protests over immigration.

Some shared slogans such as 'Stop the boats' and protested against the arrival of migrants in their town, while others showed support for those desperately seeking asylum.

Steve Rebbeck explained the clashing opinions dominating the town are fueled by a frustration towards Dover district council, who are overlooking the housing and cost of living crisis in the area.

Pictured: Hundreds of people gathering in Dover for pro- and anti-immigration events

Steve Rebbeck (pictured) explained the clashing opinions dominating the town are fueled by a frustration towards Dover district council, who are overlooking the housing and cost of living crisis in the area

Latest figures show that in 2024 Dover employment rates fell and the number of people claiming benefits rose. Pictured: Dover Port

Pictured: In April, hundreds of protestors took to the streets in Dover's town centre in clashing protests over immigration

'They don't seem to look at issues that affect the general population,' Mr Rebbeck said.

'I was proud to live here but now the state of the town is awful, the shops are boarded up, it used to be a lovely place to live.

'We don't want to live in Dover anymore so we moved six miles away.

'There are all these empty properties I don't understand why they're not being refurbished and why they're not turning shut shops into houses. We don't get many services round here.'

Dover, like many towns in the UK is facing a cost of living crisis.

Latest figures show that in 2024 employment rates fell and the number of people claiming benefits rose.

Paul Taylor, who has lived in Dover for 20 years and runs his own vape shop believes the only way to improve the area is an increase in investment.

He told the Daily Mail: 'The migrant crisis is an issue but there are bigger issues with the town, it's been left to rot. It needs a good injection of more shops.

Paul Taylor, (pictured) who has lived in Dover for 20 years and runs his own vape shop believes the only way to improve the area is an increase in investment

Dover, like many towns in the UK is facing a cost of living crisis. Pictured: Closed shops on the high street

Operation Brock, a traffic management system closes part of the M20, holding freight vehicles heading to the Port of Dover has led to large lines of lorries being backed up in the area

'The migrants crisis is distracting the council from what's important, resources need to go elsewhere.

'I've lived here 20 years and it's got a lot of worse. It's got lovely hills, the castle but the town has gone downhill. It's just got nothing going for it anymore, realistically it's all down to a lack of cash.

'It could be thriving in the summer if they invested in the town and beachfront.'

Mr Taylor added that on top of mass shop closures, traffic and potholes are also a major issue in Dover.

Operation Brock, a traffic management system closes part of the M20, holding freight vehicles heading to the Port of Dover has led to large lines of lorries being backed up in the area.

Despite the perfect storm of traffic, lack of housing and anti-migrant sentiment, Lydia Alton who runs an independent coffee shop and bar says she has noticed an increase in French tourists in the area.

'People think it's migrant central but if anything our business has grown throughout summer,' she said. 'When people come here, they're surprised.'

'People think there are boats coming in every day but I live in Dover and I've never seen a dingy or boat.

Defence Secretary John Healey signalled last week that Sir Keir is poised to take a harder line on immigration in the wake of Labour's panicked reshuffle

Despite the perfect storm of traffic, lack of housing and anti-migrant sentiment, Lydia Alton (pictured) who runs an independent coffee shop and bar says she has noticed an increase in French tourists in the area

'We don't think the migrant crisis has affected the area. For us, it's a reputation problem rather than an actually issue.'

When Keir Starmer began his campaign for Prime Minister he pledged to 'stop the boats'.

Defence Secretary John Healey signalled last week that Sir Keir is poised to take a harder line on immigration in the wake of Labour's panicked reshuffle.

He confirmed the Government is looking at plans to move asylum seekers to military sites.

But Mr Healey insisted the PM would not look to remove Britain from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) as part of efforts to halt Channel crossings.

As this story continues to unravel the message from the Dover community is clear - the migrant crisis is distracting from the true issues that plague their once thriving community.
The Trump administration has moved eight Navy warships to Venezuela's coast and launched deadly strikes against suspected cartel boats  sparking hope among Venezuelan exiles that this White House will finally deliver more than 'lip service' against Nicolas Maduro's repressive regime.

But there's a critical divide on whether the military operations will actually bring down Maduro or amount to expensive theater from Trump's rebranded Department of War looking to flex its muscle.

'I think that the ships and submarines are kind of a bit performative,' said Carlos, a 22-year-old, who fled the country in 2017 and now lives in Boston, Massachusetts.

Some military experts claim the U.S. Navy deployment in the Caribbean is entirely a matter of political signaling,' while others note that the focus is on drug cartel movement and not an intention to take out the Maduro regime overall.

But others see real potential: Manhattan Institute's Daniel Di Martino believes the U.S. 'has the military assets to neutralize the Venezuelan military and allow the Venezuelan people to take over.'

The U.S. escalation reached a dramatic peak on September 2 when the U.S. killed 11 alleged traffickers in a speedboat strike, with Venezuela responding by sending F-16 jets buzzing over the USS Jason Dunham two days later.

The Pentagon warned Maduro against interfering with anti-narco operations.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visited Puerto Rico Monday for military exercises, as the island's Senate approved a resolution supporting Trump's fight against Maduro's 'narcoregime.'

Venezuelan-Americans are skeptical that President Donald Trump's aggressive action in the Caribbean will resulted in want they want: The topping of Nicolas Maduro's (pictured) 'narcoregime'

Trump shared drone images of a U.S. Military strike that killed 11 on a drug cartel speedboat in the Caribbean on September 2, 2025

Senate President Rivera Schatz told the Daily Mail: 'Puerto Rico's location gives the United States a decisive strategic position in the Caribbean to confront Maduro.'

'It is also the message I have carried to the Capitol in meetings with members of Congress: Puerto Rico stands ready to support the U.S. military in this fight.'

Secretary of State Marco Rubio promised more lethal action: 'What will stop them is when you blow them up, when you get rid of them.' Similar strikes will 'happen again,' he said.

Still, Venezuelans who fled the country for a better life in the U.S. detail to the Daily Mail that they are 'optimistic' but 'skeptical' the warship build-up and recent actions in the Caribbean will lead to lasting change.

Carlos, who requested his last name be withheld due to concerns about retaliation from the regime, thinks the military hardware off the coastline are 'a bit performative.'

'Definitely it's a huge step,' he admitted, but added: 'blowing up ships and putting out rewards for information  that's all good and all, but it doesn't usually lead to anything ... It seems like a problem without a solution.'

Cesar, who was born in Venezuela and fled to the U.S. in 1999 and again in 2009, told the Daily Mail: 'There's a skepticism.'

'But people just want a solution,' the 27-year-old added. 'So, blowing up the boat  that was a step.'

'People want a new chapter, and we've tried everything right?' Cesar said when asked about perceptions among Venezuelans of Trump's administration taking more aggressive actions against Maduro.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (center) and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine (left) visited Puerto Rico this month amid a military presence build-up in the Caribbean

Thousands of Marines and sailors conducted military exercises in Puerto Rico September 4-10, 2025 as the Trump administration works to combat narco terrorism in the region

Secretary Hegseth said the strike was the beginning of a broader U.S. military campaign against drug cartels, but since the first action this month there have not been any known direct actions.

'We've got assets in the air, assets in the water, assets on ships,' he said of the movement of presence to the Caribbean.

This week, military forces in U.S. territory of Puerto Rico conducted amphibious training exercises focused on enhancing readiness of Marines and sailors amid heightening tensions with Venezuela over drug trafficking impacts on Americans.

The posturing in Puerto Rico adds to the enhanced aggression by the Trump administration against Venezuela, Maduro and his so-called narco-regime.

Di Martino called the boat strike 'a great move' and 'a different type of economic blockade'  reasoning that cutting off narco-trafficking profits directly harms the regime.

But the aggressive assault has him clamoring for more.

'I hope that they do whatever it takes to overthrow the Maduro regime,' Di Martino told the Daily Mail. 'Killing Maduro. Kidnapping him. I think that Maduro  and Chavez before him  has destroyed Venezuela.'

Even he acknowledges, however, that 'theres not going to be an invasion  I think this is an exaggeration.'
The leader of a cult-like church was arrested this week and accused of essentially stealing millions of dollars from the Department of Veterans affairs.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation raided a $2 million 11,000squarefoot Georgia mansion and arrested a man using the name Rony Denis.

He and seven others were accused of defrauding veterans and charged with various fraud schemes and tax charges, according to the indictment from the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Georgia.

Denis and his codefendants are accused in the indictment of 'exploiting military personnel' by recruiting them to the House of Prayer church, directing them to enroll in a seminary program and 'then using their Veterans Administration benefits to funnel money' into accounts controlled by the church.

Church leaders allegedly paid themselves for 'expense reimbursements' or 'love offerings'.

The indictment viewed by Daily Mail added: 'The veteranstudent would rarely, if ever, graduate from HOPBS's course of study'.

House of Prayer members were told by the church to recruit military personnel to join using a technique dubbed 'soul winning,' as per the indictment.

Prosecutors claim in the indictment that Denis' church conspired to 'obtain money and property from the VA and various veterans by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises'.

A man using the name Rony Denis is being accused of defrauding veterans of millions of dollars

Prosecutors allege that Denis' House of Prayer church targeted military personnel

An aerial view shows Denis' luxury home in Columbia County

The veterans' tuition was paid through GI Bill benefits, according to the indictment.

The federal indictment alleged that Denis stole his identity in 1983  his real name is unknown  and used it to become a US citizen in 2002.

Steve Sadow, Denis' lead defense attorney, denied any wrongdoing and told the Daily Mail: 'Reverend Dennis is a charismatic religious leader whose congregation both loves and respects him.

'He is not guilty of the charges lodged against him and he will be acquitted by a jury when the case comes to trial.'

Denis subsequently created the House of Prayer Christian Churches of America (HOPCC), as well as the affiliated House of Prayer Bible Seminary (HOBPS).

The House of Prayer church started 'prior to 2004' when he 'recruited several members of the New Testament Christian Church,' the indictment said.

They set up sites in 'approximately 1012 locations in at least five states.'

The locations 'were established near United States military installations for easier recruitment and indoctrination of military members,' the indictment said.

The FBI raided the Georgia home this week. Officers are seen at the scene

She is seeking a protection order and a divorce, as well as the couple's mansion and Rolls Royce

The largest one was in Hinesville with 'an average of approximately 200300 attendees', while other congregations 'were as small as a few dozen' people.

Seminaries were created in Hinesville; Hephzibah, Georgia; Fayetteville, North Carolina; Killeen, Texas; and Tacoma, Washington.

The indictment said that the church had 'fraudulently obtained a religious exemption from state regulators in Georgia to operate' two of its five locations.

The exemption did not allow for Georgia seminaries to receive federal funds  but the church applied for and accepted education benefits, which should have made it ineligible, according to the indictment.

House of Prayer 'received more than $3 million in education benefits for its Georgia locations and more than $23.5 million for all five locations'.

Denis and the other church leaders are accused in the indictment of exercising 'extreme control and manipulation over other members of the HOPCC and attendees of the HOPBS'.

The indictment said Denis 'at times arranged marriages and orchestrated divorces' among House of Prayer members.

It also states he would 'castigate' and 'humiliate' members privately and publicly for 'for purported violations of the expected standards of conduct'.

The student conduct included 'texting a person of the opposite gender' or sporting 'worldly and unbecoming' clothes.

The indictment added that church 'members were expected not to have contact with former members, including family' and that 'some former members were maintained' on a list referring to traitors.

Denis and the seven others are also accused in the indictment of a 'longrunning' bank fraud scheme, in which the church used 'straw buyers' in real estate transactions.

The indictment said that 'straw buyers would be required to execute loan documents' which the church 'knew contained false information to obtain mortgages from financial institutions'.

After buying a property, the church would allegedly 'seize control' and convert them into rentals  subsequently 'directing' other church members to live there and pay rent.

Accusations against Denis and House of Prayer's real estate practices have existed since at least 2017.

The indictment, among other examples, lists a transaction from August 18, 2008 in which a 'straw buyer thenHOPCCmember' identified as a female identified as 'J.E.' bought a property in Hinesville for $115,000.

She was unemployed, made no money and brought 'no funds' for a down payment.

Denis was arrested by the FBI at his $2million mansion in Georgia

'J.E.' never lived at the house she had just 'purchased' and never paid the mortgage or received any rental income, according to the indictment.

The church collected rent payments of more than $5.2million between 2018 and 2020, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Georgia said in the indictment.

That income was allegedly used to pay the mortgages on Denis' West Palm Beach home, as well as the defendants' credit card bills.

The 11,000-square-foot home that was raided has seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms. It was last listed on Zillow for $1.96million.

Denis was granted bond on Thursday and his next hearing will be next week.
Stood in his neat and modern kitchen, Dere Amo cooks a pan full of pasta to last him several days.

Next to the hob a Ramadan decoration hangs down from a cupboard door, across from a microwave and an old Panasonic 40-inch TV that sit atop a jet-black worktop.

The room looks out onto a sparsely-decorated living area with bare white walls against which are two black two-seater sofas and a dinner table on which two wooden chairs are stacked.

Dere, 23, who is fleeing from armed militia and religious fanatics in Iraq, lives with three other men from Kuwait, Afghanistan and Sudan in a four-bed Victorian end-terrace in Burnley.

Once the capital of the cotton weaving world during the Industrial Revolution, the former mill town  along with its neighbours of Accrington and Blackburn  has become a holy, or unholy, trinity for asylum seekers.

This once thriving 11-mile stretch of Lancashire now houses more migrants per capita in private accommodation than in any other part of the country where asylum hotels are absent.

Faced with growing public outrage over putting the illegal newcomers into hotels, the Government has pledged to close them all by 2029 and instead start putting people into Houses of Multiple Occupancy across Britain.

Dere came to Burnley from Nasiriyah, in Southern Iraq, two years ago after paying people-smugglers 1,200 Euros to cross the Channel from France.

Stood in his neat and modern kitchen, Dere Amo (above) cooks a pan full of pasta to last him several days

Next to the hob a Ramadan decoration hangs down from a cupboard door, across from a microwave and an old Panasonic 40-inch TV that sit atop a jet-black worktop

Pinned to the wall by the kitchen window is a notice from Serco, warning in various languages about protesters targeting migrant accommodation

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After being processed in Dover he was put up briefly in a hotel near Heathrow being transferred up to the Casa Mere Hotel in Knutsford, Cheshire, where he stayed for four months before arriving at his 131,000 home.

He said: 'I came here because life in Iraq was too dangerous. There are too many armed militias and hardline extremists. I am a Muslim but not like them.

'I liked the hotel in Heathrow, it was clean and modern but I was only there for a few days. I found the hotel in Knutsford to be dirty and filled too much with sick people. I was pleased to leave there and come here.

'I'm still waiting from my asylum application to be accepted but I've been here for two years and so because of that I've been given permission to work.

'The difficulty is that I don't have an e-Visa and so no potential employer will give me a job. It's very frustrating but I'm learning English at Burnley College so that if I do get accepted, I can have more options-work wise.

'I want to head to London, it's a very big city, there's more jobs and a bigger Arab community. I can work in an Arabic restaurant or shisha bar.'

In the streets outside Dere's house, St George and Union flags flutter from lampposts as part of the political movement Operation Raise the Colours, seen by some as a display of patriotism but others as a way in intimidating asylum seekers.

Pinned to the wall by the kitchen window is a notice from Serco, who have the Home Office contract to house asylum seekers in the North West, warning in various languages about protesters targeting migrant accommodation.

Dere said he is careful when he goes out after being assaulted by three men in the town centre a few months ago.

He added: 'Every city has its good and bad people and Burnley is the same.'

Burnley is home to 474 asylum seekers in private homes, which equates to 49 per 10,000 people. It's the second highest ratio in England in areas of the country that have no migrant hotels.

Only neighbouring Hyndburn Council - which includes Accrington  is higher with 435 asylum seekers in HMOs which amounts to 51 per 10,000 people. Blackburn is not far behind, housing 764 asylum seekers or 46 per 10,000 people.

Two miles west from Dere's home is the more genteel suburb of Padiham, where Abiel from Eritrea lives with two housemates, men from Sudan and Afghanistan.

The five-bedroom house - extended from three - is along a quiet suburban street where the average house price is around 100,000.

Inside, there is an open plan kitchen and sitting room. The kitchen has a single oven and hob and is separated from the living area by an arched wall.

Abiel refrains from giving his full name. He fled his home in Senafe in Eritrea last year fearing for his life and travelled through Europe to France, where he made the trip across the Channel in an inflatable dinghy.

Migrants clamber aboard a smuggler's boat off Gravelines in northern France last month

Anti-migrant protesters scuffle with police near the Bell Hotel in Epping on August 29

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He said: I wanted to leave Eritrea because the Government there is not good, I felt as though my life was in danger.

'I travelled from Africa to Europe and up to France and crossed over into England in a small boat. It was very dangerous as it was winter time last year and conditions were not good.'

With a population of 97,425 Burnley has around 42,000 homes, of which 118 are being used for asylum seekers.

The town was 82.5 per cent white, 14.7 per cent Asian, 0.3 per cent black and 1.6 per cent mixed-race in the last census in 2021 and the recent influx of migrants is causing rising tension.

In a corner terrace, on the edge of the ringroad skirting Burnley's town centre, a young Sudanese man answered the door and in broken English he confirmed he was seeking asylum and said he had come to Britain five-months ago but declined to answer any more questions.

Fixing his car nearby, Michael Deakin, 22, said: 'The police have been on alert in Burnley, there's been some hostility and resentment at the fact that so many people have come here and we don't know anything about them.

'I've seen it happen myself. Three lads came into a pub in town a few months back and they looked Middle Eastern.

'They'd come for a karaoke evening but the locals reacted badly. A few got really angry and were shouting 'get out of this pub it's a British pub and you don't belong here.'

'These lads left shortly afterwards as they clearly felt uncomfortable. I felt sorry for them.'

In Gannow in Burnley  an area festooned with England and British flags - police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a Victorian Methodist church which had been the home - until 2021- of Wright's Upholstery.

A fire broke out on August 19 at the rear of the property where a load of timber had been left outside. The blame has been pointed at angry locals who fear the building is being converted into an HMO for asylum seekers.

In a statement Lancashire Police said: An investigation is underway, and we are working with the fire service to determine the cause of the fire, and if there are any suspicious circumstances.'

A council notice pinned to a wire fence in front of the building reveals the authority's intention to turn the historic building into 48 studio flats for students not asylum seekers.

But local mechanic Nicholas Porter, 51, said: 'I don't think many people believe the council.

'Myself I'm not too bothered with asylum seekers but a lot of people are. There's been that fire and workmen clearing the place have had to call police a few times as well apparently because they've been targeted by locals. It does kick off quite a bit round here.'

Employment in Burnley in the year ending December 2023 was 76 per cent, an increase on the previous year and higher than the North West average.

The display of St George's flags have been seen by some as a display of patriotism but others as a way in intimidating asylum seekers

Police are investigating a suspected arson attack on a Victorian Methodist church (above) which had been the home - until 2021 - of Wright's Upholstery

Yet a part-time tree surgeon who only gave his name as Imra, said he is finding it tough to make ends meet.

Imra, originally from Hungary, has a wife and baby and said: 'These people have so many benefits - more than most. I work my arse off and we're struggling like crazy. It makes it more difficult for people like us.

'The fact that asylum seekers are being housed locally is affecting rents. There was already a lack of affordable housing anyway but recently our rent went from 480-a-month to nearly 700-a-month.'

Some five-and-a-half miles west of Burnley, in the borough of Hyndburn - population 84,747 - the situation is the same.

Two terraced houses next to each other in a quiet street in Oswaldtwistle, near Accrington, are filled with eight asylum seekers. One of the properties was home to a pensioner who passed away in 2024 and was sold for 113,000.

Ethiopian Nahusenay Ayalew, 37, lives in the house next door with three other men from Eritrea and Afghanistan.

He arrived there in May, having been housed previously in a hotel in Birmingham and then the White House Hotel in Telford, Shropshire.

Nahusenay, from the city of Lalibela, crossed into neighbouring Sudan in 2023 to flee persecution from police in Ethiopia, where he said he was jailed for a year and a half without charge due to his father being a colonel in the previous deposed Government.

Ethiopian Nahusenay Ayalew (above) lives in a HMO in Oswaldthistle with three other men

Nahusenay said his back was aching when he tried to sleep on the iron bed frame (above)

Union flags are spotted near a roundabout in Burnley amid Operation Raise the Colours

From Sudan he was smuggled into Libya on the back of a pick-up truck which crossed the Sahara Desert. His uncle paid for him to be put on a boat which sailed across the Mediterranean to Italy.

He then travelled on up through France before paying 900 Euros to be put on a boat crossing the Channel over to Kent and finally - via the West Midlands - on to Lancashire.

Nahusenay pointed to the corner of his bedroom where an iron bed frame has been stacked upright. He sleeps on just the mattress on the other side of the room and said: 'my back was aching on that, I prefer to sleep on the floor lower down.'

He has a cupboard on which he has left his suitcase. Below it is a small chest of drawers with bottles of drinks and various items scattered on top. The wallpaper is filled with images of New York City.

Tim Hargreaves lives near a HMO house and said 'there's a high turn-over of people' in the street

Speaking downstairs in a dimly lit lounge, Nahusenay said he had tried numerous attempts to reach Britain before being finally successful.

He said: 'I got on to a boat twice previously but I slipped off as it was moving and fell into the sea. I cannot swim but luckily someone had seen me getting into difficulty and pulled me to shore. When I did cross the sea to England it was on a boat with about 70 people on.

'I didn't really like living in the hotels, the White House in Telford was really busy, so full of people. One morning someone knocked on my door and told me I was going north to house-share.

'I prefer living in a house than a hotel. I'd like to go to church more but there isn't an Ethiopian Orthodox church in this area, the nearest is in Manchester but it's difficult to get there because we get 49-a-week that we have to live on and that has to go on food really, not travel.'

Half-a-mile away is another terraced house in a well-kept street that has become home to asylum seekers.

Tim Hargreaves, 69, has lived nearby with wife Sandra, 68, for the last 34-years. He started work at Oswaldtwistle Mill as an 18-year-old, eventually becoming head of the preparation department before the mill closed.

He said: 'There's a high turn-over of people, one arrived last week. At the moment the residents in there are very quiet and keep to themselves. I really only see one lad walking past.

'But the last lot in there were a problem. Some of them were asking kids playing in the street if they wanted to come into the house. We complained and they were taken out and replaced.

'The street isn't as close-knit as it once was. The issues with these HMOs is they stop families from moving in and laying down roots.'

Local mechanic Nicholas Porter, 51, said he doesn't think 'many people believe the council' after they said the intent was to convert the building into student housing, not HMOs

Blackburn, another five and half miles west from Hyndburn, is the largest and most ethnically diverse of the three towns. It has a population of 159, 189 of which 60.4 per cent are white, 35.7 Asian, 0.9 per cent black and 1.4 per cent mixed race.

Last month Blackburn with Darwen Council was given more money by the Home Office to house asylums seekers after a surge in demand over the past year.

Grants have risen from 561,000 to 865,000 to cover the costs of support and housing provided by Serco.

The borough has been a designated dispersal area for 20-years meaning it has homed and supported people granted refugee status and those waiting for a decision on their asylum claim.
Nobody could have anticipated the horror that unfolded in Leicester Square on a sunny summer morning little more than a year ago.

Shortly after 11.30am on August 12, 2024, an attacker grabbed an 11-year-old girl in a headlock and repeatedly stabbed her with a steak knife.

The suspected knifeman  Romanian national Ioan Pintaru, 33, now facing trial for attempted murder  was wrestled to the ground by two uniformed men who had raced to the scene.

Such a nightmare scenario playing out in broad daylight seems scarcely credible, especially in one of the busiest spots in Londons West End.

To many, though, it is even harder to fathom that the heroes in uniform werent members of the Metropolitan Police.

In fact, they were employed by a private force drafted in to fight crime in a corner of the capital that attracts 2.5 million visitors a week to its theatres, cinemas, pubs, restaurants and shops.

It is a trend that is increasingly evident across Britain, and follows the realisation almost a decade ago by a future key figure in the industry that the thing missing from policing was police officers.

The growing presence of private bobbies comes against a backdrop of dwindling confidence in traditional law and order. Among the biggest concerns is the shoplifting epidemic, which is costing high street stores an estimated 2.2billion a year. The 530,643 offences logged last year amount to a 20 per cent increase on the 2023 figure.

Officers from My Local Bobby help police detain a suspect

Meanwhile, the lack of a regular police presence in many areas and the failure to properly investigate crimes such as burglaries have also emerged as major issues.

Yet the first signs of a move towards private policing in Britain date back to 2016 and the founding of My Local Bobby, the employer of the two men  named only as Youssouf and Darren  who came to the rescue in Leicester Square.

The company, set up by David McKelvey, a former Met detective chief inspector with a background in tackling organised crime gangs, now has 150 bobbies, identifiable by their distinctive red livery, and 24 very experienced plain-clothes detectives on its books.

It started out operating in exclusive areas of London such as Belgravia and Kensington but has since expanded to cover dozens of residential and business beats across the capital as well as parts of Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire.

Under existing legislation, members of private police forces  like the general public  can only carry out a citizens arrest either to prevent a crime or if they catch someone committing an offence. The Criminal Law Act says reasonable force can be used if a suspect is being violent or aggressive.

Mr McKelvey told The Mail on Sunday that he set up My Local Bobby after noticing that you

didnt see police officers on the streets any more.

With monthly household subscriptions ranging between 30 and 125, the 63-year-old explained: A group of residents get together and pay for the service. That service is tailored to their needs  whether its eight, ten, 12 hours or 24/7.

My Local Bobby was set up by David McKelvey, a former Met detective chief inspector with a background in tackling organised crime gangs

They get their own bobby, someone they get to know and who gets to know them, knows what cars they drive, when they put their bin out, makes sure that stuff delivered from Amazon isnt left on the path, checks their cars are locked at night, windows closed and so on.

When a bobby comes on duty, hell check theres no graffiti, no littering. We deal with everything  street lighting, broken paving stones, whatever. Its not just about an area being safe, its about an area feeling safe.

If somebody has fears about someone in the area committing crime or antisocial behaviour, they just let us know and within minutes one of our bobbies will be there. The difference compared with the majority of other security companies is that our bobbies will intervene, will detain and will arrest.

Each beat has its own dedicated mobile phone number on which the bobby on duty can be contacted directly. There are also WhatsApp groups to allow subscribers to share intelligence and images relating to suspicious activity. Meanwhile, CCTV recordings  including individual household

footage  are monitored on a round-the-clock basis by staff in the control room, known as the Citadel, at the firms Waltham Abbey headquarters in Essex.

Mr McKelvey said his staff, who get twice-yearly training in using handcuffs and restraints, include high concentrations of ex-police and military personnel. In every beat we operate, we have become the first responders, he said. Very rarely now do our communities call the police first  theyll only call the police after calling our bobbies.

Nine times out of ten, our bobbies will deal with anything. Theyll

deal with stabbing and knife

crime, theyll deal with shoplifting, homelessness, drunks, theyll deal with violence.

Last week we dealt with two blackmails... were dealing with absolutely everything, down to retail crime, shoplifting, pickpockets, stuff the police dont respond to. But this isnt the fault of the police, this is down to lack of funding.

Indeed, the Met has lost some 1,000 officers in the last year alone.

No wonder that a landmark review published last month showed that public confidence in the police has fallen to a historic low over the past decade. Of 32,000 Britons who were polled, only 49 per cent described their local force as doing a good or excellent job in the 12 months to March. The figure from the Crime Survey for England and Wales was down by 13 percentage points  from 62 per cent  a decade ago. Other findings show that only 11 per cent of people said they had seen an officer on patrol at least once a week  compared with 29 per cent ten years previously.

The proportion of crime victims who said they were satisfied at how police handled the matter  51 per cent  was the lowest since records began in 1992.

Elsewhere, statistics show that just 5.7 per cent of reported crimes were solved in 2022 compared with 29 per cent in 2010.

Meanwhile, a recent poll indicates that only around half of us have spoken to a police officer in the past 12 months  although even that figure seems high compared with anecdotal evidence.

Among My Local Bobbys commercial clients are a number of business improvement districts (BIDs)  including The Junction BID, which represents around 400 businesses in Clapham Junction, south-west London. Jonny Dyson, a board member of the BID, said the decision was made to sign up to the service amid the increasing rise of shoplifting and the decreasing visibility of police on the streets.

He said: Im 57 and certainly when I was younger youd see a lot more police around. You hardly see them now, theyre closing down police stations left, right and centre.

It just feels like when it comes to petty crime, everyone is just accepting it. Theres no deterrent, theres nobody stopping anybody. So I suppose [having] the bobbies, for us, is trying in some tiny,

tiny way to win back that space thats being ignored by the

proper police.

One householder living in a My Local Bobby residential area said: Regardless of where you live, it seems to be accepted now that the police are unlikely to be much help for the sort of criminality and antisocial carry-on that affects neighbourhoods and communities. So it just feels like a bit of a no-brainer to have access to private policing if it is available.

The firm has been operational

in Hutton Mount, a suburb of Brentwood in Essex. It claims that since the start of the year just two incidents have been reported, compared with 314 crimes  including 55 car thefts and 13 residential burglaries  recorded during the same period in the wider Brentwood area.

Several other private policing firms have followed My Local Bobbys lead. Among them is Blueline Security, which mainly operates in the Home Counties.

Others include Dorset-based Safeguard Force, which claims to be making strides in enhancing community safety by patrolling hotspot areas, collaborating with local police and raising awareness of their presence.

According to its website, it is made up of more than 200

volunteers from diverse backgrounds including security professionals, ex-military personnel, first aid responders and concerned residents.

Meanwhile, Birmingham-based The Shield, which bills itself as working across the UK to prevent harm in your community before it happens, claims to

have surveillance intelligence experts and special ops personnel in its ranks.

Yet not everyone is convinced that private policing is such a clever idea. A long-term resident of one of west Londons more genteel enclaves told the MoS: We were offered a policing service where I live and, after thinking about it, we turned it down on the basis that it could potentially act like a beacon for criminals.

If they see private police around, theyre presumably going to think there will be rich pickings to be had.

For his part, David McKelvey stresses there is no mystery to his business model: There is a gap in policing and all weve done is come along and fill that gap.
White supremacist podcaster Nick Fuentes took to social media to claim that he and his followers are 'being framed' for the death of Charlie Kirk.

On Saturday, Fuentes, 27, turned to X to push back against growing claims that his followers - dubbed Groypers - are to blame for the shooting death of the prominent conservative activist.

Fuentes - who pushes racist and misogynist views on his platform - insisted there is 'literally zero evidence' supporting the accusations, which he called 'pure evil.'

'My followers and I are currently being framed for the murder of Charlie Kirk by the mainstream media based on literally zero evidence,' Fuentes wrote.

'After the Left gunned him down, they celebrated and justified it. They said I was next. Now they are blaming me. These people are pure evil.'

Kirk, 31, who co-founded Turning Point USA - a nonprofit organization that promotes conservative political ideas, especially among students - was shot and killed on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University as part of his group's 'American Comeback' tour.

Conservative podcaster Nick Fuentes (pictured) took to social media to claim that he and his followers are 'being framed' for the death of Charlie Kirk

Charlie Kirk, 31, who co-founded Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University as part of his group's 'American Comeback' tour

Fuentes insisted there is 'literally zero evidence' supporting the accusations, which he called 'pure evil'

Now, Fuentes claims the mainstream media is falsely linking him to the 'political assassination,' as several news outlets have reported alleged connections between his followers and the suspected shooter, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.

As the investigation into Kirk's high-profile murder continues, police recovered bullet casings near a rifle believed to have been used in the attack.

On one casing, investigators discovered a message which read, 'O Bella ciao, Bella ciao, Bella ciao, Ciao, ciao!' which they believe to have been a reference an antifascist anthem sung by Italians after World War II.

However, The New York Times reported that a version of the song appears on a Spotify playlist associated with Groypers, according to some social media users.

Other messages found on the casings include memes, gaming references, and one that reads, 'Hey Fascist! Catch!'

Robinson's apparent fluency with online culture has also fueled speculation that he may have been radicalized in far-right internet circles.

Fuentes claims the mainstream media is falsely linking him to the 'political assassination,' as several news outlets have reported alleged connections between his followers and the suspected shooter

Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested late Thursday in connection with the fatal shooting

Adding to the speculation, some observers have pointed to a Facebook photo from 2018 (pictured) in which Robinson appeared to dress as the Groyper meme for Halloween

Adding to the speculation, some observers have pointed to a Facebook photo from 2018 in which Robinson appeared to dress as the Groyper meme for Halloween.

However, as of now, there is no definitive link between Robinson, the Groypers, or Fuentes.

Fuentes' followers became known as Groypers after a variant of the viral 'Pepe the Frog' meme used by the alt-right. The term reflects their online identity as far-right nationalists who often clash with mainstream conservatives.

Robinson was arrested late Thursday in connection with the fatal shooting.

Although he has not yet been formally charged, the 22-year-old was taken into custody after allegedly confessing - or suggesting his involvement - to a family member, Utah Governor Spencer Cox said Friday.

He was identified through surveillance footage and was later arrested near St. George, Utah, according to Cox.

Robinson was identified through surveillance footage and was later arrested near St. George, Utah, according to Utah Governor Spencer Cox.

During a Friday press conference, Cox (pictured) noted that ahead of Kirk's visit, Robinson reportedly discussed his arrival with family members, expressing their shared dislike for Kirk and his political views

Also during the Friday presser, Cox added that ahead of Kirk's visit, Robinson reportedly discussed his arrival with family members, expressing their shared dislike for Kirk and his political views.

Now, media outlets have continued to stoke speculation about Robinson's motives, publishing and later retracting claims that appeared to portray him as a leftist, according to reporting from The Daily Beast.

During the investigation, The Wall Street Journal reported - based on information from law enforcement - that bullet casings recovered at the scene contained etchings reflecting 'transgender and antifascist ideology.'

However, the outlet later corrected the report, clarifying that none of the messages could be interpreted as promoting 'transgender ideology.'

On Friday, The Guardian published a story quoting an acquaintance of Robinson who described the suspect as 'really leftist.' That detail was later retracted after the source admitted they could not accurately recall Robinson's political views.

Kirk rose in popularity while hosting his daily radio show, 'The Charlie Kirk Show,' and appearing as a voice in culture wars on college campuses. Pictured: Charlie Kirk and his wife, Erika, are seen at a Turning Point USA event

The 47th president has said he would posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Pictured: A billboard shows an image of Donald Trump embracing Charlie Kirk to honor Kirk following his fatal shooting, in Tel Aviv, Israel

On Saturday, in a piece published by The Journal, the Utah governor reiterated that the investigation indicated Robinson was 'deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology.'

However, he did not offer any new evidence to support the claim.

Charlie Kirk rose in popularity while hosting his daily radio show, 'The Charlie Kirk Show,' and appearing as a voice in culture wars on college campuses.

He was lauded by President Donald Trump and other Republicans for aiding Trump's presidential campaigns, and the 47th president has said he would posthumously award Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
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.

In response to a media query, a spokesperson for the ministry said the U.S. government has recently overstretched the concept of national security, abused export controls and long-arm jurisdiction, and maliciously blocked and suppressed China's chip products and the artificial intelligence industry.

Such practices have seriously violated World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and damaged the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, and China is firmly opposed to them, the spokesperson said.

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.

The spokesperson stressed that the anti-dumping investigation was initiated at the request of China's domestic industry in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations, as well as WTO rules.

Preliminary evidence submitted by the applicant showed that from 2022 to 2024, imports of the products from the United States increased by 37 percent while their prices fell by 52 percent, which depressed China's domestic prices and harmed the production and operations of the domestic industry, the spokesperson said.

The investigation authorities will conduct the probe in line with statutory procedures, fully safeguard the rights of all stakeholders, and make an objective and fair ruling based on the findings, the spokesperson added.

On the same day, the ministry also announced the launch of an anti-discrimination investigation into relevant U.S. measures targeting China's integrated circuit sector.

Preliminary evidence indicates that the U.S. measures constitute prohibitive, restrictive or other like measures on a discriminatory basis under China's Foreign Trade Law, the ministry said.

The China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products expressed strong support for the ministry's decisions, pledging to actively support and cooperate with the investigations.

The chamber said it firmly opposes U.S. unilateral measures, which undermine the legitimate rights of Chinese enterprises and industries, and disrupt global industrial and supply chains.

It called on enterprises to strengthen technological innovation, enhance industrial coordination and expand international cooperation to jointly promote high-quality development of the semiconductor industry, foster an open, fair and orderly market, and contribute to the prosperity of the global semiconductor sector.

Also on Saturday, the ministry responded to a U.S. move to add multiple Chinese entities to its export control list. A spokesperson said China firmly opposes the move, which targets Chinese entities in the semiconductor, biotechnology, aerospace, and commercial and trade logistics sectors.

The spokesperson noted that with China and the United States scheduled to hold economic and trade talks in Spain from Sept. 14, "the U.S. decision to sanction Chinese enterprises raises questions about its true intentions." 
Venezuela has accused the United States of illegally detaining a fishing boat for eight hours amid Donald Trump's renewed push to intercept drug smugglers at sea.

In August, US defense officials announced the deployment of over 4,000 Marines and sailors to the waters surrounding Latin America and the Caribbean as part of the presidents crackdown on drug cartels.

But on Saturday, Venezuelas foreign minister condemned the United States for allegedly illegally and hostilely detaining a fishing vessel in its waters using the USS, a US Navy destroyer, on Friday.

The boat, which the ministry said was crewed by nine tuna fishermen, was sailing 48 nautical miles northeast of La Blanquilla Island - Venezuelan territory.

Venezuela stated that the area where the vessel was seized falls within the countrys Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

This zone, established by international law, extends 200 nautical miles from a countrys coastline, granting that country exclusive rights to exploit marine resources within it.

While other nations may navigate or carry out naval operations within an EEZ, they cannot exploit its resources or disrupt lawful civilian activities without the consent of the coastal state.

Foreign Minister Yvan Gil stated on Saturday that the warship 'deployed 18 armed agents who boarded and occupied the small, harmless boat for eight hours,' as reported by TeleSUR English.

Venezuela has accused the United States of illegally detaining a fishing boat for eight hours amid Donald Trump's renewed push to intercept drug smugglers at sea (pictured: Foreign Minister Yvan Gil with image of fishing boat)

In August, US defense officials announced the deployment of over 4,000 Marines and sailors to the waters surrounding Latin America and the Caribbean as part of the presidents crackdown on drug cartels

Venezuelas foreign minister (pictured) condemned the United States for allegedly illegally and hostilely detaining a fishing vessel carrying nine men in its waters using the USS, a US Navy destroyer, on Friday

He also described the incident as a direct provocation through the illegal use of excessive military force, noting that the boat had authorization from the Ministry of Fisheries to carry out its work.

Gil noted that those who ordered the 'illegitimate' seizure - during which he presented video footage of the incident - 'are looking for an incident to justify escalating war in the Caribbean, with the aim of regime change in Caracas.'

Although the nine-man crew was released under escort by the Venezuelan navy, Gil demanded that the US immediately cease these actions that endanger security and peace in the Caribbean.

The ministrys statement also included a direct message to the American people.

The statement called on US citizens to 'recognize the seriousness of these maneuvers and reject the use of their soldiers as sacrificial pieces to sustain the desires of a greedy and predatory elite.'

Venezuela ultimately warned that it will defend its sovereignty against any form of provocation.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The move has further heightened tensions between the two countries, which have escalated in recent weeks following Washingtons deployment of spy planes, a warship, and even a submarine to the southern Caribbean Sea.

Venezuelas leader Nicolas Maduro, who the US does not recognize as the legitimate president of the country after an election last year, threatened to 'declare a republic in arms' if attacked by American forces.

Gil (center) noted that those who ordered the 'illegitimate' seizure - during which he presented video footage of the incident - 'are looking for an incident to justify escalating war in the Caribbean, with the aim of regime change in Caracas'

The ministry called on Americans to 'recognize the seriousness of these maneuvers and reject the use of their soldiers as sacrificial pieces to sustain the desires of a greedy and predatory elite' (pictured: US forces in the Caribbean)

He declared that his country was at 'maximum preparedness' during a news conference, in response to the increased US maritime presence near Venezuelan waters.

The leftist leader characterized the US operation as 'an extravagant, unjustifiable, immoral and absolutely criminal and bloody threat.'

He then warned that US military action against Venezuela would 'stain' President Trump's 'hands with blood.'

'President Donald Trump, the pursuit of regime change is exhausted; it has failed as a policy worldwide,' Maduro said. 'You cannot pretend to impose a situation in Venezuela.'

But Trump has only continued to ramp up pressure on Maduro, whom he accuses of leading a cocaine trafficking cartel.

Last month, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced a $50million reward for information leading to the capture and arrest of Maduro, saying he uses 'foreign terrorist organizations' to 'bring deadly drugs and violence into our country.'

But tensions only intensified last week when US forces blew up an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean, killing 11 people.

Venezuelas leader Nicolas Maduro (pictured) declared that his country was at 'maximum preparedness' during a news conference, in response to the increased US maritime presence

Last month, Attorney General Pam Bondi (pictured) announced a $50million reward for information leading to the capture and arrest of Maduro, saying he uses 'foreign terrorist organizations' to 'bring deadly drugs and violence into our country'

Tensions escalated further last week when US forces blew up an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean, killing 11 people (pictured)

Trump announced the operation from the Oval Office, later stating in a Truth Social post that those killed were members of the Tren de Aragua narcoterrorist group - although the administration has yet to present any evidence supporting this claim.

'You'll see that we just, over the last few minutes literally shot out a boat, a drug-carrying boat, a lot of drugs in that boat,' Trump told reporters after the strike.

'We have a lot of drugs pouring into our country, coming in for a long time, and we just - these came out of Venezuela. And coming out very heavily from Venezuela, a lot of things are coming out of Venezuela, so we took it out,' he added.

Meanwhile, Venezuela accused the US of committing 'extrajudicial killings,' with Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello calling Washingtons account 'a tremendous lie,' as reported by WTOP News.

Cabello further suggested that, according to Venezuelan government investigations, the incident could be linked to the disappearance of several individuals in a coastal region of the country who had no ties to drug trafficking.

'They openly confessed to killing 11 people,' Cabello said on state television, according to Aljazeera.

'Our investigations show the victims were not drug traffickers,' he added. 'A murder has been committed against a group of citizens using lethal force.'

Yet the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has so far seized 30 tons of cocaine that were subsequently linked to Maduro and his associates, according to AG Biondi.

Trump stated in a Truth Social post that those killed were members of the Tren de Aragua narcoterrorist group - although the administration has yet to present any evidence supporting this claim

Venezuela accused the US of committing 'extrajudicial killings,' with Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello calling Washingtons account 'a tremendous lie' (pictured: alleged members of Tren de Aragua, a gang Maduro is accused of working with)

Nearly seven tons of that total was linked to Maduro himself, she added, explaining that this represents a primary source of income for gangs operating in Venezuela and Mexico.

Maduro has since announced the deployment of troops, police, and civilian militias across 284 'battlefront' locations, reinforcing earlier troop increases along the Colombian border.

The US government has given no indication of plans to conduct a ground incursion, despite deploying more than 4,000 troops to the region.

Nevertheless, the Venezuelan government has called on its citizens to enlist in militias - armed volunteer groups - to support security forces in the event of a potential bombardment.
Western Australians are set to gain two extra public holidays a year in a huge shake-up to the state's calendar.

Easter Saturday and a new weekday off called Show Day will be added to the public holiday calendar, Premier Roger Cook announced on Saturday.

The dates of three existing holidays will also be changed.

Western Australia's new public holiday lineup is expected to begin in 2028.

The changes will see Easter Saturday join Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday as a public holiday.

This will see Western Australia fall in line with every other state and territory except Tasmania.

Show Day will be introduced as a brand-new public holiday to coincide with the first Monday of the September-October school holidays.

Regional councils will have the option to hold Show Day on another date in September.

Western Australians will enjoy two new public holidays from 2028

Easter Saturday and a new public holiday called Show Day will be added to the calendar (pictured, tourists on holiday at Hillarys Boat Harbour in WA)

Western Australia currently has the fewest public holidays in the country, with just 11 days - the same as New South Wales.

In comparison, Victoria, the Northern Territory, and the ACT each have 13 public holidays, while Tasmania, Queensland, and South Australia have 12.

Western Australians will see further changes to the calendar with Labour Day moving to the second Monday in March to align with other states.

In state election years, it will shift to the third Monday in March to avoid having an election over a long weekend.

The King's Birthday, which is currently held in late September during Royal Show week, will be moved to the second Monday in June, similar to other states.

Western Australia Day will no longer take place in June and will move to the second Monday in November.

The Public and Bank Holidays Amendment Bill 2025, which will enable the changes to the calendar, is expected to be introduced into the WA Parliament this week.

Premier Roger Cook said the public had 'overwhelmingly' supported the shake-up when it was first suggested by the government earlier this year.

Premier Roger Cook (pictured) said the public calendar shake-up had been 'overwhelmingly' supported by the public

'We want WA's economy to remain the strongest in the nation,' he told The Sunday Times.

'So, to keep it running smoothly, it makes sense we make doing business with the eastern states as efficient as we can.'

The Premier said he wanted to 'make sure workers get the breaks they deserve' and described the changes as 'a win for families and for business'.

However, the increase in public holidays from 11 to 13 could cost employers an extra $147million a year in additional wages.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, the Tourism Council of WA and the Australian Hotels Association WA all oppose making Easter Saturday a public holiday.

'It's clear that WA businesses can't afford another two days where they're paying someone $65 an hour to wash dishes,' CCIWA acting co-chief executive Aaron Morey said last month.
Peter Mandelson is a bomb waiting to go off say Labour MPs  with some of the stories that have appeared since his sacking hinting at the danger he could pose to the Prime Minister.

A report in Saturday's Times stating that Downing Street was already aware of damning emails between the peer and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein when Sir Keir Starmer stood up in the Commons to express his full confidence in Lord Mandelson bore all the hallmarks of his allies.

Despite the embarrassingly gushing content of the messages to his best pal, in which he expressed his love and support for Epstein and urged him to apply for early release after his conviction for child sex offences, Lord Mandelson is said to feel hung out to dry by the PM  a dangerous state of mind given how deeply embedded he was in Sir Keirs inner circle and how privy he was to confidential information.

He must know enough to bring down Keir if he wanted to, said one MP.

Lord Mandelson refused to resign and remains on the government payroll, meaning he could be in line for a six-figure taxpayer-funded payout for his dismissal from the 200,000-a-year job as ambassador to the US.

Sir Keir did not speak to Lord Mandelson before his dismissal  just 24 hours after backing him in the Commons. The speed with which events moved meant that employment law does not appear to have been followed.

The Government could have to prove that the former ambassador materially misled ministers and officials about his relationship with Epstein if they wanted to avoid paying him compensation.

The Foreign Office was sent details of the cache of emails early on Tuesday, more than 30 hours before they were published by Bloomberg and 24 hours before the Prime Minister gave Lord Mandelson his support in Parliament.

Peter Mandelson is a bomb waiting to go off say Labour MPs  with some of the stories that have appeared since his sacking hinting at the danger he could pose to the Prime Minister

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

Mandelson's message in the 'birthday book' compiled by Ghislaine Maxwell, said Epstein was 'my best pal!'

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, who scored a rare success at Prime Ministers Questions by harrying the Prime Minister on the Mandelson scandal, accused Sir Keir of lying about what he knew, and when, regarding Lord Mandelsons relationship with Epstein.

She 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.

The Times said Lord Mandelson felt ill-treated because the Prime Minister had succumbed to political pressure. He has made it clear through allies that during his vetting interview he was specifically asked about his association with Epstein and made clear that he had carried on the link for many years. Those allies say he could not provide the emails because they were sent from an old account to which he no longer access.

The Prime Ministers dwindling band of supporters describe him as frustrated and a bit angry because he is having to deal with the conduct of others, rather than show what he is trying to do, and justify the fiasco by saying: He hired someone who didnt tell him the full truth.

Payouts for senior civil servants can be substantial. Sir Philip Rutnam, the former permanent secretary at the Home Office who quit after accusing Priti Patel of bullying, settled his case for 340,000.
A British businessman facing extradition to the US for alleged espionage is feared to have fled to China after escaping house arrest in Serbia, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

John Miller and his Chinese 'handler' Cui Guanghai were arrested in Belgrade after an FBI sting operation in April, just hours before they were due to fly to Beijing.

The pair, accused of trying to buy weapons and sensitive military technology in the US for the Chinese military, had been under house arrest ever since as they awaited extradition to America.

But last month, while living in separate rented flats in the Serbian capital, the pair apparently removed their electronic surveillance tags and escaped house arrest at the same time.

Last night Mr Miller's brother Alan told the MoS: 'You would have thought they must have had some help and he will probably be in China. His son still lives there as far as I know.'

A family friend added: 'His wife told me she didn't think she would ever see him again.

'The thing is that Johnny is very English. He won't find it easy being over there.' It is not clear when the two men fled but a Belgrade court issued an arrest warrant for them on August 15.

After their arrest in April there were fears that Chinese spies would try to mount an escape bid. Mr Cui is a suspected senior Chinese intelligence official.

British businessman John Miller is facing extradition to the US for alleged espionage is feared to have fled to China after escaping house arrest in Serbia

Miller and his Chinese 'handler' Cui Guanghai were arrested in Belgrade after an FBI sting operation in April

Court documents show that Mr Miller, a 63-year-old recruitment specialist from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, referred to Chinese leader Xi Jinping as 'The Boss' in intercepted phone calls.

The FBI said this demonstrated his 'awareness that he was acting at the direction and control of the [Chinese] government'.

US-based Chinese national Mr Cui, 43, is an Edinburgh University graduate suspected of working for China's military intelligence and described as 'important' to President Xi.

Mr Cui and Mr Miller have been pictured together in London's Chinatown. Other images on social media show Mr Cui and his wife in Edinburgh, Dublin and London. Britain's security services were understood to be liaising with the FBI.

Documents filed at the Eastern District Court of Wisconsin in Milwaukee allege Mr Miller tried to buy military hardware in the US for the People's Liberation Army.

This included missile launchers, air-defence radars and Black Hornet 'microdrones' that can fly within feet of enemy soldiers and enter buildings to spy on troop positions.

Other equipment Mr Miller is alleged to have tried to procure included a hand-held device approved by America's National Security Agency for the secure communication of 'classified and sensitive national security information'.

Mr Miller and Mr Cui were arrested at Belgrade's Hyatt Regency Hotel on April 24 having flown in from Hungary after meeting business associates  and falling into an FBI trap.

Sources say US agents waited for Mr Cui to travel to Europe before issuing the arrest order.

Mr Miller has been charged in the US with smuggling, stalking and violations of the Arms Export Control Act. If convicted, they face up to 40 years in prison.
Boris Johnson made a surprise morale-boosting visit to Ukraine yesterday as Volodymyr Zelensky urged the West not to trust Vladimir Putin.

The former Prime Minister was spotted watching a sunrise across the Black Sea in Odesa alongside excited Ukrainians taking selfies.

He was joined by former Tory deputy chairman Lord Ashcroft and Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko accompanied by live piano on Langeron beach.

Mr Goncharenko thanked Mr Johnson for his 'solidarity' and said it 'meant a lot to Odesa and Ukrainians'.

It is one of several visits the former PM has made to Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022.

Mr Johnson condemned Donald Trump's 'sick making' red-carpet rollout for Putin in Alaska last month.

Since then, Russia's army has gained more territory in Ukraine and Putin has vowed to carry on fighting if his peace demands  for Ukraine to cede large swathes of territory  are not met.

Mr Zelensky warned that the West should not trust Putin and that his goal was to occupy all of Ukraine.

Boris Johnson (right) pictured with Lord Ashcroft (centre) and Oleksiy Goncharenko (left)

Volodymyr Zelensky (pictured) urged the West not to trust Vladimir Putin

It came amid rising tensions in Poland last night with more Russian drones flying in Ukraine near the border.

Polish prime minister Donald Tusk announced that ground-based air defence systems were on the highest alert level and operations were ongoing in a bid to shoot down any drones that crossed into Polish territory.

The alert was focused on Lublin Airport, about 60 miles from the border with Ukraine. Britain said earlier that it was 'fully committed' to a new Nato operation designed to shoot down Russian drones and missiles entering the alliance's airspace.

The Ministry of Defence said the role of UK forces would be revealed shortly but made clear it was a direct response to last week's incursion by at least 24 drones over Polish territory.

Nato secretary general Mark Rutte launched Operation Eastern Sentry with the stark warning that Russia's new missiles could travel at five times the speed of sound.

He said they threatened not just Estonia and Lithuania but the whole of Western Europe.

Mr Rutte predicted they would 'take five or ten minutes longer to reach Madrid or London  than to reach [Estonia and Lithuania capitals] Tallinn or Vilnius', adding: 'We all live on the eastern flank.'

Defence analysts believe the Kremlin's drone launch was a test to gauge Nato's ability to respond.

Polish prime minister Donald Tusk (pictured) announced that ground-based air defence systems were on the highest alert level

Denmark will now contribute two F-16 fighters and an anti-air warfare frigate to the Nato defence operation, as well as investing 6.7 billion  the largest weapons deal in its history  in surface-to-air missiles.

The operation will also see three French Rafale fighter jets and four German Eurofighters on permanent standby. Poland has already massed around 40,000 troops on its eastern border

Nato said: 'The United Kingdom has also expressed its willingness to [provide] support.'

Defence Secretary John Healey last week revealed he had asked military advisers to consider how the UK could help bolster Polish air defences.

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.'
A relic of the Catholic Church's first millennial saint Carlo Acutis has been stolen from a parish in western Venezuela.

The disappearance of the relic - a small, circular piece of cloth - was reported on Tuesday by staff at the Santo Domingo de Guzman parish in Cardenal Quintero municipality in Merida state.

'So far, there's no information; it's still missing,' said Adrian Garcia, coordinator of the San Carlo Acutis Youth Group.

'We have faith in God that it will appear. It has great spiritual value.'

The relic, which was housed in a glass reliquary, disappeared just two days after Pope Leo XIV declared Acutis a saint.

The 15-year-old computer expert, who used technology to spread the faith, is considered a role model for the next generation of Catholics.

The cloth is a 'third-degree relic,' which are usually objects that have been touched by the saint.

Police are investigating its disappearance, the parish said.

The Catholic Church has previously denounced the online sale of Carlo Acutis' relics.

A relic of the Catholic Church's first millennial saint Carlo Acutis has been stolen from a parish in western Venezuela

The relic, which was housed in a glass reliquary, disappeared just two days after Pope Leo XIV declared Acutis a saint

A view of St. Peter's square during the Canonization Ceremony of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati by Pope Leo XIV at The Vatican on September 7, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican

Acutis was named 'venerable' in 2018.

He was then declared 'blessed' in 2020 after the Vatican's saint-making office declared that a child in Brazil who recovered from a pancreatic deformation was 'scientifically inexplicable' and a miracle attributed to Acutis' intercession.

Leo canonized Acutis, who died of leukemia in 2006, last week during an open-air Mass in St. Peter's Square before an estimated 80,000 people.

Acutis was born on May 3, 1991, in London to a wealthy family who moved back to Milan, Italy.

He earned the nickname 'God's Influencer,' thanks to his main tech legacy: a multilingual website documenting so-called Eucharistic miracles recognized by the church.

It is common for relics to be sent to churches in various countries.

In this case, the Venezuelan youth group had requested the relic when Acutis was declared blessed, a step prior to sainthood.
Democratic-led states including New York and New Jersey have refused to lower flags to half-staff this week in honor of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The refusal is in defiance of a presidential proclamation issued by Donald Trump ordering the nationwide tribute following Kirk's killing.

The directive was signed Wednesday and instructed US flags on all federal property to remain at half-staff until Sunday evening in recognition of what Trump called Kirk's service as 'a truly Great American Patriot.'

While federal buildings in Washington, D.C. complied immediately, lowering flags at the White House and other agencies, the order was ignored by state governments in New York and New Jersey, where official flag guidance listed 'full staff' and no state-level order was issued.

That decision has drawn fierce backlash from conservatives, particularly in Bergen County, New Jersey, where local officials said they were simply following the state's daily flag protocol and not making a political statement.

'Today's status was full staff,' Bergen County said in a Facebook post.

'Bergen County's policy is to follow the State of New Jersey's daily flag status The County of Bergen condemns all forms of political violence and rejects hate in every form,' the county added.

Their response did little to quell the fury.

Democratic-led states including New York and New Jersey have refused to lower flags to half-staff this week in honor of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Pictured, flags in Hackensack, New Jersey are seen at full staff on Saturday afternoon

The view outside the White House shows people looking at the flag at half-staff for Charlie Kirk on Thursday

Officials in Bergen County, New Jersey said they were simply following the state's daily flag protocol and not making a political statement

'The Bergen County Democrats refuse to lower the flags to half-staff for the assassination of Charlie Kirk and have ignored federal orders to do so!' fumed Jay Costa, a Republican commissioner candidate, on Instagram.

'Truly despicable! They deserve to lose in November.'

Social media was flooded with posts accusing Democrat-run counties and blue states of politicizing grief and defying presidential authority.

'Flags were at half-staff when Whitney Houston died,' one commenter noted.

Despite the uproar, legal experts say the issue isn't as black-and-white as it seems.

While a presidential proclamation regarding flags carries symbolic weight, it does not carry the force of law for state or local governments.

'States, businesses, and private individuals have the choice to follow the federal government or not,' explained vexillologist Michael Green to NJ.com.

'A state can lower a flag and another state wouldn't. That is the beauty of the system - states have their own authority.

Charlie Kirk, 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah

Some flags in New Jersey were indeed lowered to half-mast. Pictured, flags at the Flag Plaza with the Statue of Liberty in the background

The Dream City church in Phoenix, Arizona flew their flag at half staff in tribute to Kirk

Flags fly at half-staff in front of the Utah County Security Center where 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, the suspect in the killing political activist Charlie Kirk, is being held

In Johnson County Iowa, the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors explained why the county would continue to fly the flag as full mast

'Anything flag-related is completely unenforceable,' Green said. 'It's a guideline, not a rule.'

Trump's flag directive applies only to federal buildings, military facilities, embassies, and territories under executive control. States, municipalities, and private institutions are not legally obligated to comply.

Green, a flag scholar, emphasized that flags often become 'diving boards into something else.'

'In and of themselves they're just pieces of fabric,' he said. 'But people use them to display what they want to. That is what I love about them.'

But to conservatives, the refusal to lower flags can feel more like deliberate resistance.

Across the region, compliance with Trump's order varied sharply along state lines.

New York and New Jersey, both led by Democratic governors, opted not to issue statewide flag orders in response to Kirk's death and instead stuck with routine flag status procedures. In New Jersey, that meant no change to full staff.

The stars and stripes flag flies at half-mast as a man carries a large cross near a makeshift memorial for Charlie Kirk outside of the Turning Point USA headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona

Many others on social media also disagreed with the president's order to fly flags at half mast

By contrast, Delaware and Pennsylvania, both swing states with Democratic governors, chose to observe the presidential order and lowered their flags.

Some New Jersey counties including such as Bergen, Hudson, and Essex, said they were simply following state guidance, not making political judgments.

But in the current climate, even bureaucratic neutrality can look like a partisan slight.

A spokesperson for New York State told DailyMail.com flags will be directed to be lowered on the day of Charlie Kirks funeral just as they have been for others who lost their lives to police violence, like Rep. Melissa Hortman and Corey Comperatore.

Charlie Kirk, 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

His death sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from conservative circles and has reignited national debate over political rhetoric, free speech, and violence.

Federal agents have identified and arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the alleged shooter.

He remains in custody and is charged with aggravated murder, among other crimes.

His motives are still under investigation, but law enforcement sources have said he left behind bullet casings etched with cryptic references to fascism, video games, and political ideology.
Sir Keir Starmer is under renewed pressure to ditch Angela Rayner's flagship Employment Rights Bill, which is returning to Parliament tomorrow for debate.

Despite Ms Rayner's resignation over underpaid stamp duty earlier this month, the Prime Minister has insisted that he will press ahead with the Bill, which opponents have warned will cost businesses 5 billion a year.

The legislation, dubbed the 'Unemployment Bill' by critics, contains a raft of pro-union measures, including the right to switch off and entitlements for employees from the moment they start work.

Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith has warned Sir Keir that he must 'reduce the huge burdens' the Bill will place on business and water down plans that make it even easier to strike.

'Crippling strikes will be the new normal in Spineless Starmer's Broken Britain,' he added. The chaotic scenes in London last week following the Tube strikes will be just the start.

'They will be replicated across the country as militant unions demand ever-higher pay and taxpayers foot the bill.'

This weekend, charities also joined the chorus of opposition to the Bill, piling yet more pressure on Sir Keir.

Many said they are concerned that giving workers 'day-one rights', including sick leave, will mean fewer bosses will 'have the courage' to hire ex-prisoners.

Keir Starmer has insisted on pressing ahead with Angela Rayner's Employment Rights Bill. The pair are pictured together at the Labour Party conference last year

The fine print of the Government's own analysis admits that firms will 'take on fewer 'riskier hires', for example ex-offenders'.

Beverley Brooks, founder of the Recruitment Junction, which helps prisoners find work, said that the legislation would 'disincentivise employers from hiring people with convictions'.

This is despite justice minister Lord Timpson's crusade at his shoe repair business, which has hired more than 500 offenders.

Mr Griffith added: 'Labour ministers like Lord Timpson say they want more offenders in work, but the Government's actions are the complete opposite.'
A North Shore mum found not guilty of drink-driving after blaming her high breath test on a health drink has been charged again after flipping her car.

Natasha Jansen, 49, was acquitted of high-range drink-driving last month after falling asleep in her car outside her children's private school in Northbridge and returning a reading more than five times the legal limit.

The mother had the charges dismissed on August 11 after arguing in court that her reflux condition, combined with her skincare regime, was to blame.

She said the chlorophyll she drank as part of the regime resulted in alcohol in her mouth and an inaccurately high reading on the police breathalyser.

Weeks after her acquittal, Ms Jansen will face court again next month on a new set of charges.

Police allege the 49-year-old flipped her Toyota HiLux after crashing into a parked car in Northbridge at about 11.30am on August 29.

The North Shore woman once again returned a positive reading for alcohol in her system at the scene of the crash.

She was taken to Chatswood Police Station where she allegedly refused to submit to a breath test.

Natasha Jansen (pictured) allegedly flipped her Toyota HiLux after crashing into a parked car in Northbridge about 11.30am on August 29

Ms Jansen has been charged with negligent driving and failing to submit a breath analysis.

A NSW Police spokesman said emergency services found the overturned Toyota HiLux after being called to Kameruka Rd following reports of a crash.

'The driver, a 49-year-old woman, was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics for minor injuries,' the spokesperson said.

'She was subjected to a roadside breath test, which allegedly returned a positive result.'

The new charges come after Ms Jansens high-range drink-driving charges were dismissed in Hornsby Local Court by Magistrate Margaret McGlynn.

Ms Jansen fell asleep in her car outside the Northbridge playing fields at Shore School on the afternoon of July 23, 2024, causing a long queue.

Suspecting she may have been drinking, police administered a breath test, which returned a blood-alcohol reading of 0.243 per cent - nearly five times the legal limit of 0.05.

Her lawyer, Michael Bowe, argued Ms Jansen had been drinking liquid chlorophyll as part of her skin regimen, which, combined with her reflux condition, had contributed to an inaccurate reading.

Ms Jansen was acquitted of high-range drink-driving last month after returning a reading more than five times the legal limit and blaming it on a health drink

Ms Jansen had consumed two 500ml bottles of Grants liquid chlorophyll, available at supermarkets, while waiting outside the school, the court was told.

Neuropharmacology expert Professor Macdonald Christie testified the amount Ms Jansen consumed should have left her with a blood alcohol reading of 0.12 or less - below the threshold for a high-range drink-driving charge.

The court was told Ms Jansen suffered from a reflux condition which a police breathalyser expert admitted could have contributed to an inaccurate reading if it caused her to regurgitate the chlorophyll into her mouth.

The breathalyser may have reflected the alcohol content in Ms Jansen's mouth, rather than in her bloodstream, the court heard.
An Indigenous activist who appears to have welcomed the assassination of right-wing US commentator Charlie Kirk now says: 'I think he brought it on himself.'

Bruce Muckadda Shillingsworth wrote on Facebook 'one less racist coloniser #CharlieKirk' just hours after the father-of-two was shot dead during a rally at Utah Valley University last week.

Shillingsworth followed that up with a video stating 31-year-old Kirk had 'caused nothing but harm, loss and damage to millions of people, in particular the LGB community'.

'This guy is not innocent,' Shillingsworth said.

'Politics is not a game. People's lives depend on it. And it is my belief that natural lore has yet again prevailed, as it should.

'Yes, we feel for his children and his wife but for him, me personally, I am struggling to conjure any feeling or emotion of sadness or sorrow.'

In the video, Shillingsworth wore a T-shirt emblazoned with the word 'yaama' - a Gamilaroi greeting - as well as '80,000+ years'. That figure adds 15,000 years to the usual estimate of how long Aboriginal people have occupied the continent.

The response to Shillingsworth's social media posts about Kirk's death was generally negative, with some users saying the 34-year-old campaigner had now lost their support.

Indigenous activist Bruce Muckadda Shillingsworth who appears to have welcomed the assassination of right-wing US commentator Charlie Kirk now says: 'I think he brought it on himself'

Shillingsworth established a body he calls 'Tribal Lore Enforcement' in NSW's north-west with his father Bruce Mundagutta Shillingsworth. He sometimes dresses like a police officer

'Celebrating the death of someone for just voicing & debating views different than yours show who you are... RIP Charlie,' one woman wrote.

Another said: 'Your rage is misdirected sir. I wouldn't wish on you or any human alive what happened to Charlie Kirk.'

A third replied: 'You lost me Bruce.'

Student Tyler Robinson, 22, has been arrested over Kirk's murder, which took place on Thursday morning (Australian time) at a college event for Turning Point USA, a conservative movement Kirk founded.

Kirk's views included opposition to same-sex marriage, rejecting 'transgenderism' and denouncing what he called the 'LGBTQ agenda'.

Fiercely pro-Donald Trump, Kirk was pro-guns, anti-abortion, against Islam, and he was regularly accused of racism and misogyny.

Shillingsworth did not back down when contacted by the Daily Mail about how he had reacted to Kirk's death.

'They're kind of martyring him for his views and without a doubt they're racist views,' he said.

Shillingsworth wrote on Facebook 'one less racist coloniser #CharlieKirk' just hours after the father-of-two was shot dead during a rally at Utah Valley University last week

Shillingsworth posted a video in which he stated Charlie Kirk had 'caused nothing but harm, loss and damage to millions of people, in particular the LGB community'

'These particular people who are part of these groups, it's not going in their favour anymore. It's nobody's fault but their own.'

Asked directly if he welcomed Kirk's assassination, Shillingsworth said: 'I think he brought it on himself.'

'That's what natural lore is. You cause harm, loss and damage to others, that's the consequence of it.'

Shillingsworth uses his Facebook page to share statements such as 'First Nations hold supreme power, jurisdiction and authority over their lands' with his 68,000 followers.

The Muruwarri and Budjiti man posts videos advising Indigenous Australians on how to deal with police, who he calls 'foreign private corporate agents', and has been filmed blocking their path.

Shillingsworth established a body he calls 'Tribal Lore Enforcement' in NSW's north-west with his father Bruce Mundagutta Shillingsworth six years ago.

He has appeared wearing a black and grey uniform and driving a white Hyundai Accent with a police-like chequered pattern and the words 'Lore Enforcement' emblazoned on its side.

In September 2023, Shillingsworth was convicted of aiding and abetting arson and destroying Commonwealth property in relation to a December 2021 fire which caused $5.3million to Old Parliament House.

Kirk's views included opposition to same-sex marriage, rejecting 'transgenderism' and denouncing what he called the 'LGBTQ agenda'. He is pictured with wife Erika

Student Tyler Robinson, 22, has been arrested over Kirk's murder. Wreaths laid in tribute to Kirk outside the US embassy in Pretoria are pictured above

He had appeared at the ACT Supreme Court wearing a traditional headdress and loincloth, and draped in a kangaroo pelt inscribed with a declaration of independence signed by 'his people'.

Tribal Lore Enforcement covers an area of about 200 square kilometres and a population between 2,000 and 3,000 - most of them Indigenous - from Bourke up to Enngonia near the Queensland border.

Shillingsworth was filmed three years ago in a confrontation with police who responded to reports of illegal squatting on Ledknapper Nature Reserve at Enngonia.

'We've got the police here,' Shillingsworth said to the camera.

'What's happening is they're going out onto Muruwarri country, they're thinking that they've got authority. I'm going to ask them right here right now about whether they've got jurisdiction.

One of the officers interjected, telling Shillingsworth: 'You're blocking a public road'.

Another officer said, 'You're blocking a roadway, move your vehicle. This is a roadway in NSW.'

Shillingsworth told the officers again, 'This is Muruwarri land,' before warning them they were not allowed to enter traditional Aboriginal land.

After being given a direction to move his car, Shillingsworth identified himself as a 'Lore Enforcement officer'.

Tribal Lore Enforcement covers an area of about 200 square kilometres and a population between 2,000 and 3,000 - most of them Indigenous

'You're committing an offence because that land from here onwards is Muruwarri land and you should know that,' Shillingsworth said.

Shillingsworth was subsequently charged with obstructing traffic and disobeying directions over the incident, which occurred in March 2022.

He was found guilty of both offences and fined $400 after a hearing in September 2022 at Bourke Local Court.

Shillingsworth later pleaded guilty to using a recording device inside court premises and posting the results on social media. He was placed on a nine-month conditional release order without conviction.

In another confrontation, this time outside the Oasis Hotel in Enngonia in April 2022, Shillingsworth again objected to police being on Muruwarri land.

'You guys are trespassing,' Shillingsworth told police in a video of that encounter. 'We served you guys with an eviction notice and now you are overstepping that.

'This is the second time we've given you a warning. Next time you come out on Muruwarri land you may be liable to prosecution under our law and you may be arrested. Do you understand that?'

Shillingsworth previously told the Daily Mail that privately funded Tribal Lore Enforcement was unlike a government-run police force.

'First of all, there is a difference between law and lore,' he said. 'Lore is in reference to natural lore.

'First Nations people have that close relationship with the land, the flora, fauna, all of it. So it's very very different from man-made law.'
Chinese Ambassador to Mozambique Zheng Xuan addresses the opening ceremony of a photo exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Mozambique in Maputo, Mozambique, Sept. 12, 2025. A photo exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Mozambique opened Friday at the Mozambique-China Cultural Center in the Mozambican capital of Maputo. Jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy in Mozambique, the Mozambican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, and Xinhua News Agency Africa Regional Bureau, the event brought together about 200 participants, including Mozambican Secretary of State for Tourism Fredson Bacar, Chinese Ambassador to Mozambique Zheng Xuan, representatives from various Mozambican sectors, Chinese enterprises operating in Mozambique, and members of the Chinese community. (Xinhua/Han Xu)

MAPUTO, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- A photo exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Mozambique opened Friday at the Mozambique-China Cultural Center in the Mozambican capital of Maputo.

Jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy in Mozambique, the Mozambican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, and Xinhua News Agency Africa Regional Bureau, the event brought together about 200 participants, including Mozambican Secretary of State for Tourism Fredson Bacar, Chinese Ambassador to Mozambique Zheng Xuan, representatives from various Mozambican sectors, Chinese enterprises operating in Mozambique, and members of the Chinese community.

Nearly 150 photos on display are divided into three sections, highlighting major historical moments and cooperation outcomes since the establishment of diplomatic ties five decades ago.

The section "Traces of 50 Years of China-Mozambique Friendship" highlights China's support for Mozambique's independence struggle and the growth of political, economic, and cultural exchanges. "Pioneers of People-to-People Exchanges -- Chinese Enterprises in Mozambique" showcases Chinese companies' contributions to local development and livelihoods. "Lens of Xinhua, Images of the Century" presents classic works by Xinhua, chronicling China's remarkable development since the founding of the People's Republic of China.

At the opening ceremony, Bacar expressed gratitude for China's tremendous contribution to Mozambique's social and economic development over the past 50 years. He noted that the exhibition vividly illustrates the growth of bilateral ties, a history of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation marked by fruitful results and mutual benefit.

He noted that in recent years, cooperation between Mozambique and China has achieved remarkable outcomes in such areas as finance, infrastructure, energy, transport, telecommunications, science and technology, agriculture, health, education, culture, and tourism.

Mechanisms such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries (Macao), and the Belt and Road Initiative have opened a broader space for collaboration, providing platforms to turn Mozambique's abundant natural resources and agricultural potential into drivers of sustainable development, Bacar added.

Zheng emphasized that traditional friendship between China and Mozambique, which dates back to their joint struggles against imperialism and colonialism, has been continuously strengthened since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

"The two countries have firmly supported each other, deepening practical cooperation and consolidating friendship while jointly pursuing national development and revitalization," she said, adding that the exhibition showcases both the history of bilateral relations and tangible achievements in such fields as infrastructure, health, education, and culture.

Samo Gudo, editor-in-chief of the Mozambican News Agency, said he was deeply impressed by the exhibition, which highlights the tremendous changes Mozambique has undergone since independence in 1975 with China's support.

"We firmly believe that with mutual support, Mozambique and China will go further together," Gudo added. 

Guests visit a photo exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Mozambique in Maputo, Mozambique, Sept. 12, 2025.

A photo exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Mozambique opened Friday at the Mozambique-China Cultural Center in the Mozambican capital of Maputo. (Photo by Mendes Mondlane/Xinhua)

Guests visit a photo exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Mozambique in Maputo, Mozambique, Sept. 12, 2025.

A photo exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Mozambique opened Friday at the Mozambique-China Cultural Center in the Mozambican capital of Maputo. (Xinhua/Han Xu)
The suspect accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk is currently being held on a special watch inside a Utah jail.

Authorities in the Beehive State are keeping a close eye on 22-year-old Tyler Robinson to determine if he is a risk to himself or others.

Robinson is currently being held inside the Utah County Jail, with spokesperson Sgt. Raymond Ormond confirming to CBS that Robinson was on special watch.

According to Ormond, Robinson is being held inside a special housing unit after being arrested for allegedly gunning down the Kirk on a university campus in the state.

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.

Federal sources also told the outlet that Robinson had previously said he would kill himself rather than turn himself into investigators.

He was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm, and obstruction of justice.

It has since emerged that Robinson was living with his transgender partner at the time of his arrest, who is cooperating with FBI agents probing the death of Kirk.

Authorities in the Beehive State are keeping a close eye on 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, seen here, to determine if he is a risk to himself or others

Kirk is seen here throwing hats to supporters who had gathered at Utah Valley University on Wednesday

Senior federal officials told Fox that Robinson was in a romantic relationship with the unnamed person, a male transitioning to a female.

The two shared an apartment together in Saint George, Utah, with the person said to have had 'no idea' of what Robinson was allegedly planning.

They are understood to have handed over text exchanges allegedly sent by Robinson in the aftermath of Kirk being struck in the neck by a single shot.

A source said: '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.'

According to a report by Axios that also emerged on Saturday, the roommate was 'aghast' when speaking to investigators.

The outlet reported them as telling agents: 'That's what happened? Oh my God. Here are all the messages.'

Robinson is currently being held inside the Utah County Jail, seen here

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

Those messages indicated that a sender listed as Tyler had mentioned wrapping a rifle in a towel and stashing it in some bushes near where the shooting happened.

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.

Kirk is to be remembered at a largescale memorial service inside the home of the Arizona Cardinals next weekend.

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.

Kirk's wife Erika is seen here beside his body as it lays inside a casket

Robinson was turned into police by his father and a minister in southern Utah

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 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.

His wife Erika promised to continue the political movement her husband started in a video message she issued on Friday evening.

'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.'
A North Dakota woman is behind bars after police say she crept up on her sleeping boyfriend and hacked him in the head with a hatchet - then posed for a mugshot with a chilling smile on her face.

Lena Deoliveira, 23, has been charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault in connection with the gruesome early-morning attack that left her boyfriend, Jonathan Granados, seriously injured.

According to police, the violent assault happened around 5:30 a.m. on September 5, inside an attached garage near the 700 block of College Street North in Fargo where the couple had been staying.

Granados was later rushed to the hospital with a deep gash to the head and severely mangled fingers - some of which were reportedly missing or hanging by a thread, according to court documents.

Granados told officers he had been attacked without warning while he slept.

An unnamed witness, who claims to have also been sleeping in the garage, has since identified Deoliveira as the Granados' attacker.

Lena Deoliveira, 23, has been charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault in connection with the gruesome early-morning attack that left her boyfriend seriously injured

The violent assault happened around 5:30 a.m. on September 5, inside an attached garage near the 700 block of College Street North in Fargo where the couple had been staying. Pictured: North Dakota's most populous city, Fargo, which features the Fargo Theater

The man, who said Deoliveira is homeless and frequently crashes on couches or floors in the neighborhood, described the shocking scene to investigators.

'He looked and saw Lena swing down with the hatchet; he couldn't see the point of the strike due to obstructions but heard it sound like splitting wood, initially thinking she hit the headrest or headboard,' court documents stated, per InForum.

He told police he was jolted awake by Granados' screams, and when he rushed over, he saw a trail of blood and the aftermath of the assault.

'He believes there were two strikes because when he approached [Granados], it looked like one or two of Johnny's fingers were missing or "kind of hanging," the documents continued.

'He saw blood and a mark through Johnny's skull,' the witness added.

Following the savage assault, Deoliveira fled the scene. She was eventually tracked down and arrested without incident two days later in nearby Moorhead, Minnesota - about two miles from Fargo.

She was then booked into the Clay County Jail and was later extradited to Cass County.

Deoliveira (pictured) fled the scene, but was tracked down and arrested without incident two days later in nearby Moorhead, Minnesota - about two miles from Fargo

When questioned by authorities, the 23-year-old requested an attorney, The Independent reported.

She made her first court appearance in Cass County on Friday, where a judge set her bond at $500,000.

Her next court hearing is scheduled for October 16.

Investigators say the case hinges largely on the graphic eyewitness account and physical evidence, including the blood trail and disturbing crime scene photos showing Granados' head wound and mutilated fingers.

The investigation is ongoing.
Victoria Police has lifted its travel warning to Porepunkah after revealing it launched the largest tactical mission in Australia's history in a bid to snare suspected fugitive gunman Dezi Freeman.

For the first time, police have detailed the monumental task and effort specialist officers from across Australia and New Zealand have undertaken in their efforts to catch the alleged killer, as tourists have been told they can now visit the region.

The update comes after it was revealed Freeman had been agitated and disturbed the day before he allegedly gunned down three officers at his home in Porepunkah in Victoria's High Country on August 26.

Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, 35, and detective Neal Thompson, 59, died and a third officer was seriously injured as they tried to serve a warrant on Freeman.

Victoria Police Acting Deputy Commissioner for Regional Operations Russell Barrett this morning said 125 heavily armed specialist police have been hunting Freeman through rugged terrain since August 26.

'Specialist tactical members scoured searched at an area in the immediate vicinity of Freeman's location,' Deputy Commissioner Barrett said this morning.

'This included extremely rugged track, they were crawling through caves, they were traversing rivers and falls, they were searching gorges in an effort to find Freeman.

'As I said, this is the largest tactical policing operation ever undertaken in Australia's policing history.

Dezi Freeman, 56, allegedly murdered two police officers

Specialist police hunted Freeman through caves

Police traversed rivers looking for Freeman

'And I'll go on record of thanking our colleagues and the broader policing family from Australia and New Zealand for their support and unwavering support in our efforts to bring Freeman before the justice system.

'The search continues. Overall, we've searched hundreds of properties with and without warrant, made our way through abandoned structures, we've searched mine shafts, caves, huts.

'The operation continues and our resolve to find Freeman does not change.'

Deputy Commissioner Barrett also gave good news to the local traders of Porepunkah, Bright and surrounding communities and the travellers who frequent the tourist hotspot especially over the upcoming school holidays and Grand Final long weekend.

'Today we say to the community in Victoria, we're making a slight lift in the travel warnings for the Porepunkah area,' he said.

'A change is to allow the community to return to the state of normality.

'We're saying that people can can return to that area, we're no longer saying to people they need to avoid that area.

The park (Mt Buffalo National Park) remains closed, our search efforts remain focused on that area.

Police have hunted for Freeman in rugged terrain

Helicopters have dropped police into hard-to-reach areas

Heavily armed police hunt Freeman through snow-capped mountains

'But we want to thank the local community of Porepunkah and the broader Victorian community for their efforts and support while we've undertaken what has so far been an extensive search.

'Well, we would say to people who go there: be mindful of your own safety, be vigilant, understand the environment you're going into, understand the warnings that we've already got.

'Particularly for people who may be, you know, holidaymakers.'

Deputy Commissioner Barrett reminded the community a $1million bounty to capture Freeman is still on the table but to be wary of the fugitive who 'murdered' two police officers.

'I remind the Victorian community and all community members that this is an incredibly challenging moment in Victoria Police's history as we search for the perpetrator responsible for the deaths of two of our colleagues,' he said.

Hundreds of emergency services personnel and police are briefed before being sent out

Specialist police and dogs are hunting for Freeman

Victoria Police acting-Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Russell Barrett this morning said 125 heavily-armed specialist police have been hunting Freeman

'I don't think our options have changed from day one, we consider he may still be in the area, it's a possibility he may be harboured or he may be dead.

'We've had over 1,100 information reports come in since this incident took place, and we thank the community for it.

Victoria police today released images which depicted specialist officers and dogs crawling through caves and traversing waterways and rugged bushland.

'You know we don't have a line of sight of your colleagues for a lot of the time [and] there's so many areas where people can hide, Deputy Commissioner Barrett said.

'If we think about Freeman, and what he's capable of, every step must be taken really, really carefully when you consider what might be confronting you.

Specialist police are hunting Freeman after nightfall

Cops are leaving no stone unturned to catch Freeman

Police are going through winter-cold water to catch Freeman

'Our investigation is not restricted to the area, whilst we're focused on a ground search in that area, our investigation is much broader than what we're seeing on the ground, and we're we're following up all leads, all intelligence, all information that's provided to us.

'Freeman will always be pursued until he's located, if he's, if he's able to see this, or someone who has ability to contact him or maybe harbouring him to think about surrendering.

'We will leave no stone unturned to try and establish how we can best conduct this investigation.

The massive manhunt for Freeman is nearing its fourth week as 450 heavily-armed and specialist police aided by ADF search deep bushland near Porepunkah.

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.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has vowed that Britain will continue supporting Ukraine amid its ongoing war with Russia.

In an interview with the Mirror, Cooper said 'Ukraine's security is our security', adding that she would continue to 'support' Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.

She also warned that if Vladimir Putin's continued aggression continues to go 'unchecked', the safety and stability of Europe and the UK is at risk.

The foreign secretary said putting greater economic pressure on Russia was necessary to get Putin to agree to peace talks.

She also confirmed a further 142 million in aid to help Ukrainian families on the frontline.

Cooper's comments come as Zelensky on Saturday warned that Russia was deliberately expanding its drone operations and that the West needed to respond with tougher sanctions and closer defence cooperation.

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.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper attends a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (not pictured) in Kyiv, Ukraine, 12 September 2025

Cooper said 'Ukraine's security is our security', adding that she would continue to 'support' Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper bow as they visit the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine, outside St. Michael's Cathedral, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, September 12, 2025

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.

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.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper speak as they visit the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine, outside St. Michael's Cathedral, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper visit an exhibition showcasing Ukrainian unmanned vehicles

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper (L) and Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko visit the headquarters of the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers, which was damaged during a recent missile and drone attack

The Russian military knows exactly where their drones are headed and how long they can operate in the air,' said Zelensky.

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.
A socialist education union chief has argued that all full-time teachers should be able to work a day per week from home.

Former north Tyneside primary school teacher Daniel Kebede, 38, is the head of Britain's largest education union, with more than half a million members.

As the general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), he believes those in the education profession should have the same access to flexible working as other industries, The Sunday Times reported.

The self-confessed socialist says that such a move would help ease the recruitment and retention issues currently plaguing teaching.

While teachers are at present able to ringfence 10 per cent of their time for marking and preparation, many find that insufficient and instead end up doing unpaid overtime.

The average full-time teacher works 52 hours a week in term-time, according to the latest statistics.

In order to avoid burnout, Kebede favours granting teachers a day a week to work from home - as well as allowing them to stagger the times they start and finish their working day.

Kebede said: 'Staggered starts and finishes and remote planning time would make a real big difference. Does a physics teacher need to be in at 8am in the morning?

Daniel Kebede, the general secretary elect of the National Education Union (NEU), Britain's biggest teaching union

'Timetabling can allow for staggered starts and you just also just need the government and employers to trust that teachers are doing their work as necessary rather than being forced to be on site.'

Retention rates for teachers in the UK is among the worst of 20 countries studied by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Nearly one in ten qualified teachers left the profession in 2022-23, OECD data revealed.

Of those who did wave farewell to teaching, 92 per cent put in their resignation rather than retiring - compared to only 15 per cent in France.

Kebede said: 'There are so many teachers leaving before retirement at the moment. Twelve years is long in the tooth now, which is mad isn't it?

'Schools are less forgiving places now for professionals, but also for children, and we've haemorrhaged the experience from our classrooms.'

Kebede, a self-descrived socialist, has described Reform UK as 'far-right and racist' and said the party would be a 'disaster for education'.
The man who allegedly killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk joked that his 'doppelganger' pulled the trigger while discussing the tragedy in a private Discord chat just hours after the shooting.

Tyler Robinson, 22, mocked the manhunt for the gunman and taunted the FBI's investigation while joking about obtaining reward money before eventually surrendering to police, according to messages obtained by The New York Times.

Robinson has since been arrested and identified as the prime suspect in Kirk's killing.

He showed no sign of remorse in screenshots of the Discord chat shared by a former high school classmate.

In fact, Robinson appeared to revel in the attention, exchanging meme-laced jabs with acquaintances while authorities scrambled to find the person responsible.

'Tyler killed Charlie!!!!' one user wrote in a group chat on Thursday afternoon, jokingly tagging Robinson.

Robinson fired back almost instantly: 'My doppelganger's trying to get me in trouble,' he wrote.

The gallows humor was delivered just hours after the FBI had released surveillance stills showing a young man in sunglasses and a cap, walking through a stairwell at Utah Valley University where Kirk had been speaking.

At that point, the suspect was still publicly unidentified, but privately, Robinson was already toying with the truth.

Only hours after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated on a Utah college campus, the man accused of pulling the trigger was cracking jokes in a private Discord chat

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, is seen throwing hats to the crowd after arriving at Utah Valley University on September 10, in Orem, Utah. He was later shot in the neck and killed

One of the final jokes he made before his arrest referenced Jon Arbuckle, the clueless cartoon owner of Garfield, whose face adorned Robinson's Discord avatar

The messages, verified by the Times, depict a young man fully aware of the investigation - and mocking it.

When another user joked about turning Robinson in for the $100,000 FBI reward, he quipped, 'Only if I get a cut.'

When someone warned him not to go to McDonald's - a reference to previous high-profile fugitive Luigi Mangione who was arrested there last December, Robinson responded with a grotesque punchline.

'Better also get rid of this manifesto and exact copy rifle I have lying around,' he wrote.

The Discord chat, consisting of about 20 users who had known each other from high school or online communities, became a chilling window into the suspect's post-shooting mindset.

While public tributes to Kirk were flooding conservative media, and President Trump was issuing national proclamations in his honor, the accused killer was behind a screen, joking about everything from red-state politics to fake deaths.

'I'm actually Charlie Kirk,' Robinson wrote at one point.

'Wanted to get outta politics so I faked my death, now I can live out my dream life in Kansas.'

(Recreated image of alleged killer's chat with friend)

Tyler Robinson, 22, appeared to revel in the attention, exchanging meme-laced jabs with acquaintances while authorities scrambled to find the person responsible

A person of interest in the fatal shooting of Kirk can be seen dressed in black and walking on a building roof before jumping off and walking out of the Utah Valley University premises

Investigators spent all day on Friday collecting evidence in an apartment that shooting suspect Tyler Robinson shared with a roommate in St. George, Utah

Lance Twiggs, pictured,who lived with Tyler Robinson in a three-bedroom apartment in Saint George, Utah, turned him

As wall-to-wall coverage of the shooting continued, Robinson also appeared to be monitoring it in real time.

'I heard the ammo had somethin about trans stuff on it, but they aren't releasing photos or exact quotes and also the claim wasnt backed by the official fbi, just some dude in the briefing room,' he wrote.

In fact, the casings found at the scene were later confirmed to be engraved with phrases including 'Hey fascist! CATCH!', lyrics from an anti-fascist Italian song, and a sexually explicit meme reference.

But at the time, Robinson was already theorizing and joking about media narratives and the political fallout.

'In a red state??? Nah CLEARLY the shooter was from California,' he typed, mocking the idea of federal intervention in Utah.

One of the final jokes he made before his arrest referenced Jon Arbuckle, the clueless cartoon owner of Garfield, whose face adorned Robinson's Discord avatar.

Despite the mounting evidence, some members of the Discord chat were still in disbelief when the arrest was announced.

'Our governor wants to give him the death penalty dude,' one wrote.

'I truly cannot distinguish if this is for real,' added another.

As wall-to-wall news coverage of the shooting continued, Robinson also appeared to be monitoring it in real time judging by his online messages

Charlie Kirk is pictured alongside his wife, Erika

People attend a vigil honoring slain conservative political activist Charlie Kirk during an event in Provo, Utah, on Friday

Kirk, 31, co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on Wednesday during a speaking event that had drawn both supporters and protestors.

Authorities say the gunman climbed to the roof of a building a few hundred feet from the venue and fired a single, fatal shot before fleeing the campus.

Police say that Robinson later implied or confessed to the crime and ultimately turned himself in in southwestern Utah, more than three hours drive from the scene.

His family urged him to surrender after learning of his involvement.

Local prosecutors are expected to file formal charges on Tuesday, including aggravated murder and use of a firearm in commission of a felony.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been forced to close his electorate office after years of protests.

The Grayndler office on Marrickville Road in inner west Sydney, NSW, has been vandalised and blockaded, and been taken over by pro-Palestine activists.

Albanese announced on Sunday that the space would be closed as the lease had been discontinued after 30 years.

'Sadly, over the past two years, aggressive protesters have repeatedly blocked access to the electorate office for people seeking assistance,' he said.

'This has also significantly impacted churchgoers attending the neighbouring St Clements Church, including disruption to funerals and other church services.

'I'm incredibly proud of the work electorate officers, past and present, have done in assisting my community from this location.

'The electorate will continue to be serviced by hardworking, dedicated electorate officers at locations in the community, online, and via telephone during this time.'

The Prime Minister said the electoral office would be moved to a new site in Grayndler.

Anthony Albanese announced on Sunday that his Grayndler Electoral Office would be closing

The move follows years of demonstrations outside the electoral office

It comes after years of demonstrations outside the office.

In 2023, the electoral office was spray-painted with 'Free Gaza' and 'Free Palestine'.

A year later, signs and graffiti covered the entrance to the office with messages including, 'Hey Albo, Stop Using Our $$ To Fund A Genocide'.

The public were locked out of the office for months, and the Prime Minister apologised for the disruption to his constituents.

Most graffiti and signs were removed by July 2024, and although a small group of activists remained, the larger encampment had dispersed.

However, protests continued into 2025, with student demonstrators protesting the recent detention of 12 activists aboard the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, including Greta Thunberg, by Israel.
A once-thriving California city has declared 'fiscal distress' after paying $230 million to victims of a former police staffer involved in a sexual abuse scandal - an expense now pushing the city to the brink of financial ruin.

The seaside town of Santa Monica - particularly its once-lively downtown shopping district - has been hit hard by years of unnecessary spending, new tariffs, and the lingering effects of the pandemic.

But city officials say the primary factor pushing Santa Monica toward full-blown collapse is the alleged sexual abuse by former police dispatcher Eric Uller.

Uller preyed on children in predominantly Latino neighborhoods of the city, patrolling in either an unmarked police car or a personally owned SUV equipped with police gear, according to court records obtained by The Los Angeles Times.

For decades, Uller also molested dozens of kids while volunteering at the Police Activities League (PAL) - a nonprofit serving underprivileged youth - during the 1980s and 1990s.

It wasnt until 2018 that he was arrested, but he died by suicide later that year while awaiting trial.

The horrific case sparked a mountain of lawsuits accusing Santa Monica of negligence and even covering up the abuse - claims that have resulted in litigation costs that continue to burden the city.

'The financial situation the city is dealing with is certainly serious,' city manager Oliver Chi said during Tuesdays City Council meeting, according to the outlet.

The seaside town of Santa Monica (pictured) - particularly its once-lively downtown shopping district - has been hit hard by years of unnecessary spending, new tariffs , and the lingering effects of the pandemic

On Tuesday, the city declared 'fiscal distress,' citing the alleged sexual abuse by former police dispatcher Eric Uller as the primary factor pushing Santa Monica toward full-blown collapse (pictured: downtown street of Santa Monica)

Uller (pictured) preyed on children in predominantly Latino neighborhoods of the city, patrolling in either an unmarked police car or a personally owned SUV equipped with police gear

'We are carrying the weight of more than $229 million in sexual abuse allegations,' Mayor Pro Tem Caroline Torosis added.

'We owe it to survivors to properly address this, but we owe it to Santa Monicans to protect our citys financial stability.'

In April 2023, the City of Santa Monica agreed to a $230 million settlement for over 200 victims sexually abused as children by Uller.

It was one of the largest payouts of its kind, involving one of the most prolific alleged molesters.

Since then, the city has undergone four rounds of settlement talks with claimants - and now faces an additional 180.

Former Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock said one of the biggest challenges so far has been the scandal attracting some unscrupulous lawyers,' according to LA Times.

And while the city has insurance, many claims have resulted in settlements ranging from $700,000 to just under $1 million.

Many costs have come out of the citys own pocket because of a $1 million deductible on some insurance policies, and the city has now sued some insurers to recover part of those funds.

Uller also molested dozens of kids while volunteering at the Police Activities League (PAL) during the 1980s and 1990s. He was arrested in 2018 and died by suicide while awaiting trial (pictured: Santa Monica Police Department)

In April 2023, the City of Santa Monica agreed to a $230 million settlement for over 200 victims sexually abused as children by Uller - some who were allegedly as young as eight years old (pictured)

Since then, the city has undergone four rounds of settlement talks with claimants - but now faces an additional 180 claims

Santa Monicas approved budget for 2025-26 projects $473.5 million in revenue, which is still significantly less than the expected costs of $484.3 million.

Victims have said that Uller groomed them and invited children to play in his police car - which then gradually progressed to molesting and raping them.

Some of his alleged victims were as young as eight years old and reported being abused for years, as reported by the LA Times.

One former staffer at PAL, Michelle Cardiel, told the Daily Mail in 2022 that she reported Uller to the program's director, Patty Loggins, in 1993 after a boy came to her office and alleged he had made sexually inappropriate comments to him.

Instead of receiving reassurance, she said she was threatened with a reprimand for gossiping.

Santa Monica City Councilman Oscar de la Torre also tried to blow the whistle on Uller starting in the early 2000s, but said no action was taken - and alleged the council even retaliated by defunding the youth center he helped run.

In 2019, a year after Ullers arrest, California Assembly Bill 218 temporarily extended the statute of limitations for historic child sex abuse cases.

The new law allowed victims of sexual abuse to file a claim until the age of 40, or within five years of discovering the abuse.

Santa Monicas (pictured) approved budget for 2025-26 projects $473.5 million in revenue, which is still significantly less than the expected costs of $484.3 million

One former staffer at PAL, Michelle Cardiel (pictured), told the Daily Mail in 2022 that she reported Uller to the program's director, Patty Loggins, in 1993 after a boy came to her office and alleged he had made sexually inappropriate comments to him

While city officials initially planned to declare a 'fiscal emergency,' they instead voted on Tuesday to declare 'fiscal distress' - a designation Chi said is intended to help communicate the city's financial situation to other agencies when seeking grants and funding

Because most of Ullers victims were under 40 when the law was passed, it triggered a new wave of litigation against school districts, counties, and cities.

For Santa Monica, the new law meant taxpayers could be left with a significant bill from lawsuits related to Ullers abuse.

During Tuesday's council meeting, City Manager Oliver Chi noted that new bills under consideration could limit claims under the law - potentially offering some relief for the city.

While city officials initially planned to declare a 'fiscal emergency,' they instead voted on Tuesday to declare 'fiscal distress' - a designation Chi said is intended to help communicate the city's financial situation to other agencies when seeking grants and funding.

'There is no doubt that the financial circumstances facing the city are serious, and the resolution developed for City Council consideration is a tool identified by staff intended to help institute a broader strategy,' the city said in a statement, as reported by the LA Times.

However, the specifics of that strategy remain unclear. City officials said a plan is expected to be presented to the City Council in late October.

'Ive heard a lot of people saying we need more staff, we need more police officers and all of that is true,' Chi said.

'But the reality is no matter how many resources we have, no matter how many police officers we have, no matter how much we have here in the city, theres always going to be a need for more,' he added.

'What we need to do is try to figure out how do we utilize the resources that we do have in the best way possible.'
A rare and terrifying tornado was seen ripping through Utah's desert terrain on Saturday afternoon, destroying homes and prompting residents to flee.

The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Colorado issued a tornado warning at 12:46 p.m. MDT after confirming the twister was headed northeast.

'A tornado is on the ground. Take cover now!' the NWS warned.

The weather service urged locals to 'move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.'

'Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris,' the warning stated.

The tornado eventually touched down near Montezuma Creek - roughly 345 miles from Salt Lake City - where law enforcement reported seeing the dark, funnel-shaped cloud reach the ground.

The tornado warning remained in effect until 1:15 p.m. as the NWS claimed significant damage was to be expected.

A rare and terrifying tornado was seen ripping through Utah 's desert terrain on Saturday afternoon, destroying homes and prompting residents to flee

The tornado eventually touched down near Montezuma Creek - roughly 345 miles from Salt Lake City - where law enforcement reported seeing the dark, funnel-shaped cloud reach the ground

'Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely,' the NWS stated.

Several homes were leveled as a result of the unexpected windstorm.

'As of 4:31 p.m., it has been confirmed that several homes near Montezuma Creek were completely damaged after a tornado went through the community this afternoon,' the Navajo Police Department reported.

No injuries were reported, however, officials urged the public to stay off roads and away from affected areas while emergency assessments and recovery efforts were ongoing.

Photos shared by Navajo Police showed the tornado tracking across the open desert terrain - a phenomenon that the state typically sees about three times per year.

Utah's dry climate and rugged topography make it unfavorable for tornado development, according to Fox Weather.

The Beehive State's tornadoes are 'usually smaller in size, measuring no more than 60 feet wide (at the base), with a path length usually less than a mile and a life span of only a few seconds to a few minutes,' according to NWS forecasters.

The weather service urged locals to 'move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building'

'Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely,' the NWS stated

Several homes were leveled as a result of the unexpected windstorm

Following the unexpected weather event, the state highway patrol and San Juan County Sheriff's Office were deployed to assist.

The Utah Navajo Health System also established an Incident Command Post, and local schools opened facilities to provide shelter for displaced residents.

Alongside the tornado threat, the storm brought heavy rainfall to the Four Corners region - the only place in the country where four states, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona, meet at a single point.

In neighboring Colorado, the NWS issued multiple flash flood warnings and a flash flood emergency after radar indicated up to three inches of rain fell close to the Utah-Colorado border.

Flash flooding was reported in Mesa County where local authorities conducted water rescues along State Highway 141, according to officials.

No injuries or missing persons were reported, but the full extent of the flooding remained unclear as of Saturday evening.
A woman dubbed 'Karen from Brighton' has blasted plans to build high-rise apartments in her glitzy Melbourne suburb, claiming it will bring junkies to her area.

Karen, whose real name is Jodi Grollo, erupted at the state government's proposal to construct 12-storey residential towers in Brighton.

The buildings would be erected on Church Street, Brighton, and Bay Street in North Brighton, and reach up to 16 storeys in nearby Hampton.

Brighton, which counts Bec Judd among its residents, has been at the centre of the growing crime spree in Melbourne, with home break-ins and vehicle thefts plaguing the wealthy area.

'The trouble is that you have to have a social housing element now in every apartment block,' Karen told the Herald Sun.

'If other people have bought a three or four million dollar apartment and then, you know, Carol the crack whore gets hers for free and all her lovely friends come and visit like Dan the drug dealer. Wow.

'Brighton just won't put up with that s***.'

'Karen' - whose company owns a string of pubs and hospitality venues - earned her nickname after complaining during Covid lockdowns about restrictions on how far residents could walk from their homes.

Karen from Brighton, whose real name is Jodi Grollo, erupted at the state government's proposal to construct 12-storey high residential towers in Brighton

'You get sick of walking the same streets, I've done all of Brighton,' she said in August 2020.

Karen was critical of former premier Dan Andrews and her dislike appears to have extended to his successor Jacinta Allan.

Earlier this month, locals became concerned after draft maps of the proposed towers were made public.

Bayside Mayor Hanna El Mouallem slammed the proposals and expressed concern that the new rules could result in three-storey or four-storey homes over most of Brighton, where only one or two-storey homes exist.

He said he was alarmed the government would not pay for the necessary increased amenities the extra residents would need.

Allan wrote an open letter to Brighton residents last October, promising 'gentle density'.

'We can't lock out young people,' she wrote.

'Let's find space in our suburbs and in our hearts for the next generation  and build more homes and more opportunity for everyone.'

Earlier this month, locals became very concerned after draft maps of the proposed towers were made public (stock image)

In May, a frightened young family was forced to hide in a bedroom as two masked teens wielding a machete ransacked their home in neighbouring suburb Elsternwick

In May, a frightened young family was forced to hide in a bedroom as two masked teens wielding a machete ransacked their home in the neighbouring suburb of Elsternwick.

Tradie Rory O'Sullivan, 39, was woken by the intruders trying to break into his home and saw on the security camera one of them was holding a machete.

'I ran upstairs, grabbed the girls, and came straight back to my bedroom, where Ana (his wife) was.'

Terrifying CCTV captured the masked teens attempting to break down the front door.

One appeared to take a run-up before kicking violently and repeatedly.

The other teen, who appeared to be holding a small knife and a machete, also tried to kick the door down.

The number of break-ins has soared in Melbourne over the last decade.

In 2015, there were 2,300 break-ins, with the figure soaring to 5,000 in 2024.

The number of thieves using weapons also rose from 36 in 2017 to 65 in 2024.

A machete ban was brought in on September 1, making it illegal to own, use, carry, transport or sell knives without an exemption or valid approval.

Convictions could result in penalties of up to two years in jail or a fine of more than $47,000.

Jodi Grollo is the daughter of billionaire pubs and pokies baron Bruce Mathieson.

She, along with husband Gianni Grollo - part of the prominent Grollo construction family - run PubCo, which owns 12 hospitality venues across Victoria.
JERUSALEM, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- About 300,000 people have fled Gaza City as Israel intensified strikes, Israel's Army Radio reported on Sunday, citing security officials.

Israeli attacks, mainly in the northern Gaza Strip, killed at least 68 Palestinians and wounded 346 others in the past 24 hours, Gaza's health ministry said on Sunday.

The strikes destroyed at least two multi-storey buildings in Gaza City, including one belonging to the Islamic University that was sheltering displaced people. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz shared a video on social media showing the university building being bombed and collapsing.

The Israeli military confirmed it had struck two high-rise buildings, claiming Hamas used them for intelligence gathering and surveillance.

Israel says it plans to take over Gaza City, where about a million people had been living and sheltering before the offensive began, as part of its declared aims to dismantle Hamas and release almost 50 hostages held by the group.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Jerusalem on Sunday and visited the Western Wall along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The two are scheduled to hold talks.

Netanyahu called Rubio "an outstanding friend of the State of Israel" and said his visit showed "the resilience of the alliance between the United States and Israel."

"Under President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio, this alliance is stronger than ever," Netanyahu said.

Speaking to reporters before departing for Israel, Rubio said Trump was "not happy" about the Israeli strike in Qatar on Tuesday but that it would "not change the nature of our relationship with the Israelis." He added the two countries would "have to talk about" the impact on prospects for a ceasefire deal.

Rubio is due to visit a settlement excavation site on Monday, run by the pro-settler Elad organization in the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan in East Jerusalem.

Israel's military operations have killed more than 64,000 people in Gaza since October 2023, according to Gaza's health authorities, with much of the enclave reduced to rubble and famine spreading. 
A New Jersey nurse claims she was suspended for confronting a surgeon who allegedly celebrated Charlie Kirks assassination, declaring he 'had it coming.'

The 31-year-old conservative activist was shot in the neck during a debate with a student about mass shootings on Wednesday, with horrifying footage showing him recoil from the impact before he was later pronounced dead.

Lexi Kuenzle, a 33-year-old healthcare worker at Englewood Health, said that the news broke while she stood by the nurses station, surrounded by eight other nurses and a patient resting on a stretcher, according to The New York Post.

Shocked, Kuenzle exclaimed, Oh my God! Thats terrible! I love him!

But what general surgeon Dr. Matthew Jung said next may have shocked the Hoboken resident even more.

In response, Jung allegedly proclaimed: 'I hate Charlie Kirk. He had it coming. He deserved it.'

She recalled reminding the surgeon that he was a medical professional - and questioning how he could say someone deserved to die.

'It's mind-blowing to me,' Kuenzle told The Post on Saturday. 'I was so angry and upset.'

Lexi Kuenzle (pictured), a 33-year-old nurse at Englewood Health in New Jersey, claimed that she was fired for confronting a surgeon who allegedly celebrated Charlie Kirks assassination, declaring he 'had it coming'

The 31-year-old conservative activist (pictured) was shot in the neck during a debate with a student about mass shootings on Wednesday, with horrifying footage showing him recoil from the impact before he was later pronounced dead

Kuenzle said that the news broke while she stood by the nurses station, surrounded by eight other nurses and a patient resting on a stretcher (pictured: Englewood Health Hospital in NJ)

Kuenzle (pictured) said that after she called the news 'terrible,' general surgeon Dr. Matthew Jung allegedly responded: 'I hate Charlie Kirk. He had it coming. He deserved it'

The nurse said she immediately reported Jung to hospital management, then went home and shared the incident on social media.

'This "DOCTOR" is a disgrace. Had the audacity to say "I'm glad, he deserved it" in front of a PATIENT/nursing station in regards to Charlie Kirk being murdered today,' Kuenzle wrote on a post shared to her Instagram Story.

'You are what's wrong with the world. Offered to "buy the department lunch" as an apology,' she added.

Dr. Matthew Jung

'You are SICK and I'm not gonna sit back and hear it. His patients deserve to know what kind of compassion he truly lacks for human life.'

The very next day, the avid conservative said she was called into a meeting with HR, where she was informed shed be suspended without pay pending an investigation into the incident with Jung - a process they described as standard procedure.

In an email she later shared to her Instagram story - allegedly from her union rep - they appeared to suggest she start looking for another job.

'I am sure you recognize the seriousness of the current situation,' the email read. 'The posting with the EH affiliation and the disagreement in front of an awake patient are at the heart of this extremely serious matter.'

'I have to advise you that this may lead to termination,' the email added.

The nurse said she immediately reported Jung to hospital management, then went home and shared the incident on social media (pictured)

The very next day, the avid conservative (pictured) said she was called into a meeting with HR, where she was informed shed be suspended without pay pending an investigation into the incident with Jung - a process they described as standard procedure

In an email she later shared to her Instagram story - allegedly from her union rep - they appeared to suggest she start looking for another job (pictured)

On Friday, Kuenzle (pictured) filed a lawsuit in Bergen County Superior Court against both the hospital and Dr. Jung, claiming she was wrongfully fired for speaking out about the doctors comments on her personal Instagram account

'Do you have other employment? If not, I would strongly suggest that you start looking for another RN job.'

On Friday, Kuenzle - a nurse for 10 years, including nearly two at Englewood - filed a lawsuit in Bergen County Superior Court against both the hospital and Dr. Jung, according to the outlet.

In the filing, she claimed she was wrongfully fired for speaking out about the doctors comments on her personal Instagram account - which also includes photos of her posing with a cardboard cutout of President Donald Trump.

'Kuenzle had the audacity to question how Dr. Jung can comply with the Hippocratic Oaths and the American Medical Associations Code of Medical Ethics while celebrating the murder of a non-violent Christian speaker who was on a college campus,' the docs stated, according to The Post.

The suit also claimed that Jung did offer to 'buy lunch' for the nurses who overheard, but if he 'were to follow through on his mocking offer, it would not have included plaintiff because she had been suspended without pay.'

Kuenzle is now seeking unspecified damages, while it remains unclear whether Jung faced any disciplinary action for his remarks.

Kirk, a father-of-two, was gunned down as he answered a question about transgender gun violence in front of a 3,000-strong crowd at Utah Valley University.

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

Trump said he now wants to see the killer get the death penalty for the assassination of the man he described as the 'finest person.'

Englewood Health did not immediately respond to Daily Mail's request for comment.
A pair of newlyweds have shunned wedding presents on their big day and instead installed a contactless card machine for guests to tap in and pay for their honeymoon.

Chris Martin, 35, and Tasha White, 33, from Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, recently tied the knot in their hometown before jetting off to Mexico the next day.

The couple, who have been together for 14 years and share a daughter, seven, and a son, three, had no desire for all the homeware of a normal wedding registry.

Mr Martin, who works for Mercedes, explained: 'Tasha and I already have a house and everything we need - no one needs another five toasters!

'What we really wanted was help making our dream honeymoon to Mexico happen.'

It meant they instead asked their 140 guests at the sprawling Furtho Manor Farm for a different kind of contribution, installing a card reader by the bar at their reception.

Attendees also had the option to scan a framed QR code to make a payment, which was cheekily signposted: 'Don't be tight, pay for our flight.'

The groom, who was delighted by the unusual fundraising efforts with his bride Ms White, a hairdresser by trade, said: 'Our guests absolutely loved it.

A pair of newlyweds (pictured) have shunned wedding presents on their big day and instead installed a contactless card machine for guests to tap in and pay for their honeymoon

Chris Martin , 35, and Tasha White, 33, from Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, recently tied the knot in their hometown before jetting off to Mexico the next day. Pictured: The newlyweds with guests on their big day

The couple (pictured), who have been together for 14 years and share a daughter, seven, and a son, three, had no desire for all the homeware of a normal wedding registry

'I'm not going to reveal how much the total came to, but they were very generous. Some of them even tapped more than once.'

Mr Martin continued: 'People don't carry cash anymore so we thought we could have a bit of fun and raise money for our honeymoon at the same time...

'As you can imagine people got more generous as the drinks started to flow!'

He also pointed out the reader and QR code, produced by payment firm Lopay, were cheap to use and install, helping to cut wedding costs, which can easily rack up.

One guest said: 'I think the card reader and QR code were a great idea.

'No one knows what to really do about wedding gifts nowadays so it's usually money. This was so much less faff than cash or a bank transfer.'

Lopay's boss and founder Richard Carter said: 'I'm delighted that we at Lopay could help make Chris and Tasha's wedding day such a success.

'Having a card reader and the QR code made it so much easier for guests to give the couple a present on the day without any hassle.

The couple (pictured with attendees) instead asked their 140 guests at the sprawling Furtho Manor Farm for a different kind of contribution, installing a card reader by the bar at their reception

Attendees also had the option to scan a framed QR code (pictured) to make a payment, which was cheekily signposted: 'Don't be tight, pay for our flight'

The groom, who was delighted by the fundraising efforts with his bride Ms White, said: 'Our guests absolutely loved it'

'I'm not going to reveal how much the total came to, but they were very generous. Some of them even tapped more than once', he continued

He also pointed out the reader and QR code, produced by payment firm Lopay, were cheap to use and install, helping to cut wedding costs, which can easily rack up

One guest said: 'I think the card reader and QR code were a great idea'

'No one knows what to really do about wedding gifts nowadays so it's usually money', they continued

'And I'm sure some of them were even more generous after a few glasses of celebration bubbly.

'Who knows? This could really catch on at wedding venues across the country.'

Lopay, the UK's lowest cost, highest rated payment app, offers no fees on the first 2,000 of earnings users process through it.

The service is contract-free and payment processing rates start at 0.79 per cent - half the cost of rivals like SumUp, Zettle and Square.

And this rate can even be offset completely to 0 per cent when users get an Expense and Rewards Card - a kind of debit card to allow them to spend their earnings.
The first group of seriously ill children from Gaza are due to arrive in the UK this week to be treated by the NHS.

It is understood the youngsters are currently being cared for by medics in a neighbouring country before being flown to the UK for specialist treatment.

Ministers have been working with international partners to fast-track medical evacuations for the most critical cases from the war-torn enclave.

Hospitals in Gaza have been left in ruins, with long-term care for children all but impossible.

The UN charity Unicef estimates more than 50,000 children have been killed or injured since October 7, 2023.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the first group of children have left Gaza and is on their way to the UK.

Ms Cooper also said that the government is working to evacuate students with places to stay at British universities.

'It's a lot of diplomatic work in order to help them actually leave Gaza and then also travel through other countries in order to be able to get to the UK.

It is understood the youngsters are currently being cared for by medics in a neighbouring country before being flown to the UK for specialist treatment

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the first group of children have left Gaza and is on their way to the UK

'But that work is underway and I'm determined to make sure that we can do our bit to help those injured families and also to help students get into their courses this autumn.'

A small number of children have been brought to the UK privately by the charity Project Pure Hope, set up by volunteer medical professionals, but the Israeli Government must give the green light for evacuations.

This is the first time children will be brought to Britain for treatment on the NHS.

Each child would be accompanied by family members if necessary, with biometric data collected in a third country.

It is not known how many children are in the first group, although previous reports have suggested it could be between 30 and 50.

Last month, the Government said it would set up a scheme to bring children to the UK for free medical care.

The Foreign Office told The Mirror it is working with the World Health Organisation to get injured children to the UK in the coming days.

Each child would be accompanied by family members if necessary, with biometric data collected in a third country

Ministers have been working with international partners to fast-track medical evacuations for the most critical cases from the war-torn enclave

It comes as frontline medics warned of the desperate conditions inside Gaza's collapsing health system.

A British nurse working at a UK-backed field hospital described shortages of vital drugs and equipment, with much of the aid still stuck at the border.

Mandy Blackman, who leads nursing at UK-Med's Al Mawasi hospital in southern Gaza, told the Daily Mail that food scarcity is now so severe patients are surviving on just one meal a day, only to be discharged back into dangerous and unstable conditions.

Ms Blackman, usually based at Kettering General Hospital in Northamptonshire, said: 'I have been a nurse for 25 years and I have seen more mass casualty here than I have seen in a lifetime in the UK.'

The Mail approached the Foreign Office for comment.
Israel has welcomed top US diplomat Marco Rubio just days after President Trump rebuked the country over its unprecedented strike attack against Hamas leaders in Qatar on Tuesday.

It marked Israel's first such strike against US ally Qatar and has put renewed strain on diplomatic efforts to bring about a truce in Gaza.

Before departing for the region on Saturday, the US Secretary of State told reporters that while Trump was 'not happy' about the strike, it was 'not going to change the nature of our relationship with the Israelis'.

But Rubio added that the United States and Israel were 'going to have to talk about' its impact on truce efforts.

Israel's strike in Doha targeted Hamas leaders gathering to discuss a new ceasefire proposal put forward by the United States.

Netanyahu has defended the operation, saying on Saturday that killing senior Hamas officials would remove the 'main obstacle' to ending the war.

In recent days, Israel has ramped up efforts to seize control of Gaza City, the territory's largest urban centre, telling residents to evacuate and blowing up numerous high-rise buildings it said were being used by Hamas.

As of late August, the UN estimated that around one million people were living in the city and its surrounding areas, where it has declared a famine it blamed on Israeli aid restrictions.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife Jeanette Dousdebes arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport, near Lod, Israel, September 14, 2025

Smoke billowing after explosions in Doha's capital Qatar on September 9, 2025

Tuesday's strike marked Israel's first such hit against US ally Qatar and has put renewed strain on diplomatic efforts to bring about a truce in Gaza

Bakri Diab, who fled western Gaza City for the south, said Israeli strikes continued there as well.

'All the occupation has done is force people to crowd into places with no basic services and no safety,' said the 35-year-old father of four.

Gaza's civil defence agency said at least seven people were killed since dawn Sunday in Israeli strikes in the territory.

Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties in accessing many areas mean AFP is unable to independently verify the details provided by the civil defence agency or the Israeli military.

On Friday, the UN General Assembly voted to back a revival of the two-state solution, in defiance of Israeli opposition.

Israeli allies Britain and France, alongside several other Western nations, are set to recognise Palestinian statehood at a UN gathering this month out of exasperation at Israel's conduct of the Gaza war and in the occupied West Bank.

Nevertheless, Israel retains the backing of its most powerful ally and biggest arms supplier, the United States.

Ahead of Rubio's visit, State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the diplomatic chief would show 'our commitment to fight anti-Israel actions including unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state that rewards Hamas terrorism'.

At home, opponents of the Netanyahu government have sought to pressure ministers to end the war in return for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

On Saturday, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the main campaign group for the captives, accused the Israeli premier of being the 'one obstacle' to freeing the hostages.

Rubio speaks to members of the media before departing for Israel at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, on September 13, 2025

Israel's strike in Doha targeted Hamas leaders gathering to discuss a new ceasefire proposal put forward by the United States

Security footage captures the moment of an Israeli strike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, on September 9, 2025

Of the 251 people taken hostage by Palestinian militants in October 2023, 47 remain in Gaza, including 25 the Israeli military says are dead.

Brian Katulis, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, said Rubio was unlikely to push Israel toward a ceasefire.

'There is an alarming passivity in actually getting to a ceasefire in Gaza,' said Katulis, who worked on Middle East policy under former president Bill Clinton.

'The administration seems to be listening more to its own base of Huckabees and other evangelical Christians allied with right-wing Israelis,' he said, referring to the US Ambassador in Jerusalem, Mike Huckabee, a Baptist pastor.

In Jerusalem, Rubio will visit the Western Wall with Netanyahu on Sunday, according to the Israeli prime minister's office.

The war was sparked by Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel which resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official figures.

Israel's retaliatory campaign in Gaza has killed at least 64,803 people, also mostly civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza that the United Nations considers reliable.
This is the moment police scrambled to drag a man to safety after he appeared to be left unconscious on the floor during Tommy Robinson's 'Unite the Kingdom' march.

The incident came as an estimated 110,000 - 150,000 protesters marched through central London on Saturday in what is believed to be the largest right-wing demonstration in British history.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said the sheer number of protesters who took to the streets shows free speech is 'alive and well' in the UK.

While the rally began largely peacefully as demonstrators voiced their anger over free speech and Britain's small boats crisis, it exploded into violence when protesters and counter-protesters closed in on each other along Whitehall.

Met Police chiefs blasted anti-migrant protesters for displaying a 'wholly unacceptable' level of violence - with at least 25 people arrested and 26 police officers injured, including four who were seriously hurt.

The force said it faced 'significant aggression' from protesters as officers attempted to police the event, with many assaulted and peppered with missiles.

In one video, at least seven officers can be seen trying to rescue a man left splayed out on the floor as violence broke out at the end of Whitehall, near Trafalgar Square.

Five officers on police horses were seen surrounding the incident as they scrambled to bring the violence under control. Meanwhile, two officers on foot ran over to rescue the man.

The injured victim - who was black - could be seen cowering on the floor with footage appearing to show him being kicked.

Protesters - many draped in St George's and Union Jack flags - could be heard chanting as the demonstration reached boiling point.

Police officers on horses and on foot rush in to rescue a man during the 'Unite the Kingdom' rally

The man - who appeared to be unconscious - was dragged away to safety by police

Aerial shots show the thousands of people that turned out for Tommy Robinson's march

Clashes erupt between police and protesters at the 'Unite the Kingdom' march on Saturday

A protester at the Tommy Robinson-led march scales the South Bank Lion and holds a St George's flag and cross

Unite The Kingdom supporters clash with police on Whitehall as violence broke out

The victim - who appeared to be unconscious - was then dragged away to safety by two officers before police horses were used to block anyone from going after him.

Daily Mail has contacted the Met Police and London Ambulance Service for comment.

The 'Unite the Kingdom' march saw between 110,000 to 150,000 protesters descend on central London, according to police.

Protesters 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

Later in the day there was a guest video appearance from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who criticised the Government for a 'rapidly increasing erosion of Britain' and told protesters to 'fight back or die'.

New Labour Business Secretary Peter Kyle told the BBC that Musk's comments were 'slightly incomprehensible' and 'totally inappropriate'.

However, when quizzed on whether the march itself 'disturbed' him, he told Sky News: 'It doesn't disturb me. It's actually proof that we live in a country where free speech, free association, is alive and well.

'The bit that disturbs me is that when a minority go to an extreme and end up perpetrating violence against the police. That is unacceptable and those people should and will pay a price for it.'

Others posted the sea of Union Jack and St George's flags being waved through central London as they described it as a 'powerful image'.

The number of protesters that turned out took police by surprise, with aerial images showing the thousands marching through the capital amid a summer of discontent.

The Met said it had faced 'significant aggression' from violent Unite The Kingdom protesters as it attempted to police the event, with officers assaulted and peppered with missiles.

Disruption continued into the evening as 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.

Up to 150,000 protesters are believed to have attended the 'Unite the Kingdom' protest through London

Flares are thrown as protesters taking part in a 'Unite the Kingdom' rally are held back by police officers

A man draped in an St Georges flag confronts the police cordon which was in place to separate the Unite The Kingdom supporters and counter-protesters

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

Throughout 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.

As violence broke out among protesters, police officers reported facing '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, 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.

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 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.

One witness also captured the moment large crowds from the rally rushed towards St Thomas' Hospital - and forced their way into the grounds.

Dramatic footage shows groups of men pushing over the fences - before walking into the hospital grounds.

This is the moment a group of Tommy Robinson fans broke into St Thomas' Hospital in London

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

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

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.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said police faced a 'wholly unacceptable' level of violence, adding: '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.

'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 rival groups of protesters were just metres apart at points during the day

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

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.'

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.

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

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'

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.

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 People's 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.
Keir Starmer knew Peter Mandelson had a 'strong relationship' with disgraced paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein but made him US ambassador' anyway because of his 'talents', a senior minister admitted today.

Peter Kyle said that Lord Mandelson's potential ability to handle President Trump meant it was 'worth the risk' of appointing him, despite questions already being raised about his links to child sex abuser Epstein.

The new Business Secretary refused to admit in broadcast interviews that the decision had been a mistake by Sir Keir, amid questions over his judgement.

Labour grandee Lord Mandelson was sacked on Thursday after emails were published showing he sent supportive messages even as Epstein faced jail for sex offences.

Mr Kyle told Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips on Sky News it was not correct that Lord Mandelson was appointed ambassador to the US before security checks were completed.

But he added that there had also been an additional 'political process', saying: 'Both of these things turned up information that was already public and a decision was made that based on Peter's singular talents in this area, that the risk of appointing knowing what was already public was worth the risk.

'Now of course we have seen the emails which were not published at the time, were not public and not even known about, and that has changed the situation.'

Peter Kyle said that Lord Mandelson's potential ability to handle President Trump meant it was 'worth the risk' of appointing him, despite questions already being raised about his linked to child sex abuser Epstein.

Mr Kyle told Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips on Sky News it was not correct that Lord Mandelson was appointed ambassador to the US before security checks were completed.

Labour grandee Lord Mandelson was sacked on Thursday after emails were published showing he sent supportive messages even as Epstein faced jail for sex offences.

At the same time the siblings of Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre said Mandelson should 'absolutely not' have been appointed UK ambassador to the US in the first place.

Asked on Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg if Lord Mandelson should have been given the Cabinet role, Giuffre's brother Sky Roberts said: 'Absolutely not. He should not have been given the position in the first place.'

Giuffre's sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, added: 'Why does it take us to have to pull out the skeletons for people to be held accountable?

'Our governments have allowed these people to hold their status and their title without shame, and so part of me is like, we should have done something sooner. He should have never been given that title.'

Some Labour MPs fear the stories that have appeared since Lord Mandelson's sacking hint at the danger he could pose to the Prime Minister.

A report in Saturday's Times stating that Downing Street was already aware of damning emails between the peer and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein when Sir Keir Starmer stood up in the Commons to express his 'full confidence' in Lord Mandelson bore all the hallmarks of his 'allies'.

Despite the embarrassingly gushing content of the messages to his 'best pal', in which he expressed his love and support for Epstein and urged him to apply for early release after his conviction for child sex offences, Lord Mandelson is said to feel 'hung out to dry' by the PM  a dangerous state of mind given how deeply embedded he was in Sir Keir's inner circle and how privy he was to confidential information.

Laura Trott told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg that the Conservative Party 'will use every mechanism that is available' to reveal more information about Lord Peter Mandelson's dismissal.

'He must know enough to bring down Keir if he wanted to,' said one MP.

Lord Mandelson refused to resign and remains on the government payroll, meaning he could be in line for a six-figure taxpayer-funded payout for his dismissal from the 200,000-a-year job as ambassador to the US.

Sir Keir did not speak to Lord Mandelson before his dismissal  just 24 hours after backing him in the Commons. The speed with which events moved meant that employment law does not appear to have been followed.

The Government could have to prove that the former ambassador materially misled ministers and officials about his relationship with Epstein if they wanted to avoid paying him compensation.

The Foreign Office was sent details of the cache of emails early on Tuesday, more than 30 hours before they were published by Bloomberg and 24 hours before the Prime Minister gave Lord Mandelson his support in Parliament.

Another former UK ambassador to the US said Mandelson left 'quite a record' for eight months in post but his links to Epstein after his first conviction were 'inexplicable',

Former US ambassador Lord Kim Darroch told Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips on Sky News: '(Lord Mandelson) presided over what looks, in comparison to most countries' trade deals, a rather good deal for the UK; he seems to have got close to a number of important people in the White House, including the president himself; and there is a technology deal that I think he masterminded that's going to be signed during this state visit.

'Epstein was a monster and it is inexplicable that he had this relationship continuing with him after the first conviction  but in terms of performing his ambassadorial duties, that's quite a record for a mere eight months in office.'

Lord Darroch was forced to quit his role in 2019 during Mr Trump's first term after leaked briefings showed him describing the president's government as 'dysfunctional', 'inept' and 'divided'.

On Lord Mandelson's appointment, Lord Darroch told the programme that 'you would expect them to know quite a lot and discover things that maybe weren't advertised' during the vetting process.

'They certainly don't just ask you to fill in a form' listing 'what you want them to know and maybe concealing the things you didn't want them to know', he added.

It takes 'weeks and weeks, if not longer' and 'they ask people about you and they look into your background through sources you may not have nominated as people to act as your referees', he said.

'On the other hand, you know, emails from closed or old email addresses that have been closed down  I'm not enough of a technical expert to know how you get to that kind of thing, so whether that would have been available to them I have no idea,' he added.

Lord Darroch cautioned against overstating 'the importance' of the ambassador and emphasised the key relationships are between Prime Minister and president, secretary of state and foreign secretary, and the treasury secretary and Chancellor.

There is an embassy of 'some 500 people', he said, including a network of relationships across intelligence, defence and security.

However, he added: 'If I were sitting in No 10 now I would say, get a new appointment announced as quickly as possible and get someone over there, because we live, as you know in very volatile times, there's a lot going on, so you do need an ambassador there.'

The Conservative Party 'will use every mechanism that is available' to reveal more information about Lord Peter Mandelson's dismissal, the shadow education secretary said.

Laura Trott told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: 'We know that Bloomberg put these allegations to the Foreign Office on Tuesday. I've been in Number 10  there is no way that is not then reported into Number 10.

'This is what we're going to be pushing for next week, and if you're a Labour MP watching this now, you should be pushing for it too, because we will use every mechanism that is available to us to force the truth to come out.

'We need these documents. We need to understand what advice went to the Prime Minister and when who made these decisions.

'How have we ended up in a situation where the advice for the Prime Minister is to appoint the best pal of a convicted paedophile to be US ambassador?

'It is unacceptable. The British public will not have this, and the Conservative Party will make sure that we get answers.'
NATO has scrambled war planes in Romania and Poland after Putin flew a military drone over Romanian territory amid Russia's latest aggression.

Posing a direct threat to the West on Sunday, Putin released the military drone but Ukraine retaliated with a massive strike on Russia, dramatically exploding a major defence-linked chemicals plant more than 1,000 miles from the frontline and triggering fires at two major oil refineries.

Sirens sounded and an air raid threat was declared as Warsaw announced Polish and allied fighter jets were operating due to Russian drones buzzing border regions of Ukraine.

This followed last week's major incursion of Polish airspace by dozens of Russian drones.

Two F-16 fighter aircraft from Romania's 86th Air Base in Fetesti as Russia attacked Ukrainian ports on the River Danube.

A Russian drone was spotted and tracked 12 miles southwest of Chilia Veche before vanishing from radar in Putin's latest military incursion into NATO airspace.

The drone 'did not fly over populated areas and did not pose an immediate threat to the safety of the population', said the Romanian defence ministry.

But Ukraine claimed it had flown over NATO airspace for an astonishing 50 minutes, highlighting Putin's 'obvious expansion of the war'.

NATO scrambled fighters in two countries - Poland and Romania - amid Russian attacks on Ukraine, with a Kremlin drone overflying Romanian territory

On another hit on Russian refining, one of Putin's largest oil refineries - Kirishi, in Leningrad region - was ablaze after a Ukrainian strike

Russia suffered major Ukrainian strikes with a drone hit on Novo-Ufimsky oil refinery in Ufa, some 870 miles from the frontline

This latest tension came as Putin ostentatiously deployed hulking nuclear-capable Iskander-M missile launchers close to Russia's border with Poland in Kaliningrad region, supposedly as part of current drills aimed at war gaming attacks on the West.

The short-range ballistic missile system, capable of carrying nuclear or conventional warheads.

Iskander-M missiles have a range of over 310 miles and can carry 10-to-50 kiloton nuclear warheads, comparable to HiroshimaNagasaki bombs.

NATO capitals Warsaw, Vilnius, Riga and possibly Tallinn and Berlin are in range of this deployment.

Elsewhere in the Zapad-2025 war games, Russian warship Admiral Golovko was seen launching a Tsirkon - or Zircon - hypersonic missile in the Barents Sea.

In an audacious overnight strike deep inside Russia, Ukraine struck defence-linked Russian chemical plant Metafrax Chemicals in Gubakha, Perm region, triggering explosions and fire.

The plant produces key precursors for high explosives like PETN and RDX for the Russian armed forces.

It is more than 1,000 miles from the nearest Ukrainian territory.

Separately, footage showed the moment a Ukrainian drone hit Novo-Ufimsky oil refinery in Ufa, some 870 miles from the frontline.

On another hit on Russian refining, one of Putin's largest oil refineries - Kirishi, in Leningrad region - was ablaze after a Ukrainian strike.

This has a capacity of some 21 million tons per year.

Ukraine's campaign to disrupt oil refining and supplies in Russia has led to shortages and acute price jumps in dozens of regions.

Ukraine's campaign to disrupt oil refining and supplies in Russia has led to shortages and acute price jumps in dozens of regions

Ukraine was hit by a giant explosion of ammunition being moved by rail near Kalynivka in Kyiv region, triggering infrastructure damage and train disruption

One of Russia's largest oil refineries - Kirishi, in Leningrad region - was ablaze after a Ukrainian strike

Russia suffered major Ukrainian strikes with a drone hit on Novo-Ufimsky oil refinery in Ufa, some 870 miles from the frontline

An explosion of a bomb on a Russian rail mainline in Oryol region killed two national guards officers, according to reports. Major train delays were also caused by the blast.

A giant explosion in Kalynivka in Kyiv region was believed to have come during rail transportation of ammunition.

Some reports said it was due to a Russian missile strike but this was not initially officially confirmed.

It resulted in train disruption early on Sunday.

There were also reports of Russian ballistic missiles striking Dnipro.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky pleaded for tougher US action 'to halt Russia's war machine'.

He said: 'Everyone sees that Russia's war against Ukraine is Putin's war. Everyone sees that the Russian drones attacking Poland are also Putin's war. And this is a warning not only to Poland but to all of Europe.

'Romania scrambled combat aircraft due to a Russian drone in its airspace.

'The Russian military clearly understands where their drones are directed and how long they can stay in the air.

'The routes are always calculated. This cannot be a coincidence, mistake, or unauthorised action by lower-level commanders.

'This is an obvious expansion of the war by Russia, and this is exactly how they operate.'
Tommy Robinson's 'Unite the Kingdom' march descended into chaos yesterday as police and protesters clashed in central London.

At least 25 people were arrested and 26 police officers were injured - including four who were seriously hurt - as tensions flared at the rally which was billed as a fight for free speech.

Up to 150,000 protesters marched through the capital for what is believed to be the largest right-wing demonstration in British history - fuelled by the assassination of Charlie Kirk just days earlier.

A huge policing operation was needed in central London with the Met deploying 1,000 officers and drafting in an additional 500 from forces across the country, including Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Devon and Cornwall.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said officers 'policed without fear of favour' as they fought back against 'unacceptable violence', including being assaulted with kicks, punches and missiles.

Police clashed with protesters throughout the demonstration, wielding their batons and pinning demonstrators to the ground as they scrambled to bring the event under control.

Now, as Scotland Yard continues to investigate yesterday's protest, you can vote in the Daily Mail's poll on whether the police were too heavy-handed or if their level of force was justified.
The detective who caught the prolific cyberstalker Alex Belfield fears he has restarted his online campaign of vitriol after being released from prison.

Detective Constable Janet Percival began building the case against the former DJ for BBC Radio Leeds in 2019.

It was thanks in large part to her efforts that in August 2022, Belfield, 45, was found guilty of stalking four people and jailed for five and a half years the following month.

His victims included the Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine, who dubbed Belfield 'the Jimmy Savile of trolling after being subjected to 'an avalanche of hatred' of repeated abusive messages, videos and emails.

But although he was only freed from prison in June, after serving half his sentence in HMP Fosse Way in Leicestershire, Percival argues that Belfield has once again returned to his online trolling pastime.

He has returned to posting daily videos on YouTube, where he still has almost 350,000 followers, claiming that he was a political prisoner.

He has criticised some of his victims without directly naming them and supported hard-right activists such as Tommy Robinson.

Although his early release means he has to follow a number of licence conditions.

Detective Constable Janet Percival fears prolific cyberstalker Alex Belfield has restarted his online campaign of vitriol after being released from prison

Ex-BBC presenter Alex Belfield (seen arriving at Nottingham Crown Court in 2022) has returned to posting daily videos on YouTube, claiming that he was a political prisoner

He still has almost 350,000 followers on YouTube, and has used his videos to criticise some of his victims without directly naming them

On Friday, he sent a message to his subscribers saying that he had just been banned from uploading 'any material on any app or site', and that he would be returned to prison if he did.

While he was in prison, Belfield had a clock on his website that ticked down the seconds to his release and two videos were posted on his 'Voice of Reason' YouTube channel - although they were taken down.

Detective Percival told the Sunday Times: 'Im absolutely disgusted that a convicted stalker can come out of prison, pick up where he left off and claim he's a political prisoner for "hurty words".

'Belfield weaponised the internet and hes been doing it again.'

Detective Percival, who retired from Nottinghamshire police in December, has herself been a target of Belfield's abuse in the past.

When she was investigating him, he started posting YouTube videos about her, falsely alleging she had lied to judges, and accusing her of being corrupt.

In his most recent videos he called the police corrupt, and although he didn't name her, Detective Percival said: 'I know thats aimed at me.'

She now wants the Ministry of Justice to ensure that when cyberstalkers are released from prison, their licence conditions prevent them from using social media - something that already happens with sex offenders.

Convicted stalker Alex Belfield leaves HMP Fosse Way in Leicester after serving half of his sentence in June 2025

After he left prison, Belfield posed with tape over his mouth and holding up a picture of Winston Churchill with the words 'Never, never, never give up'

A jubilant Belfield was seen carrying a black holdall with an image of US President Donald Trump alongside the words 'Never Surrender' after his release

Detective Percival told the broadsheet she doesn't think 'it's fair' that the victims have to 'relive the lies' and that it is wrong he's been allowed access to social media.

Belfield was employed by the BBC on a temporary contract for less than a year in 2010 but several complaints from staff about his behaviour meant bosses chose not to renew his employment.

The Sunday Times previously reported that he grilled a young producer and called her useless', a comment which led to her crying in the toilets.

After he left the BBC, the tirade of hateful comments started with his initial targets being the former colleagues who he thought had been involved in his departure.

It began with defamatory and vulgar emails  copying in BBC bosses and others in the industry  but later it developed into posting abuse on his YouTube channel and on Twitter.

He repeatedly created new email addresses when he was blocked.

This went on for nearly a decade, until the BBC eventually contacted the police.

After he was found guilty, the judge said Belfield's motive was 'personal grudges and responses to real or apparent slights,' rather than to 'exercise his journalistic freedom to comments on matters of public interest.'

While he was in prison, Belfield had a clock on his website that ticked down the seconds to his release

During the criminal trial, Mr Vine labelled Belfield 'the Jimmy Savile of trolling'. Jurors heard he repeatedly posted or sent abusive messages, videos and emails

During the criminal trial, Vine sobbed as he recalled how he had to install security cameras as he feared one of Belfield's 'disciples' would launch a knife or acid attack on him or his family.

It was also heard the former local DJ had made 24 references to Vine in his online content in one 14-day period, with the Radio 2 host forced to put a picture of Belfield in the hallway to warn his teenage daughter to be on guard in public.

Belfield agreed to pay 'substantial' damages to Mr Vine in 2023 for making 'false allegations of dishonesty' in a separate civil legal action over his 'campaign of defamation and harassment'.

In May 2024, the courts ruled he also had to pay a 'substantial' libel sum after he wrongly claimed Detective Percival was part of a BBC 'witch hunt'.

And his lawyer said he offered his 'sincere and unqualified apology' to Ms Percival for the 'embarrassment and distress' caused to her.

Ms Percival told the Sunday Times that people often struggle to see cyberstalking as on a par with stalking in person.

But she argued that what they don't realise is that the person is 'effectively in their house', because the email is popping up on their mobile can do 'huge psychological damage'.

When he released his first video about Percival, his followers sent more than 400 complaints about her to the police professional standards.

In his videos, he repeatedly called her 'stupid' and offered his followers money to 'find dirt' on her - as well as emailing her chief constable.

And although she said she put on a 'brave face', the online abuse did cause her some stress as 'Im human'.

In one of his recent YouTube videos, Belfield can be seen advertising his recently published book, 'Surviving the Slammer', which covers his time inside for cyber stalking

Ms Percival's husband, a lorry driver, was so furious that she had to stop him from reacting.

Google-owned YouTube demonetised Belfield's account in 2022  meaning that he does not receive revenue from advertising on the platform.

However he is still able to use the video platform for publicity, allowing him to sell his books and merchandise. He has just published the book, 'Surviving the Slammer', which covers his time inside for cyber stalking.

Although his planned tour was cancelled due to concerns by the Probation Service that it would break his licence conditions.

Percival believes YouTube should do more but said she was told by a tech guy who deals with cybercrimes that the platform 'will basically only take videos down if it's paedophilia'.

When asked if she thinks Belfield will ever stop, Percival responds with a resolute 'no'.

She said the forensic psychologist she worked with on the case told her he wont stop until he feels vindicated and 'he'll never feel vindicated'.

Percival said it has never been a freedom of speech fight but that its actually just all about money.

She argues that this is why he 'jumps on every cause' such as Tommy Robinson and Lucy Connolly, as hes 'just a grifter'.
Andy Burnham was told to stick to local politics today amid claims he is plotting a return to Westminster to replace Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader and Prime Minister.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle this morning bluntly suggested the Greater Manchester mayor stay in the North West, amid increasing speculation that he could contest a local seat if a Labour MP quits.

The former Labour minister 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.

Burnham is being aided by disgruntled leftie MPs in what one told the Sun on Sunday was being called 'The Etihad Coup' because so many Manchester City fans had been sacked in a recent reshuffle.

Mr Kyle told Sky News' Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips that Mr Burnham, who has been dubbed 'the King In The North' was 'a real talent'.

But he added: 'I think he is doing an incredible job in Manchester at the moment, I think Manchester really needs him.

'I love working with him in Manchester. It would be a shame for Manchester to lose him.'

Mr Kyle also clashed with Manchester MP Graham Stringer after the latter suggested the PM 'doesn't seem to have the basic skills that most politicians have'.

Meanwhile, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage questioned whether Mr Burnham could win a seat if it is contested.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle this morning bluntly suggested the Greater Manchester mayor stay in the North West, amid increasing speculation that he could contest a local seat if a Labour MP quits.

The former Labour minister 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.

Mr Kyle told Sky News' Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips that Mr Burnham, who has been dubbed 'the King In The North' was 'a real talent' who should stay in Manchester.

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.

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.

However Mr Stringer, while criticising the PM, told warned Burnham against making a tilt for the top job

He told Times Radio: 'It doesn't seem a credible tactic or strategy. The pathway is fraught with difficulties for him.

'He'd have to resign his position as mayor. He'd have to be allowed onto a shortlist and then have to win a by-election at a time when the Labour Party is vulnerable.

'He's an excellent mayor of Greater Manchester. He's got probably the top rating of any politician in the UK. He should stay with it. The Labour Party needs somebody as popular as that'.

It comes after a series of MPs from the left of the party broke cover to criticise the PM's leadership.

Last week Clive Lewis publicly questioned Sir Keir Starmer's leadership, telling the BBC the Prime Minister does not seem 'up to the job'.

Barry Gardiner meanwhile said 'toxic' resentment was festering among the party's MPs and rank and file members.
BEIJING, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- The world is entering a new period of turbulence and transformation, with global governance at a fresh crossroads. At the recent "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global Governance Initiative, emphasizing the need to stay committed to international rule of law.

Staying committed to international rule of law is the fundamental safeguard for global governance. Yet reality is sobering: some countries champion a so-called "rules-based order," but in practice adopt a selective approach to international law -- using it when it suits their interests and discarding it when it does not. Such practices have fueled concerns over a "paralyzed" United Nations, a "failing" international law, and an "ineffective" multilateral system.

At the same time, global challenges such as climate change, energy security and cyber security continue to mount. In emerging domains, including the deep sea, polar regions, outer space and artificial intelligence, the absence of rules and law-based governance has increased risks. The urgency of strengthening international rule of law and improving global governance has never been more evident.

China's position is clear. The purposes and principles of the UN Charter are universally recognized basic norms of international relations. They must be upheld unwaveringly. In emerging areas, international rules should be formulated on the basis of extensive consensus. International law and rules must be applied equally and uniformly, without any double standards or imposition. The authority and solemnity of international law must be upheld. Major countries, in particular, must take the lead in advocating and defending international rule of law.

As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and the world's largest developing country, China has consistently respected and safeguarded the authority of the UN Charter and international law. China has joined nearly all universal intergovernmental organizations and more than 600 international conventions and amendments, firmly supporting the United Nations' central role in international affairs. China practices true multilateralism and actively contributes to the development of the international legal system.

Concrete actions speak louder than words. In May, the world's first intergovernmental organization dedicated to mediation -- the International Organization for Mediation -- was established in Hong Kong, creating a new platform for the peaceful settlement of international disputes.

To improve global governance of artificial intelligence, China has also proposed the Global AI Governance Initiative and advocated the establishment of a World AI Cooperation Organization, ensuring that AI develops for the good of humanity.

Step by step, China has demonstrated its commitment to delivering on its word and taking action, adding fresh impetus to the rule of law in global governance.

Looking ahead, China will continue to uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, advance democracy and rule of law in international relations, and work with other countries to build a community with a shared future for humanity. 
The family of Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre have told Prime Minister Keir Starmer that Lord Mandelson should have never been the UK's ambassador to the US.

When asked, Virginia's brother, Sky Roberts, said: 'absolutely not, he should never have been given the position in the first place.

'It speaks to how deep the corruption goes in our systems. Whether that's linked to the UK, US or abroad.'

Virginia claimed she was sexually abused by Jeffrey Epstein after she met Ghislaine Maxwell in 2000 while working as a locker room attendant at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach.

She alleged that in 2001, when she was aged 17, Epstein took her to London and introduced her to Prince Andrew, then 41, who she claimed raped her three times.

The prince, now 65, has denied all of the claims but reached an out-of-court settlement with her in 2022 which contained no admission of liability or apology.

Before she died in April, Virginia became a prominent campaigner and the most internationally recognised victim of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Virginia's sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, told the BBC: 'Why does it take us to have to pull out the skeletons for people to be held accountable?

The family of Jeffrey Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre have told Prime Minister Keir Starmer that Lord Mandelson should have never been the UK's ambassador to the US (The PM pictured with Lord Mandelson in February)

Lord Mandelson with Jeffrey Epstein on December 12, 2005, where he is seen trying on a belt during a visit to a boutique in the Caribbean

Ms Giuffre sued Andrew, pictured together with Ghislaine Maxwell, right, in 2001, claiming he sexually assaulted her when she was 17 and under the spell of paedophile financier Epstein

'Our governments have allowed these people to hold their status and their title without shame'.

'He should never have been given that title. We have to put the spotlight on them. It's unfair we continuously pull these skeletons out, that survivors have to continuously point the finger for us to do the right thing'.

There has never been any suggestion Lord Mandelson met Virginia and last week he indicated he never sought or was offered women from Epstein because he is a gay man. He also said he never saw any wrongdoing.

However, devastating emails leaked this week between him and Epstein revealed their very close bond.

They suggested Lord Mandelson joined forces with a mysterious 'Mr Big' to fight for child predator Jeffrey Epstein as the FBI closed in.

The Labour grandee appears to have plotted behind the scenes with his paedophile 'best pal' to save him from looming charges of molesting teenagers.

In a fresh cache of damning messages, the now former British ambassador to Washington wrote to Epstein in 2006: 'What's cooking?' after Florida police decided to charge him with unlawful sexual activity with a minor and 'lewd and lascivious' molestation.

Mandelson  at the time Britain's EU Commissioner on a taxpayer-funded 200,000 salary  breezily added: 'Here whenever you need.'

Virginia's sister-in-law, Amanda Roberts, told the BBC : 'Why does it take us to have to pull out the skeletons for people to be held accountable?' (Pictured: Virginia's brother Sky and his wife Amanda)

Before she died in April, Virginia became a prominent campaigner and the most internationally recognised victim of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell

Mandelson and a friend - thought to be his lover - enjoy a boat ride together as guests of Epstein

The book contains 'intimate, disturbing, and heartbreaking new details about her time with Epstein', pictured with Maxwell in 2005

The latest emails, obtained by Bloomberg News, reveal that Mandelson's jaw-dropping 'I think the world of you... you must fight for early release' email, was sent to the convicted paedophile on the day before he reported to prison to start his 18-month sentence as part of a controversial plea deal.

Pressure grew on Mandelson on Wednesday, when he gave an interview to the Harry Cole Saves The West podcast saying further 'very embarrassing' emails had yet to be made public.

He had previously said he deeply regrets continuing his association with Epstein 'far longer than I should have done'

Hours later, such messages were published by The Sun, which showed the peer telling Epstein: 'I think the world of you.'

Epstein also seemed to think his British friend could wield his power to fix him a pardon. From prison, he emailed Mandelson  or 'Petie' as he affectionately called him  to ask if he had met Florida's governor who was visiting Europe and 'would be instrumental'.

In a cryptic email exchange in the Bloomberg cache, Epstein referred to a 'Mr Big'. As he faced a criminal investigation, he messaged Mandelson: 'Peter, Mr Big has a meeting Thursday . . . I need your guy to remind him . . .'

This was in January 2008, and the FBI had been pursuing a sex-trafficking probe which led to agents discovering more than 30 potential under-age victims.

Prosecutors were in talks with Epstein's lawyers about a 'plea deal' in which he would plead guilty to a lesser crime of soliciting under-age sex in return for the FBI inquiry being shelved.

At the start of 2008, Mandelson told his financier friend of a discussion he had had with an unnamed contact whom he believed could help him with his legal difficulties.

In a message on January 7, Mandelson wrote that his contact had told him: 'I will really go for it on your friend now that his case is a bit more realistically salvageable.'

A week later, Epstein told Mandelson: 'Peter, Mr Big has a meeting Thursday with Lefky'.

Lekfy is believed to be Jay Lefkowitz, who was one of Epstein's defence lawyers.

'Lefky is the way Mr Big refers to him,' Epstein explained, and he asked Mandelson: 'I need your guy to remind him one time before the meeting . . . then we are done.'

Mandelson replied: 'I will get a message. He is travelling at moment.' Bloomberg's email cache does not reveal the identities of either 'Mr Big' or 'your guy'.

Epstein also apparently tried to rope in Gordon Brown, referring to the then Prime Minister as your boy in a message to Mandelson about the PM meeting President George W. Bush in Washington in July 2008.

He wrote: your boy is meeting tomoorw with B. IF he gets a chance he could remind josh bolton.' Josh Bolten was Bushs chief of staff at the time.

It is not known what Epstein wanted Mr Brown to remind President Bush of. Bolten said he had no recollection.

Lefkowitz had been a senior adviser to President Bushs administration. Lefkowitzs full schedule in Washington that day isn't public, but years later, he confirmed that he met Bush at the White House 'that night'.

A spokesperson for Bush told Bloomberg he never discussed Epstein while in office, adding: 'President Bush in no way knew this man and is in no way involved with this story.'
Police are investigating after a care home resident choked to death on a cupcake topped with a marshmallow.

Alexander Ballmann, 45, suffered from a rare genetic disorder that caused swallowing difficulties.

He collapsed after eating the cake at Sandsground Care Home in Highworth, Wiltshire, on October 31 last year.

He was revived by medics and taken to hospital, but was placed in palliative care and died the following day.

A post-mortem found he suffered brain damage caused by a cardiac arrest after choking.

A police spokesperson confirmed: 'We are investigating the death of Alexander Ballmann which is currently being treated as unexplained.'

They added: 'The care home involved is actively assisting with the investigation and the staff members directly involved have been spoken to by officers.

'Mr Ballmann's family are being supported by specially trained officers at this difficult time.'

Mr Ballmann collapsed after eating the cake at Sandsground Care Home in Highworth, Wiltshire, above, on October 31 last year

A spokesperson at the home said they were unable to comment.

A forensic post-mortem has been held, and the inquiry has already lasted nearly 11 months.

A poignant tribute in a local paper said: 'To my brother Miss you always Nicola.'

Mr Ballmann died on November 1 last year, but details have only just been made public with the opening of the inquest into his death at Salisbury, Wiltshire.

The cause of death was hypoxic ischemic Encephalopathy caused by cardiac arrest resuscitated following choking on food in an individual with cornelia de lange syndrome

The inquest was adjourned to a date to be fixed.
Ex-classmates of the suspected Charlie Kirk shooter Tyler Robinson have said they always believed he would grow up to be a billionaire CEO.

Robinson, 22, was on Friday arrested on suspicion of assassinating the conservative political activist, 31, at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

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

But schoolfriends of the alleged shooter have taken to social media to share their personal insights and memories of the student, who was a member of the auto mechanics club at Pine View High School in St George, Utah.

As they flicked through their yearbooks, a smiling Robinson can be seen in a checkered shirt on the bottom row alongside a page of other students.

A former classmate, Jaida Funk, points him out and says: 'I always thought I'd see him more as a CEO or something, or a businessman, some billioanire by 26, rather than what's transpired now'.

The 22-year-old went on to describe Robinson as 'really well-rounded' and a 'sharp, kind, respectful individual, the type of kid that reminds the teacher that they need to assign homework'.

According to the schoolfriend, the passionate mathematician 'just got along with everyone and everyone liked him'.

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

A former classmate, Jaida Funk, said: 'I always thought I'd see him more as a CEO or something, or a businessman, some billioanire by 26, rather than what's transpired now'

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

'His family were just a cute, traditional, cookie cutter kind of family - the type of family you'd want to be in,' she added.

In a separate TikTok video following Robinson's arrest, another classmate had a different recollection of the student and claimed he was a 'Reddit kid'.

He admitted that although he did not know the suspected shooter 'really well', he spent 'three straight years' with him in high school which provided the basis for his description.

'If you were in high school around that same time, and even probably now, 2018 and those types of kids... well that's exactly what he was.

'All I'm going to say is this is the type of s*** that happens when you spend way too much time online and all of a sudden your beliefs are all the way this way or all the way that way and you do some dramatic s*** to please these people that are not your friends.

'This internet s*** is seriously no joke,' he concluded.

Years before being named as the alleged shooter, Robinson 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.

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

In a separate TikTok video following Robinson's arrest, another classmate had a different recollection of the student and claimed he was a 'Reddit kid'

Robinson seen in his mugshot

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

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

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

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.
The Metropolitan Police are hunting a man filmed calling for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to be assassinated during a Tommy Robinson march.

In an interview with ex-Tory councillor and conspiracy theorist William Coleshill, the protester was recorded saying: 'Keir Starmer needs to be assassinated, someone needs to shoot Keir Starmer.'

Coleshill pushed back, replying that Starmer should instead face trial and be 'lawfully executed.'

The footage, shot among the 150,000 people who joined yesterday's march, has triggered widespread condemnation online.

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

Scotland Yard confirmed officers are investigating the video, but said no arrests have yet been made.

A 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.

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

'Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.'

The clip emerged as police confirmed nine arrests after Robinson supporters hurled missiles at officers during what is thought to be the biggest right-wing protest in British history.

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

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

Demonstrators assembled at Stamford Street near Waterloo Bridge before marching to the southern end of Whitehall.

Among those addressing the crowds via video link was Tesla boss Elon Musk, who accused the Government of presiding over a 'rapidly increasing erosion of Britain.'

At the other end of Whitehall, a counter-demonstration organised by Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) drew around 5,000 people, according to official 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.

Throughout 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.'
Sir Keir Starmer's decision to formally recognise a Palestinian State rewards Hamas for its violence, the PM's former extremism adviser has claimed.

Lord Walney, the ex-Labour MP, hit out ahead of the PM's planned announcement at the UN General Assembly later this month.

Sir Keir made an announcement in July, saying the UK will only refrain from doing so if Israel allows more aid into Gaza, stops annexing land in the West Bank, agrees to a ceasefire and signs up to a long-term, peace process - which has not happened.

It prompted criticism that as Hamas has yet to release all the remaining hostages it took in the October 7 terror attack, such recognition rewards their violence.

However, other countries around the world are also either planning to recognise the Palestinian state or have already done so, amid deepening horror at Israeli military action in Gaza.

Writing in the Telegraph, Lord Walney, who stepped down in February, said Sir Keir's decision was 'a low point for Britain's international influence' that could increase anti-Semitism in the UK.

'This cannot credibly be seen as a move designed to end the grim fighting in Gaza,' he wrote.

'Hamas hailed the news as a victory, and the plight of Israel's 48 remaining hostages has been made worse.

'By offering up state recognition now, Britain risks reducing incentives for Hamas to compromise and, worse, sends a troubling message that terrorism can be rewarded. The precedent is clear: maximum violence appears to yield maximum dividends.

Lord Walney, the ex-Labour MP, hit out ahead of the PM's planned announcement at the UN General Assembly later this month.

Sir Keir made an announcement in July, saying the UK will only refrain from doing so if Israel allows more aid into Gaza, stops annexing land in the West Bank, agrees to a ceasefire and signs up to a long-term, peace process - which has not happened.

Last week Israel's president Isaac Herzog had a 'tough' meeting with Sir Keir.

Last week Israel's president Isaac Herzog had a 'tough' meeting with Sir Keir.

The meeting at Number 10 saw Mr Herzog 'argue' with the Prime Minister over the UK plan to recognise a Palestinian state and concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Speaking to an event hosted afterwards by the Chatham House think tank, Mr Herzog said he had offered 'a fact-finding mission coming to Israel, sitting with us and studying the situation in Gaza on the humanitarian level'.

'Because we have full answers and we are fully transparent,' he said.

Adding that the pair had 'argued out of respect', he noted there were 'things we agreed upon', such as the threat from Iran and the need to end Hamas's control of Gaza.

But he said he dismissed 'out of hand' comments by Wes Streeting in which the Health Secretary had said Mr Herzog needed to answer allegations of war crimes and ethnic cleansing.

Mr Herzog denied it is his country's aim to expel Palestinians from Gaza.

Asked about statements by Israeli ministers calling for Gaza to be completely destroyed and its population forced to leave, Isaac Herzog told an event hosted by Chatham House: 'Israel is a democracy with as far-reaching free speech as imaginable, but that does not reflect in any way the Israeli policy.'

He added: 'This is absolutely not the Israeli position or intention.

'Israel has made it clear it does not want to expel anyone.'
Paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein hosted Prince Andrew and Woody Allen for a dinner party at his New York 'house of depravity' months after being released from jail.

Epstein held the star-studded event at his 60million Manhattan home on December 2 2010, just five months after being released from jail following his conviction for child sex charges.

Among those he invited were Prince Andrew, who flew over from the UK, and Hollywood director Allen, who was one of Epstein's neighbours.

Allen, who was once accused of molesting his adopted daughter when she was a child (claims he has always denied), said he had not met Epstein before attending the first dinner and would go on to frequently dine there.

The 89-year-old told The Sunday Times he and his wife, Soon-Yi Previn, had been invited by a publicist to the dinner with 'one of those British royals' and other high-profile guests.

They included Katie Couric, then the highest-paid female TV anchor in the US, and George Stephanopoulos, a former White House communications director under President Bill Clinton.

Allen said there were 'about twenty people there', many from showbusiness, although Andrew previously claimed in his car-crash Newsnight interview that it was a 'small dinner party' for 'eight or ten' guests.

Woody Allen has admitted that he and his wife Soon-Yi (pictured behind Epstein together) would go to their neighbour Jeffrey Epstein's house for dinners

Epstein held the star-studded event at his 60million Manhattan home on December 2 2010, just five months after being released from jail following his conviction for child sex charges

Among those Epstein invited to his Manhattan mansion was Prince Andrew (pictured in February)

Epstein had just finished a prison term for soliciting an underage girl for prostitution, for which he was registered as a sex offender.

'We didn't know Jeffrey at all then, but we see all these people there and they all embraced him, so we figured, 'OK, he's a substantial character',' said Allen.

'He told us he'd been in jail and that he had been... falsely put in jail in some way.

'He told us he was trying to make up for it now by being philanthropic and giving money to cutting-edge scientists and universities. He couldn't have been nicer.'

Allen said his wife, the adopted daughter of his ex-wife Mia Farrow and her previous husband Andre Previn, had wanted to meet the duke.

She told The Sunday Times she 'could not stand' Andrew, describing him as 'such a dullard'.

Allen said he and Soon-Yi became regular guests at Epstein's house, where 'there was always a table of illustrious people'. He reminisced on an occasion where magician David Blaine is said to have swallowed live goldfish and regurgitated them.

But he added: 'We never, ever, saw Jeffrey with underage girls. He always had a girlfriend but never an underage girlfriend.'

He said Epstein's former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving a 20-year term for sex trafficking, was not the 'girlfriend' referenced and she did not attend any of the dinner parties.

Last month, The New York Times published photos from inside Epstein's mansion, including one of a letter from Allen which spoke of the 'many times' he and Soon-Yi were invited for dinner.

This photo shows the Manhattan residence of Jeffrey Epstein in New York

The association with Epstein adds to the controversy that has surrounded Allen (pictured) for many years

It was said to be part of a compilation of letters made for Epstein's 63rd birthday in 2016.

Last week, another trove of birthday letters were released - these ones from Epstein's 50th in 2003.

This included one from Peter Mandelson - as well as another from Allen, where he appeared to ironically compare Epstein to Bela Lugosi, who starred as Dracula in 1931 with 'three young female vampires who service the place one can picture him sleeping in damp earth'.

The association with Epstein adds to the controversy that has surrounded Allen for many years.

In 1992, it emerged that the then 56-year-old was having an affair with 21-year-old Soon-Yi, who was the adopted daughter of Allen's long-term partner Ms Farrow and her ex-husband, conductor and pianist Mr Previn.

Farrow and Previn had three biological sons and three adopted children together, including Soon-Yi.

Meanwhile, Allen and Farrow had two of their own adopted children, Moses and Dylan and one biological child, Ronan. However, Allen always claims he lived on his own and never with his children.

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

But in the summer of 1992, Farrow accused Allen of molesting their seven-year-old daughter, Dylan.

Yale New Haven Hospital's sexual abuse clinic and the New York City Child Welfare Administration investigated the allegations but neither found any evidence of molesting.

Dylan's therapist and Allen's therapist both said they did not believe the allegation, while the family's former nanny, Monica Thompson, said Allen 'was always the better parent and all the things Miss Farrow is saying about him are not true'.

However, at the time, state prosecutor Frank Maco said he had 'probably cause' to charge Allen, although he conceded 'there is evidence which points to the existence of a reasonable doubt'.

While the allegations appeared to drift off by the late 1990s, they came back to haunt Allen in 2014 when Dylan and Ronan brought it back into the spotlight.

With the MeToo movement growing, the mood against Allen also shifted. He is now regarded as a 'disgraced' film director along with the likes of Harvey Weinstein - even though he has never been convicted of anything.

Dylan maintains that Allen abused her.

Epstein was found dead in his cell in a New York prison in 2019 after being arrested on sex trafficking charges.

The Duke of York stepped down from public life after the furore over his friendship with the paedophile financier, and paid millions to settle a civil sexual assault case with Virginia Giuffre, a woman he claimed never to have met.
The family of Virginia Giuffre have shared their anger over Prince Andrew being 'still out there' and 'living in a palace', as a cache of 100 private emails contained in the Epstein Files threatens to 'destroy' the already disgraced royal.

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 told the Daily Mail: '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 and previously went by Virginia Roberts  with no admission of guilt.

Now, Ms Giuffre's family have revealed their true feelings over how the royal family dealt with the ordeal.

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

Now, Ms Giuffre's family have revealed their true feelings over how the royal family dealt with the ordeal (Pictured: Virginia's brother Sky and his wife Amanda)

After being asked by the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg if they feel the royal family has done enough in response to the allegations and if they ever reached out, Ms Giuffre's brother Sky Roberts said: 'I mean, no they've never reached out to our family or tried to engage in any way shape or form, but the fact he is still out there, he is still living in a palace essentially or a castle or whatever you want to call it is not enough.

'It doesn't matter if it's a royal family member, or the president, or a prince, or a large banking institution, or a lawyer, every single person deserve to be held to the fullest extent of the law.

'I don't feel personally like they have done that. I don't feel Prince Andrew has gotten enough from this.

'Of course he's been stripped of all of these different things and publicly shamed in certain ways but that's not enough.

'It's time we put every single person, whether you're a royal or Prince Andrew, you need to be fully investigated and if it is found you had any participation then you need to be put behind bars for the rest of your life.'

Prince Andrew and his former Wife Sarah Ferguson have lived at Royal Lodge, a grade II listed house in Windsor Great Park in Berkshire, since 2004.

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'.

Prince Andrew and his former Wife Sarah Ferguson have lived at Royal Lodge, a grade II listed house in Windsor Great Park in Berkshire, since 2004

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.'
A popular lifestyle influencer is facing backlash for her Instagram posts mourning the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Hate comments flooded Daisy Keech's social media accounts after she posted a string of Instagram stories about Kirk's tragic death.

Keech, who has seven million followers on TikTok, spoke out about how she is 'at such a loss for words' for the activist's death. She thanked him for 'everything he's done for the youth of our country'.

Along with Kirk's tragedy, she reposted a photo condemning the recent South Carolina school shooting and horrific stabbing of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska.

The text post said the recent murders are 'an act of the devil' and 'by not using your voice you are a part of the problem'.

Keech said she normally keeps her political opinions to herself but is speaking up because of the 'evil'.

'If you are rejoicing in the death of a father and husband, I pray for your soul,' she said.

Daisy Keech, who has seven million followers on TikTok , said she is 'at such a loss for words' regarding Charlie Kirk's death

Along with Kirk's tragedy, she reposted a photo condemning the recent South Carolina school shooting and horrific stabbing of 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska

'If you disagree or are shocked by any of my beliefs that is ok. There doesn't need to be any hate, just unfollow.'

She reposted another video titled: 'Something feels so different about the death of Charlie Kirk.'

The video explains that Kirk's death feels like 'they lost a friend' and that he was a 'true servant of god'. Keech added the caption '1000% to this,' agreeing with its message.

Since then, the 26-year-old social media star has faced hundreds of comments expressing anger, with one Instagram comment saying: 'I loved her content but I just really lost respect for her.'

Multiple TikTok and Reddit users claimed the influencer has 'selective empathy' since she has not voiced her opinion before.

One Reddit post said: 'I don't remember her posting about the Democrat politician killed by the Republican. Strange, isn't it?'

Some of Keech's loyal fans expressed their unwavering support. One wrote: 'I'm proud of you for honoring Charlie. All the hate on your post just tells you they don't know this man and only watch[ed] altered clips.'

The 26-year-old social media star faced tons of negativity for voicing her hurt after Charlie Kirk's death

Keech said she normally keeps her political opinions to herself but is speaking up because of the 'evil'

Keech told her five million Instagram followers to unfollow if they disagree with her beliefs

Multiple supportive fans thanked Keech for being brave and voicing her opinion, encouraging her to ignore the hate

The video explains that Kirk's death feels like 'they lost a friend' and that he was a 'true servant of god'; Keech added the caption '1000% to this,' agreeing with its message

Keech told her fanbase: 'If you are rejoicing in the death of a father and husband, I pray for your soul'

Another fan thanked her for being brave and voicing her opinion, encouraging the social media star to 'ignore the hate'.

'All these comments are completely unneeded and disrespectful. Have some respect for her!'

Along with other pictures of Kirk and his family, Keech posted a photo with her dog captioned: 'The world needs more love. And Jesus is love.'

Keech is known for co-founding the content creator group the Hype House in 2019. Her content has evolved into intimate wellness and lifestyle videos along with her popular home renovation series.

The Daily Mail reached out to Keech for comment.
A senior ABC journalist has fanned controversy after labelling ousted Liberal frontbencher Jacinta Nampijinpa Price's recent comments about Indian migration 'racist'.

Appearing on the ABC's Insiders program on Sunday, Isabella Higgins was asked what she made of Senator Price's claims last week that Labor was bringing Indian migrants to Australia because they tend to vote Labor.

'They were discriminatory, they were racist', Ms Higgins said.

'It shows she is a relatively inexperienced politician who has one mode  that is to go in and destroy an idea, which we saw very much with the Voice referendum.

'But when it comes to selling a vision or talking about complicated or nuanced policy areas, she is not really able to do that.'

Asked whether he agreed the comments were 'racist', fellow panelist and foreign editor of The Australian Greg Sheridan disagreed.

'Jacinta Price is not a racist. With respect, that is a preposterous suggestion,' he said.

'I think the episode demonstrates something else  tremendous incompetence on Jacinta Price's part.

ABC journalist Isabella Higgins has come under fire over claims Jacinta Price's recent comments on Indian migration were 'racist' on the ABC's Insiders program on Sunday

Senator Price (pictured) was removed from the outer shadow ministry on Wednesday after suggesting Indian migrants voted mostly as a block to support Labor

'She should have known exactly what she wanted to say about immigration and not gone further.'

Senator Price first accused the Albanese government of allowing in 'large numbers' of Indian migrants in order to win votes in an interview with the ABC earlier this month.

Though she has since refined her position and acknowledged Australia's migration policy is non-discriminatory, she has refused to apologise.

In addition, following her repeated refusal to express support for Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, she was removed from the outer shadow ministry on Wednesday.

The public broadcaster defended its journalist's comments as a 'fair piece of analysis' in a statement provided to The Australian.

'Jacinta Nampijinpa Price's comments about Indian migration are open to critical assessment from the media, and like the other panellists Isabella Higgins was on Insiders to provide her assessment and analysis,' an ABC spokesman said.

'She described the comments  which the senator later retracted  as discriminatory and racist.

'This is a widely held view that has been expressed by people in the Indian community and elsewhere and is a fair piece of analysis.

The Australian's foreign editor Greg Sheridan described Ms Higgins' claims as 'preposterous'

'Higgins questioned whether Nampijinpa Price's comment was said with intent or was a miscalculation under pressure, pointing to her relative inexperience. She didn't say that the senator was a racist.

'The program then provided a counter view by The Australian's Greg Sheridan, who said Price wasn't a racist but that the episode demonstrated 'tremendous incompetence' and 'amateurism''.

Meanwhile, Liberal MP Sarah Henderson described Ms Higgins' remarks as a 'disgraceful, unacceptable slur' in a post to X.

'The journalist grossly misrepresented Jacinta's initial comments, reflecting the vicious attack on Jacinta by some Labor MPs,' she wrote.

'The ABC has a statutory duty to disseminate news and information impartially and accurately.

'Once again, the ABC has failed to meet the high standards expected of the national broadcaster. The ABC should counsel its employee and unconditionally apologise.'

In a follow-up post, Senator Henderson also took aim at Ms Higgins' broader criticisms of Senator Price as being an ineffective political operative.

'The journalist not only disgustingly accused Jacinta of being a racist, but belittled and denigrated her as someone who could 'destroy an idea' such as the Voice referendum and was not yet capable of 'selling a vision' or talking about 'complicated or nuanced policy areas'.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley sacked Senator Price from the outer ministry on Wednesday

'Jacinta is smart, capable, competent and courageous, and one of the best communicators in the Parliament.

'She made a mistake which she immediately corrected. Importantly, she never directly adversely reflected on Indian Australians.

'And yet this ugly pile-on continues. Shame ABC, shame.'

ABC news director Justin Stevens said Ms Higgins' had the public broadcaster's 'full support' in a statement.

The ordeal has drawn comparisons with star ABC reporter Laura Tingle's description of Australia as a 'racist country' at the Sydney Writer's Festival last year.

'We are a racist country, let's face it,' Ms Tingle told the audience.

'We always have been and it's very depressing.'

Within days, Mr Stevens released a statement stating Ms Tingle had been 'counselled' over her remarks.

'Although the remarks were conversational, and not made in her work capacity, the ABC and its employees have unique obligations in the Australian media,' he said.

Daily Mail has contacted the ABC and Senator Price for comment.
Liberals were outraged after a hugely popular influencer, who supported Joe Biden and interviewed Dr Anthony Fauci, switched her political affiliation over 'deeply disturbing' celebrations of Charlie Kirk's assassination

Brittany Xavier was in tears when she heard Kirk had been shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10.

She came out as a conservative and disavowed her former party after liberals celebrated his death and harassed her about posting a tribute when he died.

A social media influencer with millions of followers, Xavier posts mostly non-political content about her life with family and fashion on Instagram and TikTok.

However, the mother of three was branded a 'white supremacist' after she announced she's no longer aligned with the Democratic Party.

She said: 'I want to say this with clarity and respect: I no longer align with the Democratic Party. Please don't assume that I do, because I don't.'

The slide show detailed her last straw with the left that made her switch to the right.

The post said: 'After I posted a simple tribute to Charlie on Instagram, most of the messages I received were overwhelmingly kind and supportive. But a few were deeply disturbing... people saying he deserved to die, celebrating his death, and spewing anti-American hate.'

Brittany Xavier was in tears when she heard Charlie Kirk had been shot and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on September 10

Liberals were outraged after the influencer switched her political affiliation from liberal to conservative

It became clear to Xavier: 'I want no part of that kind of darkness.'

Liberals were infuriated with her announcement and flooded her comments with hate for the mother of three.

One wrote: 'Wow. That man who spent his entire life preaching hate. A proud misogynist is being honored by a woman he would've barely viewed as human.'

On a Reddit thread, another added: 'We're really surrounded by a bunch of white supremacists who have a serious case of cognitive dissonance. I'm sick.'

A third wrote: 'Oh, and if you believe in protecting children, then where's your outrage about Palestine and school shootings?'

Many other comments were in support of Xavier's decision and applauded her bravery in speaking about her new beliefs.

A follower said: 'So proud of you for sharing and stepping up!!! You've got a follower here. There is something many of us. We are rising up in boldness and will no longer be bullied to stay silent!'

Her announcement on her page included a follow-up link to a more detailed explanation of her transition.

Liberals were infuriated with her announcement and flooded her comments with hate for the mother of three

On her Substack, she thoroughly explained the history of her political stance and how she was mindlessly indoctrinated in college to become a Democrat

On her Substack, she thoroughly explained the history of her political stance and how she was mindlessly indoctrinated in college to become a Democrat.

She said: 'By the time I earned my degree in 2010, I leaned left without even realizing it. I thought that was just normal. I consumed NPR and CNN daily. I believed what I was told and truly thought the government had our best interest in mind. And it continued that way up until 2020, I genuinely believed I was doing the morally responsible thing by voting for Joe Biden.'

The influencer noted that in 2021, she had an issue with the left.

She interviewed Dr. Fauci and asked if it was safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant, and he said it was the safest thing she could do.

She got the jab but later found independent studies that raised her concerns. She cited A 2023 peer-reviewed study published in Human Reproduction. She said the study found the Covid-19 vaccine to be 177 times higher compared to the influenza vaccine.

The new mother was disturbed and upset, and she found more information about how she had been lied to.

Xavier is a Christian and mentioned her faith to be very important to her and quoted the bible in the piece.

At the end of her message, she called on others to be brave:

'So if youve been scared to speak up, I understand, I was before too. But I hope this encourages you to find your voice, to be bold in your faith and to live your values out loud.'

'Not to shame or divide, but to bring hope, healing, and courage to a generation that needs it. Charlies boldness awakened something in me and I pray it awakens something in you too.'

Xavier is a Christian and mentioned her faith to be very important to her, and quoted the bible

Brittany has no patience for those praising that Charlie was killed and said: 'And if you celebrate someone's death for their beliefs, I don't want you following me'

Liberals commented on her Substack explaining why she was wrong, but conservative commentators were quick to defend Xavier's decision.

One replied to a liberal and said: 'How dare Brittany for having an independent mind. How dare Brittany for not swallowing the leftist media narrative hook, line and sinker and without considering whether it is true or not.'

'You said, Andrea, that you don't have to approve of the Democrats. Lets be honest at least. Brittany has to be a Democrat in your view. You are simply another example of someone on the far left who simply won't allow a dissenting opinion. That's the problem.'

Xavier has no patience for those praising that Charlie was killed and said: 'And if you celebrate someone's death for their beliefs, I don't want you following me.'
BEIJING, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese researchers have developed a hybrid framework to trace sources and change of on-road carbon dioxide emissions in real time with 30-meter resolution, according to a research article recently published in the journal Sustainable Cities and Society.

This technology is being applied in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, and is expected to be used in more cities in the future to assess and promote carbon dioxide reduction on urban roads.

Urban expansion and population mobility have driven a continuous rise in road carbon dioxide emissions -- posing significant challenges in terms of local climate regulation, public health and carbon neutrality.

A key limitation of previous carbon emission inventories is their coarse spatial resolution, according to Wang Li, corresponding author of the paper and a researcher at the Aerospace Information Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

This lack of detail makes it difficult to capture fine-scale variations in emissions from different road segments or over time. Consequently, it becomes even more challenging to accurately trace the sources of emissions or to explain what causes them, Wang said.

The development of precise monitoring methods for performing multi-factor analysis of on-road carbon dioxide levels is considered of great importance for their effective reduction.

Wang and his team developed their framework combining Panoptic-Artificial Intelligence (Panoptic-AI) and a mobile observation framework to predict the hourly 30-meter resolution of the on-road carbon dioxide concentration and provide a daytime dynamic carbon dioxide increment prediction in urban traffic networks.

This development integrates AI with panoramic cameras, high-precision greenhouse-gas analyzers and meteorological sensors to synchronously acquire multi-source data on road carbon dioxide concentrations, traffic volumes, building layouts, vegetation cover and meteorological conditions, during mobile surveys.

The research team achieved an average identification accuracy of over 93 percent for emission sources. Meanwhile, this framework can quantify the influence of individual factors such as traffic conditions, surrounding land cover and meteorological variables -- thereby clearly revealing the spatio-temporal dynamics and driving mechanisms of carbon emissions.

"This technique represents an innovative deployment of AI in environmental monitoring, as well as enabling a multi-dimensional and full-spectrum carbon monitoring system combined with conventional emission inventories and satellite-based greenhouse-gas monitoring technologies," said Wang. 
The FBI tried keeping the gender identity of the trans partner of Charlie Kirk's alleged killer a secret because he had been 'extremely cooperative' with authorities.

Sources familiar with the case said that Lance Twiggs was 'aghast' when confronted by investigators over his lover's alleged assassination plot, saying: 'Oh my God, no.'

Investigators are looking into whether Kirk's alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, was motivated by his belief that the conservative activist's views on transgender people were hateful.

After asking investigators if 'that's what happened', a horrified Twiggs agreed to cooperate and said 'here are all the messages', according to Axios.

Discord messages sent by the alleged killer, who was listed as 'Tyler', reportedly mentioned how he had wrapped his rifle in a towel and stashed it in some bushes near Utah Valley University, where Kirk was shot.

The sender also said that the rifle would have to be retrieved, Utah governor Spencer Cox said during a news conference.

An affidavit that detailed the Discord conversation also mentioned that Robinson had talked about changing outfits after the shooting.

The messages helped investigators find and arrest Robinson for the assassination, and they gave evidence for prosecutors to seek an aggravated murder charge against the alleged killer, which is the only charge in Utah that carries the death penalty.

Tyler Robinson's mugshot. He was arrested for Charlie Kirk's assassination

Robinson's roommate, Lance Twiggs (pictured), has been 'extremely cooperative' with investigators and the texts he shared helped lead authorities to the alleged killer and arrest him

Authorities are looking into whether Robinson was motivated by the romantic relationship investigators believe he had with Twiggs (pictured)

Discord said in a public statement that there was 'no evidence that the suspect planned this incident or promoted violence on Discord'.

Public records confirm that Twiggs and Robinson lived at the same address, and a relative of Twiggs confirmed they were roommates.

That relative also said Twiggs was the 'black sheep' of the family but did not speculate on a romantic relationship between the roommates.

Twiggs has been transitioning from male to female, according to police. His relative said she did not know what Twiggs's politics are or that he was transitioning, but she did say that it wouldn't surprise her.

Robinson's motives are the subject of intense debate online, with conservatives saying he is a radical leftist and liberals pushing back by pointing to his conservative upbringing.

In an interview with the Daily Mail on Friday, Robinson's grandmother, Debbie Robinson, said the family supports Trump and the MAGA movement.

'Most of my family members are Republican. I don't know any single one who's a Democrat,' she said.

Other family members said that Robinson had become more political over the past few years and that he had expressed interest in Kirk's visit to Utah Valley University.

Robinson grew up in a conservative Mormon family, but investigators believe he became infatuated with far-left ideology in recent years

Robinson posing with a machine gun in a picture posted by his mother on Facebook

Although Robinson grew up in a conservative Mormon family, he was not a registered Republican or Democrat, and authorities say he became infatuated with far-left ideology in recent years.

Governor Cox said a member of Robinson's family told investigators that the accused killer recently had a conversation in which someone told him Kirk 'was spreading hate and was full of hate'. It is unclear who made that statement.

The governor also said Robinson had showcased his new beliefs at a family dinner before the shooting and that he had talked about disliking Charlie Kirk.

Progressive activists have criticized the media for reporting that one of the messages on the bullet casings from the scene had an inscription related to transgender people on it, which turned out to be untrue.

Kirk regularly criticized the goals of the LGBTQ+ community and said he was against same-sex marriage and gender reassignment surgery.

But none of the messages written on the four bullets found by investigators mentioned trans people.

Kirk was shot at a debate he was hosting at Utah Valley University. He was killed while discussing the involvement of transgender people in mass shootings

The casing from the single-fired shot said: 'Notices bulge OWO what's this?'

'Hey fascist! CATCH!' read another, unfired casing, followed by an an up arrow symbol, right arrow and three down arrows.

'O Bella ciao, Bella ciao, Bella ciao, Ciao, ciao!' read the second unfired casing.

'If you read this, you are GAY Lmao,' read the third.

The shot that killed Kirk was fired as he was debating a student about the involvement of transgender individuals in mass shootings.

The FBI is trying to pin down Robinson's exact motive by investigating a 'mountain of evidence', including the relationship between the accused assassin and his roommate.

They are also looking into 'every connection, every group, every link and anyone tied' to the shooting, according to police.
The suspect accused of shooting a Georgia cop in the throat has been arrested after a local sent in a tip to officers.

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

The alleged shooter, Timothy Craig Ramsey, 26, was identified as the suspect as authorities launched a manhunt to find him.

He was nabbed on Saturday morning after someone recognized him and reported the spotting to police.

Ramsey was located in a wooded area near a church and taken into custody without incident, McCaysville Police Chief Michael Earley said.

It is unclear what led to the shooting, but Ramsey was seen in surveillance footage wearing a bright green outfit as he fled the scene in McCaysville - a small town that borders Tennessee.

After Worley, a cop of 15 years, was shot in the throat, he was quickly airlifted to a hospital in Chattanooga.

The officer is alive but in critical condition, his wife Jessica Worley said Saturday morning.

Brantley Worley, a captain with the McCaysville Police Department, was left in critical condition after he was shot in the throat while responding to a 911 call

The suspected shooter, Timothy Craig Ramsey, 26, was arrested Saturday morning after a local recognized him and called police

'Im with him now in the ICU. Im not going to post all of his medical injuries, but he is considered critical. Ill be with him until he gets home,' Jessica wrote on Facebook.

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.

Before locating Ramsey, police warned the public that he was 'armed and extremely dangerous.'

They urged the public to approach him if they saw him and to call 911 instead.

Officials also issued a Blue Alert for Ramsey, which is used to tell the public about a suspect accused of killing or seriously injuring a law enforcement officer.

Earley said this was not Ramsey's first run-in with the law, as he is known to be a problem in the community.

Neighbors previously described Ramsey as 'aggressive and violent,' according to Atlanta News First.

Ramsey was also seen in surveillance footage donning a green outfit as he fled the scene where the officer was shot

Jessica Worley, the injured officer's wife, said he is alive but in critical condition

Another local said Ramsey once shot out his own windows after believing a neighbor killed his cat, per the local station.

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.

He is currently being held at Fannin County Jail.

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 a 15-year-long career in law enforcement. He is also a certified field training officer and a firearms instructor.

Earley has asked the community to keep the veteran officer and his loved ones in their thoughts and prayers.

Daily Mail contacted the McCaysville Police Department for comment.
Support for the Coalition has fallen to its lowest level of primary support on record with minor parties emerging as the biggest beneficiaries.

A Newspoll published in The Australian and conducted last week between Monday and Thursday put the Opposition's primary vote at an all-time low of 27 per cent based on 1264 voters.

This represents a further drop from the last round of polling and the Coalition's lowest level of support since Newspoll first counted primary votes in November 1985, four decades ago.

While Labor's two-party-preferred support surged to 58 per cent against the Coalition's 42 per cent, its primary vote remained steady at 36 per cent.

Minor parties and independents made up the difference, with Pauline Hanson's One Nation profiting most starkly. Its primary vote nearly doubled since the May election from 6.4 per cent to ten per cent.

The Greens claimed 13 per cent of the primary vote while support for minor parties and independents climbed to 14 per cent.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has seen her approval rating plunge to negative 17 per cent, with only 32 per cent of voters satisfied with her performance.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also took a hit, with his net approval rating dropping back into negative territory from plus three last month to negative five.

Newspoll primary support for the Coalition has fallen to its lowest level on record. Pictured is Opposition Leader Sussan Ley whose approval rating has plunged to negative 17 per cent

Labor under Anthony Albanese saw primary support keep steady as minor parties and independents soared

His lead over Ley remained steady, however, with 51 per cent of voters still seeing him as the better prime minister, compared with Ley's 31 per cent.

The figures cast doubt on Ley's ability to lead the Coalition, with its primary vote now 4.8 per cent lower than under Dutton at the election.

Now nearly four months out from the Coalition's split and remarriage, deep divisions remain on key policy issues including migration, climate change and net zero.

Adding to the disastrous results, the poll was taken in the midst of an internal row over Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price's sacking from the shadow ministry.

It followed Price's comments earlier this month claiming Labor was bringing Indian migrants to Australia to boost its electoral base.

She has since walked back her claims after widespread outrage but has refused to apologise. She was pulled from the outer ministry on Wednesday after she refused to publicly pledge her support for Ley.

The move triggered a minor reshuffle of the Coalition's frontbench.

In an apparent bid to mitigate the fallout from Price's ousting, Ley elevated three conservatives in the process.

Finance spokesman James Paterson, Tasmanian Senator Claire Chandler and Cook MP Simon Kennedy were each brought up to the frontbench.

Price's defence industry portfolio meanwhile was returned to WA moderate Melissa Price, who held the role from 2019 to 2022.

The Liberals had poached Senator Price from the Nationals earlier this year, but already demoted her once back in May from the shadow cabinet to the regular frontbench.
Forget timetables or spelling bees, the Kim family's quiz asks why the sky is blue, which organelle triggers cell death, and which god kept Odysseus from returning home, and they might be the cleverest family in Britain.

The majority of 14-year-olds take some time to adjust in the first few weeks of Year 10, and spend time with friends whilst looking ahead to their GCSEs.

However, Elias, from Burton upon Trent in Staffordshire, has always been ahead of the curve, and later this month, he will begin a biomedical engineering degree at Imperial College London, one of the most demanding courses at one of the world's top institutions.

He is not the only child to outperform the norm; in fact, he's joined by his four siblings. His sisters, Juliana, 24, Clara, 22, Ella, 20, and Ariel, 11, have all followed accelerated paths through school and university.

Elias first sat GCSEs at ten, breezed through them with grade 9s across the board, then went on to collect four A stars and an A at A-level.

He was given an unconditional offer to Imperial at 13, which meant he would get in regardless of his A Level results, but decided to prove himself anyway - smashing it with four A stars in maths, further maths, chemistry and physics and an A in biology.

Juliana and Clara are both PhD students at Imperial, Ella is at University College London, and Ariel has already notched up 9s in maths, chemistry and physics.

Meet the Kims, possibly the cleverest family in the UK. Pictured from left to right: Ella, Ariel, Juliana, Elias, Clara

Elias, from Burton upon Trent in Staffordshire, has always been ahead of the curve, and later this month, he will begin a biomedical engineering degree at Imperial College London. Pictured: Elias studying with his little sister, Ariel

The family's story began in South Korea, where the three eldest daughters were born, before moving to Canada in 2006 and then Northern Ireland, following their father Sung in Kim's academic work.

A university job later brought him to Coventry, where the family settled and their youngest daughter, Ariel, was born.

Their mother, Kyounghwa Jung, a former maths teacher, runs the household and still speaks little English, so Korean is the main language at home.

The turning point came during lockdown in 2020, when Elias was in Year 4 and Ariel in Year 1. Rather than letting the pandemic be a stumbling block for their siblings, the Kim sisters used it as an opportunity to help their siblings thrive.

They began homeschooling the younger children while juggling their own degrees, using South Korean textbooks alongside the British curriculum.

Juliana, studying bioengineering, explained to The Times: 'We could not stand them learning nothing, because at primary school they didnt provide much learning or support.

'Elias was finding it boring and it wasnt fast enough [for him], so we did extra support to make it work.'

Ariel, who is particularly passionate about biology and chess, has since sat GCSEs years ahead of her peers.

He was given an unconditional offer to Imperial at 13, which meant he would get in regardless of his A Level results

The family's story began in South Korea, where the three eldest daughters were born, before moving to Canada in 2006

She earned 9s in maths, chemistry and physics, as well as additional maths, and an 8 in biology.

'When they gave work, I always finished first, so I always had to wait,' she said of her time at school.

Elias's own gifts were noticed early. Teachers in Belfast, where he was at primary school, suggested he skip a year after realising his reading and maths were well ahead of his classmates. But even in Year three, he found lessons too easy.

The Kims believe the UK education system has helped them realise their potential, allowing them to focus on specialist subjects while progressing through the basics quickly.

Juliana said she likes the education system in the UK as it means she can also focus on the subjects she enjoys.

Clara added: 'In a way, the UK system is somewhat an advantage to us.'

Elias considered Oxford, but his application was rejected for not having enough GCSEs.

His younger sister Ariel, however, is already working to meet the requirements and hopes to study maths there.

The Kims are now hoping to share their approach with others. The three eldest sisters have launched a tutoring business, NewGenTutor, offering online classes in maths and science at 55 an hour.
A Tory MP has insisted that Oxford Union's President-Elect should be removed after sending messages celebrating the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk, despite his mealy-mouthed 'apology'.

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.

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.'

Mr Abaraonye has since deleted the messages and apologised.

But now, Shadow education secretary Laura Trott has told GB News: 'I don't think you get to celebrate a political assassination and be the head of an Oxford Union'.

She went on to explain that although he has apologised, that she doesn't believe he is an 'appropriate person to be head of the Oxford Union'.

'We don't need to hound this person out of their future potential, I think we need to be able to say that if they've apologised, he said it's wrong, he really understands, that what he said was absolutely abhorrent then I think hounding him out of university is probably the wrong thing to do'.

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

Shadow education secretary Laura Trott has told GB News: 'I don't think you get to celebrate a political assassination and be the head of an Oxford Union'

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.'

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.

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.'

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'.

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

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'

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.'

The Oxford Union has confirmed its incoming president will face disciplinary proceedings following the messages.

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.

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.'
Keir Starmer vowed to never surrender the Union flag to those using it to sow 'violence, fear and division' today after tens of thousands attended a violent Tommy Robinson demo in London.

The Prime Minister broke his silence this afternoon, saying the country 'will not stand' for assaults on police officers after 26 were injured - four seriously - in clashes with right wing protesters.

Between 110,000 and 150,000 people turned out for the protest, significantly exceeding the estimates of organisers. The demo also saw a virtual speech from Elon Musk.

While the rally began largely peacefully as demonstrators voiced their anger over free speech and Britain's small boats crisis, it exploded into violence when protesters and counter-protesters closed in on each other along Whitehall.

Met Police chiefs blasted anti-migrant protesters for displaying a 'wholly unacceptable' level of violence.

The force said it faced 'significant aggression' from protesters as officers attempted to police the event, with many assaulted and peppered with missiles.

The Prime Minister posted on X: 'People have a right to peaceful protest. It is core to our country's values.

'But we will not stand for assaults on police officers doing their job or for people feeling intimidated on our streets because of their background or the colour of their skin.

'Britain is a nation proudly built on tolerance, diversity and respect.

'Our flag represents our diverse country and we will never surrender it to those that use it as a symbol of violence, fear and division.'

The Prime Minister broke his silence this afternoon, saying the country 'will not stand' for assaults on police officers after 26 were injured - four seriously - in clashes with right wing protesters

Between 110,000 and 150,000 people turned out for the protest, significantly exceeding the estimates of organisers

Twenty-four people were arrested for a range of offences including affray, violent disorder, assault and criminal damage.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the violent scenes on Saturday and vowed that anyone 'taking part in criminal activity will face the full force of the law'.

A Cabinet minister this morning said the protest was a 'klaxon call' for MPs to address immigration and other public concerns.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle said the Government is determined to 'start to bring communities back together again' in light of the fractious scenes, but he conceded so far it is 'something that we have not solved'.

'There are communities that are being driven further apart, and there are figures such as Tommy Robinson who are able to touch into a sense of disquiet and grievance... in our society.

'A lot of it goes back to its roots in the financial crisis and the impact that had on communities around the country, and we haven't been able to bring our communities back together again since.'

'I think these are moments that are klaxon calls to us in public life to redouble our efforts to address the big concerns that people right across our country have, and immigration is a big concern,' he told BBC's Sunday Morning With Laura Kuenssberg.

The protest featured a guest appearance from Tesla and X owner Elon Musk, who called for an urgent change in government in the UK and told protesters to 'fight back' or 'die'.

Twenty-four people were arrested for a range of offences including affray, violent disorder, assault and criminal damage

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the violent scenes on Saturday and vowed that anyone 'taking part in criminal activity will face the full force of the law'

Mr Kyle described the tech billionaire's comments as 'slightly incomprehensible' and 'totally inappropriate'.

He added: 'But what we saw yesterday was over 100,000 people who were expressing freedom of association, freedom of speech, and proving that both of those things are alive and well in this country.'

Police are hunting a man filmed calling for Sir Keir to be assassinated during the march.

In an interview with ex-Tory councillor and conspiracy theorist William Coleshill, the protester was recorded saying: 'Keir Starmer needs to be assassinated, someone needs to shoot Keir Starmer.'

Coleshill pushed back, replying that Starmer should instead face trial and be 'lawfully executed'.

The footage has triggered widespread condemnation online. Social media users demanded the protester's arrest, with one posting: 'A jail sentence is in the post for this chump!'

Another wrote: 'Hope the Met get this man.'

Scotland Yard confirmed officers are investigating the video, but said no arrests have yet been made.

A 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.'
Labour's migrant returns deal with France will be hit with a slew of last-minute legal challenges as ministers gear up for the first removals flights this week, the Conservatives have predicted.

The initial deportation of small boat migrants back to France is due to take place as early as tomorrow.

The one in, one out deal with president Emmanuel Macrons government came into effect on August 7 and since then 5,435 small boat migrants have reached Britain.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp  who served as an immigration minister in Boris Johnsons government - said Labours plan would be overwhelmed by legal challenges brought on behalf of migrants to prevent them being sent back.

At least 100 migrants were detained in early August after crossing the Channel by small boat.

They have since been held at immigration removal centres and an undisclosed number have now been issued with formal removal directions by the Home Office.

Tory frontbencher Mr Philp said: The Government will be hit with a slew of last-minute legal challenges, but are too naive to realise this.

They have not scrapped the Human Rights Act in immigration matters or, indeed, the use of modern slavery claims as a pretext to stay in Britain, so ministers will find it very hard to remove people in practice.

Small boat migrants selected to be sent back to France were photographed in detention by the Home Office last month

The Home Office images showed migrants - all men - being delivered to an immigration removal centre ready to be processed for the new 'one in, one out' returns deal

In any case, removing a tiny handful of people will have no deterrent effect, when 2,000 people crossed in the last 10 days alone.

By their own admission 95 per cent of those crossing will be allowed to stay, which is clearly no deterrent at all.

Small boat migrants arriving at the Western Jet Foil at Dover Port, after being picked up in the Channel by Border Force vessels, were then taken to a processing centre in Manston, near Ramsgate, Kent, where some were selected for the new Anglo-French scheme

What we should do is deport very single illegal immigrant immediately on arrival.

On September 6, 1,097 migrants reached Britain and there were a further 927 arrivals last week. Crossings are currently inhibited by strong Channel winds.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp says the Home Office will face a 'slew of last-minute legal challenges' as it attempts the first removals under the scheme this week

Shabana Mahmood, arriving at the weekly Cabinet meeting last week, was appointed Home Secretary earlier this month after her predecessor Yvette Cooper oversaw a surge in Channel crossings in Labour's first 14 months in power

When the previous Conservative government attempted to mount the first removals flight in its Rwanda asylum deal, in June 2022, it was grounded by a late-night injunction issued by the European Court of Human Rights.

When PM Sir Keir Starmer and Mr Macron announced the deal in July it was suggested it would see 50 migrants a week sent back to France.

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At that rate, less than 2,000 would be returned before the agreement expires on June 11 next year.

By comparison, 31,026 have arrived so far this year, up 38 per cent on the same period last year.

The PM was accused of gaslighting the British public last month after he made grossly exaggerated claims over the new deal.

Despite the narrow scope of the pilot scheme Sir Keir took to social media to claim: If you break the law to enter this country, you will face being sent back.

At the time, Mr Philp said it was a gross exaggeration of what this paltry scheme will do.

The British taxpayer will foot the bill for both sides of the deal, which will see migrants who came here illegally across the Channel exchanged one for one with others still in France.

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Migrants in France  such as those with relatives already in Britain - will be flown here by the Home Office and handed a visa lasting up to three months while their final application is considered.

Officials insisted there will be rigorous security checks even though the French will not hand over any personal details on migrants coming here  including any criminal records they may hold on them.

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Government sources confirmed the removals flights will start this week.

A Home Office spokesman said: Under the new UK-France treaty, people crossing in small boats can now be detained and removed to France.

Migrants attempt a dinghy crossing from Gravelines beach, in France, to the UK last month

We expect the first returns to take place imminently.

Protecting the UK border is our top priority. We will do whatever it takes to restore order to secure our borders.
Around 100 people gathered outside a hotel housing Afghans on Saturday including on an inflatable boat with a banner to 'deport all foreign criminals'.

The Tickled Trout Hotel, near Samlesbury, in Lancashire, is currently housing people who supported British troops during operations in Afghanistan.

It is also home to those who have had to flee their homeland as they would be 'at risk of murder or persecution by the Taliban'.

Many protesters held England flags and banners and two people were also spotted sitting in a dinghy in the River Ribble, unfurling a banner stating 'ban foreign criminals'.

It comes as more than 110,000 people took part in a far-right street protest organised by the activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson in London.

A counter protest near the Trickled Trout Hotel saw four people put up signs outside on the fence to the hotel.

It attracted some of those at the anti-asylum seeker protest who wanted to share their views and explain why they were at the hotel.

One of the pro-migration demonstrators explained that people should be just as bothered about the convictions of Donald Trump as about other alleged crimes of people who were travelling to the country.

Two people were spotted sitting in a dinghy in the River Ribble, unfurling a banner stating 'ban foreign criminals'

Anti-Migrant protesters outside the Tickled Trout Hotel, near Samlesbury, in Lancashire

The hotel is also home to those who have had to flee their homeland as they would be 'at risk of murder or persecution by the Taliban

Both protests took place peacefully during the afternoon.

Later a number of speakers took to a small stage to address the gathered crowd.

One speaker told the audience that studies had shown that 'diversity did not work as the cultures were different' - in particular reference to Islam.

At the same time, he called for unity and said one per cent of the elites wanted us to 'hate on one another'.

Speeches tended to be based around how British culture was incompatible with other cultures and how the nation is being invaded.

Some of the speakers were keen to share unfounded claims such as the notion there would 'be a civil war in the country in five years' or other depressing scenarios for the country.

One speaker introduced as Leo warned the audience of an 'ISIS terror plot to invade primary schools, nurseries, pre-schools and chop the heads off our children'.

He would later tell the audience that Nigel Farage was a charlatan, if the party he was representing was in power, they would 'deport five million illegal immigrants' and those with visas.

One man who did not wish to be named said he would still have been here if the hotel was made up of Ukrainians: 'If there was a threat to my children, then I would be here.'

Many protesters held England flags and banners as they gathered outside the hotel

The Tickled Trout Hotel, near Samlesbury, in Lancashire, is currently housing people who supported British troops during operations in Afghanistan

A counter protest near the Trickled Trout Hotel saw four people put up signs outside on the fence to the hotel

It attracted some of those at the anti-asylum seeker protest who wanted to share their views and explain why they were at the hotel

He added: 'It is not just them guys but all over the country.'

He did not believe the residents had been vetted and 'you didn't know who they are'.

Another man known as Ste, from the Christian Constitutionalists Alliance of Nations, said: 'Am I OK with immigration? I don't mind immigration. The meeting of minds is a wonderful thing.

'However, what I am not in favour of is someone breaking into my house I don't know. That bothers me.'

He added: 'Any person who comes to this country who commits a crime should be deported. Regardless of where they are from.'

Police were on site for much of the afternoon but kept a low profile and distance.
The UK has begun to prepare for Donald Trump's state visit to Windsor by building a 'ring of steel' to protect the US president.

Pictures have emerged of metal fences being constructed at strategic locations in the historic royal town as the King prepares to host both Trump and his wife Melania.

The multi-million pound police operation is on high alert as it comes just days after the assassination of the US president's close ally Charlie Kirk at a university in Utah.

Thousands of British police officers will be on duty throughout the two-day visit from September 17 to 19, where the guests will be feted with a ceremonial welcome and state banquet.

More than 100 US Secret Service agents are expected to accompany the president, alongside MI5 agents who are monitoring potential lone-wolf attackers and underground political opponents.

The SAS troops will also be poised to counter any attack, with back-up from a US special forces unit, according to The Mirror.

A source told the paper: 'What happened last night in Utah adds a level of complexity and uncertainty to the planning but hopefully by next week things will be clearer in terms of whether it was a lone wolf attack or part of a wider conspiracy.'

Anti-Trump protestors have long been planning to oppose the president's arrival, with plans involving a 'Trump Not Welcome' demonstration in London when he arrives on Wednesday.

Pictures have emerged of metal fences being constructed at strategic locations in the historic royal town as the King prepares to host both Donald Trump and his wife Melania

More than 100 US Secret Service agents are expected to accompany the president and his wife

King Charles will be greeting the US president for a special state visit to his home

Extra police and security measures were seen being put in place on the long walk in Windsor Castle on Sunday

Pictured: Anti-Trump demonstrators from the campaign group Stop Trump Coalition gather during the president's most recent visit to the UK in July

The first day of the visit will have no public-facing element, and Trump will remain within the private Windsor estate, making the security arrangements easier.

Trump will be treated to a flypast by the Red Arrows as well as UK and US F-35 military jets on the east lawn at Windsor Castle, as well as a special military ceremony.

The special additions have never been deployed before for a state visit.

On the second day, Trump and Melania will depart Windsor Castle for Chequers, the prime minister's official country residence in Buckinghamshire.

In preparation for the trip, Trump's motorcade, which includes two identical limousines, will be transported ahead by United States Air Force transport aircraft.

All US presidents travel in Cadillac One - a bomb-proof enhanced limousine dubbed 'the Beast' for its heavy armour.

The machine has been famous for decades and is believed to bulletproof and heavily armoured, featuring Bond-style gadgets, including smoke screens and electrified door handles.

During the high-profile event, the security operation will be led by drones, with a temporary order restricting the airspace while the state visit takes place.

In preparation for the trip, workers have begun to build defence fortifications around the castle

During the high-profile event, the security operation will be led by drones

The multi-million pound police operation is on high alert as it comes just days after the assassination of the US president's close ally Charlie Kirk at a university in Utah

The president's Cadillac, known as 'The Beast', was last in the UK during his visit to Scotland in July

Thames Valley Police officers from the Police force's Specialist Search Unit, carry out security searches outside of Windsor Castle

A Thames Valley Police officer from the Police force's Specialist Search Unit, accompanied by police dog Jack

The Royal town of Windsor in Berkshire is getting ready for the State Visit of the President of the United States

A UK banner is installed by Vince Reed of The Flag Consultancy in the street outside Windsor Castle on September 12, 2025 in Windsor

US Marine Corps helicopters, which are typically used to carry the president, are seen as they fly over Windsor Castle on September 12

This means non-police drones and smaller aircraft cannot fly through the protected area.

Thames Valley Police officers said on Monday during a drone-flying demonstration at the force's training centre in Sulhamstead, Berkshire.

'It's a significant policing operation for us,' Inspector Matthew Wilkinson, airspace bronze commander for Thames Valley Police, said.

'However Thames Valley Police is proud to host these events and we have a good history of putting on these events for both the Royal Family and the country.'

Asked about the scale of the drone operation for the US president's state visit compared to other high profile events, Insp Wilkinson replied: 'It's one of the larger ones.

'It's in line with other large-scale events we've put on as a force.

'Obviously every event carries on its own challenges and threats, and we'll assess that and resource it accordingly.'

Speaking on the restricted airspace order, Insp Wilkinson said the public in Windsor will be kept informed.

'We are engaging with the local businesses, local communities, hobbyist drone enthusiasts, gliding schools and things like that, to try and share that message, so it's not a surprise for anybody,' he said.

'Obviously it's an offence to fly a drone in a restricted airspace and we will have resources to deal with any of those incursions.

Donald Trump's unprecedented second UK state visit next week will involve a state banquet hosted by King Charles III and a bilateral with Prime Minister Keir Starmer

A police officer erects a 'No fly Zone' sign near the Trump Turnberry club house during his visit to Scotland in July

'We will have plenty of capability in the sky when the time is appropriate,' he said, adding the drones will act as an 'eye in the sky' during the event.

The DJIM 30T model introduced during the demonstration on Monday is already used by police on a day-to-day basis, usually as part of missing persons inquiries and drug warrants, officers said.

Each drone can fly up to 120 metres (400ft) and is expected to stay up for 30 minutes at a time during the operation, with the replacement drone taking off shortly before the end of that period so as not to lose coverage.

The event will be Mr Trump's second state visit to the UK  an unprecedented gesture towards a US president, having previously been feted by a state visit in 2019.

His first trip to the UK saw thousands of people turn out on the streets in London in opposition, and protests are also expected to take place next week.

The Stop Trump Coalition are to stage a mass demonstration in central London on the first day of the trip, with a further protest planned near Windsor Castle.

In preparation for the trip, Specialist Search Unit officers were photographed scouring bollards, bins and drains outside Windsor Castle on Friday, with a sniffer dog on patrol.

Sergeant Amber Timmis, from Thames Valley Police, said on Friday that Windsor residents will see searches by officers.

She told the PA news agency: 'Being in Thames Valley Police, we've got lots of people that live here of a royal variety, so just making sure that everyone is safe is something we do quite often, so we're very used to it, very adept in that, and very experienced.'

On July 13 2024, Trump had survived an assassination attempt when shots were fired from an AR-15-style rifle as he spoke at an open-air campaign rally near Butler in Pensylvania in July

The security failures around the July assassination attempt caused the Secret Service to be widely criticised

Asked how recent security breaches in the US influenced their work, Sgt Timmis, who is managing a team as a police search adviser, said: 'We do what we do, we already have a clear strategy and a clear message from our side of things.'

The searches will run daily until the president's visit finishes and Sgt Timmis said she could not comment on other departments' protocols.

In contrast to French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit, Mr and Mrs Trump will not take a carriage ride through the town or a trip into London to see the Grave of the Unknown Warrior at Westminster Abbey.

Trump's visit comes after a similarly large security operation was launched for his private visit to Scotland in July.

It follows a little more than a year after he survived the world-famous assassination attempt while at a rally in Pennsylvania.

In scenes which went around the world in moments, one of the bullets clipped his ear and 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, the gunman, was shot and killed by the US Secret Service.

The security failures around the incident caused the Secret Service to be widely criticised.
A deranged leftist has been caught on camera firing shots towards a MAGA supporter's home after ripping a Donald Trump sign from his property.

Swain County Sheriff's Office said they were called to a river rafting business in rural Bryson City, North Carolina, just before 6pm on September 6 to reports of gunshots.

The chaos was over by the time deputies arrived at the Paddle Inn Rafting Company, but the owner shared a video showing what happened on YouTube.

Mark Thomas said he caught the suspect on surveillance footage tearing 'Trump 2024' banners from one of his buses parked outside before they exchanged gunfire.

The business owner said he was the first to fire with two warning shots in the air - but the suspect hit back with several shots Thomas believes were intended to kill.

Footage shows a gun emerging from the sunroof of the suspect's Jeep, appearing to aim in the direction of Thomas' family property

Writing on Facebook, Thomas said the Trump banner and the bus belong to his mother, and that they were parked in their yard.

Thomas said he was watching their CCTV cameras when he noticed a man stop in the middle of the highway before approaching the bus.

A deranged leftist has been caught on camera firing shots towards a MAGA supporter's home after ripping a Donald Trump sign from his property. (Pictured: the suspect taking the sign)

Footage shows a gun emerging from the sunroof of the suspect's Jeep, appearing to aim straight ahead (as shown above) and later in the direction of Thomas' family home

MAGA fan Mark Thomas (pictured) said he caught the suspect on surveillance footage tearing 'Trump' banners from one of his buses parked outside before they exchanged gunfire

'I almost could not believe it,' Thomas wrote in the caption of his YouTube video, saying the vandal struck in 'broad daylight at the side of a busy highway'.

'I was outside with my Ruger Rifle within a few seconds, waited for him to safely cross the street and I fired two rounds in the air,' Thomas wrote.

'He looked up, obviously saw the gun pointing straight up, he rolled back his sunroof, stuck his gun out, fired two rounds, then took off in my direction.'

Thomas said one of the vandal's bullets 'hit something solid near me'. The suspect then passed by in his car before stopping and reloading.

'He drove back by here in another loop four minutes later,' Thomas said, adding that he was 'ready to take him out on this second trip' and made himself 'plenty visible with my rifle' as a warning sign.

Thomas said the suspect responded by driving away again, before 'firing another five to six more rounds'.

The business owner said he believes the suspect was trying to kill him, and slammed him as an 'ignorant leftist'.

Daily Mail has contacted Thomas and the local police department for more information.

North Carolina resident Thomas (pictured) said he was the first to fire with two warning shots in the air - but the suspect hit back with several shots he believes were intended to kill

Swain County Sheriff's Office said the chaos was over by the time deputies arrived at the Paddle Inn Rafting Company, but the owner shared a video on YouTube, as shown above

Footage shows a gun emerging from the sunroof of the suspect's Jeep, appearing to aim straight ahead and later in the direction of Thomas' family home, as shown above

The shocking incident comes as the nation reels from the seemingly politically-motivated shooting of conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk.

'Society in general is really, really, disappointing. I know what this country could be. I know how we could all be together,' Thomas told Fox News as he reflected on this.

He added that the political violence has to stop, and people have to call out the perpetrators.

'See something, say something, do something. Become part of a respectable community and make it known that we will not stand for this stuff,' he said.

Swain County Sheriff's Office said deputies are searching for the suspect.

They have released photographs of his Jeep, and asked anyone who recognizes it to call them on (828) 488-0159 or Swain County Dispatch at (828) 488-2196.
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on Sunday that eight fugitives wanted for serious crimes have been extradited to Turkiye through coordinated international operations.

In a statement shared on X, Yerlikaya said: We will bring them back one by one; you cannot escape. We have repatriated six criminals wanted on Interpol red notices and two wanted at the national level from Georgia, Azerbaijan, Germany, Austria, North Macedonia, and Ireland.

The fugitives had been sought for a range of grave offenses, including homicide, sexual assault, large-scale fraud, and drug trafficking. Their arrests highlight the growing cooperation between Turkish law enforcement and authorities across Europe to dismantle organized crime networks and ensure accountability.
CHONGQING, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- At the recently held 2025 World Smart Industry Expo in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, a visitor stepped into a car and voiced a simple command. Within seconds, the air conditioning was adjusted, the seat massage activated and soft music started to play.

Meanwhile, kilometers away, a smart home system welcomed its owner by automatically setting the indoor temperature and drawing the curtains. This seamless integration of intelligence into daily life epitomizes China's rapidly evolving smart industry -- which is now becoming a catalyst for global collaboration.

"Unlike earlier models that performed rigid, single tasks, today's intelligent vehicles offer emotionally perceptive interactions," said Hao Chenye, product manager at Changan Automobile. "By monitoring the driver's mood, the car can adjust ambient lighting and fragrance, and even operate home devices in real time."

Such innovations are microcosms of China's broader intelligent ecosystem. From artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to smart homes, new technologies are reshaping industry and lifestyles, fueling continuous social transformation.

China's intelligent economy is expanding at a staggering pace. Industry scale surpassed 700 billion yuan (about 98.6 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024, maintaining an average annual growth rate of over 20 percent for several years. The nation has also remained the world's largest industrial robotics market for 12 consecutive years -- with service robot output surging 34.3 percent year-on-year to 10.519 million sets in 2024.

China is actively pursuing international partnerships, exemplified by initiatives such as the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization and the Global AI Governance Action Plan. During the recent expo in Chongqing, China reaffirmed its commitment to deepening global AI collaboration and promoting a shared vision of technological governance.

Chinese companies are already making strides overseas. In June, unmanned logistics vehicle manufacturer, Zelos, became the first company to receive a driverless logistics license in Singapore. Also, iFlyTek's transcription SaaS software now serves more than 1.5 million users abroad and has entered the supply chains of multiple European and American multinational corporations.

China's integration of AI across industries opens vast opportunities for international cooperation, said Stephan Sprink, general manager of German AI firm ComPro GmbH. "We've already established several partnerships with Chinese companies and are optimistic about future collaborations."

At the heart of this technological revolution lies a human-centric philosophy. For instance, Chongqing Haifu Medical Technology, a global leader in focused ultrasound, has exported its non-invasive "Haifu knife" tumor treatment systems to 35 countries and regions -- benefiting over 330,000 patients.

"Our equipment is installed in more than 3,000 domestic medical institutions and over 80 overseas hospitals in Belt and Road partner countries," said Xu Shu, head of the marketing department at Haifu Medical. "In March, we performed the world's first 5G remote focused ultrasound surgery -- successfully treating a patient in Kenya."

In 2024, DeepSeek opened its top-tier AI architecture to the global community, catalyzing a wave of innovation. At one point, Chinese models occupied four of the top five spots on open-source leaderboards.

This spirit of openness extends to public welfare. In August, the China Meteorological Administration launched MAZU, an AI-powered multi-hazard early warning system -- and donated its urban disaster prevention module, MAZU-Urban, to international partners. Since January, the system has been trialed across 35 countries in Asia, Africa and Oceania.

From Braille displays aiding the visually impaired to health-monitoring sleep lamps and rehabilitative bionic robots -- intelligent devices designed with empathy are entering households across China.

"Robots need not be cold machines and innovation must be human-centric," said Xi E'e, brand operations director at Chongqing's Industrial Innovation Park. "We aim to expand innovations into homes, healthcare and outdoor scenarios -- so that everyone can share in the dividend of intelligence." 
A federal judge has upheld a ban on gay pride flags after a years-long battle by an all-Muslim city council to remove the rainbow because it did not reflect their community's values.

The court found that Hamtramck, an enclave surrounded by Detroit with a significant Muslim immigrant population, did not violate the US Constitution when it banned the flag from public buildings in 2023.

After a pride flag was flown in the city during Pride Month in 2021 and 2022, the city council said it clashed with the beliefs of some residents, so they voted to allow only five flags to be flown on publicly-owned property.

US District Judge David Lawson, who was appointed by Bill Clinton, dismissed a lawsuit that was brought against the city for its flag restrictions, saying the ban was okay because the policy targeted all private flags.

'Hamtramck's refusal to display the Gay Pride flag did not violate the Constitution,' the judge said.

Hamtramck has a population of around 27,000, and more than 40% of its residents are immigrants. A large proportion of them are Muslim with Yemeni or Bangladeshi descent.

The city is right next to Dearborn, a larger enclave city in the Detroit area that the Wall Street Journal once called 'America's Jihad Capital' in a piece that claimed the city's leadership supported Hamas and Hezbollah. The publication was widely criticized for the moniker.

The Hamtramck flag ban restricted public property to only display the American flag, Michigan flag, city flag and flags that represent the 'international character' of the city's population.

Businesses and residents are still allowed to fly whatever they want on private property.

Hamtramck locals listening into a city council meeting about the flag ban in 2023. The crowd was so large that people waited in the hallway outside the meeting and listened in on their phones

The Hamtramck city council voted to restrict the kinds of flags that could be flown on public property in 2023 because pride flags clashed with the beliefs of many Muslims living in the city

Hamtramck residents are still allowed to fly pride flags on their private property

Opponents of the ban said it was a violation of free speech, but Lawson said publicly-owned property is not a free speech zone or public forum and that the government is allowed to impose restrictions on it.

'It's BS to say that you can't fly a certain flag. But I guess it's only on government buildings, so it guess that kind of makes sense,' said local venue owner Scott Curnow.

From a legal standpoint, flag restrictions must be neutral, so the ban included all religious, ethnic, racial, political and other related flags.

The month after the flag ban was passed, two members of the city's Human Relations Commission were fired for flying Pride flags on city property.

'This Council believes in fairness, neutrality towards our residents, and the rule of law, amongst other things for this community,' city council member Khalil Refai said in a statement at the time.

'We passed a resolution recently to do just that, and two of our sworn commissioners outright defied it, and did what they wanted.'

Hamtramck's flag ban controversy began percolating in 2021 when the city council at the time narrowly voted in favor of raising a pride flag in a public park.

That moment began a public conversation among the city's leadership about its role in engaging with LGBTQ rights. Some mayoral candidates at the time and current city council members signed a 'Statement of Unity' to reaffirm diversity and inclusivity in Hamtramck.

Of the three currently-serving city council members that were involved in the conversation, only one of them, Muhith Mahmood, signed the document. Councilmembers Khalil Refai and Abu Musa did not sign.

Hamtramck city councilmember Abu Musa did not sign a 'Statement of Unity' in 2021 when the pride flag ban issue began percolating, and he voted in favor of the flag ban in 2023

LGBTQ activists opposed the pride flag ban, saying it was a violation of free speech, but a judge rejected the argument and said Hamtramck's flag restriction was constitutional

Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib was nominated to be the US ambassador to Kuwait by President Donald Trump

Musa also faced controversy last month after he was caught stuffing an election drop box with absentee ballots on camera days before he won his re-election bid in a local primary.

When the flag ban was proposed in 2023, the city council voted unanimously in its favor.

After the ban was put in place, Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib, who is a Yemeni Muslim, said: 'We're not targeting anybody.

'We are trying to close the door for other groups that could be extremist or racist.'

Ghalib was nominated to be the US ambassador to Kuwait by President Donald Trump.

Recently there has been a rise in thefts and destruction of pride flags in Hamtramck.

Ripping the flags down, stealing and destroying them are crimes, and Hamtramck police are investigating to find those responsible.
An investigation is underway in Chicago after police pulled a woman, six-year-old boy and baby girl from Lake Michigan.

The three bodies were located Saturday on the city's South Side, the Chicago Police Department said.

The suspicious deaths are believed to be connected to a possible domestic dispute, according to authorities.

The infant, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was found around 11.30am. Her exact age is unknown.

The boy and a woman, 31, were pulled from the lake just before 2.30pm, police stated.

They were also pronounced dead at the scene and found about a mile from where the baby was found.

The medical examiner has not yet identified the victims or their cause of death as autopsies are pending.

Police are not currently searching for possible suspects at this time, the department said.

A woman, 31, six-year-old boy and infant girl were pulled from Lake Michigan on Saturday in Chicago

The infant, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was found around 11.30am. The woman and boy were found soon after

A witness who saw the baby girl pulled from the water described the awful scene.

'They brought her in, and they came up on the dock to put her on the stretcher. Her little hands were so stiff,' the woman told WGN.

Another person recalled: 'She was purple and the foam was all in her nose, all over her lips, and all of the women just hollered.'

A local, named only as Ronald, told the outlet: 'It just hits close to home.'

The Daily Mail contacted the Chicago Police Department and the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office for comment.

Lake Michigan, the world's largest lake within one country, is split between Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan.

The water temperature was around 70F degrees Saturday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
A man who telephoned an asylum seekers hotel and warned Get these people out, were coming has been spared jail because he restricted his threats to a call - rather than posting them online.

A sheriff said Scott Wyllies actions were less public than those of Lucy Connolly, who was jailed for 31 months after posting on X urging people to set fire to asylum hotels.

Wyllie, 40, rang the Hotel Cladhan in Falkirk at 11.55 pm last November, Falkirk Sheriff Court was told.

His call was automatically diverted to reception at the Park Hotel, also Falkirk, part of the same group. It was answered by a male member of night staff.

In a tirade, Wyllie said: Get these people out of your hotel, because were coming.

Yous [CORR] cant be doing this to kids. You cant be raping girls, you cant be raping boys.

Were f****** coming. Be scared. Be very f****** scared.

The frightened worker recorded Wyllies voice, hung up, rang police, and Wyllie was arrested.

Last Friday, Wyllie, a married father-of-three, of Stenhousemuir, Stirlingshire, admitted statutory breach of the peace.

Simon Hutchison, defending, said he was a family man with a very good important job and a good income.

He said: The Hotel Cladhan is where are being housed illegal immigrants or asylum seekers, and there have been a significant number of protests about that recently.

Scott Wyllie called the Cladhan Hotel and warned 'get these people out, we're coming'.

The Cladhan Hotel, Falkirk, has ben the scene of repeated demonstrations in recent weeks

Three weeks before this, Mr Wyllie had been told by a friend that this friends son had been severely sexually assaulted by two people who resided in the Cladhan - having effectively been given some kind of date rape drug.

On the night in question Mr Wyllie and his wife were talking about it. They got very upset. His wife went to bed and unfortunately Mr Wyllie became quite intoxicated.

Because of the anxiety and the alcohol he stupidly made this call.

Politics aside, my client had these feelings for very significant reasons.

Thats why he made this call.

He said Wyllie had largely led a blameless life and showed significant remorse.

Feelings in Falkirk have been running high since an asylum seeker from Afghanistan, Sadeq Nikzad, 29, was convicted in June of raping a 15-year-old girl in the town centre.

The Cladhan has been the scene of repeated protests involving hundreds of pro- and anti-migration demonstrators.

Sheriff Paul Ralph said: Given what the current climate is out there, he finds himself now very much in the forefront of the news.

Mr Wyllie should understand that you have, for instance, the wife of the Conservative councillor who posted on social media and a court put her inside. That was in the middle of even more tension.

He said Wyllies actions were more intimate, perhaps than Connollys.

He said: I quite deliberately highlight what is going on just now - whether you view this as unfortunate timing or a continuation of things.

With this behaviour you catapulted yourself into trouble and the public eye.

Whether your views have a basis to them that maybe seem understandable, the expression of them in this way is totally unacceptable.

Had your expression of these views involved an element of more public display youd have found the court almost bound to have considered a deterrent sentence.

I am prepared to draw back from custody on this occasion.

He sentenced Wyllie to 120 hours unpaid work, and ordered him to pay POUNDS 200 compensation to the hotel worker who took the call.
Three Russian national guard officers have been killed after two trains were derailed in a Ukrainian sabotage attack.

An explosive device detonated on a section of rail track in Russia's western Oryol region late Saturday, governor Andrei Klychkov said.

Early Sunday two trains in separate parts of Russia's western Leningrad region derailed, leaving a train driver dead and disrupting railway traffic, the region's governor Alexander Drozdenko said on Telegram.

A source in Ukraine's military intelligence agency on Sunday claimed responsibility for two of the attacks, but not for the derailment that killed the driver.

The sabotage incidents were the latest to rock Russia's vast railway system, which Kyiv says Moscow uses to deliver troops and fuel to its army fighting in Ukraine.

Last month, Ukraine targeted a junction station at Tver by placing explosives under fuel tanks.

'Recovery efforts are underway following the derailment of a single diesel locomotive near Semrino station in Leningrad's Gatchina district,' Drozdenko said.

'The train driver was killed. He was trapped in the cabin and died in an ambulance after being unblocked,' he added.

An unverified video posted on social media appeared to show a train car lying on its side several metres from the track, its undercarriage torn off.

Three Russian national guard officers have been killed after two trains were derailed in a Ukrainian sabotage attack

An explosive device detonated on a section of rail track in Russia 's western Oryol region late Saturday, governor Andrei Klychkov said

A source in Ukraine's military intelligence agency on Sunday claimed responsibility for two of the attacks

A freight train carrying 15 empty tanker cars also derailed on a section of track further south earlier in the day, between the villages of Stroganovo and Mshinskaya, but left no casualties, Drozdenko said.

A source in Ukraine's GUR military intelligence said the tankers were 'destroyed along with their fuel'.

The source said Ukraine had targeted 'critically important logistical links in supplying the occupying forces in the Kharkiv and Sumy directions.'

'As a result of the destruction of the railway infrastructure in these areas, the Russians will experience significant logistical difficulties,' it said.

Russia's railway network has been repeatedly rocked by derailments, blasts and fires that authorities blame on Ukrainian sabotage.

Kyiv does not typically claim responsibility but often cheers such attacks, arguing Russia has brazenly used its train network for military purposes since launching its offensive in February 2022.

A Ukrainian military intelligence source said the country's forces also carried out a drone attack on a chemicals factory producing ingredients for explosives in Russia's Perm region, more than 1,500 kilometres (930 miles) from the border between the two countries.
A man has been arrested after a British-born Sikh woman was allegedly told 'you don't belong in this country' while being raped.

West Midlands Police have detained a male in his 30s on suspicion of the attack they believe to be racially motivated, which took place between 8am and 8.30am on September 9.

The suspect will remain in custody overnight while the woman receives support.

Chief Superintendent Kim Madill of Sandwell Police said it was a 'significant development' in their investigation.

She added: 'The investigation remains on-going and we would urge people not to speculate as we work to identify and trace all those who may have been involved.'

The arrest comes after police said they were looking for two white men in connection with the sexual assault, which reportedly occurred in broad daylight in the Tame Road area of Oldbury, West Midlands.

The first suspect was described as having a shaved head and a heavy build, wearing a dark sweatshirt with gloves on, and the second was said to have been wearing a grey top with a silver zip.

The perpetrators are alleged to have told the woman, believed to be in her 20s, 'you don't belong in this country, get out' during the course of sexual assault on Tuesday, the Sikh Federation (UK) said.

The rape reportedly occurred in broad daylight in the Tame Road (above) area of Oldbury

Police say the attack, which took place on Tame Road (above) was racially motivated

Hundreds of people gathered in Oldbury on Sunday evening to show solidarity with the victim

A woman at the protest held a sign reading 'We fight rape. We fight racism. We fight together!!'

In a statement released through the federation on Sunday, the victim said she was 'truly humbled' by the love and support shown by her local community as she tried to process the incident.

'I want to sincerely thank everyone for supporting me and my family during this very difficult time,' she said.

'We are going through a lot, but the strength and kindness shown by the right people in the community has been incredible, and I can't thank them enough for being my voice.

'I would never wish this on anyone. All I was doing was going about my day on my way to work, and what has happened has deeply affected us. Through it all, my family has been my rock, and my community has stood strong beside me.

'The police are doing their best to find those responsible and I truly hope they are caught so that this doesn't happen to anyone else.'

Hundreds of people gathered in Oldbury on Sunday evening to show solidarity with the victim.

Sikh community members assembled at Guru Nanak Gurdwara (GNG) temple in Smethwick before travelling via convoy to the area off Tame Road where the attack unfolded, BirminghamLive reported.

The news site also claimed that Sikh leaders demanded detectives step up their efforts to find the perpetrators - urging West Midlands Police to 'do more'.

Police say the suspect is in custody on suspicion of the attack on Tame Road (a meadow near the street is pictured)

Dozens of people (seen above) attended an emergency meeting at a Sikh temple in the nearby town of Smethwick

Officers said the the attack on Tame Road (above) is being treated as an 'isolated incident'

The temple's education secretary and organiser of the demonstration, Kuldeep Singh Deol, gave the force 48 hours to arrest the culprits with tensions in the area threatening to spill over.

He said: 'This attack on our sister is shameful. Our daughters, sisters and mothers deserve to be safe, regardless of colour or which faith they belong to.'

Officers said they are treating it as an 'isolated incident' but understand the 'anger and worry' it has caused locals and will be making extra patrols for reassurance.

Gurinder Singh Josan CBE, the local Labour MP for Smethwick, confirmed on Friday that the 'truly horrific attack' was being treated as a hate crime.

'Among the information that can be shared is that the attack involved a rape and the Police are treating it as a racially aggravated attack,' Mr Josan said in a statement posted on social media.

'This is due to a racist remark made to the victim during the attack.'

Mr Josan said that police were using all methods at their disposal to try and apprehend the perpetrators, including CCTV analysis, forensics and 'other enquiries'.

He added: 'I understand the strength of feeling within the community this attack has generated. The community needs to allow the Police to progress the investigations.

West Midlands Police have urged anyone with additional information about the attack on Tame Road (grassland near the street seen above) to make themselves known

The perpetrators are alleged to have told the woman 'you don't belong in this country, get out' during the course of sexual assault on Tame Road (a meadow near the street is seen above)

'The Police will need to work sympathetically with the victim at her pace.

'The victim will have been traumatised in this attack and her needs must be paramount for all of us.'

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.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact West Midlands Police by calling 101 or contacting Crimestoppers. Once contact has been made, log 798 of September 9 should be quoted.
A former handmaiden of a self-styled African tribe camped out in a Scottish wood was cursed to cry until she dies by its leader just months before she died.

Newly unearthed footage shows Kofi Offeh, who calls himself King Atehene, making the statement about Aliya Johnson after she demanded to leave the so-called Kingdom of Kubala.

At the time the tribes kingdom was based in a flat in Stockton-on-Tees in County Durham.

In January last year, just months after leaving the group, Ms Johnson was struck by a car, then a bus, in her home town of Oklahoma City in the United States.

The 20-year-old had flown to Britain in March 2023 to become a concubine for King Atehene.

The 42-year-old from Ghana claims to be the messiah and leads his tribe alongside Zimbabwean Jean Gasho, who calls herself Queen Nandi.

The pair, along with a new handmaiden, have been camping in woods in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, since May, claiming to be part of a lost African dynasty.

Ms Johnson, who struggled with mental health issues according to her family members, quickly renamed herself Lady Safi upon joining the group and began dressing in tribal clothing and painting her face.

Aliya Johnson died in her home town of Oklahoma last year

She is even thought to have conceived a child with Offeh one month after arriving.

Gasho, 42, shared a photo of Aliya cradling her belly and hailed the royal baby that the trio were expecting.

But just four months after her move to the UK, Ms Johnson

was filmed branding the tribe a false reality. The angry handmaiden insisted on using her birth name and demanded the king and queen return her phone.

She shouted: I have you blocked, so dont think Im going to come begging you.

Offeh responded by saying: We are done. Cursing her to cry until she dies, he adds: If this doesnt happen then there is no God in Kubala.

The revelations about the tribes former handmaiden come amid growing concern for the welfare of her replacement, a 21-year-old American also called Lady Safi.

Kaura Taylor, from Texas, had been reported as missing by her family. Her loved ones have pleaded with her to return home.

Her mother, Melba Whitehead, told reporters: This cult is crazy. They pose a threat to everyone around them.

Celebrating the arrival of their new handmaiden last year, Gasho, wrote: She told me she was ready to do anything for the vision and movement of the Northern Kingdom.

She added: She left her people in America, her family and all shes ever known to become the second wife of Atehene. The trio were served an eviction notice demanding they leave their camp by last Monday, but they defied the court order.

Offeh said: We do not believe that any authority owns the land. The Earth belongs to the father.

In response, 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 on Friday. However, the defiant group are still in the woods.

Members of the so-called Kingdom of Kubala

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

During the hearing lawyer Conner McConnell, acting on behalf of landowners David and Mary Palmer, lodged an action for the removal of the unauthorised occupiers from the woods known as Darnic Parklands.

Sheriff Patterson said: I am happy to grant decree forcing the eviction from the property.

The ruling included their immediate extraction and the award of expenses against the tribe members to cover the costs of the sheriff officers. Offeh said the trio were not afraid of the eviction order and not scared of jail.

Speaking at the encampment, where they have lived in nothing more than a few second-hand tents for a number of weeks, King Atehene said: The creator of the heavens and the Earth is the one with us.

And we are not afraid of whatever the court  the so-called court  has granted.

News of the eviction decision had been relayed to the group, who were not represented in court, by journalists who went to their camp immediately after.

Mr Offeh said: If we must go, the creator will find us another place to go.
Kash Patel is facing a Senate grilling on Tuesday that will undoubtedly focus on the FBI's manhunt for Charlie Kirk's assassin.

While the saga of the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein has dominated Washington and the media in recent months, Kirk's assassination has now taken center stage.

Director Patel was scheduled to appear on Capitol Hill this week before the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and now he will undoubtedly face a slew of questions over his agency's conduct during the search for his murder.

Prominent conservatives have blasted Patel for his handling of the investigation, which included three botched arrests.

The killer's capture was announced almost 44 hours after he shot Kirk - and only after his own father turned him in.

Christopher Rufo, a fellow at the conservative think-tank the Manhattan Institute, wrote on X Friday that it was 'time for Republicans to assess whether Kash Patel is the right man to run the FBI'.

Rufo also added that Patel '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 movementsof whatever ideologythat threaten the peace in the United States.'

Christian conservative radio host Erick Erickson also weighed in, wrote on X that the 'FBI situation is concerning.'

Commentator Charlie Kirk speaks at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, U.S. on September 10, 2025 moments before he was assassinated

FBI Director Kash Patel attends a press conference at the Utah Valley University, after U.S. activist and commentator, Charlie Kirk, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, was fatally shot during an event at the university, in Orem, Utah, U.S. September 11, 2025.

National Review writer Michael Brendan Dougherty did not call out Patel explicitly but noted on X, 'so the killers dad does all the work, then law enforcement congratulates themselves and each other and heads out for celebratory beers.'

'Are they going to look into this Discord chat? The roommate? The press that cant even quote Kirk accurately concludes the killer self-radicalized and I'm supposed to take that at face value? Thats it?,' questioned Dougherty.

President Donald Trump however, had a different take on the way that the hunt played out: 'I am very proud of the FBI. Kashand everyone else they have done a great job,' Trump told Fox News.

X user Pro America Politics also posted in favor of Patel, writing 'we aren't firing Kash Patel. Stop. The FBI arrested this killer within 48 hours. This was an excellent job. I have a 100% faith in Kash Patel.'

Patel was confirmed by the U.S. Senate to the post of FBI director with a vote of 51 to 49 on the 20th of February of this year, precisely one month after Trump was inaugurated for a second term. Republicans Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska opposed his nomination.

His time at the agency has been marred in controversy, most notably by the agency's refusal to release all files connected to Jeffrey Epstein. Both Patel and Trump previously promised to release the Epstein Files.
Conservative political commentator Tucker Carlson has spoken out following the death of his dear friend Charlie Kirk.

The former Fox News host sat down on The Megyn Kelly Show Thursday to reflect on Kirk's sudden death after he was fatally shot at a Utah college Wednesday.

During the episode, which aired before the alleged suspect Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested for Kirk's murder, Kelly asked Carlson if he was fearful of the 'deranged' and 'agenda driven' people out there.

'I've had some things happen in the last few years that Im never going to talk about because my family doesnt want me to, but like Ive had cause to think about this a lot and I really feel like its up to God. I really sincerely feel that,' Carlson replied.

'Now I have a very big family. I'm at the head of the family so I have concerns that extend far beyond me, and that is a subject of prayers every single day, including this morning, but I don't think that we can choose the time, I don't.'

He went on to share that his faith driven beliefs have helped him through tough times, including threats on his life, some of which were 'close calls'.

'I've had a couple, several things that I consider very, very close calls, and so, over the last 20 years - I've thought about it a lot and I feel, you know, I just feel sad for Charlie's family.

'I feel sorry for Erika in a way that's really kind of hard to express,' Tucker added.

Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson broke his silence following the death of his friend Charlie Kirk. During his interview, he noted how too has had to deal to threats and 'close calls' on his life

Carlson told Megyn Kelly Kirk was recently at his house as the pair were very close

During the episode, which also featured Donald Trump Jr. and right-wing commenter Benny Johnson, Carlson commented on the 'overwhelming' reaction of people who appeared to be celebrating Kirk's death.

'And my first thought is, you know, this is obviously some kind of, you know, manufactured attempt to divide the country against itself, and it's probably all fake.

'And then you look and it's actually not fake. You know, here's a teacher from an elementary school in Idaho and here's a yoga instructor from West Hollywood.

'These are like real people with real names. And then you realize, boy, I mean, the depth of evil out there is really overwhelming... And I couldn't turn away, and I realized when I woke up this morning, that's really hurting me,' he added.

Carlson said Kirk was actually 'just at our house' as he spoke of the current state of America.

'We need order, we don't have it, I hope it's restored. But, much more deeply, people need to be transformed to see each other as God sees them. Including their enemies, as human beings who are doing bad things but are still created by God.'

He went on to say that the US is 'in a form of civil war right now,' adding 'that's obvious'.

Kirk's death has sparked a huge uproar across the country and the world, with many people mourning him, while others have made it clear they aren't.

Kirk's death has sparked a huge uproar across the country and the world, with many people mourning him, while others have made it clear they aren't. (Pictured: Kirk in December 2024)

Several teachers and professionals across the country have faced consequences for their comments about Kirk following the fatal shooting.

Meanwhile, popular influencers who've spoken out about his death have been ridiculed by their followers, with one being branded a 'white supremacist' over their support of the late Republican in the wake of his death.

Now, nearly a week after Kirk was assassinated, his alleged killer, Robinson, has not admitted to murder and is not cooperating with authorities, Utah Governor Spencer Cox said on Sunday.

Cox also confirmed the widely reported claim that Robinson is in a romantic relationship with a transgender lover.

During an interview with CNN's Dana Bash, Cox said Robinson's partner and roommate, Lance Twiggs, is romantically involved with the alleged killer and that it is being probed as a possible motive in Kirk's death.

'Yes, definitely. And yes, I can confirm that. I know that has been reported and that the FBI has confirmed that as well, that the roommate was a romantic partner, a male transitioning to female,' the governor said.

Just seconds before Robinson allegedly opened fire from 200 yards away, Kirk had been addressing a liberal audience member who was arguing that transgender mass shooters are misrepresented in the media.

Tyler Robinson, Kirk's alleged killer, has not admitted to murder and is not cooperating with authorities, Utah Governor Spencer Cox said on Sunday

Utah Valley University student Hunter Kozak, 29, asked Kirk: 'Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last ten years?'

Kirk quipped: 'Too many'.

Cox said Twiggs has been 'incredibly cooperative' in the investigation and 'had no idea that this was happening'.

Robinson was taken into custody after his family turned him into police when they learned of his alleged involvement in Kirk's assassination.

Cox said that although Robinson is not cooperating with officials, 'the people around him' are.

Cox said the alleged shooter's relationship with his partner is currently being looked into as a possible motive. Kirk was known to share anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.

He was also talking about transgender gun violence when he was shot dead.

Kirk leaves behind his wife Erika Kirk and their two young children. His funeral is set for September 21 at State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals

'That's what we're trying to figure out right now. I mean, again, it's easy to draw conclusions from that. And so, we've got the shell casings, other forensic evidence that is coming in and [we're] trying to piece all of those things together,' Cox told Bash.

Robinson is set to appear in court in Utah on Tuesday after he was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm, and obstruction of justice.

The accused killer could face execution by a firing squad if he is found guilty and prosecutors secure the death penalty against him.

President Donald Trump said he wants to see the killer get the death penalty for the assassination of Kirk, whom he described as the 'finest person'.

Kirk's funeral is set for September 21 at State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals.
The Scottish parliament doesnt get enough credit for how hard it works. MSPs have been back from recess for just two weeks but my how busy they have been.

There was a First Ministers statement on Gaza, a Scottish Government debate on Palestine more broadly, and last week Gaza monopolised the third question at First Ministers Questions.

The First Minister ordered the Palestinian flag to be flown over St Andrews House. His statement demanded the UK tear up its free trade deal with Israel, cease military cooperation with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), and ban the import of goods from Israeli communities in the West Bank.

SNP ministers suspended grants to defence firms that supply the IDF, told public bodies not to provide support for trade between Scotland and Israel, allocated 400,000 for a pop-up hospital in Gaza, and confirmed 600,000 for a Palestinian humanitarian fund.

There has been a government motion endorsing recognition of Palestinian statehood and further motions lodged by SNP backbenchers, one accusing Israel of scholasticide (the targeted mass destruction of education) in Gaza and the other condemning Israels membership of Uefa.

Such is the primacy of Palestine at Holyrood that in John Swinneys first statement outlining his priorities for the new session, Gaza merited a mention before the economy, jobs, the NHS, education or crime. Truly, its been all go at the Palestine parliament.

Many people have sincerely, fiercely held beliefs about the situation in the Middle East. The suffering of innocent civilians within Gaza is a heartbreaking reminder of the cruelty of war.

It is only right and decent to want to see that suffering end.

John Swinney ordered the Palestinian flag to be flown over St Andrews House

Yet, however strong MSPs feelings, they were elected to serve the people of Scotland, to represent our national interest, not that of territories halfway around the world. That will strike some as callous, but it is not said callously.

Empathy is a desirable  I would say essential  human instinct. The difficulty comes when you hold a public office and are bound by duties which cannot, or should not, bend to your whim.

Holyrood has a job to do and for the past two weeks it has been only partially doing it because MSPs will not separate their Middle East political convictions from their responsibilities to the Scottish public.

Foreign affairs are reserved to Westminster, and with good reason.

At FMQs on Thursday, John Swinney declaimed Israels unjustifiable attack on Qatar, described the latter as a state that is working to try to bring some degree of peace to the situation in the Middle East, and alleged that Israel intended to undermine the very peace process we all want to see happening.

With these words, he displayed a superficial, amateurish grasp of the region. Qatar has been harbouring the leadership of Hamas.

It is an authoritarian regime building its global clout by pumping its oil riches into global propaganda, wooing the US and the UK with a joint air base at Al Udeid, and, yes, by posing as the unlikeliest peace broker this side of Genghis Khan.

Even staunch critics of Israel would have cringed at Swinneys starry-eyed Qatari boosterism. Even more sinister was Ross Greers proposal that Scots who have served in the IDF be investigated for participating in genocide.

There is a proud tradition, stretching back to the 1948 Israeli War of Independence, of Britons volunteering to defend the Jewish state from its would-be annihilators.

Any Scot minded to do so in future would have to consider the risk of politically motivated war crimes charges being brought against Israel and what legal culpability these could incur for them back home. It is a spiteful attempt to intimidate UK citizens or those who hold dual UK-Israeli nationality from going to the aid of an embattled society of Jews under constant threat of destruction by racist, supremacist enemies.

Pursuing such prosecutions would be an abuse of devolved justice powers to pursue reserved foreign policy goals.

This is why foreign affairs are not devolved to Holyrood, an entity as ignorant as it is ideological on international politics. MSPs no longer appear to care.

If they feel strongly about it, they arent going to let something as trifling as the devolution settlement get in their way.

Listen to how MSPs have responded over the past fortnight to criticism of their straying into reserved affairs.

Finance Secretary Shona Robison told Murdo Fraser he was out of touch with the Scottish people, who care deeply about the plight of people in Gaza and they expect their nations parliament to care, too. For suggesting a devolved parliament restrict itself to devolved issues, the Conservatives were accused of a lack of compassion.

Her SNP colleague George Adam urged critics of Holyroods intervention to take a long, hard look at yourself and think about what kind of person you are, adding: Scotland has a voice and a role in the world, and using that is what we in the SNP are all about.

Greer, the new co-leader of the Scottish Greens, has been more explicit still. He cited opposing Israels genocidal assault on Palestine as one area where he hoped the Scottish Government would stretch the limits of devolution, which SNP ministers promptly did by unveiling measures to boycott Israel.

Leading MSPs are openly speaking about pushing the parliament into reserved matters, and theres not a peep about it from those steadfast guardians of Our Precious Union down in Westminster.

A shallow thinker, of which there are many down there when it comes to Scotland and devolution, would dismiss this as nothing more than talk.

Its not as if theyre legislating in reserved areas. But talk is, in political terms, far more important than legislation. The way a nation is spoken to shapes how it comes to think of itself in ways deeper than any act of parliament can ever hope to achieve.

On Thursday the First Minister criticised Israels unjustifiable attack on Qatar

On Gaza, the Scottish Government and Holyrood have spoken to Scotland as a separate country with its own distinct positions and policies.

For example, the parliament has now declared its support for boycotts, divestment and sanctions targeted at Israel and at companies complicit in its occupation of Palestine. That is not  yet  the UK Government position, but what does the UK Government matter?

Westminster governments, Tory and Labour alike, are habitually derelict in their responsibility to UK sovereignty.

They insist this is a highly clever strategy to avoid giving the SNP a grievance but it is nothing more than complacency, which aids the Nationalists more in the long run than any grievance, something they can fashion out of whole cloth anyway.

Westminster must grasp the thistle and update the Scotland Act. Amend Holyroods standing orders to bar discussion of reserved areas, prohibit Scottish ministers from spending on international aid, and strengthen Section 35 to require the Scottish Government to refrain from any statements or actions which could adversely affect UK foreign relations or be interpreted as advancing a separate foreign policy.

Continued constitutional indolence will only spur Holyrood into bolder incursions on reserved territory, and the more MSPs come to speak about issues properly meant for MPs, the more the public will look to them and not MPs for leadership. Its Gaza today. What will it be tomorrow?
At least 15 people were killed after a truck packed with Mexican workers crashed in a horrific fireball.

The vehicle collided with a car and a taxi causing a fiery explosion on impact with all 14 people inside being killed in the inferno.

Another victim died and three more were injured on the scene on Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, according to Diario de Yucatan.

The three injured people were rescued and are being treated at nearby hospitals. Their conditions remain unknown.

Gruesome footage shows the blazing aftermath of the three collided vehicles on a road between the towns of Merida and Campeche.

Witnesses described the devastating scene of people trapped in the fiery wreckage. Other saw victims lying lifelessly on the pavement. Traffic was closed in both directions.

Yucatan's Governor Joaquin Diaz Mena expressed his condolences for the victims on X: 'We express our solidarity and support to the affected families during this painful moment.'

Gruesome footage shows the blazing aftermath of the three collided vehicles between Merida and Campeche

A truck packed with workers crashed into a car and a taxi, causing a fiery explosion on impact, it crushed and burned 14 people inside, including the driver

File image of the highway between Merida and Campeche where 15 passengers were killed and three more were injured

'Since the first report, emergency, security, and health services are attending to the situation to provide immediate assistance.'

Firefighters, paramedics and state police immediately responded to the crash site to rescue survivors and extinguish the flames, according to the local outlet.

The National Guard and forensic teams secured the area and removed the bodies.

The state police have not yet released the victims' identities or the cause of the crash.

This marks the deadliest crash on Yucatan's roads in the last 50 years. The previous accident was in 1979, when a bus overturned on the Suma de Hidalgo-Cansahcab highway, killing 11 and injuring 43.

Just days before this, a train collided with a double-decker bus, leaving ten dead and 45 injured northwest of Mexico City, according to the Sun.
ISTANBUL, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Turkish authorities have ordered the detention of 48 suspects, including Hasan Mutlu, mayor of Istanbul's opposition-run Bayrampasa district, in a major corruption investigation into the district, state broadcaster TRT Haber reported Saturday.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office launched an operation Saturday morning as part of the investigation. The office said evidence of embezzlement, extortion, bribery, and bid rigging involving public officials had been uncovered at Bayrampasa.

In the morning raids, financial crimes units detained 37 suspects, including Mayor Hasan Mutlu, a member of the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), Deputy Mayors Atilla Ozen, Hakan Bas, Lutfi Kadogullar, Gunduz Kalkan, and Legal Affairs Director Bilgehan Yagc. Seven additional suspects were later apprehended, while police continue to search for the remaining wanted individuals.

The arrests come amid a nearly year-long series of investigations into CHP-run municipalities across Turkiye, in which hundreds of people have been taken into custody. 
She is an expert equestrian renowned for her decades of public service.

And yesterday the Princess Royal was all smiles as she rode on horseback through Scotlands capital as she took part in a re-enactment of an ancient tradition of inspecting the city boundaries.

Princess Anne was joined by hundreds of other horsemen and women for the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches, which culminated in a ceremony at the Mercat Cross.

Each year the event, described as the jewel in the crown of common ridings, attracts spectators and riders from across the world.

The horses follow a 26-mile route, before they are ridden into the heart of the city to be greeted by thousands of spectators.

First recorded in 1579, the ancient civic duty was designed to ensure the city boundaries were secure against attack.

The Princess joined hundreds of keen riders for the traditional procession

The ancient tradition was re-established in 2009

Members of the History Matters re-enactment team fire a volley of shots
Britons heading to Spain were in for a nightmare of travel chaos as staff at the country's biggest airport went on strike.

Passengers braced for delayed and missed flights as they were advised to arrive at the airport early to avoid disappointment.

The strike action at Adolfo Suarez Madri-Barajas airport is 'indefinite and full-time', say unions.

Passenger control staff began the industrial action following a dispute with the private company that runs the security lanes over working conditions.

With around 800 employed at the airport, they say the amount of work they have to do 'far exceeds' that at other Spanish airports.

Shocking images shared to social media show the chaotic airport as passengers wait in endless ques.

It has also been reported queues for passport control have seem some tourists left stranded.

And this morning the wait to get through security was reported to be around over an hour and a half.

Britons heading to Spain are in for a nightmare of travel chaos as staff at the country's biggest airport went on strike

Passengers braced for delayed and cancelled flights as they have been advised to arrive at the airport early to avoid disappointment

Shocking images shared to social media show the chaotic airport as passengers wait in endless ques

One user said on X: 'Made it through Madrid airport...Chaos today as security employees decided to strike

Another joked: 'Seen this before - one strike and the whole airport equilibrium collapses.'

One traveller posted on X: 'There was a detour to take the bus to the airport, they changed the stop.

'I arrive at Barajas and there is a three-block queue for security control due to a strike.'

Another frustrated tourist said: 'When I talk about kilometre-long queues to get though security checks at Terminal 4, I'm not exaggerating,'

State-owned airport authority AENA commented on X: 'Due to the strike called by Trablisa security staff at Madrid-Barajas Airport, security check times may be longer than usual.

'We apologise for any inconvenience caused.'

With 6 million Brits jetting off to this newly affected European spot each year, the upcoming strikes are set to cause even more disruption to holidaymakers.

More strikes are expected later on in the month.

On September 26, multiple national 24-hour strikes are set to occur including baggage handlers associated with Assaeroporti, the union CUB Trasporti, and Volotea staff.

Cagliari Elmas Airport's security staff are also expected to strike for 24 hours.

Milan Linate Airport and Milano Malpensa Airport are reportedly due to be hit by four-hour baggage handling staff strikes.

Staff from FLAI Transport and Services are also due to step down for four hours.

Passengers travelling on the mentioned dates have been urged to check ahead of time for any disruption or cancellations.

Ivalyo Danailov, CEO of airline compensation specialists SkyRefund said: 'Passengers with EasyJet and Volotea should check if they are eligible for compensation, as strikes by airline staff are considered to be reasons for delay within the airlines control, therefore making passengers with them potentially eligible for compensation.

'Passengers affected by the strikes of airport staff, such as baggage handlers, or security staff however are unlikely to be eligible for delay compensation, as these are considered extraordinary circumstances.

'Nonetheless, passengers remain entitled to essential assistance, including meals, refreshments, communication, and accommodation if necessary, during prolonged delays. We strongly advise all travellers to keep themselves informed about potential disruptions on the affected days.'
Police in Utah arrested two men for allegedly placing a live bomb underneath a news media vehicle.

Adeeb Nasir, 58, and Adil Justice Ahmed Nasir, 31, were taken into custody in Salt Lake City on Sunday, according to a probable cause statement reviewed by KUTV.

Bomb squads with the Salt Lake City Police Department and officials with the Unified Fire Authority responded to reports of a suspicious device on Friday.

They soon discovered an incendiary device was placed under a vehicle operated by an unknown media outlet, near an occupied building, per the records.

The explosive device 'had been lit but failed to function as designed,' the legal document stated.

The investigation, which was led by the FBI, saw authorities obtain a warrant for a home in Magna - about 18 miles outside of the capital.

It was there that both suspects were found, along with two devices that turned out to be spoof weapons of mass destruction.

Initially, the suspects told authorities the devices were real, leading to an immediate evacuation of the property while bomb squads worked to get rid of the devices.

Adeeb Nasir, 58, and Adil Justice Ahme Nasir, 31, were arrested Sunday for allegedly placing a live bomb under a car in Salt Lake City, Utah on Friday. They were taken into custody after the FBI executed a search warrant on their home in Magna (pictured)

Other surrounding homes were also evacuated because of the scare.

Authorities also found firearms, more explosive devices, illegal narcotics and paraphernalia and 'explosive-related components' inside the home, according to records.

Electronic devices believed to contain evidence of the alleged crimes were also found in the home, arrest documents said.

Both suspects have been charged with two counts of weapon of mass destruction  manufacture/possess/sell/use, attempted aggravated arson, four counts of explosive/chemical/incendiary  possessing parts and two counts of threat of terrorism  use of weapon/hoax mass destruction, according to jail records reviewed by Daily Mail.

Adeeb, a US citizen who was born in Pakistan, was booked into Salt Lake County Jail and ordered to be held without bail, records revealed.

It is unclear where Adil, a Utah native, is being held at this time.

Daily Mail contacted the Salt Lake City Utah field office for more information.

The frightening arrests come just days after Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on Wednesday during a speaking event

Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested in connection to Kirk's assassination. He has not admitted to the murder and is not cooperating with police, Utah Governor Spencer Cox said

The latest threat to the state comes just days after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was murdered during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem - about 40 minutes from Salt Lake City.

Kirk, 31, was fatally shot in the neck while speaking at the college on Wednesday. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

A massive manhunt was then started by the FBI to find his killer, and after nearly two days, Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested in connection to Kirk's assassination.

He was turned into federal authorities by his father after he recognized his son in the images and videos the FBI released to capture the killer.

Robinson is set to appear in court in Utah on Tuesday after he was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily harm, and obstruction of justice.

The accused killer could face execution by a firing squad if he is found guilty and prosecutors secure the death penalty against him.

President Donald Trump said he wants to see the killer get the death penalty for the assassination of Kirk, whom he described as the 'finest person'.

Kirk's funeral is set for September 21 at State Farm Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals.
A 19-year-old has been arrested for destroying a community memorial for Charlie Kirk at conservative non-profit Turning Point USA's headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona.

Ryder Corral was charged with criminal damage and disorderly conduct for kicking over flowers, vases, flags and balloons as he forced his way through the public tribute.

Disturbing footage and pictures show Corral wearing the exact same t-shirt and outfit worn by 22-year-old Tyler Robinson when he allegedly shot and killed Charlie Kirk last Wednesday.

The shirt is black and long-sleeved with an eagle perched on an American flag between the words 'land of the free, home of the brave.' Corral also wore long dark blue pants similar to Robinson.

This same design was visible in FBI-released images of Robinson during the nationwide manhunt following Kirk's assassination last week.

Reports say Corral managed to make it about 15 yards through the crowd before he was subdued by bystanders and taken into custody by police. He managed to destroy some items placed at the memorial.

It happened around 9:50am near 48th Street and Beverly Road.

Officers were already in the area assisting with traffic control when they were alerted to the situation.

Ryder Corral made it about 15 yards through the memorial before bystanders subdued him

Corral was promptly taken into custody by police

Corral was charged with criminal damage and disorderly conduct for destroying a Charlie Kirk memorial

The similarity between what the two men were wearing has fueled speculation online although no official connection between Corral and Robinson has been confirmed by law enforcement.

One person wrote, 'What theok now this is MORE that the FBI needs to investigate! The connection with the shirt and this new person.'

Another added, 'I feel Ryder Corral is inspired by Tyler Robinson. FBI please probe.'

Authorities are still trying to learn more about what motivated the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at a college in Utah on Wednesday.

The conservative activist's family is planning a memorial next week to his life and legacy.

Robinson, 22, of Washington, Utah, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder and other felony offenses.

Prosecutors are drawing up formal charges that could be filed within the next few days when he will make his first court appearance.

On Sunday it was revealed how Robinson joked that his 'doppelganger' pulled the trigger while discussing the tragedy in a private Discord chat just hours after the shooting.

JUST IN: Man arrested after vandalizing Charlie Kirk memorial outside Turning Point USA's headquarters in Arizona. The suspect has been identified as 19-year-old Ryder Corral. pic.twitter.com/N1LAMCniS1  Fox News (@FoxNews) September 14, 2025

Surveillance footage released by police after Charlie Kirk was killed show the assassin's outfit which Corral copied

People visit a memorial for Charlie Kirk at Hansen Mortuary on Sunday in Phoenix, Arizona

People gather at a makeshift memorial for political activist and Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk outside of the Turning Point USA headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, on Sunday

Charlie Kirk speaks before he is shot during Turning Point's visit to Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday

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

Robinson mocked the manhunt for the gunman and taunted the FBI's investigation while joking about obtaining reward money before eventually surrendering to police, according to messages obtained by The New York Times.

He showed no sign of remorse in screenshots of the Discord chat shared by a former high school classmate.

In fact he appeared to revel in the attention, exchanging meme-laced jabs with acquaintances while authorities scrambled to find the person responsible.

'Tyler killed Charlie!!!!' one user wrote in a group chat on Thursday afternoon, jokingly tagging Robinson.

Robinson fired back almost instantly: 'My doppelganger's trying to get me in trouble,' he wrote.

The gallows humor was delivered just hours after the FBI had released surveillance stills showing a young man in sunglasses and a cap, walking through a stairwell at Utah Valley University where Kirk had been speaking.

Investigators have spoken to Robinson's relatives and carried out a search warrant at his family's home in Washington, about 240 miles southwest of Utah Valley University, where the shooting took place.

Authorities have not provided many details about why they think Robinson carried out the attack on Kirk.

'There clearly was a leftist ideology,' Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said on NBC's Meet the Press, noting that family and friends described Robinson's politics as veering left in recent years.

Surveillance footage captured images of the gunman running across a nearby rooftop after the shooting

They recounted to authorities a dinner table conversation in which he mentioned Kirk's upcoming visit to Utah Valley University and they discussed whether the activist was spreading hate.

Cox said Robinson is 'not cooperating' and that friends paint a picture of someone radicalized in the dark corners of the internet.

However, Cox stressed on several Sunday morning news shows that investigators are still trying to pin down a motive for the attack on the father of two and confidant of President Donald Trump.

State records show Robinson is registered to vote but not affiliated with a political party and is listed as inactive, meaning he did not vote in the two most recent general elections. His parents are registered Republicans.

Ammunition found with the weapon used to kill Kirk was engraved with taunting, anti-fascist and meme-culture messages. One bullet casing had the message, 'Hey, fascist! Catch!'.
Kemi Badenoch will on Monday take the free speech fight to Labour as she launches a commission to stop the Right being stifled.

Writing in Monday's Daily Mail, the Conservative leader warned that offending someone has effectively been turned into a crime and said policing has become politicised.

She has vowed to fight to protect free speech, and her new policy task force  to be led by Toby Young  will review laws restricting freedom of expression.

The commission is expected to report back to Mrs Badenoch by the end of the year and will look at areas affected by free speech  such as universities, social media and broadcasting  and question whether the rules are necessary, fair and in line with British values.

Lord Young is set to meet campaigners, journalists, academics and ordinary people who have experience of how free speech is being stifled throughout the UK.

His recommendations will form a central part of Conservative Party policy. The Tories will also challenge Labour to put the proposals into practice.

Mrs Badenochs commission comes in the wake of the killing of high-profile US conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot dead last week at an event.

And it follows the arrest of Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan by armed policemen at Heathrow earlier this month on suspicion of inciting violence in posts he had made on X, wherein he said: If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space... Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the balls.

Kemi Badenoch will on Monday take the free speech fight to Labour as she launches a commission to stop the Right being stifled

It follows the arrest of Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan (pictured) after posts he had made on X about transgender people in April

Mrs Badenoch said while what happened to Charlie Kirk and Graham Linehan are on different scales, both are symptoms of the same sickness: a culture that seeks to silence, not debate.

Worse, we have a government that sneers at those who dare raise the alarm about the erosion of free speech, she wrote.

Lord Young, director of the Free Speech Union, told the Daily Mail on Sunday night: The recent arrest of Graham Linehan by five armed officers at Heathrow for three tweets mocking trans rights activists shows how urgently we need to overhaul our free speech laws.

'The police shouldnt be wasting their time on tweets when they should be policing our streets.

Some of the laws regulating our free speech are over 50 years old and no longer fit for purpose. We need to make sure they protect free speech, not suppress it.
Downing Street was on Sunday night scrambling to protect Keir Starmer as it emerged No 10 was aware of the fatal allegation against Lord Mandelson days before he was sacked.

The Daily Mail understands that No 10 knew at the start of last week that the Labour grandee had suggested paedophile Jeffrey Epsteins first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged.

But sources insisted that the Prime Minister was not informed before he expressed confidence in the then-US ambassador in the Commons on Wednesday.

It came amid a deepening revolt over Sir Keirs handling of the crisis, and growing speculation that the PM could be ousted before the next general election.

Mutinous MPs yesterday warned that Sir Keir was supping in the last-chance saloon, while the Tories accused him of going missing in action over the scandal.

The Prime Minister is expected to break his damning silence on the crisis on Monday, but on Sunday night Downing Street would not reveal who kept the information about Lord Mandelson from him.

In the worst week of his premiership, Sir Keir sacked the Labour peer from his post as ambassador to the US.

It came after emails were published showing that Lord Mandelson had sent supportive messages to Epstein even as he faced jail for sex offences.

Downing Street was on Sunday night scrambling to protect Keir Starmer (right) as it emerged No 10 was aware of the fatal allegation against Lord Mandelson (left) days before he was sacked

Pictured: Lord Mandelson (left) in a fluffy white dressing gown enjoying a chat with Epstein (right)

Sources insisted that the Prime Minister was not informed about the extent of Mandelson's connections with disgraced financier before he expressed confidence in the then-US ambassador in the Commons on Wednesday

But it has emerged that Downing Street became aware of the damning correspondence on Tuesday  two days before he was sacked.

The Daily Mail can reveal No 10 was told then that the emails contained suggestions by Lord Mandelson that Epsteins first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged.

But sources insisted that the information, which came in a 2,000-word memo from Bloomberg News which was seeking comment from Lord Mandelson, was not shared with Sir Keir, who told MPs during Wednesdays Prime Ministers Questions that he had confidence in his man in Washington.

Meanwhile, Foreign Office permanent secretary Sir Oliver Robbins, formerly Theresa Mays bungling Brexit chief, was seeking a response from Lord Mandelson about the emails, which only came later  on Wednesday afternoon.

On Thursday morning, the Foreign Office said that the suggestion that Jeffrey Epsteins first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged is new information and that in light of that... he has been withdrawn as ambassador with immediate effect.

The revelation adds to pressure on the PMs all-powerful chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, with several MPs calling for him to be sacked. Questions are being asked whether it was Mr McSweeney who knew in Downing Street, and if not, who?

The Mail on Sunday reported that Sir Keir and his top adviser had been involved in a spat over what the PM was or wasnt told following his Commons appearance last Wednesday, with the Labour leader roaring: You are supposed to protect me from things like this! Downing Street denied the row.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said on Sunday night night: The Prime Minister has gone missing in action. Serious questions have been raised about what he knew, and when, regarding Lord Mandelsons links to Jeffrey Epstein.

It comes after emails were published showing that Lord Mandelson had sent supportive messages to Epstein even as he faced jail for sex offences

Lord Mandelson with Jeffrey Epstein on December 12, 2005, where he is seen trying on a belt during a visit to a boutique in the Caribbean

How the Daily Mail called out 'doomed' Mandelson on Thursday morning - shortly before Downing Street decided to sack him

'But instead of facing up to them, hes nowhere to be seen. Labour promised integrity, what were seeing is chaos. The Prime Minister must come to Parliament tomorrow. He must come clean.

A Cabinet minister said Lord Mandelsons singular talents meant he was deemed worth the risk to appoint as ambassador.

Peter Kyle, the Business Secretary and an ally of Lord Mandelsons, suggested security checks carried out before his appointment only turned up information that was already public.

Now of course we have seen the emails which were not published at the time, were not public and not even known about, and that has changed the situation, he said.

One Labour MP said: Nobody in the parliamentary Labour Party is happy with the handling... it will be incredibly difficult for the Prime Minister to survive in the long term.

Labours Graham Stringer said Sir Keir was supping in the last-chance saloon.

He told Times Radio that the PM was vulnerable and it was a given among MPs that he was doing poorly at the job.

Fellow Labour MP Rosena Allin-Khan said: The polls are going to show in May whether or not people believe [Sir Keir] is up to the job.
Prince Harry, who will celebrate his 41st birthday on Monday, has spent his entire life in the public eye.

Recently crowned the most Google-searched royal in the past year, experts from a whole host of disciplines - from foot experts to lip readers - have weighed in with their interpretation of why he acts the way he does.

But perhaps the most revealing of all of his high-profile events was his wedding to Meghan Markle on May 19, 2018, which was watched by 1.9billion people worldwide.

Seven years on, leading body language expert Judi James revisited a series of clips from the Sussexes' wedding with the benefit of hindsight.

She told the Daily Mail: 'It was Harrys role to be the caring, dashing prince here, showing Meghan the ropes and inducting her into the challenges of royal life.

'He looked proud of her and proud of his royal status.

'Both Harry and Meghan have an obsessive-looking desire to be loved and this was exactly the response they were shown by the public, boosting Harry to what might have been his confidence peak.'

In 2018, Harry was deemed 'likeable' by 77 per cent of respondents in a poll of 3,600 Brits by YouGov between May and October.

Prince Harry's wedding to Meghan Markle on May 19, 2018, was watched by 1.9billion people worldwide

Body language expert Judi James said: 'When Harry spoke to Prince William, his best man, the words were delivered with signals of anxiety'

Judi said: 'When Meghan first arrived and Harry rose to his feet, he was seen rocking slightly from side to side and sucking his lower lip in'

Outranking the Queen and Prince William, only seven per cent of those surveyed had a negative opinion of Harry, while 13 per cent had a neutral one

This comes in stark contrast to the latest YouGov poll which found he was disliked by 44 per cent of people.

Judi continued: 'Harry was an intensely nervous-looking groom at his own wedding, right up to the moment when Meghan arrived and locked eyes with him.

'As he waited at the top of the aisle, his expression fluctuated between solemn and a hollow-eyed gaze of reflection.

'His face became pale, but his cheeks reddened, suggesting a state of tearfulness.

'When he spoke to William, his best man, the words were delivered with signals of anxiety and, despite having been trying to joke with Harry earlier, even William seemed to think it best to mirror his unsmiling state by then.

'When Meghan first arrived and he rose to his feet, he was seen rocking slightly from side to side and sucking his lower lip in.

'There was what looked like a nervous smile of relief as he realised Meghan was on her way, and then his whole non-verbal state and his demeanour seemed to change once he finally locked eyes with her.'

Judi described Meghans solo walk half the way up the aisle as 'an act of total confidence'

'She didnt falter and there were no non-verbal leakage signals or even micro-gestures to suggest she was in any way nervous,' Judi said of Meghan

The body language expert told the Daily Mail: 'It was Harrys role to be the caring, dashing prince here, showing Meghan the ropes and inducting her into the challenges of royal life'

'Its possible much of his anxiety was nervousness by proxy and he was worried how she was coping walking up the aisle by herself,' said the body language expert.

'Once he saw her smile, he adopted a look that could be described as protective and besotted.'

Judi described Meghans solo walk half the way up the aisle as 'an act of total confidence'.

'She didnt falter and there were no non-verbal leakage signals or even micro-gestures to suggest she was in any way nervous,' she said.

'But when she reached Harry, her demeanour changed too, and the couple achieved a complimentary state of protective vulnerability.

'Meghan glanced down coyly as Harry gazed at her, and she giggled to suggest that air of vulnerability.

'This triggered the stronger, more protective side in Harry, and his nervousness seemed to erode quickly.

'Meghan continued the theme of coyness with some tentative waves from the carriage.

'It was clear that Harry was now in "hosting" mode, introducing his bride to her new country, to the royal firm and to the fans with a protective eye.'

Harry lifts Meghan's veil during their wedding service, conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby

Meghan and Harry's wedding at St George's Chapel was described as the 'royal social event of the year' for 2018

Judi wrote: 'Meghan glanced down coyly as Harry gazed at her and she giggled to suggest that air of vulnerability'

Judi previously offered her interpretation of Meghan's first major event on behalf of the Royal Family.

Just a month before the royal wedding, Meghan joined Harry to meet youth delegates taking part in the high-profile Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London.

It marked an important step in introducing Harry's bride-to-be to the world stage and came as a surprise to royal observers, as it is unusual for someone who has not yet married into the Royal Family to be involved in such a high-profile occasion.

Judi said the couple's dynamic showed 'green shoots of Meghan inducting Harry into the etiquette of non-royal life'.

One moment in particular showed Meghan attempting to walk in front of Harry, which goes against royal protocol.

Harry also takes a step forward to shake hands with the man opposite him, causing the two to bump into each other.

The Prince promptly stepped back, before apologising and allowing Meghan to take the lead.

Coming off the back of her role as Rachel Zane in Suits, Meghan was used to the spotlight so it was not entirely surprising that the soon-to-be Duchess took the reins.

'The body language evolution of this change has seen Harry recently looking like the "plus one" to Meghans confident and gracious star,' Judi told the Mail

Harry and Meghan exit St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle after their royal wedding ceremony with their family behind them

In the time since the wedding - dubbed the 'royal social event of the year' for 2018 - Harry and Meghan have taken multiple opportunities to criticise the Royal Family, including their high-profile interview with Oprah Winfrey.

In January 2020, Harry and Meghan 'stepped back' from their positions as senior working royals and moved to Montecito in July, beginning the chain of events which would be dubbed 'Megxit' by the press.

In recent events, including 'royal style' engagements, it is often Meghan who leads Harry, who tends to hang back and display more signs of anxiety, according to the body language expert.

Earlier this year, the couple, now long-settled into life across the pond, made headlines at the Time100 New York summit after Meghan said she was the 'happiest' she had ever been, just weeks after her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, was panned by critics.

At the time, the Daily Mail reported that Meghan took centre stage - leaving Harry assuming the role of 'spare' once again.

Judi pointed out an 'awkward' dynamic between the pair, telling the Daily Mail: 'This was a body language moment that appeared to define how Harry had swapped life as a royal "spare" for a life as a Montecito "spare", looking more like Meghan's security here than her high-status, regal husband.'

'Meghan continued the theme of coyness with some tentative waves from the carriage,' wrote Judi

In recent events, including 'royal style' engagements, it is often Meghan who leads Harry, who tends to hang back and display more signs of anxiety, according to the body language expert

Reflecting on how Harry's body language has altered since the royal wedding, Judi said: 'Harry had a complete change of role, status and lifestyle once he moved to the US, and many of his behaviours and body language with Meghan made a complete and powerful turnabout.

'In the UK, he was the protector and the host to his wife. All the contacts she met were new to her: his family, friends and charity people.

'She had to start from scratch and learn a whole new way of life as a royal.

'In the US, it was Meghan hosting and Harry the one meeting her contacts and friends.

'Hed introduced her to a royal way of life, and she was introducing him to a celebrity one. Shed had to wear the pantyhose in the UK, but now he got to go around barefoot in the US as he adapted to her lifestyle.

'The body language evolution of this change has seen Harry recently looking like the "plus one" to Meghans confident and gracious star.

'His emotional confidence might have grown and matured with his wife and two children keeping him grounded, but his body language can often reveal a man being lovingly guided, steered and reassured and rewarded by his talented and confident wife.

'Her star status in the US and her self-assured performances and appearances have made him appear less assured a lot of the time.

'Interestingly, both states appear complementary for the couple.'

Judi said: 'Harry had a complete change of role, status and lifestyle once he moved to the US, and many of his behaviours and body language with Meghan made a complete and powerful turnabout'

She continued: 'Harrys protective, dashing prince in the UK looked partially triggered by Meghans lack of royal experience.

'We saw him correcting her on the balcony once with a rather authoritative stare and nod. But in the US, he appears comfortable handing the leadership baton over to Meghan.

'When she dominates at events he looks happily compliant, hopping about and allowing himself to be patted, tapped or steered into place.

'There is even a hint of a maternal link in the way he will take on a more compliant role at times.

'We might have seen a re-boot of the "fun, playful Prince" during his recent visit to the UK, but there were initial signals of anxiety as he arrived at events alone and he was seen playing with his wedding ring to suggest he now misses Meghans support and leadership when hes under pressure.'

It comes as former Buckingham Palace butler Grant Harrold claimed in his upcoming book, The Royal Butler, that everything in the Royal Family changed after Harry met Meghan in July 2016.

In an interview, Harrold said: 'As soon as Meghan came into his life, everything changed.

'It could be that Harry had his own awakening and suddenly decided he didnt like the organisation, but the problem is that Meghan was with him when it happened.'

While it is impossible to gain a full picture of Harry and Meghan's relationship dynamic due to public events offering just a small window into their lives, their body language at events offers a useful insight into how they may behave once the cameras are off.
Prince William has doubled down on his resolve to cut Prince Harry out of his life, in the wake of his brothers Clarence House rapprochement with the King. Its been exactly a year since the Sussexes launched Operation Bring Harry Back In From The Cold  and while the Dukes 12-month strategy has come to fruition with his father, he is no closer to contact with his brother.

Indeed, Harrys success in the UK last week means the future King is burning with a renewed determination to rid the monarchy of the Sussexes for good.

William is back at the point where if you mention Prince Harry in his presence he would throw you out of the room, one well-placed insider admitted. Hes doubling down.

This comes as Tina Brown, the Royal biographer and former editor of Vanity Fair, revealed that King Charles is currently more irritated with Prince William than with Prince Harry.

She claimed that tensions are brewing between the King and his heir over Williams workload, which pales in comparison with his cancer-stricken father and has been punctuated by a multitude of holidays in recent months.

Not that you would guess it by William and Catherines four-day blitz of engagements last week, coinciding with Harrys visit.

The Princess of Wales agreed to attend a Womens Institute meeting in Berkshire with her husband on Monday at the last minute, prompting some to suggest William hoped a glamorous appearance from his wife would blow Harry off the front pages.

Harry countered the move with a 1.1million pledge to Children in Need  crass to cite the amount, perhaps, but effective. A day later, Harry  who turns 41 tomorrow  met his father at Clarence House for the first time in 18 months.

'Charles may well welcome having Harry nipping at his brothers heels, for it could prompt the Prince and Princess of Wales to "up their game" by carrying out more of those small-scale events we saw last week,' writes Griffiths

Harrys breathless schedule during his week-long presence in the UK, followed by a trip to Kyiv, provided some healthy competition for William.

Charles may well welcome having Harry nipping at his brothers heels, for it could prompt the Prince and Princess of Wales to up their game by carrying out more of those small-scale events we saw last week  the type that they would prefer not to do but which are essential to the publics perception of the monarchy. Without the future King and Queen doing the rounds, it falls to Charles to pick up most of the slack and it has been noted that, despite his battle with cancer, he carried out official engagements on 175 days during the past 12 months.

Over the same period, Prince William clocked up 68 fewer engagements.

Harrys rapprochement strategy isnt over yet. Next on the Dukes wish-list is some kind of public acknowledgement from the King.

A source says: Harry would one day like his father to encourage the nation to accept him back again. Its what the late Queen did towards the end of her life when she asked the public to accept Camilla as Queen Consort.

If Charles could do something along those lines, Harry would have some hope of not being completely exiled for good when William becomes King. While its hard to guess from the spiteful interviews hes given in recent years, Harry does want back in.

Harry reads his own polls, he knows hes one of the least popular Royals and wants that to change, says the source. He wants to get back to being one of the most popular. Meghan doesnt care about the UK perception and thats fine  but Harry does.

But this time theres a telling difference. The late Queens public endorsement of Camilla followed much lobbying by Charles behind stately doors. The same cannot be said for William, who is as far as hes ever been from acknowledging his brother, let alone championing his return.

Tina Brown, the Royal biographer and former editor of Vanity Fair, revealed that King Charles is currently more irritated with Prince William than with Prince Harry

William is more determined than ever to cut Harry off altogether, adds the source. It infuriates William that Harry has pulled off a 12-month master plan to re-ingratiate himself.

The pair have long had a tempestuous relationship, not least in the run-up to Megxit when, in 2019, the brothers came to blows in Nottingham Cottage, in the grounds of Kensington Palace, and Harry ended up shoved to the floor, cracking a dog bowl.

Palace aides are said to be anxious that Williams doubling down mentality marks a setback for him personally.

For some time now Williams anger had cooled to the point of indifference over his brother, which was healthy for his mental wellbeing, adds another source. William had got to the stage where Harry was a non-person, he had fallen so far beneath his radar as to have disappeared from his mind altogether. It cant be good that William has gone back to the point where he would throw someone out at the very mention of Harrys name.

The phrase non-person was coined by the Queen Mother to refer to people whose name cannot be mentioned by friends or aides in her presence  like that of her brother-in-law Edward VIII whose abdication forced her and her husband (who became George VI) to become King and Queen.

With Harry a non-person, safely 5,000 miles away in California, people around William felt no need to bring up Harrys name. All that was shattered by the appearance last week.

The source added: Now Harry is back  back in the UK, back at Clarence House, back in touch with his father and back into the subject line of emails.

Another source said: William originally went through all the stages of grief over his brother. When they first fell out he went to Balmoral and went off his food. Just before the Oprah chat screened, he wept. Then he turned to anger and when that stage was over, he simply compartmentalised it all and moved on. He never expected to be regularly in the same postcode as his brother again, like he was last week.

It may cause further worry, then, that Harry has more plans to come to the UK and may even educate his children here.

Archie, six, will soon be of prep school age.

William and Harry began boarding at Ludgrove School in Wokingham at age eight, as is traditional for upper-crust children.

So perhaps it is telling Harry has another two years to go in the rapprochement strategy, which I revealed in this newspaper a year ago. The early signs came when his UK friends began receiving texts from the prince ahead of his 40th birthday last September.

Zoom calls with former Royal aides followed. As I reported at the time, Harry was swapping his advisers in Hollywood  who had seemingly done little to rescue his tattered reputation  for a more traditional Royal team, with Palace experience and a military background.

Harry is turning away from all sorts of Hollywood publicists and is seeking counsel from his old friends and associates, said a source at the time.

He is clearly reaching out thinking, I need to do something different because what Im doing is not working. In short, he is rethinking the way he operates.

As the year has gone by, it has all come to pass. Harry professionally separated from Meghan in January and later hired public relations expert Liam Maguire  just the type of gruff, ex-Sandhurst military man who the stubborn flame-haired prince would listen to.

Meanwhile, Meghan hired her own expert, Netflix reputation manager Meredith Maines. Later, the couple organised a Royal household structure for their respective staff, with Meredith at the helm as Head of Household.

It gave Harry the tightly hierarchical operation he grew up with at Kensington Palace.

Tellingly, Liam  who served in Afghanistan and has worked for years on Invictus, Harrys charity for wounded servicemen and women  only reports to the Duke.

By May, Harry was attempting to reconnect with old friends, even those who have sided with William. He was seen roaming the streets of Fulham, seemingly looking for the front door of aristocrat pals John and Georgina Vaughan. But the Vaughans had moved to the countryside.

A seismic change came in July when Harry dispatched Meredith and Liam to London to meet Tobyn Andreae, the Kings senior communications adviser.

As a peace offering, the latter arrived carrying a gift from Berry Brothers, a wine merchant with a Royal warrant from Charles.

It was perhaps intentional that the trio met at the Royal Over-Seas League, a St Jamess clubhouse committed to fostering international friendship.

When Meghans Netflix series With Love, Meghan came out a month later, Harry did not feature in the programme nor participate in any of its promotion.

Instead, he and his team filled a hefty ring binder of updates and notes relating to his UK charities. He vowed to read up on every one of his patronages. Even the smaller ones he hardly meets were given an audience when he landed on September 8, such as Scottys Little Soldiers, which supports the children of service personnel who have died in action.

In the spirit of openness and cooperation, the Duke shared his timetable of events with Mr Andreae. In return, Harrys team were informed Wednesday last week would be a wise day to keep his schedule London-based, as that is when Charles would come to the capital for his cancer treatment.

The Duke duly stuck close to the capital and kept his phone on. His team were asked to brief out the message they were in the dark over what private arrangements father and son were making.

Harrys UK team did know, of course, but did not dare risk a leak by admitting as much. Intriguingly, even Meghan and her team in the US were none the wiser.

By Wednesday evening, Harry pulled off something many feared would never happen  a 54 minute-long reconciliation with his father at Clarence House.

It was proof that Operation Bring Harry Back In From The Cold had gone to plan, a year almost to the day since this newspaper revealed its existence.

The next milestone is 2027 when the Invictus Games will be in Birmingham. Harry would dearly love to have the whole Royal Family by his side for the opening ceremony before the worlds media.

His concerns over the lack of government-issued security  having lost his Appeal Court case in May against the Home Offices decision to roll back his police protection  is likely to keep Meghan and the children Archie and Lilibet, four, at home.

Yet if the chances of his wife attending are small then the likelihood of his brother accepting an invite is non-existent.

But as a source says: Harry has learned this week that playing the long game works. So far, hes been focused on reconnecting with Charles, his charities, the public and a smattering of old friends.

Harry hasnt attempted to try his luck with William yet. But you never know, hes feeling ambitious after this week  and two years is a long time in Royal politics.
Poison has long dripped from the corpse of Jeffrey Epstein, polluting the reputation of anyone whod been drawn into his orbit. And while Prince Andrew has been tainted for some years now, this latest dose could well finish his name for good.

The publication last week of toe-curling emails that Peter Mandelson had sent to Epstein pulled the rug from under Britains now former ambassador to Washington.

But even this could pale against the embarrassment that publication of a cache of correspondence between Epstein and Prince Andrew could unleash.

The Epstein Files have remained sealed but, step by step, emails between the convicted paedophile who killed himself in 2019 and his menagerie of high-profile friends are leaking into the public domain.

As The Mail on Sunday reveals today, credible sources say that the FBI have a bombshell haul of emails that will destroy Andrew. Yet the Duke of Yorks name is already mud.

How damaging could such emails be to him? The answer is very.

First, while the emails are unlikely to be as queasily gushing as Mandelsons (not Andrews style), they might tell us more about how much money Epstein gave the Yorks and why.

In 2011, this newspaper broke the Virginia Giuffre story, alleging that the prince had had sex with her, publishing a photo of him with his arm around her when she was 17 years old.

As The Mail on Sunday reveals today, credible sources say that the FBI have a bombshell haul of emails that will destroy Andrew

A few days later, his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson admitted that she had received 15,000 from Epstein. She said at the time: This was a gigantic error of judgment... I am just so contrite I cannot say. Whenever I can, I will repay the money and will have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein ever again.

Within four years the Yorks could afford to buy a 20million chalet in exclusive ski resort Verbier. How come? The answer might lie in these emails.

But even if Epstein and Andrew had a far greater financial relationship than previously known, it wouldnt be the most toxic revelation the Epstein Files could hold.

Like so many victims of child sexual abuse, Virginia Giuffre was broken by her ordeal and died by her own hand in April, aged 41.

As someone who has investigated the Epstein scandal for many years, I accept there were inconsistencies in her testimony. But I believe that her story was, in essence, true, that she was recruited by Epsteins one-time girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell to be his sex slave and that he enjoyed pimping Giuffre, and others, out to his friends, including the Duke of York.

Do the secret emails point to Andrew asking for the paedophiles help in trying to bury Giuffres campaign against him? To undermine a victim of child sexual abuse for telling the truth? Its hard to imagine the fallout to such a morally repugnant disclosure, but Andrews ostracism from the Royal Family would surely be complete.

The King would come under huge pressure to evict him from Royal Lodge in Windsor and withdraw all funding and security provision.

Worse still, the emails might suggest that the Kings younger brother committed a criminal offence. The prince originally avoided criminal investigation because the legal age of consent in Britain is 16 and in 2001, when the picture of him with 17-year-old Giuffre was taken, anti-trafficking laws were not in place.

But do the emails reveal other inappropriate relationships? Andrew has said he is happy to cooperate with any FBI investigation into Epstein, but that will be sorely tested were they to issue a warrant for his arrest.

In a case of this magnitude, the FBI would likely need sign-off by its director, Kash Patel, an acolyte of President Donald Trump. Given speculation about Trumps own association with Epstein, it seems unlikely he would put a bomb under the story by sanctioning the arrest of Andrew.

Even if he were to do so, would the British state hand him over? It would put the King, who Prime Minister Keir Starmer would surely consult, in an invidious position, to choose between fraternal loyalty or public duty.

If the Epstein Files on Andrew are released while Trump is hosted by the royals on his State visit this week, the headlines will be grim.

Already on the horizon are what horrors Virginia Giuffres posthumous memoir, due out this autumn, might reveal. New speculation over emails Andrew sent to Epstein only proves there is plenty more poison left in this scandal.

Hunting Ghislaine by John Sweeney is published by Hodder & Stoughton
A community on the outskirts of Houston has become the most popular place in the U.S. for people relocating, but locals warn that making the big move comes with a catch.

Cypress, Texas was ranked number one in the most popular ZIP codes for movers in 2025, according to a report by Moving Place.

Cypress is home to more than 200,000 people and is about 30 minutes away from Houston. It welcomed 3,636 movers from May to January this year.

However, it isn't a town, but rather a suburb within the Greater Houston Metropolitan area in Harris County.

The report described Cypress as: 'Located just northwest of Houston, this suburb offers a blend of affordable housing and an abundance of green spaces, which makes it a more appealing option for some than the nearby city center of Houston.'

However as movers flood the community, the infrastructure is struggling to keep up with the growth.

Ashlyn Brooks, the editor-in-chief of the local newsletter the Cypress Digest, spoke to the Daily Mail about the influx of new residents.

'From my perspective, as a homeowner, Cypress has the total package. This includes beautiful neighbors, proximity to major retailers, highways, and niche businesses.

Cypress welcomed 3,636 movers from May to January. Pictured: Sunset in Cypress, Texas

Ashlyn Brooks, the editor-in-chief of the Cypress Digest newsletter, says people are drawn to the area for the award-winning master planned communities

Cypress is home to over 200,000 people and is about 30 minutes away from Houston

'Cy-Fair ISD is also a huge draw for families. It is one of the top-ranked school districts in the state (which is no small feat, mind you) while also standing as the third largest.'

She added: 'I believe that new residents are also drawn here specifically for the award-winning master planned communities. If you look at neighborhoods such as Towne Lake and Bridgeland, these areas are in a league all their own.

'With new build neighborhoods in Texas, you typically see high property taxes and MUD taxes that can push the cost of living through the roof, with little to show for it, but in Cypress, the term "you get what you pay for' rings true. It's visibly clear where your tax dollars are going.'

A MUD tax is a municipal Utility district tax that funds necessities like water, sewage and infrastructure.

Brooks further explained that Cypress offers hundreds of miles of trails, is very walkable, great schools, and described the community itself as stunning.

The Cypress expert also mentioned that the crime rate is almost nonexistent.

The crime rate in Cypress is about 22.68 per 1000 residents annually according to CrimeGrade.org.

The odds of being a victim of crime in the region grows larger in the central neighborhoods and decreases towards the west.

The community is widely considered middle-class, and the cost of purchasing a home is roughly $400,000 according to Culture Map. Pictured: Construction is shown at a home in the master-planned community of Bridgeland in 2023

Cypress, Texas, was ranked the highest on top of the 10 most popular ZIP codes for movers in 2025, according to a report by Moving Place. An aerial view of the area is seen above

However Brooks said there are growing pains that come with the area developing so quickly.

'I've worked in heavy civil construction on a major highway in TX alongside the Texas Department of Transportation, and you wouldn't believe the process to get city roads and bridges built (permits, engineering, bidding, approvals, etc).'

'It doesn't move at the speed at which you see homes getting built, subdivisions, and neighborhood businesses. So when you have this influx of people coming in, you start to see bottlenecks and road congestion in certain areas.'

She said many locals have the same complaint - an area that is always congested at rush hour.

She said drivers on the Fry Road or Barker Cypress Road always face delays because they are the main points of entry and exit into Highway 290 and SH-99 from the largest communities north-west of Houston.

However, she added: 'It's just growing pains... Howard Hughes and Caldwell Properties have done fantastic jobs of planning these communities to mitigate these issues, which is why I feel growth has been able to continue at this pace while not sacrificing quality of life for existing residents.'

The local expert said: 'We still operate under the Harris County umbrella. So, imagine having proximity to a major city, major highways, and airports while maintaining a small community vibe... This is Cypress.'

The community is widely considered middle-class, and the cost of purchasing a home is roughly $400,000 according to Culture Map.

Brooks further explained that Cypress offers hundreds of miles of trails, walkability, schools, and described the community itself as stunning

The community is widely considered middle-class, and the cost of purchasing a home is roughly $400,000. Pictured: The exterior of Houston Methodist at the heart of one of Cypress' fastest-growing commercial zones

Voters line up to cast their ballots last year at the Richard and Meg Weekley Community Center in Cypress

Movers to the community have a choice between a wooded landscape in the north and flat grasslands in the south.

A move consultant from Graceful Moves Moving and Storage that frequently serves Cypress spoke to Daily Mail and explained what he believes draws people to the region.

'Cypress is growing, theres a lot of open land, and theres a lot of brick-and-mortar infrastructure to support a growing population. There are large malls, multiple strip centers everywhere, and its very well developed,' he said.

He added: 'Its on the outskirts of Houston, so people have access to everything just minutes away, yet theyre outside the city limits where its not extremely congested.'

He found that new residents are moving from both in-state and out-of-state, with most being middle-aged. He said younger people tend to move closer to the city.

The blossoming space also has giant corporations opening.

Most recently, on September 5, Costco filed to construct a wholesale warehouse and gas station, and it will be the company's second superstore in Cypress.

In April of this year, Walmart also launched a supercenter of its own and considered it a 'store of the future,' according to the company's website.
In Luntai County, NW China's Xinjiang, sand dunes have been carved into a stunning landform resembling a giant elephant drinking water, thanks to ecological water conveyance efforts. #Xinjiang #NatureArt #EcologicalRestoration #SandDunes #TravelChina
San Francisco's once-declining housing market is hot once again, due largely to the arrival of a tech industry and the fat salaries that come with it.

The city had been all but declared dead, notorious for public drug use and crime on its streets.

But now it appears to be on the path of revitalization, and San Francisco Police Department stats show crime is down overall in 2025.

The city's comeback traces back to the artificial intelligence companies that have moved to the area, creating jobs and a demand for housing.

Both Open AI, the company that created ChatGPT, and its rival Anthropic, started by former OpenAI employees, have offices in an area dubbed the 'Arena' by tech workers.

It sits between Potrero Hill, Mission and South of Market neighborhoods. Inside what were former condiment factories now holds the future of tech.

The software companies Notion and Chroma are also in the Arena, alongside Chorus.ai and Grammarly.

In total, there are nearly 750 AI companies in San Francisco now  and the money is pouring in.

San Francisco is on the path of revitalization, thanks in part to AI companies moving in

San Francisco's housing market is hot once again

In 2024, more than 50 percent of all global venture funding for AI-related startups went to companies headquartered in the Bay Area, Crunchbase reports.

With thousands of AI employees moving to the area, housing prices are surging  and with multi-million dollar incomes common in the tech industry, most of them can afford to buy big.

The average home price in San Francisco is currently $1.4 million, according to Redfin.

The current demand is outweighing the supply, so offers have become competitive and new construction is booming.

'AI and tech are the number one reason the market went through the roof,' local realtor Raziel Ungar told the Daily Mail.

'Just in the last year, these tech businesses giving people a lot more liquidity is allowing for a million-dollar down payment. Many people didn't have that down payment 12 or 24 months ago, but now they do.'

A study by the local real estate firm Krishnan Team reports that sales of $5 million-plus homes were up 28 percent year-over-year over the summer.

Properties are also selling in just a few days, and buyers are usually bidding above asking price.

The popular and artsy Mission District in San Francisco is also having a reinvention

The city's comeback traces back to the artificial intelligence companies that have moved to the area

'AI and tech are the number one reason the market went through the roof,' local realtor Raziel Ungar told the Daily Mail

According to a mid-year report by Sotheby's, more homes sold above $20 million in San Francisco in 2024 than ever before.

Krishnan compared the current San Francisco to the heyday of Facebook in 2012, when its IPO created a tech boom in Silicon Valley.

But while tech professionals with hefty salaries are able to buy in the city, it has become even more unaffordable for regular Americans.

'It now takes more than $400,000 to afford a typical home there,' Redfin's chief economist Daryl Fairweather said.

'That's an astonishing figure, out of reach for nearly everyone except those in the highest-paying tech jobs. The boom in AI has helped fuel some of those salaries.'

Many desirable neighborhoods also have a younger demographic now. With older tech workers moving out of the city during the pandemic, Gen Z and Millennials are taking their place.

Hayes Valley, dubbed 'cerebral valley' by locals, saw a downturn during the pandemic. Now, young people live there in huge Victorian homes fit for families.

The neighborhood has also seen a number of new high rises go up, and high-end businesses followed. Now, omakase at nearby restaurant Robin costs $200. The gourmet pizza at Doppio Zero comes Michelin Guide recommended.

San Francisco's Potrero Terrace district is popular with AI professionals

A panoramic view from above San Francisco's financial district

Many AI workers also live in the Marina, a bayside neighborhood known for its designer boutiques, home decor, and pastry shops along Chestnut St.

OpenAI's chief executive, Sam Altman, lives nearby in a $27 million mansion.

In the South Beach neighborhood, waterfront luxury condos and lofts are selling fast.

The area is known for its vibrant restaurant and bar scene, and easy access to the San Francisco Bay and Chase Center - home to the Golden State Warriors.

Dogpatch is an industrial-chic neighborhood, while Potrero Hill is known for its rich cultural scene.

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, who took office in January, is helping the city improve.

On September 9, he announced a major initiative to accelerate the revitalization of San Francisco's downtown.

The Heart of the City plan aims to improve the area, with more than $40 million secured by the Downtown Development Corporation (DDC) to create safe, clean streets, support small business, and activate downtown public spaces.

Many AI workers also live in the Marina, a bayside neighborhood

Sam Altman, and his company OpenAI, are based in San Francisco

The famous Postcard Row of Victorian townhouses in the city

Columbus Avenue is one of the major streets that run through the city

Mayor Lurie's office reports that in just the first eight months of work, there is already reduced crime rates, declining office vacancies, more hotel bookings, and an increase in tourism.

'The new mayor has brought a fresh energy to San Francisco,' Ungar, the local realtor, told the Daily Mail.

And San Francisco's success is predicted to grow even more.

'Everybody though it was a ghost town,' Ungar said.

'It's certainly getting a lot better. And I think with this renewed AI push, it's going to last.'
Coal production once dominated a Republican suburb in Appalachia, but as the US's energy goals shift, mining towns that once relied on coal are losing their population.

Buchanan, a county in Virginia that borders Kentucky and West Virginia, is projected to lose nearly half its population in the next quarter-century, according to the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia.

Buchanan had a recorded population of 20,355 in 2020, and is anticipated to drop to only 9,888 by 2050.

These statistics are a stark contrast to the county's booming population at the height of the coal mining industry.

Buchanan experienced a strong period of growth for nearly a century. In 1940, the county grew by 88.03 percent with an additional 14,737 people.

The population boom coincided with the US's industrial coal boom in the early 20th century.

Buchanan had the lowest population growth of the state from 2020 to 2024, with a drastic 8.4 percent drop.

Counties like Buchanan saw the benefit of coal production when jobs peaked in 1950. The country added 350,000 jobs related to the coal industry.

Buchanan County, which is located in Virginia on the border of West Virginia and Kentucky, is projected to lose half its population by 2050

Congressman Morgan Griffin represents Buchanan County and several other areas in the 9th District of Virginia

Buchanan was once a bustling coal mining town, but it has seen a drastic population decline since the 1980s

After a brief decline, mining jobs increased once again in 1970 due to increased mechanization in the industry, according to the statistics from the Energy Information Administration.

The coal mining boom lines up with Buchanan's population, which has been on a sharp decline since a brief increase in 1980.

Without job opportunities in the coal mining industry, young people have been discouraged from moving to rural areas like Buchanan.

Changing communities

As the population ages and job opportunities decline, Buchanan has been left to grapple with the future of its community.

Towns in Buchanan barely resemble what they looked like during the coal industrial boom.

When a flood hit the town of Grundy in 1977, instead of rebuilding, the town built a massive Walmart instead.

A medical office and a Mexican restaurant were built near the retail franchise, replacing the once bustling downtown with stone and brick buildings. Two years ago, a highway was completed, uprooting even more of Grundy.

'Its wiped out one of my childhood favorite restaurants, Dotsons drive in. [That] just broke my heart,' Grundy resident, Zack Johnson told Virginia's public radio, WVTF in January.

 Slide me  Coal production has rapidly slowed due to health and climate concerns, marking a shift in economic prosperity in communities that once relied on the industry

The county saw significant growth in the 1940s and 50s when the coal industry was booming

Johnson, who grew up in the town, said that Grundy has endured massive changes in his lifetime.

'I remember my senior yearbook, the theme was "moving mountains." It led you to believe there was gonna be this utopia across the river, which turned into a three-story Walmart,' he told WVTF.

As fewer families are moving out of the community, the local school district was forced to consolidate.

The Buchanan County Public School Board announced last year that high schools in the towns of Grundy, Hurley, and Twin Valley would be consolidating into Buchanan County High School by next fall.

'It's been a long time coming,' Angie McClanahan, the chairperson of the school board representing North Grundy, said of the decision.

Even though Buchanan is losing residents, Virginia has seen an elevated population within the last 10 years, increasing from 8.3 million to 8.8 million in 2024, according to the US Census Bureau.

Meanwhile, counties on the other side of the state, like New Kent and Suffolk, have grown significantly.

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Looking ahead

It's unclear what the future holds for Buchanan and other Appalachian counties that once relied on the coal industry to survive.

President Donald Trump campaigned on expanding the coal industry, with the US Department of the Interior promising $130 million to fund the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program in June.

The initiative is intended to turn 'legacy coal mining sites into engines of economic growth'.

The investment included $28.67 million each for Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, with $11 million each for Alabama, Ohio, and Virginia.

The decline of the coal industry may be a double-edged sword for those in Buchanan.

Since 1980, Buchanan County has lost residents and is projected to continue on that trend in the next 25 years

After a flood in 1977, instead of rebuilding, the town of Grundy built a Walmart instead, replacing the stone and brick buildings

It's unclear what the future holds for Buchanan, but other mining communities have worked with the EPA to turn former mines into renewable energy projects

Although the industrial coal boom aided economic prosperity in the county, studies have now shown that it is a major contributor to climate change and can impact residents' health.

Digging and burning coal emits toxic and carcinogenic substances, which can severely affect the health of miners and residents in surrounding communities.

The energy problem has created a crisis in states that rely on coal production, seemingly putting economics and health at odds.

To combat this dilemma in other communities, the Environmental Protection Agency previously launched revitalization and reuse initiatives to convert mines to renewable energy projects.
He's known to haunt people from their bed  an always-watching presence standing in the corner of the room.

The Hat Man, who is gaining notoriety through TikTok, is a mysterious shadowy entity, witnessed during both the night and the day.

According to witnesses, he comes dressed in a trench coat and a wide-brimmed hat  but has no discernible face or eyes.

Now, experts reveal the truth behind this terrifying spectre, who may have influenced one of Hollywood's most famous villains.

Jane Teresa Anderson, a dream analyst and neurobiologist based in Tasmania, Australia, says the Hat Man is usually seen as a 'mysterious and featureless man'.

And the paranormal figure is most often seen during the bizarre state of consciousness between wakefulness and sleep.

'The figure is generally dark and shadowy, with no discernible features,' Anderson told the Daily Mail.

'It may represent a person's deepest, darkest, shadowy fears.'

Experts reveal the truth behind the ghost-like entity, which is commonly seen during the state between wakefulness and sleep

The Hat Man is commonly witnessed during 'sleep paralysis'  a state during waking up or falling asleep where we are conscious but cannot move.

'When we sleep, our motor muscles are prevented from moving  a physiological state called atonia,' Anderson told the Daily Mail.

'It protects us from getting up and acting out our dreams and keeps us safely tucked up in bed.

'But if you start to wake up before your body moves out of atonia, you may experience an in-limbo state, half awake (yet also half dreaming) and unable to move.

'Although sleep paralysis only lasts a few seconds, the terrifying experience feels so real that you feel doomed.'

Sleep paralysis comes with distressing hallucinations of a terrifying figure holding us down  such as a ghost, a gremlin, the Grim Reaper, or the Hat Man.

'The evil entity people see during sleep paralysis often depends on their culture, on what they expect to see,' said Anderson.

'In many ways, he is the obvious choice for modern day dreamers to conjure up.'

Those who witness Hat Man might be familiar with the Freddy Krueger (pictured), the hat-wearing antagonist of the classic horror film 'A Nightmare on Elm Street', who murders his victims in their dreams

Who is the Hat Man? The Hat Man is a vision or hallucination experienced during the state between wakefulness and sleep. It commonly takes the form of a dark figure wearing a wide-brimmed hat standing in the corner of the room. Some experience him to be motionless and capable of suddenly vanishing, while others witness him walking away as any normal person would. Hat Man witness accounts have also been linked with abuse of the medicine diphenhydramine, commonly sold under brand name Benadryl. Source: Swift River/Monster Fandom Advertisement

Anderson and several other experts point to Freddy Krueger, the hat-wearing antagonist of the classic horror film 'A Nightmare on Elm Street', who murders his victims in their dreams.

According to Dr Baland Jalal, a neuroscientist at Harvard University's department of psychology, the character was influenced by stories of shadowy sleep-paralysis figures.

But our 'brains use cultural imagery to give shape to these sensations', he said  meaning the film in turn has probably influenced sleep paralysis visions.

Dr Alice Vernon, sleep disorder researcher at Aberystwyth University and author of 'Ghosted', agrees that 'popular culture influences what we see' during sleep paralysis.

'When we're told a scary story or watch a horror film, we lie in bed thinking about it, hoping not to encounter the monster,' Dr Vernon told the Daily Mail.

'So when we suffer with sleep paralysis, it's the first scary thing our brain thinks of to explain the frightening situation.'

The academic  who has looked at hundreds of sleep paralysis anecdotes spanning about 400 years  thinks we can track trends of popular sleep paralysis demons throughout history.

'People first saw witches, hags and incubi because that was a key part of folklore in the early modern period,' Dr Vernon added.

'The Nightmare' by Swiss artist Henry Fuseli (1781) is thought to be a depiction of sleep paralysis in a young woman perceived as a demonic visitation. What form the demon takes can depend on our deepest darkest fears, which may be influenced by contemporary culture

'Then in the Victorian era people saw vampires, ghosts and skeletons because of memento mori and funeral culture as well as the growing prevalence of ghost and horror stories.

'Now people often report horror-movie-style monsters and villains, as well as interpreting sleep paralysis as an alien abduction and seeing aliens in place of hags.'

Dr Brian Sharpless, clinical psychologist and author of 'Sleep Paralysis: Historical, Psychological, and Medical Perspectives', thinks Hat Man is a more common vision than people might realise.

'When I conducted a study of sleep paralysis using a sample of young undergraduates, we asked them what they "saw" during episodes,' he told the Daily Mail.

'We had expected the "classic" descriptions of demons, witches, and especially extraterrestrials. However, we were surprised to learn that the most common figures "seen" were shadow people like the Hat Man.'

Dr Sharpless  who is also author of 'Monsters of the Couch' which looks at psychological disorders behind famous horror movies  thinks his findings 'may represent a cultural shift'.

'It's possible that younger people in the West may find demons and ghosts as less realistic figures during these strange bedtime experiences,' he said.

'Perhaps shadow people  who are sometimes thought of as time travellers or interdimensional beings  might be viewed as more realistic and "plausible".'

The Hat Man may be witnessed during sleep paralysis if we have fears of a shadowy figure during wakefulness (file photo)

Teresa Campillo-Ferrer, researcher of consciousness at Pompeu Fabra University in Spain, thinks what we experience during sleep paralysis is not necessarily 'unreal'.

'[It is] possibly a different kind of reality, one that could be shaped more by emotions and internal constructs than by physical objects,' she told the Daily Mail.

'In this context, cultural influences may play a role as well.

'Similar to how many people independently dream of their teeth falling out, the Hat Man may potentially represent a certain emotion or cultural construct that expresses itself through these visions.'

The Hat Man is not only witnessed during the night when we're trying to sleep though.

Texas resident Stacy Alejos described witnessing the Hat Man while awake, beyond her house, when she was a girl, as quoted by the San Antonio Current.

'As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, Stacy could clearly make out the outline of a humanoid figure standing behind the white picket fence that surrounded her yard,' the report said.

'As Stacy watched fearfully, the being began to sidle in a strange sideways motion, all the while keeping its outstretched arms on the top fence post.

'When she noticed the audible crunching of dried leaves beneath the entitys feet, Stacy was quite sure that she was not dreaming, nor imagining things.

'Understandably terrified, the young girl dove underneath her sheets, quaking in fear until morning.'

Ultimately, our brains have evolved to sense something or someone present even when it's not, according to Dr Jalal.

'Humans are hardwired to err on the side of detecting a someone rather than no one  an adaptive survival advantage,' he told the Daily Mail.
When you learned about the history of human evolution in school, there's a good chance you were shown one all-too-familiar image.

That picture probably showed a conga line of human-like creatures, from a primitive ape at one end to a modern man proudly strolling into the future at the other.

For many people, this iconic image captures evolution's slow but inevitable march from the simple to the complex.

But it also raises a puzzling question: If this really is how evolution works, then why are there still monkeys and apes?

Surely, if humans evolved out of primates, there's no reason that so many species should have remained so primitive.

While it might be easy to dismiss this as a trivial question, the answer actually reveals a fascinating detail of our shared evolutionary history.

In fact, it uncovers what scientists have called a 'widespread and persistent misconception' about the nature of human evolution.

So, Daily Mail asked some of the leading experts to explain why we might need to rethink our place in the evolutionary lineup.

It's a common thought that many people have about evolution, but now scientists have given their answer to why monkeys and other apes still exist if humans evolved from them (stock image)

If evolution is real, why are there still monkeys?

One common view of evolution is that it is a linear process which takes primitive species and slowly brings them closer to perfection.

Unfortunately, this is a greatly simplified perception of how evolution really works.

Professor Ruth Mace, an expert on human evolution from University College London, told Daily Mail: 'Think of the evolutionary process as tree-like. All living species are at the tips of the branches.

'Humans and monkeys are on branches that separated at some point. Both branches still exist.'

If we were to trace those branches back in time through the generations, we would eventually find that they merge into a single species.

Modern humans' closest living relatives are chimpanzees and bonobos, with whom we share about 98.7 per cent of our DNA.

We also share a lot of common traits with our primate relatives, including anatomical features, complex social hierarchies, and problem-solving skills.

Bonobos (pictured) and chimpanzees are humans' closest relatives, with whom we share over 98 per cent of our DNA. However, evolution experts say we didn't really evolve from these primate species

If humans evolved from primates, why are there still monkeys? Humans didn't evolve from any of the monkey or primate species that we see today. Although we do share a lot of DNA with some species, up to 98 per cent in some cases, that is because we have a common ancestor. Between six and ten million years ago, a population of primates split into those that would become chimpanzees and bonobos and those that would become humans. Humans and monkeys are just different branches of the same evolutionary tree, but there's no reason that one needed to disappear for the other to emerge. Advertisement

It might be easy, therefore, to think that modern humans evolved from a group of chimpanzees or bonobos, leaving the rest of the species behind on a lower rung of the evolutionary ladder.

However, modern genetic data shows that this isn't the case.

Anthropologists currently think that humans split from the family containing bonobos and chimpanzees somewhere between six to 10 million years ago.

Scientists call the species at that branching point our 'last common ancestor'.

When scientists talk about early humans like the Neanderthals and Homo erectus, it can seem like modern humans replaced all the species that came before them.

This creates a misconception that every earlier species either evolved to be more human-like or died out.

However, since Darwin's 'tree of life' doesn't grow straight up like a beanstalk, but spreads like a bush, there are also lots of evolutionary 'dead ends'.

Neanderthals are just another branch that split away from our latest common ancestor that lived sometime between 800,000 and 100,000 years ago.

Humans branched off from the chimpanzees (pictured) and bonobos about six to 10 million years ago. They are not earlier stages on the path towards humanity, but ends of a different branch in the evolutionary tree

Most of the branches on the human family tree were evolutionary dead ends. The other human species, such as Neanderthals (pictured), eventually died off, but not because they evolved into humans

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But there's no reason that any of those other branches necessarily had to go extinct; they just took different paths to our own.

Why haven't monkeys become as smart as humans?

Our evolutionary story is one of gradually improving sophistication, particularly when it comes to intelligence.

This intelligence has allowed human beings to flourish in a way no other species ever has before, pushing many other primate species close to extinction.

But if our intelligence is such a massive evolutionary advantage, why haven't our close relatives also evolved to be just as smart?

While our intelligence might seem extremely important to us, it simply isn't necessary for other species to succeed, experts said.

Professor Mace explained: 'If you live in the rainforest in groups of primates that mostly eat plant matter, then the kind of intelligence you need is not necessarily the same kind of intelligence you need if you are a carnivore who needs to hunt large prey in groups on the savannah.'

That means there's no reason for monkeys to have evolved into a more human-like species.

Chimpanzees are extremely intelligent and well-adapted to their environment. Scientists say there is no reason that they would need to evolve the kind of intelligence found in humans

Why didn't apes become as smart as humans? Apes like chimpanzees never evolved human-level intelligence because they don't need to. Chimpanzees are highly intelligent, showing abilities to form complex social groups, use tools, and even follow fashion trends. However, the kind of intelligence that is required to live in the forest and eat fruit is very different from that needed to hunt large animals. Since humans evolved in very different circumstances, we needed to be much more cooperative. Chimpanzees don't need those abilities to thrive in their environment so they never developed them. Advertisement

In fact, when it comes to evolutionary 'success', human intelligence isn't all that it's cracked up to be.

Dr John Rowan, assistant professor of human evolution at the University of Cambridge, told Daily Mail: 'Chimpanzees and bonobos do very well in their respective niches, so why not ask the reverse question: Why havent humans evolved to be more like chimpanzees or bonobos?

'Bonobos in particular do not engage in large-scale intergroup violence and killing, whereas we humans are constantly consumed by conflict and warfarewhy havent we evolved to be more like bonobos?'

Contrary to common belief, humanity is not the goal towards which evolution is striving.

'Its often assumed that the human version of a trait must be the "best", but thats almost never the case,' says Dr Rowan.

'Humans have many interesting adaptations, but we must remember that so do all the other billions of species we share the planet with. And many are far more remarkable than human adaptations humans have!'

Could monkeys evolve into humans in the future?

However, although monkeys and apes don't have any reason to evolve human-like intelligence at the moment, that might not always be the case.

In the very far future, scientists say that some primate species could evolve to be more human-like in a Planet of the Apes-style scenario. However, that species might not resemble humans today

In the far future, or if humans were to disappear from the planet, there could be an evolutionary niche which some primate evolves to fill.

Professor Mace says: 'Every mutation happens by chance, but if species live in similar environments, there are plenty of examples of convergent evolution.

'So it is entirely possible that something not too different from ourselves could evolve, but it is not inevitable as the environment is bound to be slightly different.'

That means, a Planet of the Apes-style scenario is not entirely inconceivable in the extremely distant future.

However, whatever creature did emerge from that lengthy process of evolution might not look anything like humans as we recognise them.

Dr Edwin de Jager, a biological anthropologist from the University of Cambridge, told Daily Mail: 'Evolution doesnt repeat itself exactly, but given enough time and the right pressures, its possible that some primates could evolve greater intelligence or more human-like traits.

'But they wouldnt become human, I think theyd be something entirely new.'
Women with type 2 diabetes should consider switching their HRT tablets to patches to reduce their risk of potentially fatal blood clots, according to a new study.

Researchers have found women with the condition who take an oral form of HRT have double the risk of a pulmonary embolism  when a blood clot blocks an artery in the lung  than those using skin patches.

They also have a 21 per cent increased risk of heart disease, the study revealed.

And the scientists said their findings should be seriously considered by women and their doctors when deciding what form of hormone replacement therapy to take.

HRT is regularly prescribed to women suffering from the effects of menopause to relieve symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats.

Treatments include tablets containing oestrogen only, or a combination of oestrogen and progesterone, as well as patches, gels and creams.

Between 2023 and 2024, approximately 2.6 million women in the UK were taking some form of HRT.

A team, led by researchers from the University of Liverpool, analysed data obtained from the electronic health records of more than 36,000 women on HRT who were followed for five years.

Women with type 2 diabetes who are currently taking HRT tablets (pictured - stock image) should consider switching to patches, experts said

They found a significantly higher risk of pulmonary embolism and heart disease for women with type 2 diabetes who took HRT in tablet form compared to those who used skin patches.

Lead author Dr Matthew Anson said: Given increased risks with oral HRT, we propose that women with type 2 diabetes should not be prescribed oral oestrogen therapy.

The authors suggest that the reason for the difference in risk of developing pulmonary embolism and heart disease between oral and transdermal HRT might be due to the different way oestrogen is absorbed.

When taken orally, much of the oestrogen is broken down by the liver before entering the circulation, which might impair the balance between clotting and anti-clotting proteins.

In contrast, when given in patch form, oestrogen is given in lower doses and absorbed directly through the skin and into the blood circulation.

Despite the increased risk in pulmonary embolism and heart disease, there was no difference in risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), stroke, or breast, ovarian or endometrial cancer between the two HRT methods.

The decision to use HRT, even for a short period of time, is very difficult for many women, said Dr Anson. We hope our data will provide the increasing number of postmenopausal women living with T2D and their physicians with more evidence to consider when weighing the risks versus benefits of the most appropriate HRT formulation.

The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes in Vienna.
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 13lb 15oz, breaking a hospital record.

Gigantic: Daniella Hines, 40, delivered her 13lb 15oz son Annan on September 3 at St. Joseph's Hospital-South in Riverview

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

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 12lb 11 oz.

'Big miracle': Hospital 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'

Towering: At 6ft tall, and her husband Andre Sr. reaching 6ft 2in, Hines was expecting a bigger newborn and believes their height was likely a major factor in Annan's size

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

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

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.

Famed: Speaking of Annan, Hines said. 'He was like a little celebrity'

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.

His mom went on: 'Everybody starts coming in because it's not every day you see an almost 14 pound baby pop out. He was like a little celebrity.'

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

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

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

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.'

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

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

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.'
The much-anticipated third and final Downton Abbey film hit cinemas on Friday, and fans praised Julian Fellowes' swan song for its 'beautiful and bittersweet' ending.

Bringing a conclusion to a story that began back in 2010, with the Crawley family rocked by family loss from the sinking of the Titanic, was no easy feat, and for several years, fans wondered whether they would get to see a third film hit screens.

But it seemed this film, aptly titled A Grand Finale, brought a satisfying end to the tales of the famous house, with many taking to X to admit the final scenes left them in floods of tears.

This film was also dedicated to Dame Maggie Smith, after the actress' passing in September, following her character, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, who died at the end of the last film A New Era.

Set in the early 1930s, the Crawley family and their ever-loyal staff face shifting social norms, mounting financial pressures, and the unwelcome glare of scandal.

At the heart of the turmoil is Lady Mary's sudden divorce, bringing both public disgrace and personal upheaval to the grand halls of Downton.

The much-anticipated third and final Downton Abbey film hit cinemas on Friday, and fans praised Julian Fellowes' swan song for its 'beautiful and bittersweet' ending

Bringing a conclusion to a story that began back in 2010 was no easy feat, but many fans praised its final scenes for leaving them in floods of tears

Following the bombshell that much of Cora's family fortune has been lost, the family consider selling their second property in London, all the while questioning whether Robert should finally pass over running to Downton to his daughter Mary.

While swerving the cons of an American trickster, and with the help of some stage star power in the form of playwright Noel Coward, the family succeed in helping to rebuild Mary's place in society.

It's all-change downstairs too, with butler Mr Carson and cook Mrs Patmore retiring from their roles, passing the baton to young couple Andrew and Daisy Parker.

Despite taking a bit of convincing, Robert decides it's time to pass over Downton to his daughter's control, and he and Cora move into the cottage where his late mother The Dowager Countess first lived.

In the film's final moments, Lady Mary stands proudly in the grand hallway of her home, where it flashes back to a Christmas scene, where she shares a dance and a kiss with her late husband Matthew, who died in a car crash at the end of series three.

The flashback shows the Crawleys and servants dancing together, ending with Mary and Edith's late sister Sybil, who died in childbirth in series three, departing the room, before the last scene shows the film dedicated to late star Dame Maggie.

It was a conclusion that brought tears to the eyes of many fans, with some particularly moved to see characters who had passed away in such heartbreaking circumstances earlier in the series.

They posted on X: 'I have just seen @DowntonAbbey The Grand Finale. Absolutely joyful. Wrapped up beautifully with some explanations to past events that I did NOT see coming! The last 10/15 mins made me full on cry - what a wonderful ending;'

Set in the early 1930s, the Crawley family and their ever-loyal staff face shifting social norms, mounting financial pressures, and the unwelcome glare of scandal from Mary's divorce

This film was also dedicated to Dame Maggie Smith , after the actress' passing in September, following her character, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, who died in the last film

In the film's final moments, it flashed back to a Christmas scene, where she shares a dance and a kiss with her late husband Matthew (pictured in the show)

It was a conclusion that brought tears to the eyes of many fans, with some moved to see characters who had passed away in such heartbreaking circumstances earlier in the series

'The grand finale @DowntonAbbey is simply perfect. Amusing witty script with plenty of back references and wonderful ensemble cast. We will miss these characters that we have grown to love over the last 15 years!;'

'#DowntonAbbeyTheGrandFinale is as comforting as a cup of tea and gives the series the most beautiful conclusion.

'The costumes are as lush as ever, but the family dynamics and character growth had me sobbing. It's the perfect tribute and perfect goodbye;'

'Full on BAWLING at Maggie Smith and Sybil and Matthew my god #DowntonAbbeyTheGrandFinale;'

'#DowntonAbbeyTheGrandFinale SPOILERS I cried so hard when Mary flash backed to the Christmas episode and we saw Matthew and Violet and Sybil;'

'The entire final scene had me sobbing so much I had tried tears tracks by the time the credits ended - STARTING WITH MATTHEW AND ENDING WITH SYBIL: DIABOLICAL... do it more pls;'

'I didn't think I'd cry with #DowntonAbbeyTheGrandFinale but OMG the flashbacks at the end with Matthew, Sybil and the tribute to Dame Maggie really sent me over the edge;'

'Stepping back into the grandeur of #DowntonAbbey was purely bittersweet and heartfelt as elegance meets the big screen for one grand farewell.

'It's delightful lavish escapism as we enter the 1930s with a profound embrace of the changing times fuelled by scandal whilst celebrating the beauty of legacy, love, and a family holding onto the past while bravely facing the future.

'Saying goodbye is never easy, but #DowntonAbbeyTheGrandFinale ensures that every moment, whether full of drama, laughter, heartbreak and grace, becomes a deep sense of closure, both for the characters and for the audience like myself who have walked alongside them for over a decade.

'Thank you for this unforgettable chapter @DowntonAbbey tears were shed;'

'#DowntonAbbeyTheGrandFinale was like stepping into a memory, majestic, tender and timeless.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale reviews The Daily Mail (FOUR STARS) Rating: 'It's corny and formulaic, sometimes even preposterous, and hurrah for that. I'll rather miss it' The Irish Times (TWO STARS) Rating: 'Its dwindling appeal could now turn an ardent monarchist into a Kneecap fan' Hello! Magazine (FOUR STARS) Rating: 'The film is a brilliant and beautiful farewell to the well-loved saga and delivers everything Downton fans want and love' Empire (THREE STARS) Rating: 'Just like the previous film, this is a solid send-off for the whole Downton saga, with everyone getting their moment to shine' The Sun (THREE STARS) Rating: 'One for the fans, who will find it as comforting as a big serving of Mum's Sunday roast' Advertisement

After 15 years, six television series and three feature films, Downton Abbey came to an end with Lady Mary the new head of the household, after her father Robert handed over the estate

'From the first notes of the theme song to the final goodbye, it wrapped me in nostalgia and reminded me why I fell in love with it all those years ago. An era has ended, beautifully. Such a beautiful ending to a great series!!'

One noticeable absence from this Downton farewell was star Matthew Goode, who played Lady Mary's second husband Henry Talbot in the sixth series, and the first 2019 film.

The film revealed that he and Mary had divorced, his decision after being unfaithful, and Julian himself shared that Matthew declined an offer to return due to scheduling conflicts.

He told TVLine: 'For Matthew, once hed done the series, I think he felt hed done the job. He was in the first film for a very short time  I think he gave us three days or something  and then he didnt want to be in the second or third, so I had to come up with a believable reason for all of that, or I would have been stuck.

'Matthew is a wonderful actor, so I was sorry he didnt want to be part of it. I cant pretend that I was glad, but in this business, you must make what youve got work. Thats your job.'
Rebel Wilson's co-producers on her musical comedy The Deb allege the actor is sabotaging the film's long-delayed release so she can buy them out at a reduced cost.

Wilson is now the subject of three legal claims related to the film's stalled release, including a threat of defamation action by The Deb's leading actor, Charlotte MacInnes.

The Pitch Perfect star is already being sued for defamation by three of the film's producers in the US and production company AI Film is seeking damages in the NSW Supreme Court.

The Deb was a joint production between AI Film and Wilson's company Camp Sugar, featuring Wilson both in the director's chair and on-screen in a starring role.

A joint venture between Wilson and AI Film called Dunburn Debutantes Commissioning Company (DDCC) was formed to hold the rights to The Deb and split all revenue.

The project imploded after Wilson allegedly made a series of derogatory Instagram posts about fellow producers Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden in mid-2024.

Wilson used social media pages to accuse the trio of sexual harassment, embezzlement and obstructing her directorial debut's release in cinemas, all of which they have vehemently denied.

AI Film alleges in its Australian legal claim that Wilson has engaged in conduct 'for the purpose of damaging [its] business and reputation', according to court documents filed in the NSW Supreme Court.

Rebel Wilson's co-producers on her musical comedy The Deb have alleged the actor is sabotaging the film's long-delayed release so she can buy them out at the lowest cost

Wilson is now the subject of three legal claims related to the film's release, including a threat of defamation action by The Deb's leading actor, Charlotte MacInnes (above)

The production company further alleges Wilson has attempted to put pressure on AI Film and DDCC to sell The Deb to her 'for a significantly reduced price and for the financial advantage of Camp Sugar and/or Wilson'.

AI Film claims in the lawsuit Wilson's motive can be inferred by 'the nature of [her] conduct and its likely effect' and cites correspondence allegedly suggesting she is trying to buy the movie outright.

Daily Mail put AI Film's claims to Wilson's management in the US but they did not respond and Wilson is yet to file a response in the Supreme Court.

Solicitor Patrick George of law firm Giles George wrote to Wilson's lawyer in December last year stating several 'noteworthy' Australian distributors had expressed an interest in acquiring the film.

Mr George's letter 'noted that Wilson's support of the film was vital and fundamental to its sale and successful release and that inaccurate and negative statements... threatened to frustrate this process'.

According to AI Film's claim, Wilson's lawyer Bryan Freedman of Linear Freedman Taitelman + Cooley wrote back 'making further disparaging comments about Ghost and Cameron'.

Mr Freedman wrote to Mr George: 'Wilson is currently in active discussions to outright purchase The Deb (the 'Film') and all associated rights and title.'

The production company alleges Mr Freedman's letter included threats 'to pursue all claims and damages should AI Film or any agents acting on its behalf interfere with that business opportunity'.

Wilson's US management did not respond to requests for comment about that alleged correspondence.

The Deb was a joint production between AI Film and Wilson's company Camp Sugar. Left to right are the film's stars Natalie Abbott, Rebel Wilson, Charlotte MacInnes and Stevie Jean

AI Film issued a statement after filing its lawsuit in the NSW Supreme Court.

'These proceedings are regrettable but essential to ensure The Deb's timely release,' the company said. 'It's a joyous, fun film, and we are sure that audiences are going to love it.'

MacInnes issued her own statement: 'I love this film and I can't wait for it to be released it would be wonderful if these proceedings can help make that happen.'

Wilson has accused Ghost, Holden and Cameron of 'inappropriate behaviour' toward 26-year-old Charlotte MacInnes, which the rising star and producers have denied.

She specifically claims MacInnes complained about sexual advances from Ghost and then changed her story to land a new role.

After MacInnes finished shooting The Deb, Ghost cast her as Daisy in Florence Welch's musical Gatsby: An American Myth in the show's pre-Broadway run at Boston's A.R.T.

MacInnes told the Daily Mail in September last year: 'There is no truth to the allegations made involving me.'

'I made a statement to the film team when this was first said in September 2023 and am saying this now to draw a line under it,' she said.

Wilson accused The Deb's co-producers of sexual harassment, embezzlement and obstructing her directorial debut's release in cinemas, all of which they have denied

'Making false accusations undermines real victims and I won't be the subject of a fabricated narrative.'

Late last week MacInnes sent Wilson a concerns notice threatening defamation action in either the NSW or Western Australian Supreme Court.

In documents filed to the Los Angeles Superior Court, MacInnes claimed she informed Wilson she was never sexually harassed by Ghost.

'I was deeply disturbed by this behaviour by Wilson, who was the director of the film and in a position of authority over me,' MacInnes told the US court.

Daily Mail put MacInnes's claims about Wilson's behaviour to her US management but they did not respond.

Wilson first became embroiled in a legal battle over The Deb when she accused the producers of embezzlement and misconduct. They countered by filing the US defamation lawsuit.

That lawsuit claims Wilson made false and derogatory statements about the producers, including the accusations of engaging in inappropriate conduct towards MacInnes.

Wilson called her co-producers' NSW Supreme Court action an act of 'spiteful toxic behaviour' in a lengthy Instagram post last month.

'Apparently I'm being sued in Australia?' she began. 'It makes no sense.

Charlotte MacInnes has sent Wilson a concerns notice threatening defamation action. Left to right are The Deb's stars Natalie Abbott, Rebel Wilson, Charlotte MacInnes and Stevie Jean

'As the director, producer and co-star who nurtured a project called The Deb for five years from a three-page idea into a gorgeous feature film - I wish nothing more than to have this film released and have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get this to happen.

'To say otherwise is complete nonsense. I'm so proud of the film!'

'In my opinion this is continued bullying and harassment from UK financiers of the project Amanda Ghost, Gregor Cameron and Vince Holden.

'They tried to prevent the film from premiering there (they lost) and now they've tried to stop the film being released because of a baseless US lawsuit and now a further Australian one.'

Wilson went on to say it was 'imperative the movie is released' and added it was 'sad' to see the hard work of 'so many Australians' involved in the film go to waste.

'Contractually as financiers they have the power to sell or release/distribute the film,' she wrote. 'They haven't done so.

'It's been a year since the film has been completed and ready to go in cinemas. Instead, in my opinion they have continued this spiteful toxic behaviour.'

Wilson then revealed the first song in The Deb is called F*** My Life and released it for fans to hear 'because if these f***wits aren't going to release the movie I may as well'.

The Supreme Court matter, in which Wilson has filed a cross-claim, is next listed for a directions hearing on October 17.
Ant Middleton's time on Australian television is most likely over, after Channel Ten made the shock decision to part ways with the former 'hardman' during filming of The Amazing Race.

Once seen as a major draw card for Aussie audiences, the English-born reality TV star, 44, was parachuted into big-budget reality formats following his high-profile fall from grace in the UK.

But industry insiders say his exit from this year's The Amazing Race has effectively killed his prospects on Australian screens, after he and his brother Dan were booted from the show after his sibling had a run-in with another team.

'Any talk of Ant returning for another season of SAS Australia or being considered for new formats on free-to-air has completely disappeared,' a TV insider exclusively told Daily Mail.

'The networks don't want the baggage anymore.'

Middleton's attempt to escape the damaging headlines that plagued him overseas has backfired, with old controversies - from inflammatory comments to fractured relationships with producers - reportedly following him Down Under.

Ant Middleton's time on Australian television is most likely over, after Channel Ten made the shock decision to part ways with the former 'hardman' during filming of The Amazing Race

'This was supposed to be a fresh start. But the same problems followed him here. The aura around Ant as a no-nonsense tough guy has worn thin,' the insider added.

With doors closing in both Britain and Australia, Middleton is believed to be turning his attention to the United States.

'He's got the look, the presence and the stories to tell,' one industry figure says.

'But the US is a much harder nut to crack than Australia or the UK. Networks there do their homework, they'll know the controversies that have followed him. It won't be easy.'

While his screen presence and intensity have long drawn viewers, Middleton's exit from The Amazing Race Australia may mark the definitive end of his reality TV chapter Down Under.

'Viewers loved the intensity he brought,' the insider admits. 'But you can't outrun a reputation forever. Ant has run out of fresh starts here.'

Middleton later described the situation as 'bizarre' and said it felt weird to be kicked off the show over an incident he was not personally involved in.

'I wasn't present when a situation unfolded with my brother. The only thing the production could tell me is that our team couldn't continue due to a situation that unfolded with my brother,' Middleton told Yahoo Lifestyle.

Industry insiders say his exit from this year's The Amazing Race has effectively killed his prospects on Australian screens, after he and his brother Dan were booted from the show after his sibling had a run-in with another team. Both pictured

TikTok stars Luke and 'Sassy' Scott O'Halloran allege they were subjected to 'homophobic' slurs by Dan Middleton during the competition. Following the altercation, the SAS Australia host and his brother were sent home for breaching the show's code of conduct

'Strange situation, but one that's completely out of my control and had nothing to do with me.'

It comes after The Amazing Race was rocked by controversy after the Middleton siblings were booted from the Channel Ten series following accusations of intimidation and offensive remarks.

TikTok stars Luke and 'Sassy' Scott O'Halloran allege they were subjected to 'homophobic' slurs by Dan Middleton during the competition.

Following the altercation, the SAS Australia host and his brother were sent home for breaching the show's code of conduct.

Luke, 34, and Scott, 39, revealed the trouble started at their hotel in Nepal during a day off from filming.

'Dan Middleton approached us six times, making remarks and gestures that we found homophobic, offensive, intimidatory, and disturbing,' the pair told Sydney Confidential.

They continued: 'Each time he (Dan) came over to us, the encounters felt increasingly more aggressive.

'At one point, he was right up in our faces, surrounded by some of the other cast members, who seemed to us to be as uncomfortable as we were.'

It comes after The Amazing Race was rocked by controversy after the Middleton siblings were booted from the Channel Ten series following accusations of intimidation and offensive remarks

The O'Hallorans said that AFL star Brendan Fevola attempted to defuse the situation, physically stepping between the social media stars and Dan. At the time, Fevola reportedly gave producers an ultimatum: remove the Middleton brothers or he and daughter Leni would walk

The O'Hallorans said that AFL star Brendan Fevola attempted to defuse the situation, physically stepping between the social media stars and Dan.

'He did [that] more than once,' they said.

Reports of the incident first emerged in April. Although Ant Middleton was not directly involved, he was disqualified alongside his brother.

At the time, Fevola reportedly gave producers an ultimatum: remove the Middleton brothers or he and daughter Leni would walk.

Ant and Dan were sent home and cut from the series shortly after - in a statement, Network Ten confirmed that a team had been disqualified for breaching the show's code of conduct.

'Network 10 takes the health, safety and well-being of all contestants seriously,' a spokesperson said.

'Following a breach of the production's code of conduct by one contestant, on a day off during production, a team was disqualified and swiftly sent home.'

During Tuesday's episode, host Beau Ryan told viewers: 'Overnight, due to a breach of the code of conduct, Ant and Dan have been removed from the Race.'

Rising to fame on TikTok, the O'Halloran brothers now host The Luke and Sassy Scott Podcast.

This is not the first time Middleton has been at the centre of controversy.

In 2021, he branded UK Channel 4's handling of his departure from SAS: Who Dares Wins as 'reckless and desperate' as he dismissed claims he made inappropriate comments to female crew members.

The adventurer and military veteran, who was axed by Channel 4 due to his 'personal conduct', said he was preparing to walk away from the show because the 'PC Patrol' had taken over and it was no longer authentic.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Middleton was forced to deny claims he had made 'inappropriate' comments to female staff, which were subsequently investigated by channel bosses.

He said anonymous complaints had been made about 'indirect' behaviour that was typical of the hosts' military backgrounds and said 'snowflakes' do not belong on set.

Addressing the claims he had been inappropriate, he added: 'You're on SAS: Who Dares Wins. We say, do inappropriate things. If you get offended by them then so be it.

'When they say inappropriate comments, it wasn't direct, it's what someone has seen on the show.'
Teenage actor Owen Cooper will make Emmys history tonight, experts predict - before jumping on a plane so he's back in school on Wednesday.

The 15-year-old Adolescence star has been given a week off by teachers at his Warrington secondary school so he can jet to Hollywood for the big night.

But it means even if he becomes the toast of Tinseltown tonight, he'll be back studying for next summer's GCSE exams barely 48 hours later.

If Owen wins he will be the youngest male winner of a primetime Emmy - TV's equivalent of the Oscars - in the event's 77-year history, knocking 257 days off the record. The show gets underway at 5pm local time (1am in the UK).

Part of the build-up included an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, where he joked with the host about his schoolmates' reaction to his fame and whether they'd be glued to TVs tonight rooting for him to win.

'They're not staying up until four in the morning,' Owen said. 'They wouldn't watch it anyway to be fair. They've all watched [Adolescence] but they're not really bothered.'

And he said it was a tough turnaround for him. 'I'm back in school on Wednesday,' he told Kimmel. 'I was in on Tuesday.'

Teenage actor Owen Cooper will make Emmys history tonight, experts predict - before jumping on a plane so he's back in school on Wednesday (Seen on Jimmy Kimmel on Friday)

Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller with Erin Doherty as Briony Ariston in Adolescence episode three

The 15-year-old Adolescence star has been given a week off by teachers at his Warrington secondary school so he can jet to Hollywood for the big night (Seen at Netflix's Emmys Toast in California on Friday)

He said school was going 'terribly' but he had a bag of homework with him in LA that he had to take back to Warrington after the trip, even for his least favourite subject of maths.

'When you're sitting at the Emmys and you're with all these famous actors, are you thinking, "Do I really need to know algebra?",' Kimmel asked him.

'That's what I think about every morning before I go to school,' Owen replied. 'Because I want to pass, I don't want to fail, but...'

'If you fail, who cares?' Kimmel said. 'You got a leather jacket already, you're a punk!'

The youngster was the toast of pre-Emmy parties in Hollywood on Friday night, accompanied by his mother Noreen, a carer, and father Andy, who works in IT.

Cooper said: 'I will never forget this for the rest of my life. If I break the record that would be cool. It's all next level. This time last year I didn't know what I'd be doing.

'Never could I have believed that this show would change my life in the way that it has.'

And experts across the showbiz world say it will be the shock of the year if he loses.

If Owen wins he will be the youngest male winner of a primetime Emmy - TV's equivalent of the Oscars (Seen with Adolescence cast on Saturday at BAFTA TV Tea Party)

Part of the build-up included an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, where he joked with the host about his schoolmates' reaction to his fame

Owen Cooper and Stephen Graham in Adolescence episode one, as Jamie is quizzed by police

The youngster was the toast of pre-Emmy parties in Hollywood on Friday night, accompanied by his mother Noreen, a carer, and father Andy, who works in IT (Seen on Saturday)

The teen star is nominated as Best Supporting Actor in the Limited Series category alongside his Adolescence co-star Ashley Walters - but last week it was only Owen that anyone was talking about.

At award-prediction gurus Gold Derby, a panel of experts agreed Owen's win was 'one of the locks of the night'.

More than 2,600 people have given their predictions on the site and nearly 98% of them have Owen taking home the trophy for his portrayal of 13-year-old murder suspect Jamie Miller.

The site's senior editor Marcus James Dixon said: 'Owen Cooper, 15 years old, he's going to break the record that was set by Scott Jacoby who was 16 years old [in 1973].

'No male actor, or any male, has ever won a primetime Emmy at 15 years old. So that'll be an interesting speech, I hope he has a good one planned cos he's going to be winning.'

His colleague Denton Davidson added: 'This is one of the easiest to call. I have nothing to add but "congratulations Owen".'

Hosting the site's Awards Magnet podcast, deputy editor Ethan Alter joked: 'I'd say drinks are on him but he can't legally buy them in this country.'

The Emmy would take pride of place on a shelf in Owen's bedroom alongside the National Television Award he won last week. He couldn't collect that one in person as he was en route to LA with his mum Noreen and dad Andy, to prepare for the Emmys.

The Netflix show, which smashed viewing records when it was released in March, is tipped to take home an armful of awards from tonight's ceremony.

Stephen Graham and Christine Tremarco are also nominated for Emmys for their roles as Jamie's parents Eddie and Manda Miller (pictured on the show with Amelie Pease playing Jamie's sister Lisa)

Erin Doherty is favourite to win Best Supporting Actress for her role as Briony Ariston

As well as Owen and Top Boy star Ashley in Best Supporting Actor, Erin Doherty is nominated as Best Supporting Actress for her performance as child psychologist Briony Ariston opposite Owen in episode three.

Gold Derby have her as favourite to win, but suggest Dying For Sex's Jenny Slate could provide an upset. Christine Termarco, who played Jamie's mother Manda in Adolescence, is another nominee in the category.

Stephen Graham, who played Jamie's father Eddie Miller, is up for Best Actor. We revealed in March how Netflix bosses had put Stephen into Best Actor and Owen into Best Supporting Actor in what was called a 'genius move' to maximise both's chances of winning.

It was thought industry veteran Stephen would have a better chance of beating heavy Best Actor favourite Colin Farrell, who is still tipped to win for The Penguin.

But Stephen is unlikely to go home empty-handed, as he's predicted to win for co-creating and co-writing the series along with screenwriter Jack Thorne.

The show's director Philip Barantini should also take home the Best Director award, Gold Derby predicted, after the series won Best Cinematography for Matthew Lewis and Best Casting for Shaheen Baig at last weekend's creative Emmys.

History could be made across the board in Los Angeles tonight with Misery legend Kathy Bates, now 77, given a great chance of becoming the oldest woman to take home an Emmy, for her role of Madeline Matlock in the CBS show Matlock.

And after taking home nine creative Emmys last week, Apple TV's The Studio needs just two more tonight to break The Bear's all-time record haul for a comedy. It's likely to smash through that mark, with Seth Rogen alone tipped to win an unprecidented four, as best director, producer, actor and writer in a comedy series.

Scott Jacoby, front, with Martin Sheen (left) and Hal Holbrook in 1972's ABC TV drama That Certain Summer

Scott, right, won his Emmy for That Certain Summer, which he starred in alongside Martin Sheen, left, and Hal Holbrook, centre

The record Owen is predicted to break, youngest male Emmy winner ever, is currently held by Scott Jacoby, who was 16 years 175 days old in 1973 when he won his Best Supporting Actor in a Drama award for ABC's That Certain Summer.

He played Nick Salter, a boy struggling to cope with his father coming out as gay, in a TV film lauded for being the first on US screens to treat homosexuality in a sympathetic manner.

Owen will make his big-screen debut next Valentine's Day in Emerald Fennell's kinky adaptation of Wuthering Heights, the teaser-trailer for which came out earlier this month.

Tonight's Emmys are screening on Paramount+ in the US, but no UK broadcaster has picked up the rights. You can follow all the action right here instead with the Daily Mail's liveblog.
BEIJING, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- China congratulates Sushila Karki on becoming the prime minister of Nepal's interim government, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Sunday.

Karki, Nepal's former chief justice, took office as the prime minister of the interim government on Friday evening following KP Sharma Oli's resignation.

The Chinese spokesperson said China and Nepal share a time-honored friendship, and China, as always, respects the development path chosen independently by the people of Nepal.

China stands ready to work with Nepal to promote the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, enhance exchanges and cooperation in various fields, and further advance bilateral relations, the spokesperson said. 
New York Fashion Week is in full swing  and some of Australia's biggest names have been bringing their style A-game to the Big Apple.

Naomi Watts cut a cool figure as she arrived at the Calvin Klein fashion show held at the Brant Foundation on Friday.

The British-born, Australian-raised actress, 56, turned heads in a plunging and boxy off-white coat that fell to her shins and dipped low on her chest.

Her trim pins were on full display in her sky-high, black stiletto heels, chicly worn over a pair of grey ankle socks.

The King Kong star accessorised with a designer black leather bag and large black sunglasses that shielded her face as she arrived at the glitzy event.

However, Naomi was instantly recognisable by her signature blonde bob and large smile.

Naomi Watts cut a cool figure as she arrived at the Calvin Klein fashion show held at the Brant Foundation on Friday

The British-born, Australian-raised actress turned heads in a plunging and boxy off-white coat that fell to her shins and dipped low on her chest

Her trim pins were on full display in her sky-high, black stiletto heels, chicly worn over a pair of grey ankle socks

The King Kong star accessorised with a designer black leather bag and large black sunglasses that shielded her face as she arrived at the glitzy event

However, Naomi was instantly recognisable by her signature blonde bob and large smile

The veteran actress was every inch the picture of glamour as she posed for the cameras and made her way into the annual Fashion Week event

The veteran actress was every inch the picture of glamour as she posed for the cameras and made her way into the annual Fashion Week event.

Also in attendance was model Georgia Fowler, who showcased a striking monochromatic look on the streets of Manhattan.

The 33-year-old layered a grey blazer over a white, button-up t-shirt, which she unbuttoned to reveal a subtle glimpse of her cleavage in a black lacy bra.

She paired the '90s look with flared, dark-wash jeans and black loafers.

The Australian-raised star slicked her hair back in an up-do while sporting a dramatic makeup look that showcased her high cheekbones and piercing blue eyes.

Georgia posed with her hands in her pockets, hiding her wedding ring finger amid news of her alleged recent split.

She exuded confidence and style as she rocked her jaw-dropping curves at the world-famous event, ensuring that all eyes were firmly on her.

Both Naomi and Georgia looked absolutely radiant as they strutted their stuff, bringing their signature star power and glamour to the high-profile event.

Also in attendance was model Georgia Fowler, who showcased a striking monochromatic look on the streets of Manhattan

She paired the '90s look with flared, dark-wash jeans and black loafers

The Victoria's Secret model layered a grey blazer over a white, button-up t-shirt, which she unbuttoned to reveal a subtle glimpse of her cleavage in a black lacy bra

The Australian-raised star slicked her hair back in an up-do while sporting a dramatic makeup look that showed off her high cheekbones and piercing blue eyes

She exuded confidence and style as she rocked her jaw-dropping curves at the world famous event, ensuring that all eyes were firmly on her

It was reported in August that the model had parted ways with her Fishbowl founder husband Nathan Dalah (left) after two years of marriage

It appeared to be a solo outing for Georgia, after it was reported in August she had parted ways with her Fishbowl founder husband Nathan Dalah after two years of marriage.

The pair, who tied the knot in 2023, quietly ended things a few months ago, according to The Daily Telegraph.

'It ended a few months ago. It all happened very quickly,' one source said.

The couple, who have two children together, moved to New York in 2023, so Nathan could open his Fishbowl franchise and Georgia could pursue her modelling career.

Georgia and Nathan confirmed their relationship back in February 2020.

They announced their engagement in 2022, one year after welcoming their daughter Dylan into the world.
Olivia Wilde made her first public outing with Ellie Goulding's ex-husband Caspar Jopling at W Magazine's New York Fashion Week party this week.

The actress, 41, who was spotted in a passionate clinch with the art dealer, 33, last week, is said to have been dating him since July with the pair enjoying a series of under the radar in Notting Hill.

Attending the event on Thursday at members-only social club, Chez Margaux, Olivia was seen chatting with her new flame outside.

She wore a quirky, semi-sheer gown which featured dramatic fluted sleeves and a ruffled skirt.

The director draped a fur stole over one shoulder and topped off her outfit with a pair of chunky heels.

Meanwhile, Caspar looked smart in a black shirt which he teamed with smart trousers.

Olivia Wilde made her first public outing with Ellie Goulding's ex-husband Caspar Jopling at W Magazine's New York Fashion Week party this week

Attending the event on Thursday at members-only social club, Chez Margaux, Olivia was seen chatting with her new flame outside

Last week, the couple spent three hours having a meal and drinking red wine at The Pelican restaurant in the West London enclave before their passionate embrace outside the venue.

Sources said Caspar, who split from Ellie, 38, after nearly five years of marriage last year, is an investor in the restaurant and its nearby sister pub, The Fat Badger, allowing him to date Olivia in relative privacy.

The source told Daily Mail: Those pubs have allowed Caspar to date a world-famous actress under the radar for months.

'They always manage to get the best tables  little concealed spots in dark corners reserved for celebrities.

'They tend to go to The Fat Badger for date nights because its an invitation-only pub, with a secret smoking terrace upstairs.

Notting Hill was also where Ellie was seen on a date with her new boyfriend, 28-year-old American actor Beau Minniear, who is ten years her junior.

Olivia previously dated pop star Harry Styles after breaking off her seven-year engagement to Ted Lasso star Jason Sudeikis, with whom she has two children.

Last week, the couple spent three hours having a meal and drinking red wine at The Pelican restaurant in the West London enclave before their passionate embrace outside the venue (Olivia pictured on Thursday in New York)

Caspar split from Ellie, 38, (pictured in June 2023) after nearly five years of marriage last year, is an investor in the restaurant allowing him to date Olivia in relative privacy

Born in Yorkshire and educated at Eton, Caspar's father is the Honourable Nicholas Jopling, whose own father is politician Thomas Michael Jopling, a member of the House of Lords.

His uncle, who no doubt inspired his career, is renowned art dealer Jay Jopling who runs online art platform Paddle 8, where Capsar's pal Princess Eugenie worked in New York, before moving back to London.

Jay was previously married to director Sam Taylor Johnson, with whom he shares daughters Jessie, 18, and Angelica, 27.

Caspar's parents divorced and his mother Jayne Warde-Aldam went on to wed Charles Andrew Warde-Aldam.

The aristocratic family own Grade II listed building Frickley Hall, which dates back to 1760. Well known in equestrian circles they host their very own Frickley Horse Trials.
His performance in Adolescence belied his tender years. And tonight Owen Cooper will find out if his role as a troubled teen in the year's standout TV hit will land him a record  as the youngest ever male Emmy winner.

The 15-year-old's nomination for best supporting actor is just one of 13 that the show, about a teenager accused of murder, has received.

Cooper  the Warrington schoolboy who was 14 when the show was filmed  was the toast of pre-Emmy parties in Hollywood on Friday night, accompanied by his mother Noreen, a carer, and father Andy, who works in IT.

Cooper said: 'I will never forget this for the rest of my life. If I break the record that would be cool. It's all next level. This time last year I didn't know what I'd be doing.

'Never could I have believed that this show would change my life in the way that it has.'

Stephen Graham  who is up for the best actor award for his performance as Cooper's father  and Ashley Walters, who plays detective Luke Bascombe, were the 'toast of the party' at Netflix's pre-Emmy bash while Irish actress Sharon Horgan  nominated as best actress for Bad Sisters  posed with Monica Lewinsky at a party for talent agency WME.

Other Brits up for awards tonight include Gary Oldman (for Slow Horses), Aimee Lou Wood and Jason Isaacs (The White Lotus), Colin Farrell (The Penguin) and Bella Ramsey (The Last Of Us).

It comes after Adolescence swept up two major prizes at the 2025 National TV Awards.

Owen Cooper attends Netflix's Emmy's Toast on September 12. He has been nominated for best supporting actor

Stephen Graham (left) and Ashley Walters (right) at Netflix's pre-Emmy bash on September 12

Netflix's Adolesence is a dark drama about a teenager accused of murder

The critically acclaimed series beat out stiff competition from Rivals, Code of Silence, Ludwig and MobLand to win the award for Best New Drama.

While Cooper also landed the coveted Best Drama Performance gong for playing twisted teen killer Jamie Miller in the show, edging out his own co-star Stephen Graham.

The 15-year-old was not in attendance at the UK ceremony as he headed to the US in time for the weekend's Emmys, but his friend and Adolescence co-star Amari Bacchus was on hand to accept the award on his behalf.

And he also shared a pre-recorded video message from Owen on his phone, where he effusively thanked his co-stars, collaborators and fans.

He said: 'Never could I have believed that this show, Adolescence, would change my life in the way that it has.

'Its the fact that the viewers who voted for this, it just shows what a powerful, impactful show that we all got to make.'

Owen's NTA win put him in good stead for the Emmy Awards on Sunday, where he could break records with a win for Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie.

At just 15, the Warrington schoolboy will be the youngest-ever male winner in the 76-year history of the 'TV Oscars' if he scoops the accolade for his role in one of Netflix's most-watched series ever which has swept the board with 13 nominations.

Adolescence came out on top on Wednesday night, as the hit show won two major prizes at the 2025 National TV Awards

The 15-year-old was not in attendance at the ceremony due to working in the States, but his friend and Adolescence co-star Amari Bacchus was on hand to accept the award on his behalf (seen)

And he also shared a pre-recorded video message from Owen on his phone, where he effusively thanked his co-stars, collaborators and fans

The current record holder for youngest male is Scott Jacoby, who bagged the Best Supporting Actor at 16 in 1973 for drama That Certain Summer.

Daily Mail previously revealed Owen would be entered in the Best Supporting Actor category, as opposed to Best Actor, which experts hailed as a 'genius move' and said would massively boost his chances of winning.

He will go up against his co-star Ashley Walters who has been nominated for his first Emmy in the same category after his role as DI Luke Bascombe.

Also in the category is Javier Bardem, for his role in Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story, Bill Camp and Peter Sarsgaard, for their respective roles in Presumed Innocent and Rob Delaney, for his role in Dying For Sex.

Adolescence is also nominated in the Best Limited or Anthology Series alongside Black Mirror, Dying for Sex, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story and The Penguin.
It has been five years since Lisa Curry tragically lost her 33-year-old daughter Jaimi following a long battle with alcoholism and an eating disorder.

On Sunday, the champion Aussie swimmer took to social media to share a moving tribute on the anniversary of Jaimi's death, revealing that she is finally able to smile again following the family tragedy.

The former Olympian shared a video montage, which included various pictures of her daughter prior to her passing.

Accompanying the moving clip was a caption in which Lisa reflected on the heartache she had experienced in the lead-up to her daughter's death on September 14, 2020 - and the heartbreaking pain that followed.

'The grief started before she was gone. Not knowing when or if that awful day would ever come. Living with hope, living in fear,' the 63-year-old wrote alongside the video.

'It was all-consuming. The slow and inevitable breaking of our hearts as we watched our baby fade away.

It has been five years since Lisa Curry tragically lost her 33-year-old daughter Jaimi following a long battle with alcoholism and an eating disorder Pictured: Appearing on Nine News on Tuesday Lisa recalled her tragic loss

'And even though she still kept smiling right to the end, we could see the sadness in her eyes. We knew she was slipping away.'

She went on to say that watching someone you love die is something that never leaves you, with Jaimi's last moments still so vivid in her mind five years on.

'It's been 5 years today and even though we are still sad inside, and always will be, we feel lighter, able to smile, laugh and continue on... and breathe... and as long as we breathe, we will remember our beautiful Jaimi.'

In May, Lisa made a heartbreaking plea in honour of her daughter.

She asked for volunteers to join a new genetic study led by Queensland researchers who hope to identify eating disorders at birth.

Appearing on Nine News, Lisa recalled her tragic loss.

'She just sort of took a breath and then her hands went cold... that was it,' Lisa said.

Explaining her passion for the fresh plea for answers to such common eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, Lisa remembered Jaimi's own anguish about her condition.

The Aussie swimmer has taken to social media to share a moving tribute on the anniversary of her death, revealing that she is finally able to smile again following the family tragedy. Pictured: Lisa and her daughter Jaimi

The former Olympian shared a video montage which included various pictures of her daughter prior to her passing

'She'd say, "Where did it come from? Why am I like this?"' Lisa revealed.

Nine reported that 4,000 Australian volunteers are required for the study, while there is a target for 100,000 to participate worldwide.

The study will include the collection of saliva samples in order to identify genetic markers, with the research taking place at the DNA facility at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR).

Professor Nick Martin of QIMR explained in the Nine story that genetic disposition plays a large component in eating disorders.

If you, or someone you know, needs support relating to eating disorders, please call The Butterfly Foundation on 1800 33 4673. In an emergency, call 000.
Glamorous socialite Lindy Klim has been spotted doing a grocery run in Melbourne with her kids, proving she is just like the rest of us.

The Balinese 'princess', who recently made headlines after fleeing Indonesia and leaving her husband, was pictured perusing the aisles of budget-friendly stores such as Big W and Priceline Pharmacy on Saturday.

The 46-year-old cut a casual figure for the shopping spree in a stylish monochromatic outfit consisting of a black graphic tee paired with white tight-fitting jeans.

She layered an oversized blazer over the ensemble and paired it with some black loafers and a Diptyque tote bag.

The Amazing Race star slicked her hair back in a bun to reveal her line-free visage and glowing complexion.

She was joined by her two youngest children, 13-year-old Frankie and Goldie, seven.

Glamorous socialite Lindy Klim has been spotted doing a grocery run in Melbourne

The Balinese 'princess', who recently made headlines after fleeing Indonesia and leaving her husband, was pictured perusing the aisles of budget-friendly stores such as Big W and Priceline Pharmacy on Saturday

The 46-year-old cut a casual figure for the shopping spree in a stylish monochromatic outfit consisting of a black graphic tee paired with white tight-fitting jeans

She layered an oversized blazer over the ensemble and paired it with some black loafers and a Diptyque tote bag

The Amazing Race star slicked her hair back in a bun to reveal her line-free visage and glowing complexion

The trio were snapped pushing a Woolworths trolley along the aisles as they picked out items from the shelves.

It looked to be an enjoyable outing for the stunning model, who was seen happily chatting with her children as they browsed the aisles.

She seemed thrilled to be fully embracing her fun day out as she laughed it up with her children as they shopped for some budget-friendly groceries.

Her social media may depict quite the enviable lifestyle, but Lindy also knows a thing or two about 'slumming it'.

Lindy moved back to Melbourne from Bali in October last year after her shock split with her husband of six years, Adam Ellis.

Taking to her Instagram Story in July, the Balinese princess revealed that her family had been eating their meals off a cardboard box.

She shared one photo that depicted an open-plan living and dining space that offered an enviable view of the Melbourne skyline.

Taking pride of place in the image was a stylish circular dining table with a thick, burgundy base, with four matching chairs surrounding it.

She was joined by her two youngest children, 13-year-old Frankie (right) and Goldie (centre)

The trio were snapped pushing a Woolworths trolley along the aisles as they picked out items from the shelves

It looked to be an enjoyable outing for the stunning model, who was seen happily chatting with her children as they browsed the aisles

Lindy seemed thrilled to be fully embracing her fun day out as she laughed it up with her children as they shopped for some budget-friendly groceries

Her social media may depict quite the enviable lifestyle, but Lindy Klim also knows a thing or two about 'slumming it'. Taking to her Instagram Story, the Balinese princess revealed that her family had been eating their meals off a cardboard box since moving back Down Under

Captioning the image, Lindy revealed that the table was a very recent addition to the household.

'I'm so proud of myself,' she wrote. 'I've finally bought a dining table and chairs.'

'We have literally been eating off a cardboard box on the floor for months,' she added, augmenting the quip with a crying-laughing face emoji.

Lindy shared a second photo that showed evidence of her low-key dining set-up.

The image showed what appeared to be Lindy's new beau, Paul Mullert, sitting cross-legged on the floor with Lindy's youngest daughter Goldie and two more people, partially shown.

Despite the very casual scene, Lindy's innate sense of style still shone through in the photo.

'I made it a little fancy with a tablecloth,' she captioned the image, with another laughing emoji.
Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway appears to be settling into life Down Under - including adopting some very Aussie fashion stylings.

The 21-year-old future queen, who is currently studying at Sydney University, could have been mistaken for a 'common' local when she stepped out on Saturday.

Sporting a pair of West Hollywood Running Club track pants and a shorty T that exposed her smooth midriff, the fair-haired Royal looked right at home.

She completed her look with the quintessential Australian footwear choice - a pair of rubber thongs.

Wearing her long hair in a ponytail, Princess Ingrid appeared makeup-free and accessorised with a pair of gold hoop earrings and a pair of black sunglasses she wore on the top of her head.

It looked to be an enjoyable outing for the stylish member of the Norwegian Royal Family.

Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway appears to be settling into life Down Under. Sporting a pair of West Hollywood Running Club track pants and a shorty T, the Royal looked right at home as she stepped out in Sydney on Saturday

The 21-year-old future queen, who is currently studying at Sydney University, could have been mistaken for a 'common' local

She completed her look with the quintessential Australian footwear choice - a pair of rubber thongs

It looked to be an enjoyable outing for the stylish member of the Norwegian Royal Family

Her Aussie casual wear was a far cry from the usually polished gowns and tailored ensembles she is seen in at official royal engagements back home in Norway.

It comes after the Princess was pictured walking around her Sydney University campus with two packets of Tim Tams in August.

The 21-year-old was gifted the beloved Aussie biscuits by her local friend, who has been helping Ingrid transition into life Down Under.

The Aussie pal was clearly in the know, purchasing popular flavours Double Coat and Chewy Caramel.

The biscuits are no doubt study supplies now that Freshers' Week has come to a close and classes are in full swing.

The pair could be seen taking a selfie on Ingrid's digital camera before continuing to walk through the university.

The royal family member looked stylish on the day in a blue cardigan, white trousers and a striped headband by Swedish brand Djerf Avenue.

Ingrid, who is second in line to the throne after her father, arrived in Australia in July.

Ingrid, who is second in line to the throne after her father, arrived in Australia in July to study in Sydney

The stylish Royal looked thrilled to be embracing the Australian way of life

Her decision to move to Australia to continue her studies comes after she embarked on military training at the Engineer Battalion in Brigade Nord last year

Ingrid previously expressed in a statement how excited she was to be studying in Sydney

Her Aussie casual wear was a far cry from the usually polished gowns and tailored ensembles she is seen in at official royal engagements back home in Norway. Pictured in 2022

She posed on campus for a series of photos which she uploaded to Instagram.

The Royal Household's full statement from Ingrid read: 'I'm looking forward to starting my studies at the University of Sydney.

'It will be exciting to become a student, and I'm looking forward to gaining new perspectives on both European and international politics.

'I'm sure I will learn a lot.'

She marked the joyous occasion with a series of images taken around what appeared to be the University of Sydney campus.

While she is certainly adjusting to Australian party life, Ingrid appears to still be getting the hang of Aussie road rules.

She was recently spotted making a slight slip-up when she and a female friend tried to hop into a waiting Uber from the wrong side.

Evidently used to left-hand drive vehicles, the princess was seen reaching for the door handle on the driver's side.

Her decision to move to Australia to continue her studies comes after she embarked on military training at the Engineer Battalion in Brigade Nord last year.
Kendall Jenner made it clear she meant business as she stepped out in a tight, low-cut bodycon dress and glasses during New York Fashion Week.

After hinting at a career change, the 29-year-old supermodel transformed into an office siren for a night out on the town on Saturday evening.

For her outfit that was both work and play, she showcased her toned figure in a tight-fitting, midi dress in a light gray, plaid pattern paired with oval-shaped frames and a little black clutch.

She made the streets of New York City her personal runway as she strutted in black, patent leather pumps with sky-high heels.

The Kardashians reality TV star rocked full glam that highlighted her sharp features and styled her raven black hair in a slicked-back bun.

Later, she was seen sneaking out of Brasserie Fouquet's, a Parisian restaurant in downtown Tribeca, with a glass of red wine.

Kendall Jenner made it clear she meant business as she stepped out in a low-cut bodycon dress and glasses during New York Fashion Week

Earlier in the day, she stepped out in another effortlessly chic outfit while out and about in Manhattan.

For her daytime look, she paired a black, sleeveless top with a high, V-neck cut at the top with silk midi skirt.

The double-layered, cream-colored skirt accentuated her long, toned legs.

For a casual-chic vibe, she paired her black-and-white outfit with thin, flip-flop sandals and a leather, woven tote bag.

And she left her dark, shoulder-length bob down, tucking one side behind her ear.

She showcased her radiant beauty in light, dewy makeup and wore a pair of rectangular-framed sunglasses to shield her eyes from the sun.

Her outing comes after she bared her abs in a crop top as she joined her entourage at the celebrity-frequented hotspot Bar Pitti in New York City earlier this week.

And just days earlier, she graced the cover of Vogue with her BFF, fellow supermodel Gigi Hadid.

After hinting at a career change , the 29-year-old supermodel transformed into an office siren for a night out on the town on Saturday evening

For her outfit that was both work and play, she showcased her toned figure in a tight-fitting, midi dress in a light gray, plaid pattern paired with oval-shaped frames and a little black clutch

Later, she was seen sneaking out of Brasserie Fouquet's, a Parisian restaurant in downtown Tribeca, with a glass of red wine

She made the streets of New York City her personal runway as she strutted in black, patent leather pumps with sky-high heels

The Kardashians reality TV star rocked full glam that highlighted her sharp features and styled her raven black hair in a slicked-back bun

During their joint interview, she revealed what business venture she wants to try out after more than a decade at the top of the modeling world.

In a recent Vogue interview and spread with her model friend Gigi Hadid, she revealed she's setting her sights on designing houses.

The secret came out as Gigi admitted that the reality star is 'one of the only people' she would trust to decorate her home.

'I swear to God, I'm going to stop everything and just design homes,' Kendall told the outlet. 'I'm not kidding,' she added.

Kendall also shared that shes already in the process of building a home out West.

'I love my space in LA, but I also really love the simple life,' she explained.

'I like getting up every morning and throwing on a bathing suit or sweatpants and no makeup and just being free with my day.'

During the interview, the 818 Tequila owner opened up about how much she values privacy.

She recounted going incognito during a trip to visit Gigi's family in Holland last year, including a visit to the countrys largest theme park, Efteling, where they wore horseman warrior masks.

'I love to feel normal,' Kendall shared with Vogue.

Earlier in the day, she stepped out in another effortlessly chic outfit while out and about in Manhattan

For her daytime look, she paired a black, sleeveless top with a high, V-neck cut at the top with silk midi skirt. The double-layered, cream-colored skirt accentuated her long, toned legs

For a casual-chic vibe, she paired her black-and-white outfit with thin, flip-flop sandals and a leather, woven tote bag

And she left her dark, shoulder-length bob down, tucking one side behind her ear

She showcased her radiant beauty in light, dewy makeup and wore a pair of rectangular-framed sunglasses to shield her eyes from the sun

'I love to go to the horse show dressed just like everybody else and have my helmet on and my sunglasses and my uniform, and I can compete under a completely different name,' she admitted.

Interestingly enough, this isn't the first time that Kendall has shared her love for interior decorating with fans.

During The Kardashians, she has spoken before about her passion for making homes beautiful.

Last Christmas, she even gave Architectural Digest a tour of her Los Angeles home, which she described as 'cozy.'

Her furniture was incredibly chic, as she showed off her mustard-colored corduroy couch with intricate floral designs, her real wood fireplace, and her cream-and-brown gingham tablecloth.

Of course, she also had tons of Christmas decorations up, including wreaths that she aimed to have 'look as organic as possible', dotted with pinecones and acorns.

Previously, Kendall revealed that she works with A-list designer, Jeff Leatham.
Chezzi Denyer has taken to social media to share an adorable throwback photo of her husband Grant Denyer to commemorate his 48th birthday.

The former Sunrise producer, who wed Grant in 2010 and has since welcomed three kids, posted an adorable picture to Instagram on Friday showing the veteran TV star as a child.

In the snap from the early '80s, the Deal or No Deal host could be seen posing behind the wheel of a car, rocking blonde locks, bright blue eyes and vintage-looking clothes.

'Happy Birthday to our main man @grantdenyer,' Chezzi captioned the post.

'Doing what youve always loved - even if it's on the other side of the world today.'

She added: 'You are our world. Counting down the days until we can celebrate you properly back home!'

Chezzi Denyer has taken to social media to share an adorable throwback photo of her husband Grant to commemorate his birthday. Pictured

Chezzi recently opened up about her four-year health battle after a post-pregnancy hernia saw her struggle with nerve damage, unimaginable back pain and a lack of core strength.

The media personality took to Instagram in May to inform fans she had undergone a lengthy seven-and-a-half-hour surgery after struggling with the hernia's effects for years.

In the post, Chezzi shared pictures of her hospital stay, along with a caption detailing her turbulent health battle.

'Four years ago, after the arrival of my beautiful little Sunday, I didn't rest as I should have after my caesarean,' she started the post.

'Pushing myself too soon caused a hernia in my abdominal wall and left me with a 2cm abdominal separation from top to bottom,' an injury which stripped away her core strength and pelvic floor control.

The result was layers of scar tissue around her third C-section scar and nerve damage that seemed impossible to fix.

But despite the pain, the mum of three carried on, maxing herself out with family duties and not taking time to rest.

'When Sunday was in her full body cast, I carried her 20+ kilo little body around for hours on end, rocking her day in and day out for months.

Grant and Chezzi married in 2010 and have one of the strongest relationships in showbusiness

'My instinct to mother her overrode my own physical pain, and I did more damage. The hernia opened up again and a new one formed lower down.'

Years of pain led Chezzi to take the needed steps to fix the problem, which would include a demanding and lengthy surgery, as well as a six-week recovery process.

'Last Friday, I underwent a 7.5-hour operation to rebuild me. I woke up feeling like I'd been hit by a Mack truck,' she said.

'I've had physio just to deep breathe again, and I'm rocking some gnarly-looking drains. But I am home.'

She then went on to thank her husband for 'holding it together' through the surgery's aftermath, saying she was in 'awe' of him.
The stars of Netflix's megahit Adolescence have reunited Stateside ahead of the 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards, with the acclaimed series already tipped to win multiple gongs when the ceremony takes place on Sunday.

And ahead of the glitziest night in TV, stars Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham and Ashley Walters joined a string of big names at BAFTA's TV Tea Party at The Maybourne Beverly Hills Hotel.

Owen, who could become the youngest ever male winner of an Emmy if he triumphs in Sunday's ceremony, was also joined by producer Mark Herbert, and director Philip Barantini at the event.

The 15-year-old's nomination for best supporting actor is just one of 13 that the show, about a teenager accused of murder, has received.

Stephen, who co-created and co-wrote Adolescence as well as starring in it, is also up for Best Leading Actor for his role in the four-part drama.

The four-episode programme follows the Miller family, whose lives are torn apart when their 13-year-old son Jamie is arrested for stabbing a female classmate to death after being influenced by online misogyny.

The stars of Netflix's Adolescence have reunited ahead of the Emmy Awards (L-R producer Mark Herbert, director Phil Barantini, stars Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham and Ashley Walters)

Ahead of the glitziest night in TV, stars Owen Cooper, Stephen Graham and Ashley Walters joined a string of big names at BAFTA's TV Tea Party at The Maybourne Beverly Hills Hotel.

Owen, who could become the youngest ever male winner of an Emmy if he triumphs, was also joined by producer Mark Herbert (far left), and director Philip Barantini (second left)

Also among those in attendance for the BAFTA party was Downton Abbey's Joanne Froggatt, after the beloved franchise came to an end with a third and final movie, titled The Grand Finale.

The actress, who played Anna Bates in the show, opted for a glamorous white and black satin dress as she mingled with stars including Ruth Connell and Jimmy Akingbola at the event.

Daily Mail previously revealed Owen would be entered in the Best Supporting Actor category, as opposed to Best Actor, which experts hailed as a 'genius move' and said would massively boost his chances of winning.

He will go up against his co-star Ashley Walters who has been nominated for his first Emmy in the same category after his role as DI Luke Bascombe.

Also in the category is Javier Bardem, for his role in Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story, Bill Camp and Peter Sarsgaard, for their respective roles in Presumed Innocent and Rob Delaney, for his role in Dying For Sex.

Owen, who hails from a proudly working class estate in central Warrington, was chosen from 500 candidates for the role of Jamie.

It was his first-ever acting job and no one in his family has a background in the industry.

Adolescence is also nominated in the Best Limited or Anthology Series alongside Black Mirror, Dying for Sex, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story and The Penguin.

The series follows the Miller family, whose lives are torn apart when their 13-year-old son Jamie is arrested for stabbing a female classmate after being influenced by online misogyny

The 15-year-old's nomination for best supporting actor is just one of 13 that the show, about a teenager accused of murder, has received

Stephen, who co-created and co-wrote Adolescence as well as starring in it, is also up for Best Leading Actor for his role in the four-part drama

It seemed that Owen was the party's guest everyone wanted to meet, as he posed for snaps alongside guests including veteran actor Dolph Lundgren

The teen star was also joined by iconic British star Jacqueline Bisset

Daily Mail previously revealed Owen would be entered in the Best Supporting Actor category, as opposed to Best Actor, which experts hailed as a 'genius move'

Owen, who hails from a proudly working class estate in central Warrington, was chosen from 500 candidates for the role of Jamie

Also among those in attendance for the BAFTA party was Downton Abbey's Joanne Froggatt, after the beloved franchise came to an end with a third and final movie, titled The Grand Finale

The actress had starred as ladies maid Anna Bates throughout its run, along with six series of the drama, which aired on ITV from 2010 to 2015

Joanne, who welcomed her first child in September 2024, opted for a glamorous white and black satin dress for the event

The star was seen mingling with big names including fellow actors Ruth Connell, Jimmy Akingbola at the bash

Other Brits up for awards on Sunday include Gary Oldman (for Slow Horses), Aimee Lou Wood and Jason Isaacs (The White Lotus) and Bella Ramsey (The Last Of Us).

It comes after Adolescence swept up two major prizes at the 2025 National TV Awards on Wednesday.

The critically acclaimed series beat out stiff competition from Rivals, Code of Silence, Ludwig and MobLand to win the award for Best New Drama.

Owen also landed the coveted Best Drama Performance gong for playing twisted teen killer Jamie Miller in the show, edging out his own co-star Stephen Graham.

The 15-year-old was not in attendance at the UK ceremony as he headed to the US in time for the weekend's Emmys, but his friend and Adolescence co-star Amari Bacchus was on hand to accept the award on his behalf.

And he also shared a pre-recorded video message from Owen on his phone, where he effusively thanked his co-stars, collaborators and fans.

He said: 'Never could I have believed that this show, Adolescence, would change my life in the way that it has.

'Its the fact that the viewers who voted for this, it just shows what a powerful, impactful show that we all got to make.'
Steven Knight, the man behind such British TV institutions Peaky Blinders and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire has declared his James Bond will celebrate 'creative nationalism'.

The British screenwriter, 65, is perhaps best known as the creator of BBC crime drama Peaky Blinders starring Cillian Murphy, which has spawned a 2026 movie, whilst his new historical saga House Of Guinness will hit Netflix later this month.

And amongst his small screen successes he is lending his talents to the long-running spy franchise by penning the script for the newest 007 film.

Born and still living in Birmingham, Knight has recently seen his home city become synonymous with the flag movement which has spread across the country this summer. And whilst he insists we shouldn't 'glorify division' he is very much in favour of celebrating 'Britishness', including 007.

'Creative nationalism is something I would absolutely be completely in favour of,' Knight has explained. 'We can't allow ourselves to start pretending that we're like other people. We're not. We have to be ourselves.'

'That's what we should be raising flags about: the Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Crown, our fantastic actors,' and 'of course' Bond,' he told The Sunday Times after previously teasing that his incarnation of the spy will be 'different, and better, stronger and bolder.'

Steven Knight, the man behind such varied TV hits as Peaky Blinders and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire has declared his James Bond will celebrate 'creative nationalism'

'We should be raising flags for the Beatles , Rolling Stones , The Crown , our fantastic actors,' and 'of course' Bond,' says Knight after previously teasing that his incarnation of the spy will be 'different, and better, stronger and bolder' (Daniel Craig pictured as Bond in Casino Royale)

The latest Bond film is currently in development and is to be directed by Dune's Denis Villeneuve, with Amazon MGM Studios overseeing the project after longtime producer Barbara Broccoli gave up creative control.

Meanwhile, Amy Pascal and David Heyman are on board to produce the movie via Pascal Pictures and Heyday Films respectively, while Tanya Lapointe will serve as executive producer.

Writing a new 007 is, Knight says, 'exciting and thrilling' but he has a free flow approach to his screenplay, admitting: 'I have no plan of how I'm going to get there.'

Though I do know this character's going to do this, this, and then they're going to die, or they're going to become king. So that's the plan.'

Speaking about his involvement in the film last month, Steven told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast: 'It has always been on my bucket list and it's fantastic to be invited to do it - I can't wait to get started.

'I'm hoping that, being a Bond fan for so many years, it will be imbued into me and I will be able to produce something that's the same but different, and better, stronger and bolder.'

However, Steven has so far failed to give any inclination about who will replace Daniel Craig in the titular role.

The British screenwriter, 65, is perhaps best known as the creator of the hugely popular BBC crime drama Peaky Blinders starring Cillian Murphy [pictured]

Writing a new 007 is, Knight says, 'exciting and thrilling' but he has a free flow approach to his screenplay, admitting: 'I have no plan of how I'm going to get there'

The actor, 57, stepped down from the iconic spy role after 2021's No Time To Die, having starred in five of the films over a 15 year period.

A number of actors have been tipped to step into his shoes, with stars including Taron Egerton, Aaron Taylor Johnson, Paul Mescal and Theo James thrown into the mix.

When pressed on who could be the new Bond, he responded: 'That is a very, very good question, and one I can't give you the answer to'.

The last outing for James Bond was 2021's No Time to Die, with Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Cary Joji Fukunaga on the writing team.

Speaking of the selection process for the latest film, Steven shared: 'I was invited to a meeting with [producer] Amy Pascal, didn't know what it was about, and very quickly discovered what it was about and became very, very excited and hopeful.

'And then a process is followed where you do some meetings, you discuss some ideas, and then you find out you've got it.

'So I found out a while ago but it was announced last night, which is great.'

He added that it was a 'high pressure' job, before noting: 'you've just got to do what you do, do it as well as you can'.
This stack composite photo taken on Sept. 13, 2025 shows lightning in Beijing, capital of China. Scattered thundershowers hit Beijing on Saturday evening, accompanied by strong winds, hail, and short-lived downpours in some parts of the city. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

This photo taken on Sept. 13, 2025 shows lightning in Beijing, capital of China. Scattered thundershowers hit Beijing on Saturday evening, accompanied by strong winds, hail, and short-lived downpours in some parts of the city. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

This photo taken on Sept. 13, 2025 shows lightning in Beijing, capital of China. Scattered thundershowers hit Beijing on Saturday evening, accompanied by strong winds, hail, and short-lived downpours in some parts of the city. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
Cameron Diaz and her husband Benji Madden surprised fans earlier this week by making their first public appearance together in little over a year.

And after returning to the social scene, it appeared the couple were ready to try their luck on the poker table, as they attended the Michael Rubin REFORM Alliance Casino Night Event in New Jersey on Saturday.

The couple, who had last been seen in public together in August 2024, cosied up to one another while posing for snaps at the event.

No doubt channeling one of her famous romcom roles, in 2008's What Happens In Vegas, Cameron, 53, tested her poker skills, before snapping a selfie with longtime friend Jamie Foxx.

It was a role alongside Jamie in Netflix's Back In Action that first coaxed Cameron back to acting earlier this year, having retired from the profession back in 2014.

On Thursday, Cameron and Benji, 46, were pictured together for the first time in 13 months, as they enjoyed an outing with their son Cardinal Madden, 17 months.

Cameron Diaz cosied up to her husband Benji Madden as they attended the Michael Rubin REFORM Alliance Casino Night Event in New Jersey on Saturday

The couple, who had last been seen in public together in August 2024, cosied up to one another while posing for snaps at the event in Atlantic City

On Thursday, Cameron and Benji were pictured together for the first time in 13 months, as they enjoyed an outing with their son Cardinal Madden, 17 months

Cameron and Benji  who wed in 2015  are also parents to daughter Raddix, five.

Taking to Instagram in spring 2024, Madden shared the news that the family of three turned to four with the addition of their second child.

'We are blessed and excited to announce the birth of our Son, Cardinal Madden,' the Good Charlotte rock star wrote in a joint post with his wife.

He added: 'He is awesome and we are all so happy he is here! For the kids' safety and privacy we won't be posting any pictures - but he's really cute.'

The note continued: 'We are feeling so blessed and grateful. Sending much love from our fam to yours  Best wishes and Good Afternoon!!'

In March Cameron's husband Benji Madden admitted he 'fears' her as he made rare comments about their low-key marriage.

The Good Charlotte rocker was a guest on Rob Lowe's SiriusXM podcast Literally!, alongside his twin brother Joel.

Benji and Joel, who is married to Nicole Richie, 43, both admitted that they 'fear' their 'strong' wives.

No doubt channelling one of her famous romcom roles, in 2008's What Happens In Vegas, Cameron tested her poker skills at the event

Having recently returned to the social scene with her spouse, the actress tested her skills in the US' gambling hotspot

During the event, Cameron also snapped a selfie with her longtime friend Jamie Foxx, after ending her acting retirement to star alongside him in a new film earlier this year

Cameron and Benji - who wed in 2015 - are also parents to daughter Raddix, five

Taking to Instagram in spring 2024, Madden shared the news that the family of three turned to four with the addition of their second child

'We are blessed and excited to announce the birth of our Son, Cardinal Madden,' the Good Charlotte rock star wrote

In March Cameron's husband Benji Madden admitted he 'fears' her as he made rare comments about their low-key marriage

Benji added that they fear their partners 'in the best way,' saying: 'Go against my wife? Good luck. I don't even need to get involved'

Meanwhile, the release of Shrek 5 has been delayed until summer 2027, with Cameron set to reprise her role as Princess Fiona

The upcoming movie in DreamWorks' animated franchise has been pushed back six months to June 30, 2027, from its previously slated December 2026 opening

Benji added that they fear their partners 'in the best way.'

Calling Cameron and Nicole 'queens', Benji said, 'Go against my wife? Good luck. I don't even need to get involved.'

Meanwhile, the release of Shrek 5 has been delayed until summer 2027.

The upcoming movie in DreamWorks' animated franchise has been pushed back six months to June 30, 2027, from its previously slated December 2026 opening.

Now it no longer has to compete in a crowded Christmas release season that also features Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part III.

Universal has also shifted an untitled Illumination picture from Shrek 5's old date to April 16, 2027.

The new Shrek flick will be the first film in the main series since Shrek Forever After was released in 2010 and sees Zendaya join the cast as the titular ogre's daughter Felicia while regulars Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Diaz are back to lend their voices to Shrek, Donkey and Fiona respectively.
Maia Mitchell has revealed how being diagnosed with ADHD has transformed her life, saying she finally feels like everything makes sense.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph's Confidential, the 32-year-old said: 'Being medicated and learning about the diagnosis feels like all the pieces in my life are together.'

For years, Mitchell believed she was battling depression or anxiety before doctors told her otherwise.

Professionals explained that ADHD in women can often mimic those conditions, which is why she was unaware of the real cause of her struggles.

The actress said starting treatment had been a game-changer, helping her focus and boosting her creativity.

'I love my meds, they are amazing. They help me focus and I feel more creative with them,' she said.

Australian actress Maia Mitchell has revealed how being diagnosed with ADHD has transformed her life, saying she finally feels like everything makes sense

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph's Confidential, the 32-year-old said: 'Being medicated and learning about the diagnosis feels like all the pieces in my life are together'

She also backed the federal government's recent reforms that allow GPs to prescribe ADHD medication, calling the previous system costly and impractical.

Patients had often been forced to pay hundreds of dollars for short consultations with specialists, something Mitchell described as 'insane'.

The Artful Dodger star said getting a clear diagnosis lifted a heavy burden, helping her to shed feelings of shame and confusion.

'A lot of people go on depressed for a long time and feel a lot of shame about things like, I'm chaotic, or I can't do this, or I'm not operating right. So it's nice to put a name to it and know that it's not just like a mess,' she explained.

Mitchell now hopes her openness will encourage others to seek support if they suspect they may also be living undiagnosed.

The actor has just wrapped filming season two of The Artful Dodger for Disney+, while also working on a new film titled Family Secrets.
Liam Hemsworth and Gabriella Brooks celebrated their engagement by sharing a romantic black-and-white photo, but not everyone was in a congratulatory mood.

The 35-year-old actor shared an image to Instagram showing his stunning fiancee wrapping her arms around him, proudly flashing her new diamond ring.

But while plenty of fans rushed to send their well wishes, others couldn't resist bringing up his high-profile marriage to ex-wife Miley Cyrus.

'Omg I thought she is Miley,' wrote one follower.

'I love Miley Cyrus!' wrote another, alongside a red love heart emoji.

'Miley Cyrus's ex marries Miley Cyrus's ex-dancer,' commented another.

Liam Hemsworth and Gabriella Brooks celebrated their engagement by sharing a romantic black-and-white photo. Both pictured

'Congratulations Miley Cyrus's ex-husband and Miley Cyrus former backup dancer,' echoed a fourth.

'When ur wife is your backup dance of your EX,' wrote one more.

'Damn Miley Cyrus's ex husband and former backup dancer are engaged now' said another.

Elsewhere, others called out fans for being unnecessarily negative.

'Why so many people following Liam just to hate on a happy moment?' wrote one.

'Yall on here bringing up Miley for what? People move on. If you not going to say congrats don't comment,' wrote another.

'People it's done. They're getting married and likely having kids. She's clearly what he wants after 6 years. You have to accept it or unfollow. There's no going back for them now,' commented one more.

The couple announced their engagement on Friday.

The couple announced their engagement on Friday

The first photo, in black and white, showed Gabriella cuddling up close to Liam as he sported a contented grin.

Another snap showed Gabriella flaunting the impressive diamond sparkler.

Gabriella captioned the images with a simple white love heart emoji.

The romantic post was met with a flurry of well wishes from friends and followers.

'Yes! Engagement gainz,' one excitedly wrote. 'Massive congratulations to you and the big rig.'

Another chimed in with: 'Congratulations Gabby, this is major!!! I remember the first time you talked about Liam and now look at the two of you! So happy for you.'

A third could barely contain their joy, adding: 'Yes!!!!! Love, love, love this sooooo much. Eeeeeekkkk squeal!!! Yay!!!'

Liam found love again with Gabriella in late 2019, following his separation and later divorce from US pop star Miley Cyrus.

He confirmed his split with Miley in August 2019, with the couple finalising their divorce in January 2020 after less than a year of marriage.

The on-again-off-again couple first began dating in 2010 after meeting on the set of The Last Song and got engaged for the first time in May 2012.

However, they then split up in September 2013 before reuniting in 2016.

They went on to tie the knot in December 2018 before splitting for good just eight months later.

While plenty of fans rushed to send their well wishes, others couldn't resist bringing up his high-profile marriage to ex-wife Miley Cyrus

'Miley Cyrus's ex marries Miley Cyrus's ex-dancer,' wrote one follower. Pictured: Liam and Miley in happier times

Liam is believed to have then started dating Gabriella in December 2019.

The couple were spotted kissing on the beach in Byron Bay earlier this month, in photos published at the time by New Idea.

After spending New Year's Eve together, Liam and Gabriella couldn't keep their hands off each other as they cuddled up on the sand.

They made their first red carpet appearance together in November 2020.

The ultra-private couple rarely post about each other on social media, and have only appeared in a handful of photos together.

Gabriella has carved out a career for herself as a model and made her catwalk debut at the 2023 Australia Fashion Week during the Cue fashion show.

Her debut was a landslide success, and Cue's brand director Kate Bielenberg gushed over Gabriella's talents at the time.

It comes after Gabriella was cruelly trolled after she wished her partner of five years a happy 35th birthday in January.
Channel Nine has dropped its first look at The Golden Bachelor.

The new series will be fronted by widower Barry 'Bear' Myrden, a silver-haired father-of-three who has spent years working in senior roles across the corporate world.

The teaser opens with Bear sharing his heartbreak, telling viewers that the love of his life passed away 14 years ago.

'Deep down no one can replace her, but I think I'm ready to find my next love story,' he says.

The emotional first-look introduces Bear alongside 20 glamorous women from across the country, all vying for his attention.

'I felt butterflies,' one contestant gushes. Another jokes nervously: 'Hopefully it's not the menopause.'

Channel Nine has dropped it's first look at The Golden Bachelor. The new series will be fronted by widower Barry 'Bear' Myrden, a silver-haired father-of-three who has spent years working in senior roles across the corporate world. (Pictured)

The teaser opens with Bear sharing his heartbreak, telling viewers that the love of his life passed away 14 years ago

The promo teases a colourful group of women determined to catch Bear's eye - including one who calls herself a 'warrior princess' and another who teaches him to 'shake the bum'.

Sam Armytage will host the debut season, which was filmed earlier this year in Sydney.

Bear was spotted shooting scenes in March, piloting a retro Italian speedboat across Sydney Harbour before meeting the women who would compete for his heart.

Among the contestants is TV and radio personality Bianca Dye, 51, best known for her long-running radio career. She currently co-hosts a breakfast show on Queensland's Sea FM 90.9.

Another hopeful is believed to be Queenslander Lauren George, who was seen arriving on set in hair rollers and full glam makeup.

Friends of Bear say he's finally ready to take a leap into romance after years of encouragement from his inner circle.

'Bear is always complaining that his boys are saying he's bringing around the wrong kind of girls that are just too young and hot for him,' a friend told Daily Mail Australia.

'We were always saying he needed to be put on a show like MAFS, so seeing him up for the Bachelor role is no surprise.'

The emotional first look introduces Bear alongside 20 glamorous women

'I felt butterflies,' one contestant gushed

The promo teases a colourful group of women determined to catch Bear's eye - including one who calls herself a 'warrior princess' and another who teaches him to 'shake the bum'.

Sam Armytage will host the debut season, which was filmed earlier this year in Sydney

Among the contestants is TV and radio personality Bianca Dye, 51, best known for her long-running radio career. She currently co-hosts a breakfast show on Queensland's Sea FM 90.9

Producers promise a more mature, heartfelt take on the long-running dating franchise, with Bear bringing a lifetime of love and loss to the screen.

'He's not your usual reality TV type,' an insider said.

'He's charming, intelligent and has really lived a full life. He's been through love, loss and now he's ready to open his heart again. Women are going to adore him.'

The Golden Bachelor has been a smash hit in the US, and fans have been clamouring for an Australian edition since its premiere.

Golden Bachelor Australia will air soon on Channel Nine and 9Now.
Morgan Wallen put his concert on hold Friday night to honor Charlie Kirk and his grieving family.

Just two days after the conservative activist was fatally shot in Utah, Wallen addressed a sold-out crowd in Edmonton, Alberta, turning a stop on his Im the Problem tour into a moment of solidarity.

'Im not gonna say a whole bunch on this, but this song right here has been hitting me harder in the last couple days,' Wallen told the audience.

'And I just wanted to let Erika Kirk know that me and my family are sending prayers her way.'

Kirk, 31, was killed during an outdoor debate event at Utah Valley University on September 10.

He is survived by his wife Erika and their two young children: a three-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son.

Morgan Wallen put his concert on hold Friday night to honor Charlie Kirk and his grieving family

Just two days after the conservative activist was fatally shot in Utah , Wallen addressed a sold-out crowd in Edmonton, Alberta, turning a stop on his Im the Problem tour into a moment of solidarity; (Erika and Charlie Kirk with their two children in on September 10)

By Friday morning, former President Trump announced that a suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, had been arrested and booked on suspicion of aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and other charges.

Following his remarks, Wallen launched into his ballad Im a Little Crazy.

The performance quickly went viral, with fans flooding social media to share their reactions.

One user wrote, 'You can feel his anger in the way he sang it. We love you Morgan. We love you Erika. We love you Charlie. We love you America.'

Another added, 'Just when I thought I couldnt love him anymore.'

The tribute came just hours after Erika broke her silence.

In a video message released through Turning Point USA, she spoke directly to supporters about her late husband.

'Charlie loved, loved life,' she said. 'He loved his children, and he loved me with all of his heart. He made sure I knew that every day. He was the perfect father. He was the perfect husband.'

'Im not gonna say a whole bunch on this, but this song right here has been hitting me harder in the last couple days,' Wallen told the audience. 'And I just wanted to let Erika Kirk know that me and my family are sending prayers her way'

The tribute came just hours after Erika broke her silence in a video message released through Turning Point USA, as she spoke directly to supporters about her late husband

Wallen's moment followed another on the world stage.

That same evening, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin paused his bands final Wembley Stadium show to send love to Kirks family.

In a now-viral clip on X, Martin could be seen addressing the crowd of 80,000 people and said, 'For the final time in a few years in London let's raise our hands like this and send love anywhere you wanna send it in the world.'

'And there are so many places that might need it today. So, here it comes from London. You can send this to your brother or sister, you can send it to the families of people who've been going through terrible stuff. You can send it to Charlie Kirk's family.'

Chris Martin has garnered backlash from some fans after he halted his concert at Wembley Stadium to send love to Charlie Kirk's family; seen in June in Las Vegas

Kirk was assassinated on Wednesday when he was fatally shot in the neck while speaking to students at Utah Valley University; seen in 2024 in Milwaukee

Martin's tribute comes after MCU and Jurassic World star Chris Pratt took to social media to offer thoughts on the assassination.

The actor shared on X: 'Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country. We need God's grace. God help us.'

Pratt's wife Katherine Schwarzenegger also responded to the shooting by reposting a tweet from her mother Maria Shriver.

The post read: 'This is a violent act of hate that we all must denounce, all of us, regardless of party. This is reprehensible, horrendous violence that affects each and every one of us.'

This Is Us star Mandy Moore also took to her Instagram stories to share a message posted by Momsdemandaction.org which read: 'Gun violence doesn't care about ideology.'

The actress offered her own caption as well, writing: 'There is no room for political violence in this discourse. Ever.

'You can disagree with someone's beliefs but this is a terrifying consequence of the world we're living in and it's a cancer.'

Moore concluded: 'I can't stop thinking about Charlie Kirk's wife and their small kids. My heart is with them and all who loved him.'

She later shared a second post that noted a school shooting occurred around the same time that Kirk was killed.

'Bullets don't know and don't care if you are a Republican or Democrat,' the original poster wrote, adding that it was 'time for Republicans and Democrats to find a way to work together to reduce gun violence'.

Chris Pratt's wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, also responded to the shooting by reposting a tweet from her mother Maria Shriver

The post read: 'This is a violent act of hate that we all must denounce, all of us, regardless of party. This is reprehensible, horrendous violence that affects each and every one of us'

Mandy Moore took to her Instagram stories to share a message posted by Momsdemandaction.org which read: 'Gun violence doesn't care about ideology'

The This Is Us actress then offered her own caption by writing: 'There is no room for political violence in this discourse. Ever'

Moore shared a second repost later that noted a school shooting occurred around the same time that Kirk was killed. 'Bullets don't know and don't care if you are a Republican or Democrat,' the original poster wrote

Sarah Palin's daughter Bristol reposted a statement shared by Turning Point USA - which was co-founded by Kirk

Candace Cameron Bure shared a photo of Kirk to her main Instagram page as well as a moving message

The Full House alum wrote: 'We love you Charlie. Well done good and faithful servant'

Sarah Palin's daughter Bristol reposted a statement shared by Turning Point USA - which was co-founded by Kirk.

'It is with heavy heart that we confirm that Charles James Kirk has been murdered by a gunshot that took place during Turning Point USA's "The American Comeback Tour" campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.

'May he be received into the merciful arms of our loving Savior, who suffered and died for Charlie.'

The message concluded with: 'We ask the everyone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers. We ask that you please respect their privacy and dignity at this time.'

Candace Cameron Bure shared a photo of Kirk to her main Instagram page as well as the message: 'We love you Charlie. Well done good and faithful servant.'

Jake Paul took to X and wrote: 'Charlie Kirk got shot for telling the truth. That is literally it.

'What a mentally sick time we are living through. We need god more than ever. Praying for Charlie's family and praying for these evil people to heal.'

Danica Patrick shared a post from Upward News to her Instagram Stories which announced Kirk's death.

Jake Paul took to X and wrote: 'Charlie Kirk got shot for telling the truth. That is literally it'

Danica Patrick shared a post from Upward News to her Instagram Stories which announced Kirk's death

In text added towards the top, the former pro race car driver wrote: 'I can't believe it. What is wrong with people?'

Arnold Schwarzenegger also took to X to share a message to his followers and penned: 'My heart is with Charlie Kirk's family, and with the United States'

In text added towards the top, the former pro race car driver wrote: 'I can't believe it. What is wrong with people?

'We have an epidemic of mental illness. Praying so much for his family and everyone that knows him and loves him.'

Arnold Schwarzenegger also took to X to share a message to his followers and penned: 'My heart is with Charlie Kirk's family, and with the United States.'

The former governor of California continued: 'Politics has become a disease in this country, and it's deadly. But don't listen to the pessimists who say there is no cure.

'There is a cure. It is inside of us. We must find our better angels and walk back from the extremes. If we can't agree on anything else, we must find agreement that we don't solve our debates with violence.

'This is a horrible tragedy. May it also be a moment for everyone to rediscover their humanity.'

Rosie O'Donnell shared a picture of Kirk to her Instagram page as well as the caption: 'no just no - do not become the murderer - this is wrong on every level - #werallamericans.'

Dr. Phil uploaded a video to his X account where he shared the news of Kirk's death and wrote: 'Charlie Kirk, husband, father, friend, American, has been assassinated.

'This is a horrible tragedy. May it also be a moment for everyone to rediscover their humanity,' wrote Arnold Schwarzenegger

Rosie O'Donnell shared a picture of Kirk to her Instagram page as well as the caption: 'no just no - do not become the murderer - this is wrong on every level - #werallamericans'

Jimmy Kimmel also took to Instagram and shared the message to his main page: 'Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that is is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human?'

The late night talk show host continued: 'On behalf of my family, we send love to the Kirks and to all the children, parents and innocents who fall victim to senseless gun violence'

Stephen King tweeted on X: 'The motivation of the man who shot Charlie Kirk isn't clear (although he's probably mentally unstable -- duh). What is clear is it was another example of American gun violence'

Roseanne Barr jumped to X and simply penned, 'Devastated,' followed by another tweet which read: 'Ignore the demons. Especially online. They want you angry and traumatized. Band together in love for Charlie'

'His spirit, passion and message will live on. Prayers for his soul and his wife and children.'

Jimmy Kimmel also took to Instagram and shared the message to his main page: 'Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that is is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human?'

The late night talk show host continued: 'On behalf of my family, we send love to the Kirks and to all the children, parents and innocents who fall victim to senseless gun violence.'

Stephen King tweeted on X: 'The motivation of the man who shot Charlie Kirk isn't clear (although he's probably mentally unstable -- duh). What is clear is it was another example of American gun violence.'

Roseanne Barr jumped to X and simply penned, 'Devastated,' followed by another tweet which read: 'Ignore the demons. Especially online. They want you angry and traumatized. Band together in love for Charlie.'

Real Housewives Of Atlanta alumna Kim Zolciak shared a video of Kirk with his daughter on her Instagram Stories and added the text: 'Absolutely heartbreaking.'

Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jennifer Affleck shared a photo of Kirk with his family, captioning it: 'Came home to the most heartbreaking news. Sending all my love and prayers to his wife and babies.'

Clayton Echard, star of season 26 of The Bachelor, shared a lengthy message honoring Kirk in his Instagram Stories. He praised Kirk for how friendly he was during an appearance on his podcast a year earlier.

Real Housewives Of Atlanta alum Kim Zolciak shared a video of Kirk with his daughter on her Instagram Stories and added the text: 'Absolutely heartbreaking'

Mormon Wives star Jennifer Affleck shared a photo of Kirk with his family, captioning it: 'Came home to the most heartbreaking news. Sending all my love and prayers to his wife and babies'

Clayton Echard, star of season 26 of The Bachelor, shared a lengthy message honoring Kirk in his Instagram Stories. He praised Kirk for how friendly he was during an appearance on his podcast a year earlier

President Donald Trump also responded to the death of Charlie Kirk (pictured with Trump in 2018) with a post on 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

The American flag at the White House has been lowered half-staff in memory of Kirk and will remain so until sunset on September 14

'This has not sat right with me all day. I met Charlie a year ago when he had me on his live podcast to discuss the paternity scandal that I was facing,' Echard wrote. 'He provided me with a platform to seek justice when hardly anyone else mainstream would.

'What really stood out to me was how in-between commercial breaks, he would immediately turn to me and ask me questions about myself. He genuinely was trying to get to know me, and came across as just a normal guy that wanted to help however he could.'

'That's the Charlie I met. The one that smiled widely when he spoke of his family and the one that acknowledged everyone in the room when he walked in,' Echard continued. 'Many famous people won't do that, as I've seen. It takes a certain type of humility to do so. May he rest in peace.'

President Donald Trump also responded to the death of Charlie Kirk with a post on 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 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!'

The American flag at the White House has been lowered half-staff in memory of Kirk and will remain so until sunset on September 14.

FBI director Kash Patel initially shared that a 'suspect' of the 'horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody.

'Thank you to the local and state authorities in Utah for your partnership with @fbi. We will provide updates when able.'

Patel later followed up with a separate post to reveal that the person of interest was released.

'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.'
This year's Emmy Awards sees a whole host of British and Irish acting legends as well as relative newcomers vying for gongs at the star-studded ceremony in LA.

Leading the pack is Adolescence star Owen Cooper who could make history as the youngest ever male winner if he scoops Supporting Actor Award for the Netflix's smash hit series which has swept the board with 13 nominations.

Co-stars Erin Doherty and Stephen Graham have also landed nods, alongside fellow Brit and The White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood and Irish actor Colin Farrell for his role in The Penguin.

The current record holder for youngest male is Scott Jacoby, who bagged the Best Supporting Actor at 16 in 1973 for drama That Certain Summer.

Daily Mail previously revealed Owen would be entered in the Best Supporting Actor category, as opposed to Best Actor, which experts hailed as a 'genius move' and said would massively boost his chances of winning.



He will compete in the same category against co-star Ashley Walters who has also been nominated for his first Emmy for his role as DI Luke Bascombe.

This year's Emmy Awards sees a whole host of British and Irish acting legends as well as relative newcomers vying for gongs (Owen Cooper in Adolescence pictured)

Leading the pack is Adolescence star Owen Cooper alongside fellow Brit and The White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood (pictured)

Irish actor Colin Farrell is nominated for Best Actor for his role in The Penguin

Meanwhile Stephen, who co-created and co-wrote Adolescence as well as starring in it as Owen's father, is also up for Outstanding Leading Actor and Outstanding Writing in a Limited Series.

While Erin's gripping one-take scene as child psychologist Briony interviewing teenager murderer Jamie Miller - played by Owen - was lauded as the 'most astounding episode of a dazzling quartet' by the Guardian.

She is up for the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie prize, and faces strong competition against co-star Christine Tremarco, Irish actress Ruth Negga as well as Deirdre OConnell, Chloe Sevigny and Jenny Slate.

Earlier this year The Penguin star Colin won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor for his role in the HBO's acclaimed DC series, a feat he is no doubt hoping to replicate.

Ahead of the ceremony Adolescence star Owen said: 'I will never forget this for the rest of my life. If I break the record that would be cool. It's all next level. This time last year I didn't know what I'd be doing.

'Never could I have believed that this show would change my life in the way that it has.'

The young actor has also revealed which iconic role he wants to play next after the Netflix series made him world famous overnight.

He admitted seeing Tom Holland , 28, in disaster drama The Impossible, based on the events of the 2004 Thailand Tsunami, which made him want to be an actor and now dreams of replacing his idol as Spiderman in the Marvel Universe.

Owen, 15, could make history as the youngest ever male winner if he scoops Best Supporting Actor for the Netflix 's smash hit series which has swept the board with 13 nominations

Meanwhile Stephen (L) who co-created and co-wrote Adolescence as well as starring in it as Owen's father, is also up for Best Leading Actor and Best Writing in a Limited Series

Owen will compete in the same category against co-star Ashley Walters (R) who has also been nominated for his first Emmy for his role as DI Luke Bascombe

While Erin's gripping one-take scene as child psychologist Briony interviewing teenager murderer Jamie Miller - played by Owen - was lauded by critics

She is up for the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie prize, and faces strong competition

Earlier this year The Penguin star Colin won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor for his role in the HBO's acclaimed DC series (pictured)

For her role in The White Lotus Aimee is nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama series

Since its premiere she has faced ridicule over her teeth in an SNL sketch as well as rumours of a feud with co-star and onscreen love interest Walton Goggins (pictured together on the show)

In Adolescence the young star's perfomance has gained plaudits and calls for a BAFTA nomination, but Owen admitted being left surprised after receiving equally supportive messages from his mates back home in Warrington.

For her role in The White Lotus Aimee, 31, who is nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama series, faced ridicule over her teeth in an SNL sketch as well as rumours of a feud with co-star and onscreen love interest Walton Goggins.

In a recent interview with British GQ, she explained that White Lotus creator Mike White had to 'fight' to cast her, which made her feel insecure.

She continued: 'When someone (not a producer) told me Mike fought for me it was said in a nice way.

'I just spiralled about it because of my own imposter syndrome. That was my point. Just really wanted to clear that up because HBO have been nothing but super supportive.

In the GQ article, Aimee dove into the insecurity, saying, 'My little head goes: "HBO didn't want me. And I know why HBO didn't want me, it's because I'm ugly."'

Gary Oldman has been nominated for a second time for Slow Horses in which he plays MI6 agent Jackson Lamb

Bad Sisters star Sharon Hogan is up for Best Actress in a Series

Irish actress Ruth Negga is hoping to win for her role in Presumed Innocent

'Mike had to say, "Please let me have the ugly girl!" That was the thing that was in my head,' she continued.

Aimee has been praised online for leaving her buck teeth natural, instead of caving into the artificial beauty standards of Hollywood.

During an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, the actress marveled: 'I can't believe the impact my teeth are having. Americans can't get over them.

'Even the way White Lotus fans are talking about me and my teeth - that I don't have veneers or Botox - it feels a bit rebellious.'

The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards: All the major winners Best Drama Series Andor The Diplomat The Last of Us Paradise The Pitt - WINNER Severance Slow Horses The White Lotus The Pitt earned top honor of the night - Best Drama Series - as Noah Wyle (center) and Katherine LaNasa also triumphed Best Limited or Anthology Series Adolescence - WINNER Black Mirror Dying For Sex Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story The Penguin Best Television Movie Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy The Gorge Mountainhead Nonnas Rebel Ridge - WINNER Best Reality Competition Program The Amazing Race RuPauls Drag Race Survivor Top Chef The Traitors - WINNER Best Actor in a Drama Series Sterling K. Brown: Paradise Gary Oldman: Slow Horses Pedro Pascal: The Last Of Us Adam Scott: Severance Noah Wyle: The Pitt - WINNER Noah Wyle earned his first ever Emmy in the Best Actor category for The Pitt Best Actress in a Drama Series Kathy Bates: Matlock Sharon Horgan: Bad Sisters Britt Lower: Severance - WINNER Bella Ramsey: The Last of Us Keri Russell: The Diplomat Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series Zach Cherry: Severance Walton Goggins: The White Lotus Jason Isaacs: The White Lotus James Marsden: Paradise Sam Rockwell: The White Lotus Tramell Tillman: Severance - WINNER John Turturro: Severance Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series Patricia Arquette: Severance Carrie Coon: The White Lotus Katherine LaNasa: The Pitt - WINNER Julianne Nicholson: Paradise Parker Posey: The White Lotus Natasha Rothwell: The White Lotus Aimee Lou Wood: The White Lotus Katherine LaNasa earned Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for The Pitt Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series Giancarlo Esposito: The Boys Scott Glenn: The White Lotus Shawn Hatosy: The Pitt - WINNER Joe Pantoliano: The Last of Us Forest Whitaker: Andor Jeffrey Wright: The Last of Us Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series Jane Alexander: Severance Gwendoline Christie: Severance Kaitlyn Dever: The Last of Us Cherry Jones: The Handmaids Tale Catherine OHara: The Last of Us Merritt Wever: Severance - WINNER Best Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Colin Farrell: The Penguin Stephen Graham: Adolescence - WINNER Jake Gyllenhaal: Presumed Innocent Brian Tyree Henry: Dope Thief Cooper Koch: Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story Best Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Cate Blanchett: Disclaimer Meghann Fahy: Sirens Rashida Jones: Black Mirror Cristin Milioti: The Penguin - WINNER Michelle Williams: Dying For Sex Cristin Milioti was emotional as she earned an acting honor for The Penguin Best Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Javier Bardem: Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story Bill Camp: Presumed Innocent Owen Cooper: Adolescence - WINNER Rob Delaney: Dying For Sex Peter Sarsgaard: Presumed Innocent Ashley Walters: Adolescence Owen Cooper became the youngest male actor to ever earn an Emmy Best Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Erin Doherty: Adolescence - WINNER Ruth Negga: Presumed Innocent Deirdre OConnell: The Penguin Chloe Sevigny: Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story Jenny Slate: Dying for Sex Christine Tremarco: Adolescence Best Talk Series The Daily Show Jimmy Kimmel Live! The Late Show With Stephen Colbert - WINNER Stephen Colbert received a standing ovation as he earned an Emmy Best Scripted Variety Series Last Week Tonight With John Oliver - WINNER Saturday Night Live Best Comedy Series Abbott Elementary The Bear Hacks Nobody Wants This Only Murders In The Building Shrinking The Studio - WINNER What We Do In The Shadows The Studio earned the top comedy award Best Actress in a Comedy Series Uzo Aduba: The Residence Kristen Bell: Nobody Wants This Quinta Brunson: Abbott Elementary Ayo Edebiri: The Bear Jean Smart: Hacks - WINNER Best Actor in a Comedy Series Adam Brody: Nobody Wants This Seth Rogen: The Studio - WINNER Jason Segel: Shrinking Martin Short: Only Murders in the Building Jeremy Allen White: The Bear Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series Liza Colon-Zayas: The Bear Hannah Einbinder: Hacks - WINNER Kathryn Hahn: The Studio Janelle James: Abbott Elementary Catherine OHara: The Studio Sheryl Lee Ralph: Abbott Elementary Jessica Williams: Shrinking Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series Ike Barinholtz: The Studio Colman Domingo: The Four Seasons Harrison Ford: Shrinking Jeff Hiller: Somebody Somewhere - WINNER Ebon Moss-Bachrach: The Bear Michael Urie: Shrinking Bowen Yang, Saturday Night Live Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series Olivia Colman: The Bear Jamie Lee Curtis: The Bear Cynthia Erivo: Poker Face Robby Hoffman: Hacks Zoe Kravitz: The Studio Julianne Nicholson: Hacks - WINNER Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series Jon Bernthal: The Bear Bryan Cranston: The Studio - WINNER Dave Franco: The Studio Ron Howard: The Studio Anthony Mackie: The Studio Martin Scorsese: The Studio Best Writing for a Comedy Series Quinta Brunson: Abbott Elementary Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky: Hacks Nathan Fielder, Carrie Kemper, Adam Locke-Norton, Eric Notarnicola: The Rehearsal Hannah Bos, Paul Thureen, Bridget Everett: Somebody Somewhere Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, Frida Perez: The Studio - WINNER Sam Johnson, Sarah Naftalis, Paul Simms: What We Do In The Shadows Best Writing for a Drama Series Dan Gilroy, Andor - WINNER Joe Sachs, The Pitt R. Scott Gemmill, The Pitt Dan Erickson, Severance Will Smith, Slow Horses Mike White, The White Lotus Best Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Jack Thorne, Stephen Graham: Adolescence - WINNER Charlie Brooker, Bisha K. Ali: Black Mirror Kim Rosenstock, Elizabeth Meriwether: Dying For Sex Lauren LeFranc: The Penguin Joshua Zetumer: Say Nothing Best Directing for a Drama Series Janus Metz: Andor Amanda Marsalis: The Pitt John Wells: The Pitt Jessica Lee Gagne: Severance Ben Stiller: Severance Adam Randall: Slow Horses - WINNER Mike White: The White Lotus Best Directing for a Comedy Series Ayo Edebiri: The Bear Lucia Aniello: Hacks James Burrows: Mid-Century Modern Nathan Fielder: The Rehearsal Seth Rogen: The Studio - WINNER Seth Rogen earned Best Director for a Comedy Series for The Studio Best Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Philip Barantini: Adolescence - WINNER Shannon Murphy: Dying For Sex Helen Shaver: The Penguin Jennifer Getzinger: The Penguin Nicole Kassell: Sirens Lesli Linka Glatter: Zero Day Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program RuPaul Charles: RuPauls Drag Race Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Kevin OLeary, Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec Daymond John, Daniel Lubetsky: Shark Tank Alan Cumming: The Traitors - WINNER Kristen Kish: Top Chef Jeff Probst: Survivor Host for a Game Show Elizabeth Banks: Press Your Luck Steve Harvey: Celebrity Family Feud Ken Jennings: Jeopardy! Colin Jost: Pop Culture Jeopardy! Jimmy Kimmel, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire - WINNER Structured Reality Program Antiques Roadshow Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives Love Is Blind Queer Eye - WINNER Shark Tank Unstructured Reality Program Americas Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Love On The Spectrum - WINNER RuPauls Drag Race: Untucked The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Welcome to Wrexham Outstanding Variety Special (Live) Beyonce Bowl The Oscars The Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show Starring Kendrick Lamar SNL 50: The Anniversary Special - WINNER SNL50: The Homecoming Concert Lorne Michaels and Colin Jost accepted an award for SNL 50: The Anniversary Special Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded) Adam Sandler: Love You Ali Wong: Single Lady Bill Burr: Drop Dead Years Conan OBrien Mark Twain Prize - WINNER Sarah Silverman: Post Mortem Your Friend, Nate Bargatze Advertisement





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Will Arnett was seen getting cozy with his new girlfriend Carolyn Murphy, 51, on Friday in New York City.

They were arm in arm at the Jenni Kayne Spring Summer 2026 Collection Presentation in Soho.

This comes after he split from his is long-time girlfriend Alessandra Brawn, who is now seeing Emily Ratajkowski's ex Sebastian Bear-McClard, 44, according to Page Six.

People reported last week that the comedian, 55, quietly called it quits from long-time girlfriend Brawn late last year.

Arnett shares five-year-old son Denny with Brawn, and a source told the publication the former couple 'remain committed co-parents' to their boy.

Will Arnett was seen getting cozy with his new girlfriend Carolyn Murphy, 51, on Friday in New York City

Here the lovebirds are seen with fashion designer Jenni Kayne

A source told The Sun that Arnett and Brawn broke up earlier this year.

Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Arnett, Murphy, as well as Brawn via Instagram for comment but did not immediately hear back.

It's not entirely clear when the alleged romance began, but the Arrested Development star and Murphy looked like a couple during a visit to Sean Hayes' West End show Good Night Oscar last month.

In a photo posted by Hayes, Arnett wrapped an arm around Murphy's shoulders as she rested a hand upon his chest during a group photo.

'Another recent surprise visit from one of the greats. Love you, Willie,' Hayes captioned the post.

Murphy's presence raised a few eyebrows, with one sensing they may be more than just friends: 'Are Carolyn and Will an item?! If so.' a fan commented with two fire emojis.

'And with the beautiful Carolyn Murphy!' another wrote of Murphy.

The model, who is also an environmental advocate, was previously married to Jake Schroeder from 1999 to 2002 and has daughter Dylan Blue, born 2000, with him.

Arnett began dating Brawn, who works in the fashion industry, in 2019, welcoming their son Denny the following year.

Although they have largely kept their relationship out of the public eye, they did pose together at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in 2024.

Arnett used to be married to fellow sitcom star Amy Poehler, with whom he formed a beloved comedy power couple when they tied the knot in 2003.

They separated in 2012 and finalized their divorce in 2016, but retained an amicable equation as they bring up their sons Archie, 16, and Abel, 15.

They were seen earlier this month in a photo that Will & Grace star Sean Hayes shared

Murphy on the cover of SI, left, and walking the runway for Gucci, right, in 1998

Arnett and Alessandra, pictured last year, reportedly split within the past year

The Lego Movie star was previously married to actress Amy Poehler; pictured 2012

Poehler and Arnett have refrained from publicly airing out the details of their breakup, though they have been candid about its emotional difficulties.

Arnett described the split as 'brutal, brutal, brutal,' sharing: 'I was driving to the set one day and I pulled over to the side of the road and cried for an hour,' to The Guardian.

In her memoir Yes, Please, published in 2014, Poehler wrote: 'I don't want to talk about my divorce because it is too sad and too personal.'

The Parks And Recreation star noted that she prefers to maintain a degree of privacy, explaining that 'I also don't like people knowing my s**t.'

A few weeks after their divorce was finalized, Will, then 48, was linked to interior designer Elizabeth Law, then 30, whom he was involved with until at least March 2019 when they were glimpsed passionately kissing out in Los Angeles.
Dianne Buswell is set to become the first ever Strictly professional dancer to compete on the show while pregnant.

The star, 36, and her YouTuber partner Joe Sugg, 33, took to Instagram on Sunday to announce the news they were becoming parents to a baby boy with an adorable video.

Her announcement came just one week before the hit show returns to our screens for a new series - which will run up until the week before Christmas this year.

Never before has a pregnant professional competed on the show.

Back in 2014 then pro on Strictly Erin Boag revealed she had quit the show when she found out she was pregnant.

At the time she was expecting her first baby with her husband Peter O'Dowd and told The Mirror: 'There's been much speculation about my absence from this year's Strictly Come Dancing, but I can now reveal the real reason why I turned it down.

Dianne Buswell is set to become the first ever Strictly professional dancer to compete on the show while pregnant

The star, 36, and her YouTuber partner Joe Sugg, 33, took to Instagram on Sunday to announce the news they were becoming parents to a baby boy with an adorable video

'Yes, I'm truly excited and delighted to say I'm pregnant. It's such a relief to be able to tell all as it's been strictly mum's the word these past few months.'

When she quit she was one of only three dancers to have appeared in all 10 series of the BBC show since it started in 2002.

Dianne shared her happy news about her pregnancy to her Instagram on Sunday.

For their pregnancy reveal video, poignantly set to Elton John's Tiny Dancer, the couple set up an easel and pretended to paint a picture together, with playful dramatics.

They then picked up the canvas to display it to the camera, revealing a drawing of two stickmen - one with Dianne's signature flaming red hair - holding hands with a baby.

The couple added that their first child was due in 2026 and even revealed the sex of their little one, declaring they were expecting a son.

Joe captioned the clip: 'Our little baby boy  we cannot wait to meet you'.

The couple were flooded with congratulatory comments from friends and fans, with their fellow Strictly stars leading the well wishes.

Vito Coppola gushed: 'THIS IS BELLISSIMOOOOO  The First Strictly Baby. Cannot wait to meet him and I promise to be the best crazy Italian uncle. Congratulation guuuuuuuys I am so so soooo happy for you '.

Back in 2014 then pro on the show Erin Boag revealed she had quit the show when she found out she was pregnant

Her announcement came just one week before the hit show returns to our screens for a new series - which will run up until the week before Christmas this year

Joe and Dianne struck up a romance when they were paired together during the sixteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2018

Stacey Dooley - who welcomed daughter Minnie in 2023 with her former Strictly partner Kevin Clifton - showed her excitement, writing: YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES' and Johannes Radebe penned: 'Congratulations darling, wonderful news.'

Celebrities contestants on this year's series Vicky Pattison and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey also commented, with Vicky writing: 'This is so lovely guys. Congratulations' and Harry adding: 'Omg!!!!!! Amazing news'.

While Dianne's best pal Amy Dowden commented: 'Still screaming, dancing and celebrating! So so happy for you both! Magical auntie Ames can't wait xxxx'.

Joe and Dianne struck up a romance when they were paired together during the sixteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2018.

And Dianne has made lots of hints towards their baby plans in recent months, admitting in May that she was desperate to become a mum.

But the star, who won the Glitterball Trophy with partner Chris McCausland last year, explained that the gruelling demands of her showbiz career had put their family plans on hold.

She told The Sun: 'I would like to have children, 100 per cent. Joe and I love kids, and that's definitely something that we would absolutely love. I haven't really thought about how many I would like. It will definitely happen.'

But while she confessed juggling motherhood and a performance career would be 'a challenge', Dianne insisted it's something both she and Joe are excited about.

She said: 'My job is quite demanding and I love it so much. It is a tough one to balance out and think about.

'It would take a lot of thought, but eventually one day we'll get there, but there is lots happening at the moment. It will happen when it's supposed to.'

And in an interview with Prima in July, the Aussie star reiterated that she believed it would happen when the time was right and the power of manifestation.

Dianne prophetically said: 'We've always wanted kids, it's just finding the right time. I don't feel worried about taking time out from dancing, I just don't see the point in worrying.'

She has also previously told The Mirror: 'I was always the babysitter for all my little cousins  I've always been a real lover of children. They fascinate me so much.'

It has been a successful year for Dianne who won a TV BAFTA in May alongside her Strictly partner from last year Chris.

She was paired with the comedian, 47, who lost his sight at the age of 22 due to genetic condition retinitis pigmentosa, on last year's series and now they have a Best TV Moment BAFTA to their names.

Dianne has made lots of hints towards their baby plans in recent months, admitting in May that she was desperate to become a mum

The show won Best TV Moment for McCausland's moving 'blackout' waltz to You'll Never Walk Alone - choreographed to highlight his visual impairment and echo a similar routine performed by deaf contestant Rose Ayling-Ellis in 2021.

While the comic was absent, a triumphant Dianne was on hand to personally accept the award and show it off backstage in the winners room.

Strictly earned the accolade after beating pivotal scenes from Bridgerton, Gavin & Stacey, Mr. Bates vs The Post Office, Rivals and The Traitors to the award.

She was accompanied by her long-term love Joe at the event.
Sean Penn kept it casual as he arrived for a lunch in Malibu with a fellow film producer on Saturday.

The multi-hyphenate, 65, looked dapper in a teal green T-shirt with hey hiking pants and beige hiking shoes.

His salt and pepper hair and beard were neatly trimmed.

He was seen meeting up with Brazilian filmmaker Marianna Brennand for a relaxing meal on the patio of the restaurant where they dined Brennand's sister Maria Cecilia Brennand and actress Dira Paes.

The Manas writer, director and producer kept her look simple, donning a white pair of pants with a long blue button-down shirt. She stepped out in black loafers.

After the meal, Penn and Brennand were seen driving away in his Rivan truck, perhaps to get ready for the special screening of Brennand's new film at The Ross House in the Hollywood Hills.

Sean Penn kept it casual as he arrived for a lunch in Malibu with film producer Marianna Brennand on Saturday. The multi-hyphenate, 65, looked dapper in a teal green T-shirt with hey hiking pants and beige hiking shoes

After the meal, Penn and Brennand were seen driving away in his Rivan truck, perhaps to get ready for the special screening of Brennand's new film at The Ross House in the Hollywood Hills

The Oscar winner is an executive producer of Manas. It is Brennand's first feature feature film.

The documentarian directed the film and co-wrote the story of Marcielle, a 13-year-old from Marajo Island in northern Brazil.

It focuses on a society that ignores violence against women and children. As Marcielle confronts generational wounds and chooses to take control of her destiny, she forever alters her familys fate.

Penn and Julia Roberts, 57, co-hosted the special screening of the drama which has won awards around the world, including the prestigious Venice Film Festival and Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Roberts looked classically casual in a black button down shirt with wide leg jeans and black pumps. Her reddish-brown hair was styled in loose layers.

The Academy Award winner wore natural looking makeup behind her dark framed glasses.

Penn had changed into a blue button down shirt with a navy blue jacket, over jeans and white sneakers.

Brennand looked classic in a white and gray striped button down and belted black wide leg pants and pumps.

Later in the day, Penn and Brennand were joined by Julia Roberts, 56, and Brazilian actress Dira Paes, 56, for a special screening of Brennand's first feature film, Manas in Los Angeles

Manas tells the story of Marcielle, a 13-year-old from Marajo Island in northern Brazil, who live in a society that ignores violence against women and children, but fights back to end that legacy for her family

They were joined by Manas star Dira Paes, 56, who showed off her toned arms in a black v-neck tank top over wide leg white pants.

Brennand was awarded the Kering Women in Motion Emerging Talent Award at Cannes in May. The prize came with $57,000 to be invested in her next feature.

Brennand, who began her career as a documentarian, spent more than a decade researching the topic.

'Manas started a little more than 10 years ago when I first heard of what was happening in Marajo Island in the north of Brazil, with young girls and women being sexually exploited on the barges of the Tajapuru,' she told Variety.

'As a documentarian, my first impulse was to do a documentary, to shed light on and denounce the situation. Thats what I started to do, but in the very early stages of the research, I understood it would be impossible for me to ethically tell this story as a documentary.'

Brennand was awarded the Kering Women in Motion Emerging Talent Award at Cannes in May. The prize came with $57,000 to be invested in her next feature; Seen with Nicole Kidman who received the Women in Motion award

Penn said after seeing Manas 'I felt as if I had to put my skin back on after watching it'

Penn told Variety he felt compelled to promote the film as an executive producer because 'Manas continues Brazils most enduring cinematic legacy.'

'Manas is deeply emotional, stirring, and God forbid important. I felt as if I had to put my skin back on after watching it.'

The film has been purchased by US distributor KimStim and will soon begin a limited run in the US in an effort to quality as Brazil's submission for Academy Award consideration.

If successful, Brennand would make history as only the third woman to have a film submitted for the category, and if nominated, she would be the first Brazilian woman to receive an Oscar nomination for best international feature film.
One of HGTVs most popular faces found herself in the middle of a social media firestorm after facing backlash for comments about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Hours after Kirk was fatally shot in Utah on Wednesday, Home Town star Erin Napier took to her Instagram Story, sharing a brief but pointed message that immediately divided followers.

'Only the demonized celebrate death,' Napier wrote.

The 40-year-old interior designer  who, alongside her husband Ben, has built a small-town renovation empire in Mississippi  quickly followed up with a fiery post addressing the hostile responses she had received.

'I am revolted by some of the comments in my DMs,' she wrote. 'Unfollow me, immediately, if you could be one of those comments. Christ, have mercy on us all.'

The drama didnt end there.

Home Town star Erin Napier (pictured right with husband Ben Napier) found herself in the middle of a social media firestorm after facing backlash for comments about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk

Hours after Kirk was fatally shot in Utah on Wednesday, Napier took to her Instagram Story, sharing a brief but pointed message that immediately divided followers (Kirk pictured in July)

On Friday, Napier went further, posting screenshots of specific messages from followers who were outraged by her stance.

One follower threatened to toss Napier's products, unfollow her across all platforms, and stop watching her hit show Home Town.

Napiers blunt caption: 'Because I will not celebrate murder.'

Another message came from someone identifying as a psychiatrist, who accused her of supporting Kirk.

'Really Erin? You are homeschooling your precious children in LAUREL, MS (of all places) to prevent something like this from happening to them,' the user wrote.

'This guy was ALL FOR IT. He died for what he believed in. God have mercy on his soul because I do not.'

The same follower quoted Kirks words after the 2023 Nashville school shooting, where he defended gun deaths as 'a prudent deal' for Second Amendment rights.

Erin fired back: 'You know nothing about why I am homeschooling my children, you sick goblin.'

'Only the demonized celebrate death,' Napier wrote after Kirk's death

The 40-year-old interior designer  who, alongside her husband Ben, has built a small-town renovation empire in Mississippi  quickly followed up with a fiery post addressing the hostile responses she had received

'I am revolted by some of the comments in my DMs,' she wrote. 'Unfollow me, immediately, if you could be one of those comments. Christ, have mercy on us all' (pictured in 2022)

Another critic simply told Napier, 'Thanks for making an unfollow easy peasy.'

Napiers response was consistent: 'Because I will not celebrate murder.'

Kirk, 31, was killed during an outdoor debate at Utah Valley University on September 10.

He is survived by his wife Erika and their two young children: a three-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son.

By Friday morning, President Trump confirmed that 22-year-old Tyler Robinson had been arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder, obstruction of justice, and other charges.

Napiers online clash comes just as Kirks widow, Erika, publicly addressed the tragedy for the first time.

In a video released through Turning Point USA, she shared heartfelt words about her late husband.

'Charlie loved, loved life,' she said. 'He loved his children, and he loved me with all of his heart. He made sure I knew that every day. He was the perfect father. He was the perfect husband.'

Napiers online clash comes just as Kirks widow, Erika, publicly addressed the tragedy for the first time

Erin and Ben Napier have become prominent figures in the home renovation television landscape through their HGTV series Home Town, which premiered in 2016.

The Napiers' influence extends beyond Home Town, with the success of their spin-off series Home Town Takeover further solidifying their position in the industry.

The franchise's expansion includes additional projects like Home Town: Bens Workshop and Home Town Kickstart.

The war of words also comes after Jurassic World star Chris Pratt took to social media to offer thoughts on the assassination.

The actor shared on X: 'Praying for Charlie Kirk right now, for his wife and young children, for our country. We need God's grace. God help us.'

Pratt's wife Katherine Schwarzenegger also responded to the shooting by reposting a tweet from her mother Maria Shriver.

The post read: 'This is a violent act of hate that we all must denounce, all of us, regardless of party. This is reprehensible, horrendous violence that affects each and every one of us.'

This Is Us star Mandy Moore also took to her Instagram Stories to share a message posted by Momsdemandaction.org which read: 'Gun violence doesn't care about ideology.'

The actress offered her own caption as well, writing: 'There is no room for political violence in this discourse. Ever.

'You can disagree with someone's beliefs but this is a terrifying consequence of the world we're living in and it's a cancer.'

Moore concluded: 'I can't stop thinking about Charlie Kirk's wife and their small kids. My heart is with them and all who loved him.'

She later shared a second post that noted a school shooting occurred around the same time that Kirk was killed.

'Bullets don't know and don't care if you are a Republican or Democrat,' the original poster wrote, adding that it was 'time for Republicans and Democrats to find a way to work together to reduce gun violence'.

Chris Pratt's wife, Katherine Schwarzenegger, also responded to the shooting by reposting a tweet from her mother Maria Shriver

Mandy Moore took to her Instagram Stories to share a message posted by Momsdemandaction.org which read: 'Gun violence doesn't care about ideology'

The This Is Us actress then offered her own caption by writing: 'There is no room for political violence in this discourse. Ever'

Moore shared a second repost later that noted a school shooting occurred around the same time that Kirk was killed. 'Bullets don't know and don't care if you are a Republican or Democrat,' the original poster wrote

Sarah Palin's daughter Bristol reposted a statement shared by Turning Point USA - which was co-founded by Kirk

Candace Cameron Bure shared a photo of Kirk to her main Instagram page as well as a moving message

The Full House alum wrote: 'We love you Charlie. Well done good and faithful servant'

Sarah Palin's daughter Bristol reposted a statement shared by Turning Point USA - which was co-founded by Kirk.

'It is with heavy heart that we confirm that Charles James Kirk has been murdered by a gunshot that took place during Turning Point USA's "The American Comeback Tour" campus event at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.

'May he be received into the merciful arms of our loving Savior, who suffered and died for Charlie.'

The message concluded with: 'We ask that everyone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers. We ask that you please respect their privacy and dignity at this time.'

Candace Cameron Bure shared a photo of Kirk to her main Instagram page as well as the message: 'We love you Charlie. Well done good and faithful servant.'

Jake Paul took to X and wrote: 'Charlie Kirk got shot for telling the truth. That is literally it.

'What a mentally sick time we are living through. We need god more than ever. Praying for Charlie's family and praying for these evil people to heal.'

Danica Patrick shared a post from Upward News to her Instagram Stories which announced Kirk's death.

Jake Paul took to X and wrote: 'Charlie Kirk got shot for telling the truth. That is literally it'

Danica Patrick shared a post from Upward News to her Instagram Stories which announced Kirk's death

In text added towards the top, the former pro race car driver wrote: 'I can't believe it. What is wrong with people?'

Arnold Schwarzenegger also took to X to share a message to his followers and penned: 'My heart is with Charlie Kirk's family, and with the United States'

In text added towards the top, the former pro race car driver wrote: 'I can't believe it. What is wrong with people?

'We have an epidemic of mental illness. Praying so much for his family and everyone that knows him and loves him.'

Arnold Schwarzenegger also took to X to share a message to his followers and penned: 'My heart is with Charlie Kirk's family, and with the United States.'

The former governor of California continued: 'Politics has become a disease in this country, and it's deadly. But don't listen to the pessimists who say there is no cure.

'There is a cure. It is inside of us. We must find our better angels and walk back from the extremes. If we can't agree on anything else, we must find agreement that we don't solve our debates with violence.

'This is a horrible tragedy. May it also be a moment for everyone to rediscover their humanity.'

Rosie O'Donnell shared a picture of Kirk to her Instagram page as well as the caption: 'no just no - do not become the murderer - this is wrong on every level - #werallamericans.'

Dr. Phil uploaded a video to his X account where he shared the news of Kirk's death and wrote: 'Charlie Kirk, husband, father, friend, American, has been assassinated.

'This is a horrible tragedy. May it also be a moment for everyone to rediscover their humanity,' wrote Arnold Schwarzenegger

Rosie O'Donnell shared a picture of Kirk to her Instagram page as well as the caption: 'no just no - do not become the murderer - this is wrong on every level - #werallamericans'

Jimmy Kimmel also took to Instagram and shared the message to his main page: 'Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human?'

The late night talk show host continued: 'On behalf of my family, we send love to the Kirks and to all the children, parents and innocents who fall victim to senseless gun violence'

Stephen King tweeted on X: 'The motivation of the man who shot Charlie Kirk isn't clear (although he's probably mentally unstable -- duh). What is clear is it was another example of American gun violence'

Roseanne Barr jumped to X and simply penned: 'Devastated,' followed by another tweet which read: 'Ignore the demons. Especially online. They want you angry and traumatized. Band together in love for Charlie'

'His spirit, passion and message will live on. Prayers for his soul and his wife and children.'

Jimmy Kimmel also took to Instagram and shared the message to his main page: 'Instead of the angry finger-pointing, can we just for one day agree that it is horrible and monstrous to shoot another human?'

The late night talk show host continued: 'On behalf of my family, we send love to the Kirks and to all the children, parents and innocents who fall victim to senseless gun violence.'

Stephen King tweeted on X: 'The motivation of the man who shot Charlie Kirk isn't clear (although he's probably mentally unstable -- duh). What is clear is it was another example of American gun violence.'

Roseanne Barr jumped to X and simply penned: 'Devastated,' followed by another tweet which read: 'Ignore the demons. Especially online. They want you angry and traumatized. Band together in love for Charlie.'

Real Housewives Of Atlanta alumna Kim Zolciak shared a video of Kirk with his daughter on her Instagram Stories and added the text: 'Absolutely heartbreaking.'

Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jennifer Affleck shared a photo of Kirk with his family, captioning it: 'Came home to the most heartbreaking news. Sending all my love and prayers to his wife and babies.'

Clayton Echard, star of season 26 of The Bachelor, shared a lengthy message honoring Kirk in his Instagram Stories. He praised Kirk for how friendly he was during an appearance on his podcast a year earlier.

Real Housewives Of Atlanta alum Kim Zolciak shared a video of Kirk with his daughter on her Instagram Stories and added the text: 'Absolutely heartbreaking'

Mormon Wives star Jennifer Affleck shared a photo of Kirk with his family, captioning it: 'Came home to the most heartbreaking news. Sending all my love and prayers to his wife and babies'

Clayton Echard, star of season 26 of The Bachelor, shared a lengthy message honoring Kirk in his Instagram Stories. He praised Kirk for how friendly he was during an appearance on his podcast a year earlier

President Donald Trump also responded to the death of Charlie Kirk (pictured with Trump in 2018) with a post on 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

'This has not sat right with me all day. I met Charlie a year ago when he had me on his live podcast to discuss the paternity scandal that I was facing,' Echard wrote. 'He provided me with a platform to seek justice when hardly anyone else mainstream would.

'What really stood out to me was how in between commercial breaks, he would immediately turn to me and ask me questions about myself. He genuinely was trying to get to know me, and came across as just a normal guy that wanted to help however he could.'

'That's the Charlie I met. The one that smiled widely when he spoke of his family and the one that acknowledged everyone in the room when he walked in,' Echard continued.

'Many famous people won't do that, as I've seen. It takes a certain type of humility to do so. May he rest in peace.'

President Donald Trump also responded to the death of Charlie Kirk with a post on 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 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!'
by Dereck Goto

Eighty years ago, the Chinese people stood battered but unbroken after a 14-year struggle against brutal aggression. During the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, China suffered over 35 million casualties and saw its cities and villages devastated. Yet from those ashes emerged not only a military victory, but a moral triumph. It was China's declaration that sovereignty could be reclaimed and that a united people could defeat an enemy that appeared indomitable.

For Zimbabwe, this anniversary is not a distant page in another nation's story -- it is a mirror. China's path resonates with our own odyssey from colonial subjugation to independence, from marginalisation to self-assertion.

It is therefore fitting that President Emmerson Mnangagwa stood in Beijing on Sept. 3 alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping, commemorating the victory that reshaped Asia and, by extension, the world. His presence testifies to a friendship forged not merely in diplomacy but through shared philosophies of resistance, resilience and reconstruction.

This year's commemoration was no ordinary gathering. On this grand occasion, President Mnangagwa was one of only two African leaders invited.

The guest list itself conveyed a distinct geopolitical significance: a convergence of nations united by shared histories of striving for national sovereignty -- often portrayed differently in Western narratives -- yet collectively dedicated to shaping a global order more just, equitable and responsive to the needs and aspirations of the majority of countries in the international community.

What made China's victory so consequential was not just the endurance of its people, but also the strategic ripple effects that changed the course of World War II. More than two-thirds of Japan's ground forces were tied down in China for years, suffering hundreds of thousands of casualties on Chinese soil. In truth, without Chinese resistance, the Allied victory in Europe would have been far less certain.

Connections to Africa during the war were real. In 1942, Chinese troops in Myanmar carried out the daring rescue at Yenangyaung, freeing thousands of encircled Allied soldiers. Among accounts from that period are memories of Africans serving in British colonial formations who encountered Chinese troops.

One such story, passed down in veterans' circles, tells of a Rhodesian soldier -- Sergeant James Moyo -- who wrote that Chinese troops who saved him and his comrades were "brothers in the fight for freedom." The story captures the essence of solidarity: strangers recognizing in each other a shared destiny of resistance. That spirit prefigured the later bonds between China and Africa in liberation struggles.

President Mnangagwa has rightly observed that "our friendship with China is written in the blood of shared struggle, and in the sweat of shared reconstruction." This explains why, when Zimbabwe gained independence in 1980, China was among the first to recognize and support us. From supporting liberation fighters to providing scholarships and technical expertise that built our early infrastructure, China's ethic of solidarity proved enduring. Over the decades, the China-Zimbabwe relationship has matured into partnerships spanning energy, agriculture, telecommunications and health.

The Kariba South hydropower station expansion, the Hwange Thermal Power Station Unit 7 and Unit 8 project, the new Parliament Building in Mount Hampden, and Zimbabwe's 5G rollout through Huawei all carry Chinese fingerprints. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when vaccine nationalism exposed the fragility of global solidarity, it was Chinese vaccines that reached our shores in time. These acts are not transactional; they flow from a philosophy forged in struggle -- that security and prosperity must be collective, not individual.

There is also a symbolic detail that enriches this year's commemoration. Japan signed its instrument of surrender on Sept. 2, 1945, yet China observes Sept. 3 as its Victory Day. Why? Because China announced the victory the following day, and three days of celebration began on Sept. 3, a date later formalized by the People's Republic of China in 2014.

The symbolism is profound: peace is not a signature on parchment, but a sunrise witnessed by the living. Zimbabwe also knows that freedom is not proclaimed once but lived daily -- in the soil, in the economy, and in the dignity of sovereignty.

The lessons of this history remain urgent. In an era where the world again teeters between cooperation and confrontation, the legacy of 1945 reminds us that the fate of nations is intertwined. "War is like a mirror. Looking at it helps us better appreciate the value of peace," President Xi has observed. Tanzania's founding President Julius Nyerere once warned that "without unity, there is no future for Africa." Both statements converge on the same truth: security cannot be sustained by dominance, coercion or exclusion. It must rest on dialogue, justice and mutual respect.

And yet, Zimbabwe and China today face familiar tactics. Zimbabwe endures Western sanctions designed to weaponize finance against our sovereignty. China confronts foreign containment -- trade wars, technology bans and military encirclement -- meant to stall its rise. These are not new; they are modern forms of the same historical efforts to deny independent nations their rightful place in the world.

The late former Zimbabwean President Robert Gabriel Mugabe once reminded the world that "our friendship with China was not born out of convenience, but out of principle." Those principles -- sovereignty, dignity and self-determination -- remain under pressure in the 21st century.

As Zimbabwe looks to its Vision 2030, the Chinese experience offers inspiration. It proves that national rejuvenation is possible even after devastation, but only with unity, strategic patience and disciplined self-reliance. China rebuilt not through dependency on external powers, but through self-driven transformation. For Zimbabwe, still navigating sanctions, economic headwinds and global volatility, the lesson is clear -- adversity can be fuel for renewal.

When President Mnangagwa stood in Beijing on Sept. 3, 2025, he did not simply mark a foreign anniversary. He was honoring a shared inheritance of struggle and a shared responsibility for the future. The Great Wall of China and the Great Zimbabwe, though thousands of kilometers apart, carry the same message: civilizations endure. They may be tested, but they do not vanish. They adapt, rebuild and rise again.

History is not a museum piece. It is a compass. The victory of 1945 reminds us that peace is not the absence of war, but the presence of justice, sovereignty and solidarity. For Zimbabwe and China alike, to remember is not only to honor the past but to carry its torch forward.

The world still waits for a new dawn, and it falls to us -- the inheritors of sacrifice -- to ensure that dawn shines with dignity, equality and shared prosperity.

Editor's note: Dereck Goto is a Harare-based political commentator.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Xinhua News Agency.
Anna Wintour, 75, announced in June that she was stepping down as editor-in-chief of the glossy title US Vogue after 37 years.

Three months later, Chloe Malle, the 39-year-old Vogue staffer, was announced as the woman to take over as US Vogue's head of editorial content.

On Saturday the daughter of Candice Bergen hit the Khaite fashion show in New York City.

The young editor proved that glam was not high on her list as she went almost makeup free with her hair back.

And the wordsmith wore a simple black tank top as she flashed unpolished nails and held on to her cell phone.

Anna Wintour , 75, announced in June that she was stepping down as editor-in-chief of the glossy title US Vogue after 37 years. Three months later, Chloe Malle, the 39-year-old Vogue staffer, was announced as the woman to take over as US Vogue's head of editorial content

On Saturday the daughter of Candice Bergen hit a fashion show in New York City . The young editor proved that glam was not high on her list as she went almost makeup free with her hair back. And the wordsmith wore a simple black tank top

Malle does have a proven track record of commercial success, having doubled traffic to vogue.com since becoming editor of the online platform in 2023.

In her new role, she will lead the creative and editorial direction of the title, while still reporting to Wintour, who remains chief content officer of Conde Nast and global editorial director of Vogue.

Since joining the magazine in 2011, Malle has co-hosted Vogue's weekly fashion and culture podcast, strengthened its newsletters and expanded its wedding coverage, as well as launching viral hits such as Dogue, a tongue-in-cheek fashion magazine for dogs.

A Wintour protege, Malle has been tipped as favorite since coordinating Vogue's coverage of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos's marriage to Lauren Sanchez in June, as well as being hand-picked to write an exclusive interview with Sanchez.

Which isn't bad going for a woman who, in a 2014 interview, admitted that 'fashion is not one of my main interests in life.'

Wintour (above) was always chic with blown out hair and designer duds

Malle's mother Candice Bergen (above, left) is an actor who played the fictitious editor of American Vogue in Sex And The City

Paradoxically, this may prove to be a strength.

A graduate of Brown University who lives in New York City with her financial analyst husband, two children and a dog, Malle is said to be as happy building Lego as sitting on the front row.

She is also regarded by colleagues as far more approachable than her mentor and therefore unlikely to adopt Wintour's habit of wearing Chanel sunglasses 24/7.

It's perhaps significant that in Malle's first official photograph for Vogue, she was pictured wearing jeans and a casual pink and yellow $645 (482) Dries Van Noten shirt.

But while the new 'devil' might not wear Prada, her lineage has led envious critics to claim that Malle has been handed her role on a silver platter.

Her late father is French film director Louis Malle, while her mother is American actress Candice Bergen.

Bergen, 79, has appeared twice on the cover of Vogue  in May 1967 and February 1969  as well as notching up 104 mentions in fashion and lifestyle spreads over the years.

Mindy Kaling was seen arriving at he Khaite fashion show during New York Fashion Week on September 13

In a curious case of life imitating art, Bergen also played the fictitious editor of American Vogue in Sex And The City, a recurring role that saw her character, Enid Frick, tell Carrie Bradshaw that '40 is the last age a woman can be photographed in a wedding dress'.

No doubt her daughter will have more modern, inclusive views.

'Fashion and media are both evolving at breakneck speed, and I am so thrilled, and awed, to be part of that,' Malle said.

'I also feel incredibly fortunate to still have Anna just down the hall as my mentor.'

A reminder, perhaps, that despite Malle's new role, Wintour remains the real power behind the throne.
Kate Garraway was ever the proud mum as she dropped her daughter Darcey Draper back off at university after summer.

The broadcast journalist, 58, took to Instagram on Sunday to share that she had spent the day in her car driving her daughter, 19, back to uni.

Darcey, who Kate shares with her late husband Derek Draper, started university last summer and this week headed back to kick off her second year.

Kate gushed over how 'proud' she is of Darcey as she opened up about the 'big change'.

'Another car picnic in the Vicky Volvo,' she said. 'This one much more happy and jolly and positive because I've got a very happy daughter duly delivered to uni.

'I've now got a very empty car, I can't believe we got all the suitcases and everything in to be honest into Vicky Volvo, but we did it which is great. And now I'm just taking a moment for a hot brew before we head off, or I head off. It's a big one isn't it?

Kate Garraway was ever the proud mum as she dropped her daughter Darcey Draper back off at university after summer, which she shared on Instagram on Sunday

The broadcast journalist, 58, took to Instagram on Sunday to share that she had spent the day in her car driving her daughter, 19, back to uni

'Because you're so proud of them, you know it's what they want, everyone seemed fantastic where she was. But it's also a big change and a big moment.'

She continued: 'Good luck to anyone, parents and students, who have been delivering youngsters on their new paths this weekend.

'Good luck to anyone starting something new this week, new jobs, new challenges. Let's make it a fantastic week.'

Sharing the video, Kate captioned the clip: 'One daughter duly delivered to Uni. Know lots of parents and students doing the same this weekend.

'Good luck to anyone starting a new chapter this week - let's make it a good one! Happy Sunday everyone.xx #freshstarts #unilife @volvocars @volvocaruk.'

Darcey's dad, former political lobbyist Derek, died aged 56 in January from COVID-19 complications, almost four years after he was taken ill with the respiratory virus.

He was one of the country's longest-suffering coronavirus patients and remained in hospital for more than a year but never fully recovered after the virus left long-lasting damage to his organs.

Darcey ensured her father was still with her when she headed off to her first year of uni last summer, by packing a family photo, taken before he was struck down with the illness in March 2020, and one of his favoured Panama hats.

'Another car picnic in the Vicky Volvo,' she said. 'This one much more happy and jolly and positive because I've got a very happy daughter duly delivered to uni'

Darcey, who Kate shares with her late husband Derek Draper, started university last summer and this week headed back to kick off her second year (Kate and her son Billy and daughter Darcey in September 2024)

'Because you're so proud of them, you know it's what they want, everyone seemed fantastic where she was,' she wrote

Sharing a video of the teenager's departure with Instagram followers, Kate revealed the unframed photo and the hat previously worn by Darcey at Wimbledon on the backseat of her car as it sat on the kerb outside their north London home.

Captioning the clip, she wrote: 'And just like that she was off! That tiny helpless baby we brought home from hospital 18 yrs ago has gone to #uni!

'Just like thousands of other parents this weekend I was playing that game of jenga trying to get it all in the car. Thank goodness my beloved Victor has a massive boot!

She added: 'Such an emotional moment on so many levels & boy is the house quiet.

'But Darcey we couldnt be prouder of you starting this new chapter in your life & know your Dad is with you all the way.'

Kate's eldest child paid tribute to her later father Derek (right) on Sunday afternoon by wearing one of his favoured Panama hats during the Wimbledon final

Commenting on the post, Good Morning Britain co-host Charlotte Hawkins wrote: 'Best of luck Darcey - have an amazing time!'

TV presenter Carol Vorderman added: 'Wishing your girl all the happiness in the world on her new adventure.'

Meanwhile Carol Wright - mother of former The Only Way Is Essex stars Mark and Jessica, and young model Natalya - wrote: 'Wishing her all the luck in the world. But as much as your proud your heart aches from when one of them leave your home.

'I've had three leave so far and every time I have cried and felt empty. One more to go which I am holding on to with every part of me but I know she will leave soon as its a part of independence and growing up. Happy uni days for Darcy.'
The 77th annual Primetime Emmy Awards brought television's biggest names together at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Sydney Sweeney, 28, was ever the blonde bombshell as she smoldered in a red hot cleavage-baring Oscar de la Renta gown at the event.

The Euphoria star complemented her sizzling dress with a stunning collection of jewels from Lorraine Schwartz, including a 120-carat diamond necklace.

Wednesday star Jenna Ortega, 22, flashed the flesh in a nearly naked look by Givenchy, featuring a top with multi-colored chunky gems, and a simple black skirt with a thigh-high slit.

The actress appeared to be channeling Isabella Rossellini's character in the 1992 film Death Becomes Her.

Selena Gomez, 33, mesmerized in a glamorous custom red Louis Vuitton gown, with her dark hair pulled into a chic updo.

Sydney Sweeney, 28, and Jenna Ortega, 22, led the best dressed stars at the 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday

Selena Gomez, 33, and Meghann Fahy, 35, joined them in sensational looks as they commanded attention at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles

The actress was joined by her fiance Benny Blanco, 37. The loved-up pair indulged in plenty of PDA, even sharing a kiss on the red carpet.

Meanwhile White Lotus star Meghann Fahy, 35, commanded attention in a plunging black velvet gown with a racy front slit.

Succession actress Justine Lupe, 36, kicked off the red carpet in a revealing Carolina Herrera mirrored halterneck gown.

The statuesque star turned heads as she went braless in the plunging look, which featured silver disks throughout.

She wore her blonde hair cascading down her shoulders and accessorized with silver jewelry.

Model Shanina Shaik, 34, also opted for a racy black gown with a thigh-high slit on the side. Her glamorous look was completed with pointed-toe black heels and a matching clutch.

Scarlett Johansson, 40, looked sensational in an elegant, sleeveless pale yellow gown by Prada, featuring extensive ruching. She was joined by husband Colin Jost, 43, who sported a classy black tuxedo.

Cate Blanchett, 56, showed off her edgy style, wearing a black velvet jumpsuit with sharply structured shoulders.

Legally Blonde star Jennifer Coolidge, 64, mesmerized in an off-the-shoulder black gown with matching gloves.

Walton Goggins, 53, was joined by wife Nadia Conners on the red carpet. The actor looked handsome as ever in a white shirt he left partly unbuttoned and a matching suit jacket. He completed the look with black pants.

Sydney was ever the blonde bombshell as she smoldered in a red hot cleavage-baring Oscar de la Renta gown at the event

The actress had all eyes on her in the busty look

Her blonde tresses cascaded down her shoulders in loose waves

The Euphoria star complemented her sizzling dress with a stunning collection of jewels from Lorraine Schwartz, including a 120-carat diamond necklace

The stunning gown highlighted her ample cleavage

Her eye-catching dress featured a dramatic train

Wednesday star Jenna flashed the flesh in a nearly naked look featuring multi-colored gems by Givenchy

She showed off her toned midriff

Ortega appeared to be channeling Isabella Rossellini's character in the 1992 film Death Becomes Her

The actress's glamorous look was complemented by moody, gothic makeup

Selena mesmerized in a glamorous red Louis Vuitton gown, with her dark hair pulled into a chic updo

The Only Murders in the Building star accessorized with sparkling earrings

The actress was joined by fiance Benny Blanco

The pair are set to wed in September

White Lotus star Meghann rocked a plunging black velvet dress with strappy black heels

The beauty wore delicate makeup for the night

Scarlett Johansson, 40, looked sensational in an elegant, sleeveless pale yellow gown by Prada, featuring extensive ruching

She was joined by husband Colin Jost, 43, who sported a classy black tuxedo

The pair have been married since 2020

Catherine Zeta-Jones, 55, brought the drama in a black strapless gown with an elaborate black lace corset top that transitioned into a shimmering black skirt

She wore a pair of delicate silver earrings that dangled from her ears

Cate Blanchett, 56, showed off her edgy style wearing a black velvet jumpsuit with sharply structured shoulders

The Oscar winner wore her blonde tresses in a chic short bob

Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester, 39, was a vision in a Prada gown with side cut-outs. She was joined by husband Adam Brody

Justine Lupe, 36, and Shanina Shaik, 34, looked sensational in skin-baring looks

Justine sizzled in a revealing Carolina Herrera mirrored halterneck gown

She wore her blonde hair cascading down her shoulders and accessorized with silver jewelry

Model Shanina also opted for a revealing black gown with a thigh-high slit on the side

The runway sensation wore delicate makeup to complete her look

Kristen Bell, 45, mesmerized in a backless criss-cross dress with a top half that featured a black bodice, and a bottom featuring a sheer skirt

Husband Dax Shepard joined her on the red carpet

Brittany Snow, 39, opted for a pop of color in a bright pink dress. Hunter Schafer, 26, wowed in a dark red McQueen gown. Malin Akerman, 47, wore a large pink bow on her black velvet dress

Singer Rita Ora turned heads for the evening in a cream and white gown featuring a racy plunging neckline and thigh-high split

Her blonde hair framed her face

She was joined by her husband, director and actor Taika Waititi

Jennifer Coolidge, 64, Rashida Jones,49, and Garcelle Beauvais, 58, all stunned in black

The White Lotus star wore her blonde tresses in an updo

She wore delicate glam to highlight her naturally beautiful features

Emmy Awards 2025 winners: AT A GLANCE Best Drama Series: The Pitt Best Actor in a Drama Series: Noah Wyle - The Pitt Best Supporting Acress in a Drama Series - Katherine LaNasa Best Actress in a Drama Series: Britt Lower - Severance Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series: Tramell Tillman - Severance Best Limited or Anthology Series: Adolescence Best Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: Stephen Graham - Adolescence Best Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: Owen Cooper - Adolescence Best Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: Erin Doherty - Adolescence Best Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie: Cristin Milioti - The Penguin Noah Wyle led The Pitt to a massive night which included Best Drama Series Best Comedy Series: The Studio Best Actor in a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen - The Studio Best Directing for a Comedy Series: Seth Rogen - The Studio Best Writing for a Comedy Series - Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, Frida Perez Best Actress in a Comedy Series: Jean Smart - Hacks Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Hannah Einbinder - Hacks Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Jeff Hiller - Somebody Somewhere Best Talk Series: The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Best Scripted Variety Series: Last Week Tonight With John Oliver Outstanding Variety Special (Live): SNL 50: The Anniversary Special Best Reality Competition Series: The Traitors Seth Rogen and The Studio earned an impressive 13 Primetime Emmys Advertisement

Meanwhile Nadia stunned in a busty flowing white gown with a black belt.

The loved-up pair enjoyed plenty of PDA on the red carpet, and even shared a kiss at one point.

Catherine Zeta-Jones, 55, brought the drama in a black strapless gown with an elaborate black lace corset top that transitioned into a shimmering black skirt.

Kristen Bell, 45, mesmerized in a backless criss-cross dress with a top half that featured a black bodice, and a bottom featuring a sheer skirt.

Kathy Bates, 77, enchanted in a dark brown gown, and wore her silver tresses swept up in a stylish updo.

Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester, 39, was a vision in a Prada gown with side cut-outs.

Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town made a statement in a sparkling dark red dress.

Aimee Lou Wood, 31, who is nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama series, looked stunning in a pale pink and red satin gown, which featured a sweetheart neckline with red fabric peeking out the top of the pink cups, as well as a long train.

Aimee made a powerful statement with her garment as she attached a ceasefire brooch to her dress in solidarity with those affected by the conflict in Gaza.

Aimee Lou Wood, 31, looked stunning in a pale pink and red satin gown, which featured a sweetheart neckline with red fabric peeking out the top of the pink cups, as well as a long train

Aimee made a powerful statement with her garment as she attached a ceasefire brooch to her dress in solidarity with those affected by the conflict in Gaza

Aimee's White Lotus co-star Walton Goggins, 53, was joined by wife Nadia Conners on the red carpet

Nadia stunned in a busty flowing white gown with a black belt

The actor looked handsome as ever in a white shirt he left partly unbuttoned and a matching suit jacket. He completed the look with black pants

The loved-up pair enjoyed plenty of PDA on the red carpet

Walton shared a kiss with his wife as they took a break from posing for the cameras

Gilmore Girls stars Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel were also present

Law and Order SVU star Mariska Hargitay was a showstopper in a burgundy velvet gown. Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town and Janelle James also opted for burgundy looks

Sarah Paulson, 50, stole the show in a dark feather gown

Sara Foster put on a leggy display in a red gown with a racy slit

Game of Thrones star Gwendoline Christie, 46, showed off her impeccable sense of style in a tailored white suit

The Mandalorian star Pedro Pascal, 50, looked dashing in a cream suit

Michelle Williams, 45, wore a ruffled white vintage Chanel dress

She was joined by husband Thomas Kail

Mychal-Bella Bowman looked ultra chic in a black and white gown with floral details

Singer Rita Ora turned heads for the evening in a cream and white gown featuring a racy plunging neckline and thigh-high split. She was joined by her husband, director and actor Taika Waititi.

The Mandalorian star Pedro Pascal, 50, looked dashing in a crisp white suit.

Angela Bassett, 67, exuded pure glamour in a form-fitting metallic silver gown by Yara Shoemaker.

Sarah Paulson, 50, stole the show in a dark feather dress.

Dancing with the Stars pro Derek Hough, 40, cut a handsome figure in a crisp navy suit.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta star Phaedra Parks, 51, sizzled in a busty strapless glittering silver gown.

Heather McMahan and Bresha Webb both wowed the crowd in midnight blue gowns.

Sons of Anarchy star Charlie Hunnam, 45, made a rare appearance with girlfriend Morgana McNelis.

Kit Hoover, 55, dazzled in a champagne silk dress that highlighted her cleavage.

Jason Segel, 45, was joined by fiancee Kayla Radomski. She wowed in a black dress, while he looked handsome in a burgundy suit.

Game of Thrones star Gwendoline Christie, 46, showed off her impeccable sense of style in a tailored white suit.

Halsey, 30, turned heads in a dark metallic gown with a plunging neckline

Her hair was styled in a shaggy short look

She was joined by partner Avan Jogia

Angela Bassett, 67, exuded pure glamour in a form-fitting metallic silver gown by Yara Shoemaker

Michelle Monaghan, Charlotte Le Bon, and Hannah Einbinder all opted for metallic gowns

Sarah Catherine Hook, 30, looked magnificent in a black dress with sequins tassels

Kaitlyn Dever, 28, showed off her toned midriff in a black bra and matching skirt. She paired the look with a sparkling gold cropped jacket

The Brown Bunny Chloe Sevigny sizzled in a black gown with a leg slit. Elizabeth Banks and Keri Russell also showed off their unique styles in dramatic black gowns

Jake Gyllenhaal, 44, was joined by French model girlfriend, 29-year-old Jeanne Cadieu

He looked dapper in a black suit while she wowed in a pale pink dress

Sons of Anarchy star Charlie Hunnam, 45, made a rare appearance with girlfriend Morgana McNelis

The actor looked dashing in a navy suit

Schitt's Creek star Catherine O'Hara, 71, wore a dramatic black gown

Her blonde hair was lightly curled

Quinta Brunson, Kathryn Hahn and Erin Doherty wowed in black ensembles

Erin also posed with her Adolescence co-star Owen Cooper, 15

Cooper made history as the youngest recipient of supporting actor award for his performance as Jamie Miller in Netflix's miniseries, Adolescence

(L-R) Doherty, Stephen Graham, Christine Tremarco, Ashley Walters and Owen

Harrison Ford, 83, seemed to be in high spirits when he arrived at the Emmys red carpet with his wife Calista Flockhart, 60

Slow Horses star Gary Oldman, 67, matched his black suit to wife Gisele Schmidt's dress

Natasha Rothwell, 44, made a dramatic entrance in a billowing black gown

She accessorized with a green pendant

Kathy Bates, 77, enchanted in a dark brown gown, and wore her silver tresses swept up in a stylish updo. Jean Smart, 74, was elegant in a forest green dress

Gilmore Girls stars Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel were also present.

Euphoria star Hunter Schafer, 26, wowed in a dark red McQueen gown.

Schitt's Creek star Catherine O'Hara, 71, wore a dramatic black gown.

Kaitlyn Dever, 28, showed off her toned midriff in a black bra and matching skirt. She paired the look with a sparkling gold cropped jacket.

Quinta Brunson, Kathryn Hahn and Erin Doherty all stunned in black ensembles.

Jennie Garth, 53, cut a glamorous figure in a pale shimmering dress, while Carrie Coon, 44, looked vibrant in a delicate pale blue dress.

Halsey, 30, turned heads in a dark metallic gown with a plunging neckline. She was joined by partner Avan Jogia.

Harrison Ford seemed to be in high spirits when he arrived at the Emmys red carpet with his wife Calista Flockhart.

He has numerous iconic films behind him, but this year marks the first time Ford has ever been nominated for an Emmy Award.

He's competing for his role on Apple TV+'s Shrinking as a senior therapist struggling with Parkinson's disease.

The Indiana Jones star has gone all in on television after also leading the Yellowstone prequel 1923.

Brittany Snow, 39, opted for a pop of color in a bright pink dress. Malin Akerman, 47, also had a pink accent on her look, wearing a large pink bow on her black velvet dress.

Jake Gyllenhaal, 44, was joined by French model girlfriend, 29-year-old Jeanne Cadieu. He looked dapper in a black suit while she wowed in a pale pink dress.

Jennie Garth, 53, cut a glamorous figure in a pale shimmering dress

Her blonde hair was styled in an updo, and she wore dark lipstick

Carrie Coon, 44, looked vibrant in a delicate pale blue dress

Leslie Bibb and Sam Rockwell made a stylish duo

Jason Segel, 45, was joined by fiancee Kayla Radomski

She wowed in a black dress, while he looked handsome in a burgundy suit

Seth Rogen, 43, was accompanied by wife Lauren Miller Rogen

Ben Stiller was joined by wife Christine Taylor, with the couple matching in black looks

The Real Housewives of Atlanta star Phaedra Parks, 51, sizzled in a busty strapless glittering silver gown. Kit Hoover, 55, dazzled in a champagne silk dress that highlighted her cleavage

Phaedra added height to her look with chunky gold heels

Caroline Ribeiro, Ruth Negga and Krys Marshall stunned in cream-colored gowns

Heather McMahan and Bresha Webb both wowed the crowd in midnight blue gowns

Sarah Bock looked breathtaking in a pale blue gown

(L-R) Jackie Tohn, Britt Lower, and Ariel Dumas

Chase Sui wore a fitted black gown and statement earrings

It featured a lace-up back

Jenny Slate wore a unique gown

Haley Kalil wowed in a green gown. Katherine LaNasa looked angelic in a white dress. Meanwhile Lisa Ann Walter rocked a striped gown

Noah Wyle, 54, was accompanied by wife Sara Wells

The couple shared a tender moment together

Reba McEntire was joined by her longtime partner, Rex Linn, and the couple revealed that they are engaged during a red carpet interview

Colin Farrell was joined by son Henry

Jimmy Kimmel and wife Molly McNearney matched in black

Adolescence star Stephen Graham pictured with family

Michelle Monaghan, Charlotte Le Bon, and Hannah Einbinder all wore metallic gowns.

Slow Horses star Gary Oldman, 67, matched his black suit to wife Gisele Schmidt's dress.

Reba McEntire was joined by her longtime partner, Rex Linn, and the couple revealed that they are engaged during a red carpet interview.

Brazilian fashion model and actress Caroline Ribeiro, 45, was effortlessly glamorous in a caped white gown.

Jimmy Kimmel and wife Molly McNearney matched in black.

Jude Law, 52, exuded style and charm in a black tuxedo.

Sarah Catherine Hook, 30, looked magnificent in a black dress with sequins tassels.

Ben Stiller was joined by wife Christine Taylor, with the couple matching in black looks.

Seth Rogen, 43, was accompanied by wife Lauren Miller Rogen.

Christopher Meloni rocked a dark blue tie dye suit. Colman Domingo was cool as ever in a baby blue jacket and brown bell bottoms.

Javier Bardem was among the Hollywood stars to get political on the red carpet.

He wore a keffiyeh scarf and urged those watching to support the 'Free Palestine' movement in an interview with Variety, after the pledge was put together earlier this month, just ahead of the two-year anniversary of Hamas invading an Israeli music festival.

Dancing with the Stars pro Derek Hough, 40, cut a handsome figure in a crisp navy suit. Jude Law, 52, exuded style and charm in a black Brioni tuxedo

He wore his blonde hair slicked back

The dancer and choreographer had a blast on the red carpet

Grey's Anatomy star Jesse Williams and Evan Peters looked handsome in dark suits

Javier Bardem, 56, was among the Hollywood stars to express their support for Palestine on Sunday

He wore a keffiyeh scarf and urged those watching to support the 'Free Palestine' movement in an interview with Variety

Christopher Meloni rocked a dark blue tie dye suit. Colman Domingo was cool as ever in a baby blue jacket and brown bell bottoms

Markell Washington, Adam Scott, and Zach Cherry showed off their unique take on formalwear

Kevin Frazier was joined by Nischelle Turner on the red carpet

Jeff Hiller rocked a unique pink suit and white shoes

Charlie Brooker sported a dark suit and tie

The three-hour show was hosted by Grammy-nominated comedian Nate Bargatze.

Former E.R. star Noah Wyle was every bit the comeback king as he led new medical drama The Pitt to top honors as the HBO series was the biggest winner at the 2025 Emmy Awards that also saw high marks for Adolescence, The Studio, and Hacks.

The 54-year-old actor earned top acting honor Best Actor in a Drama Series to earn his first ever Emmy on a night that The Pitt took home top prize Best Drama Series for a total of five.

Meanwhile, Netflix's limited series Adolescence earned an impressive eight including one for Owen Cooper who became the youngest-ever male winner in any acting category.

Seth Rogen led AppleTV+ series The Studio was the top winner with an impressive 13 Primetime Emmys - including Best Comedy Series - while HBO comedy Hacks added another three including individual wins for Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder.

However, it was The Pitt who ended the night with the biggest win in the Best Drama Series category over Andor, The Diplomat, The Last of Us, Paradise, Severance, Slow Horses, and The White Lotus.

Meanwhile, Noah - who starred on iconic medical drama E.R. over 254 episodes from 1994 to 2009 - was proud as he earned his first Primetime Emmy Award after five previous nominations on his former medical drama.

He faced heavy competition which included: Sterling K. Brown: Paradise, Gary Oldman: Slow Horses, Pedro Pascal: The Last Of Us, and Adam Scott: Severance.

Former E.R. star Noah completed his career comeback as he led new medical drama The Pitt to top honors as the HBO series was the biggest winner at the 2025 Emmy Awards

Meanwhile, Netflix's limited series Adolescence earned an impressive eight including one for Owen Cooper (center) who became the youngest-ever male winner in any acting category; Owen is joined by Stephen Graham (left) and Erin Doherty (right) who also won big

Seth Rogen led AppleTV+ series The Studio was the top winner with an impressive 13 Primetime Emmys while HBO comedy Hacks added another three including individual wins for Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder

It was The Pitt which cinched the biggest win of the night in the Best Drama Series category over Andor, The Diplomat, The Last of Us, Paradise, Severance, Slow Horses, and The White Lotus (pictured left to right: Katherine LaNasa, Noah Wyle, and Shawn Hatosy)

Meanwhile, Noah was proud as he earned his first Primetime Emmy Award after five previous nominations on his former medical drama

He starred on iconic medical drama E.R. over 254 episodes from 1994 to 2009

The Pitt is centered around the daily lives of healthcare professionals in a Pittsburgh hospital as they juggle personal crises, workplace politics, and the emotional toll of treating critically ill patients, revealing the resilience required in their noble calling

When it came to the Limited or Anthology Series or Movie categories it was Adolescence which led the way including the coveted win in the Best Limited or Anthology Series category

Meanwhile, Stephen Graham was a massive winner as he earned Best Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie

In one of the sweetest moments of the night 15-year-old Owen Cooper triumphed in the Best Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his work in Adolescence

Sydney presented him with the award

Sydney looked sensational as she took the stage

His costar Erin Doherty also triumphed for Adolescence in the Best Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie category

The Studio was the biggest winner when it came to the comedy side as it earned top honor Best Comedy Series over Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Hacks, Nobody Wants This, Only Murders In The Building, Shrinking, and What We Do In The Shadows

Leading man Seth Rogen accepted the honor on a big night for the program as he said: 'It's getting embarrassing. I really appreciate it. In all honesty, to everyone - I'm going to do my best attempt at sincerity here'

Jean Smart was once again the big winner in the Best Actress in a Comedy Series category which she won for the third time

Not long after it was Hannah Einbinder's time to shine as she earned Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on the HBO Max comedy

Stephen Colbert shocked as his talk show earned a massive win in the Best Talk Series category despite the program being cancelled in July

Saturday Night Live has earned Outstanding Variety Special (Live) at the Emmy Awards 2025 amid the controversial cast bloodbath which has included star Ego Nwodim abruptly quitting

Wednesday stars Jenna and Catherine presented the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Brittany and Malin pictured on stage

Jennifer was among the presenters

Sarah and Evan seen onstage

Comedian Nate Bargatze hosted the show

When it came to the Limited or Anthology Series or Movie categories it was Adolescence which led the way including the coveted win in the Best Limited or Anthology Series category.

The Netflix series won over Black Mirror, Dying For Sex, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, and The Penguin.

Meanwhile, Stephen Graham was a massive winner as he earned Best Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.

The 52-year-old actor earned the honor over an impressive field which included Colin Farrell: The Penguin, Jake Gyllenhaal: Presumed Innocent, Brian Tyree Henry: Dope Thief, and Cooper Koch: Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story.

In one of the sweetest moments of the night 15-year-old Owen Cooper triumphed in the Best Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his work in Adolescence as he became the youngest male actor to ever win at the prestigious award show.

The young British actor shined over Javier Bardem: Monsters: The Lyle And Erik Menendez Story, Bill Camp: Presumed Innocent, Rob Delaney: Dying For Sex, Peter Sarsgaard: Presumed Innocent, and Ashley Walters: Adolescence.

His costar Erin Doherty also triumphed for Adolescence in the Best Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie category.

The Studio was the biggest winner when it came to the comedy side as it earned top honor Best Comedy Series over Abbott Elementary, The Bear, Hacks, Nobody Wants This, Only Murders In The Building, Shrinking, and What We Do In The Shadows.

Sydney was seen mingling inside the event

The beauty shook hands with someone who approached her

Selena looked cozy next to her beau

Selena was pictured hugging Oscar winner Cate

Star Wars legend Harrison was seated by his wife Calista

Martin Short cozied up to Tina Fey

Jason and Kayla seen inside

Jason was seen chatting with Harrison

Pedro enjoyed a warm embrace with Sam

Meanwhile, earlier in the night the 43-year-old actor earned the very first award of the night as he took home the coveted Best Actor in a Comedy Series Award for his work in AppleTV+'s The Studio.

He triumphed over an impressive field including: Adam Brody: Nobody Wants This, Jason Segel: Shrinking, Martin Short: Only Murders in the Building, and Jeremy Allen White: The Bear.

Jean Smart was once again the big winner in the Best Actress in a Comedy Series category which she won for the third time.

The 74-year-old actress beat out: Uzo Aduba: The Residence, Kristen Bell: Nobody Wants This, Quinta Brunson: Abbott Elementary, and Ayo Edebiri: The Bear.

Not long after it was her costar Hannah Einbinder's time to shine as she earned Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on the HBO Max comedy.

The 30-year-old actress took home the honor over Liza Colon-Zayas: The Bear, Kathryn Hahn: The Studio, Janelle James: Abbott Elementary, Catherine OHara: The Studio, Sheryl Lee Ralph: Abbott Elementary, and Jessica Williams: Shrinking.
Brad Pitt flashed his inimitable smile as he filmed the Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood sequel, The Adventures of Cliff Booth, in Los Angeles on Sunday morning.

Pitt, 61, reprises his Oscar-winning role as stuntman Cliff Booth in the sequel to the 2019 film, as David Fincher replaces Quentin Tarantino in the director's chair this time around.

On the set Sunday morning, the Shawnee, Oklahoma-born star looked groovy in a button up retro off-white shirt with well-worn denim blue jeans and brown shoes.

Pitt sported a shaggy blonde mane combed to the side and shaded sunglasses, as he was seen walking by a vintage car on the set of the sequel.

Sources told photographers that the leading man of films as Fight Club, Se7en and Moneyball 'seemed very happy' as a production assistant gave him a cup of Starbucks.

Pitt in 2020 captured Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for his work in the role of Booth in Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood.

Brad Pitt, 61, flashed his inimitable smile as he filmed the Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood sequel in Los Angeles on Sunday morning

Pitt looked groovy in a button up retro off-white shirt with denim blue jeans and brown shoes

Pitt bested an unrivaled list of acting icons in achieving the honor: He had been nominated against A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood's Tom Hanks; The Two Popes' Anthony Hopkins; and The Irishman's Joe Pesci and Al Pacino.

Tarantino also won for Best Original Screenplay for his work on the retro motion picture, which was set in 1969.

The character in the first film was a war veteran-turned-stuntman-turned-gofer for fading actor Rick Dalton (played by Leonardo DiCaprio, 50).

Timothy Olyphant reprises his role as James Stacy from Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood in the sequel, according to iMDb.

Holt McCallany, Corey Fogelmanis, Carla Gugino, Elizabeth Debicki, Scott Caan, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Barry Livingston, JB Tadena, J.E. Burton and Henry Foster Brown round out the cast of the film.

Tarantino spoke about the project with Deadline at the Cannes Film Festival in May of 2023 when he hosted a screening of the 1977 movie Rolling Thunder.

Tarantino told the outlet at the event that the film would be set in the year 1977, describing the titular character as 'a guy who really lived but was never really famous, and he used to write movie reviews for a porno rag.'

Tarantino said that the creative inspiration for the character traces back to his work as a teenager stocking vending machines with adult magazines and retrieving the quarters.

Pitt's character Cliff Booth was presented in the film as a past-his-prime stuntman by 1969

A 2021 novelization of OUATIH Tarantino released indicated Booth's sketchy past had many people in Hollywood wary to work with him

Pitt in 2020 captured Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role for his work in the role of Booth in Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood

Tarantino said, 'All the other stuff was too skanky to read, but then there was this porno rag that had a really interesting movie page.'

Tarantino told the outlet that 'there was one critic in particular [who he] liked, who wrote snarky and smart as the second-string critic.'

Tarantino said of the critic, 'He wrote about mainstream movies and he was the second-string critic. I think he was a very good critic. He was as cynical as hell.

'His reviews were a cross between early Howard Stern and what Travis Bickle might be if he were a film critic.'
Las Vegas has seen a slump in visitor numbers, which experts have warned could spell bad news for the economy.

The number of people visiting Sin City fell by 11.3 percent in June compared to the same time last year, and was down by 7.3 percent for the first six months of the year, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).

Vegas is considered a 'canary in the coalmine' for the wider economy because, unlike many other tourist hotspots in the US, its visitors are primarily domestic rather than international.

When Americans are feeling bullish about their finances, they are more willing to splash out on hotels and expensive meals  and even try their hand at gambling.

With economic uncertainty rising, it appears that the 88 percent of Vegas visitors that are American are pulling back.

'As finances remain under pressure, households are starting to pull back on things like travel. So, the decline in numbers visiting Las Vegas could be a sign of distress,' Neil Saunders, Managing Director of GlobalData Retail, told the Daily Mail.

'What used to be a reasonable trip is now much more expensive. There are all kinds of charges, including resort fees, that people have to pay at hotels, and some of the service standards and generosity with things like free drinks while in casinos have tightened.'

'Some people now don't see Vegas as worth the money and that hits visitor numbers.'

The number of people visiting Las Vegas has dropped significantly over the last year

A decline in Vegas visitors is seen as bad news for the wider economy

'Las Vegas has a fair reputation as a canary in the coal mine for greater US discretionary spending,' Mike PeQueen, managing director at wealth management firm Hightower Las Vegas, said.

Steve Hill, chief executive of the LVCVA, told The Telegraph: 'The reduction that we've seen is largely domestic, and at its core is a concern that consumers have about the economy, about their financial situation and their jobs.'

Some commentators have claimed that President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown is also contributing to the slowdown.

Trump has ordered the deportation of thousands of America's 12 million undocumented immigrants.

'We've heard anecdotally that some of our customers are concerned about staying in hotels,' Hill told the publication.

'They're worried about raids, frankly.'

Further to this, Trump's global trade war has put international visitors off visiting too.

Canadians in particular have followed a concerted campaign to stop visiting the US on vacation.

The number of people visiting Sin City fell by 11.3 percent in June compared to the same time last year

Neil Saunders, Managing Director of GlobalData Retail, said: 'Some people now don't see Vegas as worth the money and that hits visitor numbers'

When Americans are feeling bullish about their finances, they are more willing to splash out on hotels and expensive meals - and even try their hand at gambling

One of the city's biggest industries is hotels, and occupancy is down almost a tenth in June, according to LVCVA figures.

Some hotels are resorting to slashing prices or even offering free nights to lure guests to the city.

One of the largest operators, MGM Resorts, which operates hotels such as the world famous Excalibur and the Luxor, reported a 9 percent fall in Las Vegas earnings in the second quarter of this year.

The housing market in the Nevada city is also suffering with a surge of single-family listings hitting the market, with new homes pouring in daily.

According to the latest June Monthly Housing Report from Realtor.com, new listings across the US rose 6.2 percent compared to June last year.

But nowhere is the trend more dramatic than in Sin City, where housing inventory has skyrocketed a staggering 77.6 percent year-over-year  the highest in the nation.
When we look at history, every few decades a new nation rises as an economic powerhouse, said Maruti Suzuki India MD and CEO Hisashi Takeuchi. Over the past 300 years, the rise of Britain was followed by the bigger rises of the US, other European nations like Germany, Japan and Asian Tigers (Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan). The last three decades have belonged to China, as it became the factory of the world. And now, the next many decades belong to India," added Takeuchi. Amidst the existing volatile, turbulent, uncertain and trying times, there is an excellent opportunity for India to rise like a Phoenix.

However, if we take a closer look at history, there were unique and compelling circumstances, even if they were analysed in retrospect, which led to the rise and rise of these nations, followed by falls and plateaus. Britain gained due to the regular, but smaller, wars in Europe, which pitched it against other competitors. It won military battles, largely because of its naval force, and became a dominant economy. Ironically, the two world wars led to its long dormancy. The two wars in the last century worked in the favour of the US. The interim period between the two wars aided Germany.

Japan gained because of its post-war pacifism, which was forced by the victorious nations after World War II. With no military, and hurt pride, the nation backed its companies and businesses, as Japanese goods, technology and investments conquered the world. China, in some senses, became an economic powerhouse because it eyed neighbouring territories in Tibet, Taiwan and Indias Northeast, which it felt were the nations natural and logical boundaries. Business and investments were the dragons means to subjugate other nations, including those in Europe and North America. Not to mention the moves to control the seas, especially the Indian Ocean.

Pressures in the boardrooms and corporate headquarters of western multinationals came to the rescue and upliftment of the Asian Tigers. Faced with rising costs, especially labour, the manufacturing giants moved eastwards, even as Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore laid the red-carpet welcome for them. Hong Kong was caught in the middle. Both western and Chinese businesses coveted a presence there, and shadow territorial battles pitched the West against a rising China, which wanted to wrest its centuries-old position as a global political and economic giant. Hundreds of years ago, the Chinese Emperors felt that their empire was the centre of Earth. The Communist leaders wished to regain the past importance.

Large domestic markets helped the UK, the US and China. Although it sounds odd when we talk of a vast market in Britain, do not forget that during the imperialist period, the Commonwealth, which included parts of Africa and Asia, and Australia was its market. It had near-monopoly over the sale of local products across dozens of nations. The US managed to add more states, and its local market became huge after the Civil War ended the divide between the north and south. China, of course, is a known story. More importantly, the three nations protected their businesses in varying forms. Britain and China did not allow foreign competition in their markets. The US provided financial incentives and subsidies. The New Deal enabled it to dig itself out of the Great Depression years.

In the case of the Asian Tigers, the economic booms were led by exports. China, which left the domestic market for the local players, invited foreign investments to become the worlds manufacturing hub, with control over global supply chains across sectors. The mini-booms in the Middle East and Latin America were engineered by energy exports. Russia, as the Soviet Union, sold its products across the conquered and controlled territories, as well as to loyal allies like India. In a globalised world, which turned into an economic village, large companies set up bases across nations, some of which became major players as exporters in the connected world.

India has a large internal market. It enjoys cost advantages that can woo foreign investors. However, these benefits will not last forever. They need to be backed by efficient infrastructure. While India has improved, it is way behind China and the west. As leaders focus on local industry, and talk about making their respective nations great, again or for the first time, the opportunities in export-led growth are waning. The current tariff wars, and trade wars that the US is fighting with China, India and Russia are indicative of this trend. Future wars may not help India, as they may support others.
When residents of Equatorial Guineas Annobon island wrote to the government in Malabo in July last year complaining about the dynamite explosions by a Moroccan construction company, they didnt expect the swift end to their internet access. Dozens of the signatories and residents were imprisoned for nearly a year, while internet access to the small island has been cut off since then, according to several residents and rights groups. Local residents interviewed by The Associated Press left the island in the past months, citing fear for their lives and the difficulty of life without internet. Banking services have shut down, hospital services for emergencies have been brought to a halt and residents say they rack up phone bills they cant afford because cellphone calls are the only way to communicate.
SINGAPORE, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Seventeen children and two staff members at a pre-school in eastern Singapore developed symptoms of gastroenteritis from Sept. 9, authorities said on Sunday.

No one was hospitalized, and the case is under investigation, according to a joint statement by the Communicable Diseases Agency, the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), and the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).

The ECDA said it is monitoring the situation and working with the pre-school operator to safeguard the well-being of pupils and staff. The agency has also reminded the pre-school to comply with infection prevention and control guidelines.

Meanwhile, the SFA has been working with the ECDA to strengthen food safety practices in pre-schools, the statement added. 
At the 2025 Inclusion Conference on the Bund, Ant Group's R1 robot chef stole the show! It cooked, dished up, and cleaned -- all without human help. #AI #RobotChef #Bund #FutureTech #CookingRobots
Actress Tang Yan speaks at the second Golden Panda Awards ceremony in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 13, 2025. The second Golden Panda Awards were presented on Saturday in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province, which is the home of the giant panda. The international cultural event honors achievements in the fields of film, TV, documentary and animation under 27 categories. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing)

CHENGDU, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The second Golden Panda Awards were presented on Saturday in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province, which is the home of the giant panda.

The international cultural event honors achievements in the fields of film, TV, documentary and animation under 27 categories.

Italian film "There's Still Tomorrow" won Best Picture. The award for Best TV Drama went to "She and Her Girls," based on the true story of Zhang Guimei, a school principal from a Chinese mountainous area who dedicated herself to empowering rural girls through education. The winner for Best Animation was "Ne Zha 2," China's highest-grossing film.

This year's awards attracted 5,343 entries from 126 countries and regions, with international submissions accounting for 73.2 percent of the total.

On the sideline of the event, the 2025 Golden Panda International Cultural Forum, themed "Harmony in Diversity, A Future in Unity," brought together Chinese and international guests on the same day to expand international cultural exchanges and cooperation, and to promote dialogue and mutual learning among different civilizations. 

A performance is staged at the second Golden Panda Awards ceremony in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 13, 2025.

The second Golden Panda Awards were presented on Saturday in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province, which is the home of the giant panda.

The international cultural event honors achievements in the fields of film, TV, documentary and animation under 27 categories. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing)

The Golden Panda Awards jury poses at the second Golden Panda Awards ceremony in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 13, 2025.

The second Golden Panda Awards were presented on Saturday in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province, which is the home of the giant panda.

The international cultural event honors achievements in the fields of film, TV, documentary and animation under 27 categories. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing)

Actress Tong Liya arrives for the second Golden Panda Awards ceremony in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 13, 2025.

The second Golden Panda Awards were presented on Saturday in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province, which is the home of the giant panda.

The international cultural event honors achievements in the fields of film, TV, documentary and animation under 27 categories. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing)

Director Ning Hao (L) and actress Liu Mintao arrive for the second Golden Panda Awards ceremony in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 13, 2025.

The second Golden Panda Awards were presented on Saturday in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province, which is the home of the giant panda.

The international cultural event honors achievements in the fields of film, TV, documentary and animation under 27 categories. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing)

Actress Angie Chiu arrives for the second Golden Panda Awards ceremony in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 13, 2025.

The second Golden Panda Awards were presented on Saturday in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province, which is the home of the giant panda.

The international cultural event honors achievements in the fields of film, TV, documentary and animation under 27 categories. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing)

Actress Jiang Xin (L) and actor Guo Xiaodong arrive for the second Golden Panda Awards ceremony in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 13, 2025.

The second Golden Panda Awards were presented on Saturday in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province, which is the home of the giant panda.

The international cultural event honors achievements in the fields of film, TV, documentary and animation under 27 categories. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing)

Director Chen Kaige (L), president of the Golden Panda Awards jury, arrives for the second Golden Panda Awards ceremony in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 13, 2025.

The second Golden Panda Awards were presented on Saturday in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province, which is the home of the giant panda.

The international cultural event honors achievements in the fields of film, TV, documentary and animation under 27 categories. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing)

Actor Zhu Yilong speaks at the second Golden Panda Awards ceremony in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 13, 2025.

The second Golden Panda Awards were presented on Saturday in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province, which is the home of the giant panda.

The international cultural event honors achievements in the fields of film, TV, documentary and animation under 27 categories. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing)

Actress Charmaine Sheh (R) and actor Zhang Songwen arrive for the second Golden Panda Awards ceremony in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 13, 2025.

The second Golden Panda Awards were presented on Saturday in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province, which is the home of the giant panda.

The international cultural event honors achievements in the fields of film, TV, documentary and animation under 27 categories. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing)

Actress Tan Songyun (L) and actor Li Chen arrive for the second Golden Panda Awards ceremony in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Sept. 13, 2025.

The second Golden Panda Awards were presented on Saturday in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan province, which is the home of the giant panda.

The international cultural event honors achievements in the fields of film, TV, documentary and animation under 27 categories. (Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing)
Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Sept. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing)

LJUBLJANA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- China attaches great importance to developing relations with Slovenia and appreciates the latter's friendly policy towards China, the country's top diplomat Wang Yi said here Saturday.

Wang made the remarks during his meeting with Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob.

Golob said that Slovenia and China have long maintained good cooperative relations, which serve the interests of both sides.

Slovenia firmly adheres to the one-China policy and looks forward to sharing the opportunities brought by China's rapid development, particularly by deepening mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as energy, automobiles and pharmaceuticals, Golob said, expressing his country's welcome to Chinese enterprises.

He said that China's diplomacy is adept at handling complex issues with a long-term perspective, patience, and wisdom.

Slovenia supports multilateralism and the role of the United Nations (UN), and opposes double standards, said the prime minister, pledging to strengthen coordination with China in the UN Security Council and on other multilateral arenas, and expecting China to play a greater role in promoting the peaceful settlement of hotspot issues.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the tradition of China's diplomacy is that all countries, big or small, are equal.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Slovenia over 30 years ago, bilateral cooperation has achieved fruitful results, benefiting the people of both countries and serving the interests of both sides.

China is committed to expanding high-level opening-up and is willing to work with Slovenia to unleash cooperation potential and achieve win-win results continuously, Wang said, noting that both sides should encourage two-way investment and provide enterprises with a fair, friendly, first-class, and predictable business environment.

As a responsible major country and a member of the UN Security Council, China serves as a major force in maintaining world peace and is also a major country with the best record on security issues, he noted.

China has always maintained that war cannot solve problems and sanctions will only complicate them, Wang said, adding that China insists on resolving international disputes through dialogue and consultation, while never seeking selfish gains or engaging in any sort of bargain.

China is willing to work with Slovenia to firmly practice multilateralism, safeguard the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, enhance mutual understanding, increase mutual trust, and jointly inject more certainty into a world fraught with turmoil, he noted. 

Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Sept. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing)
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."
An aerial drone photo taken on Sept. 14, 2025 shows a view of the Panlong lake scenic area in Yuanshi County of Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province. The 2025 Shijiazhuang International Traveler Joy Season kicked off here on Saturday. The event invited guests from over 30 countries and regions, including Russia, the United States, and South Korea to explore Shijiazhuang. (Xinhua/Wang Xiao)

Foreign tourists take photos at the Panlong lake scenic area in Yuanshi County of Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Sept. 14, 2025. The 2025 Shijiazhuang International Traveler Joy Season kicked off here on Saturday. The event invited guests from over 30 countries and regions, including Russia, the United States, and South Korea to explore Shijiazhuang. (Xinhua/Wang Xiao)

Tourists take photos at the Panlong lake scenic area in Yuanshi County of Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Sept. 14, 2025. The 2025 Shijiazhuang International Traveler Joy Season kicked off here on Saturday. The event invited guests from over 30 countries and regions, including Russia, the United States, and South Korea to explore Shijiazhuang. (Xinhua/Wang Xiao)

A foreign tourist learns culture about Traditional Chinese Medicine in Yuanshi County of Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Sept. 14, 2025. The 2025 Shijiazhuang International Traveler Joy Season kicked off here on Saturday. The event invited guests from over 30 countries and regions, including Russia, the United States, and South Korea to explore Shijiazhuang. (Xinhua/Wang Xiao)

Tourists visit the Panlong lake scenic area in Yuanshi County of Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Sept. 14, 2025. The 2025 Shijiazhuang International Traveler Joy Season kicked off here on Saturday. The event invited guests from over 30 countries and regions, including Russia, the United States, and South Korea to explore Shijiazhuang. (Xinhua/Wang Xiao)
YANGON, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese electric vehicles were rapidly transforming Myanmar's auto sector, taking center stage at the Myanmar Auto and Parts Expo 2025, which closed here on Sunday.

All 35 brands featured at the three-day expo are Chinese-made, with about 30 of them electric vehicle (EV) brands, according to the organizer.

"China is leading the auto sector. The quality of Chinese brands is now accepted by the whole world," said U Zar Ni Tin Myint, managing director of Silver Sea International Co., Ltd, which co-hosted the expo with the Myanmar Automobile Manufacturer and Distributor Association.

The event also featured a knowledge-sharing forum titled "Power Shift: The Business of Going Electric."

The shift toward EVs in Myanmar has accelerated since the government began promoting imports in 2023. Incentives included zero import taxes and exemptions from road and bridge tolls, local EV dealers and users said.

"Since 2023, we have been working with EVs. We started with about 10-15 EVs in April 2023, and are now distributing around 300, with about 60-70 operated directly under our fleet," said Ko Sitt Paing, chief business officer at Swann Thu Aung Co., Ltd, an EV distributor in Myanmar.

"At first, the use of electric cars was low, but now it is rising because EVs are convenient, easy to drive, and cost-effective. People can charge at public stations, at home, or with solar, so there are not many difficulties in using EVs here," he added.

He said that according to Myanmar's EV roadmap, starting in 2026-27, imports will shift to semi-knocked down units, increasing local assembly and accelerating EV adoption.

According to Myanmar's Road Transport Administration Department, as of August 2025, the country had registered 9,026 electric cars, including four passenger buses, which is up from 5,816 electric cars, including three passenger buses, in October 2024.

Chinese companies like BYD, MG, Leapmotor, and Dongfeng were leading the charge in Myanmar's growing EV market.

At the expo, BYD unveiled its Song L model alongside the Han, Seal, and e2. "BYD is known for its blade battery. The use of EVs has been rising both globally and in Myanmar," said Kyaw Zaw Tun, BYD sales manager at Prime Automotive Myanmar, the authorized BYD dealer in Myanmar.

He said that after-sales service and spare parts availability are key to winning consumer trust. "Prices are now more affordable compared to previous years, as more brands are entering Myanmar. With better services, more people will shift to EVs because they are green and cost-effective in the long run," he said.

BAIC, another Chinese brand, showcased its Arcfox Alpha S5 premium EV at the auto expo. "Interest in EVs has been rising since imports were allowed. They are cost-effective for both maintenance and running costs," said Ko Myat Thu, BAIC's sales and marketing general manager.

"With more charging stations and better after-sales service, adoption will continue to rise," he added.

Charging infrastructure is also expanding, driven largely by Chinese technology. Ko Ye Aung, sales and marketing manager of Nex Charge EV Charger Solutions, said that the company supplies both AC and DC chargers, and already sold more than 1,000 units for homes, stations, and real estate developers.

"All the chargers we sell are China-made. Our main clients are fuel stations and real estate developers," said Ko Ye Aung.

Visitors at the auto show said Chinese EVs were gaining appeal not only for price but also for quality and features. "We came here to observe Leapmotor and BYD cars. We are mainly looking for good after-sales service and warranty," said Hein Htet Oo, a visitor from Yangon's Mayangone township.

"Now, the largest numbers of EVs in Myanmar are Chinese-made. Even some models of Japanese brands like Toyota and Honda are manufactured in China. The functions included in Chinese EVs are worth the price," he added.

Local analysts said that the auto show highlighted how Chinese EV makers were reshaping Myanmar's auto industry with competitive models, stronger service networks, and a rapidly growing ecosystem. 
TEHRAN, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) said on Sunday that the agreement signed between Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) earlier this week on the resumption of bilateral cooperation has been compliant with its approval.

"The text of the arrangements (between Iran and the IAEA) has been reviewed by the SNSC's nuclear committee, and what has been signed corresponds entirely to what the committee had approved," the SNSC's secretariat said in a statement.

However, the statement stressed that should any hostile action be taken against Iran and its nuclear facilities, including the reinstatement of the terminated resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, the implementation of the arrangements would be stopped.

Following a meeting in the Egyptian capital Cairo on Tuesday, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi signed an agreement on the resumption of bilateral interactions under the new circumstances in the aftermath of the Israeli-U.S. June attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Prompted by the Israeli-U.S. strikes, the Iranian parliament and Constitutional Council in late June passed a law to suspend the country's cooperation with the IAEA.

After the suspension, Iran said any inspections by the IAEA must be approved by the SNSC and that the suspension will persist until guarantees are provided for the safety of its nuclear sites and scientists. 
The North Wests most prestigious celebration of business success returned in style on Friday evening, as the North West Business Awards 2025 honoured the outstanding achievements of local enterprises, entrepreneurs, and innovators across the region.

Held at the White Horse Hotel, Derry, the ceremony brought the business community together to recognise excellence, creativity, and innovation. Organised by City Centre Initiative in collaboration with Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, and proudly sponsored by headline sponsors, Bank of Ireland, the awards attracted nominations from every corner of the North West region.

From hospitality and retail to technology, education, and the creative industries, the event spotlighted the strength and diversity of the local economy.

In a joint statement, the organisers praised the winners and nominees: The Awards are a powerful reminder of the talent and tenacity that exists right here in the North West. Every nominee, finalist and winner represents the best of our region  hard working, community focused, and future-ready businesses. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to them all.

A special thank you to our headline sponsor Bank of Ireland and our dedicated category sponsors. Without their continued support, this celebration of local business success would not be possible. To everyone who entered, and especially those who didnt make the shortlist, we encourage you to keep striving - next year could be yours.

IN PICTURES: Local businesses honoured at 'North West Business Awards 2025'

Foyleside Shopping Centre were awarded the highest accolade, the Brilliance in Business Award. The award recognises Foylesides exceptional contribution to the region through its continued investment, innovative approach to retail and marketing, and dedication to creating a destination shopping centre.

"As the leading retail destination in the North West, the centre has demonstrated a consistent commitment to supporting local businesses, driving footfall into the city, and enhancing the economic and social fabric of the community.

2025 North West Business Awards  Winners List:

Young Business Person of the Year  Claire Hamilton, The Infuencer Hub

Claire Hamilton, The Infuencer Hub Educational Partnership Award  Fujitsu

Fujitsu North West Restaurant of the Year  Moksh Indian Restaurant

Moksh Indian Restaurant North West Retailer of the Year  Kular Fashion

Kular Fashion North West Hotel of the Year  The Ebrington

The Ebrington Creative Industries Business of the Year  The Playhouse

The Playhouse Contribution to the North West Economy  McColgans Quality Foods

McColgans Quality Foods Innovation & Technology Award  Hunter Apparel

Hunter Apparel North West Pub of the Year (public vote)  Iona House

Iona House Sustainability Champions Award  Repair & Share Foyle

Repair & Share Foyle Creative Marketer of the Year  Foyleside Shopping Centre

Foyleside Shopping Centre North West Regional College Higher Level Apprentice of The Year - Shauna Wilson (Course: Business and Enterprise FD)

Shauna Wilson (Course: Business and Enterprise FD) Business Hero  Ruth McPhillips, Mini Melo Beats Sensory Sessions

Ruth McPhillips, Mini Melo Beats Sensory Sessions Small Business of the Year  Joint Winners: Cellofella and Deluxe Irish Tours & Transfers

Joint Winners: Cellofella and Deluxe Irish Tours & Transfers Large Business of the Year  Alchemy Technology Services

Alchemy Technology Services Strabane BID Business of the Year  J Arthur Electrical

J Arthur Electrical Brilliance in Business  Foyleside Shopping Centre

For more details, visit @NWBizAwards on Facebook and Instagram, or check out: www.cciderry-londonderry.com and www.londonderrychamber.co.uk
Here are some of the key dates in the decades-long campaign for justice by the families of civilians killed by soldiers on Bloody Sunday in Derry.

 January 30 1972

Members of the Parachute Regiment open fire on a crowd taking part in a civil rights march in Derry. Thirteen people are killed and 15 others injured.

 April 1972

An inquiry led by Lord Chief Justice Lord Widgery supports the soldiers version of events, that they were returning fire and acting in self defence. Bereaved families dismiss the report as a whitewash.

 February 1992

First meeting of the Bloody Sunday Justice Campaign.

 January 1994

The campaign writes to Prime Minister John Major seeking a full independent inquiry.

 February 1994

Mr Major refuses because there has already been a public inquiry by Lord Widgery.

 January 1997

A 40,000-signature petition calling for a new inquiry is delivered by the campaign to 10 Downing Street.

 January 1998

Prime minister Tony Blair announces a new inquiry, with Lord Saville of Newdigate appointed to chair the probe.

 2000  2004

The Saville Inquiry hears oral evidence. Proceedings take place in Derry and London after soldiers win a legal challenge to be allowed to give their evidence in England.

 June 2010

Lord Saville delivers his findings that there was no justification for shooting any of those killed or wounded. Prime Minister David Cameron issues a public apology. saying the killings were unjustified and unjustifiable.

 July 2012

The Police Service of Northern Ireland formally launches a murder investigation into the events of Bloody Sunday.

 September-October 2018

The first Ministry of Defence compensation settlement in relation to Bloody Sunday victims is awarded.

 March 2019

The Northern Ireland Public Prosecution Service (PPS) announces that one former paratrooper, known as Soldier F, will be prosecuted for the murders of James Wray and William McKinney and the attempted murders of Joseph Friel, Michael Quinn, Joe Mahon and Patrick ODonnell. He is also charged with a further count of attempted murder of a person unknown.

The PPS also announces that sixteen other former soldiers and two suspected ex-members of the Official IRA, all of whom were also investigated as part of the major police murder probe, will not face prosecution.

 April 2019

Veterans protests in support of Soldier F take place across the UK.

 September 2019

The case against Soldier F is heard in court for the first time at a sitting of Derry Magistrates Court. The veteran was not present in court for the short hearing.

 April 2021

The families of five of those killed announce that they will legally challenge the decision of the PPS not to prosecute five veterans. The families of Jackie Duddy, Michael Kelly, John Young, Michael McDaid and William McKinney are granted permission by the High Court to challenge decisions not to prosecute several other former members of the Parachute Regiment.

 July 2021

The PPS announces it is discontinuing the prosecution of Soldier F amid concerns that the case could collapse in light of a separate court ruling on the admissibility of evidence which caused the collapse of another Troubles murder trial involving two military veterans.

The McKinney family signal their intent to challenge the PPS decision on Solider F in the courts.

 September 2021

The various legal challenges against the PPS are heard together before three senior judges, including the original decisions not to prosecute five soldiers. Judgment is reserved.

 March 2022

The judges quash the PPS decision to discontinue the prosecution of Soldier F and order prosecutors to reconsider.

The other legal challenges against PPS decisions not to take prosecutions against several other veterans were dismissed by the court.

 September 2022

The PPS announces it is reactivating the case against Soldier F. A week later, discontinued court proceedings against the military veteran resume.

 December 2023

Soldier Fs case is sent to the Crown Court for trial.

 June 2024

Soldier F appears in court for the first time since the prosecution commenced. He sits in the witness box at Belfast Crown Court, with a thick floor-to-ceiling blue curtain shielding him from the main body of the court to protect his anonymity.

 December 2024

Soldier F pleads not guilty to each of the seven counts facing him as they were read to him during his arraignment inside Belfast Crown Court.

 September 2025

The trial of Soldier F is scheduled to commence.
A young man has died following a single-car crash just outside of Tralee, Co Kerry, this morning, September 14.

Gardai are now investigating the fatal road traffic collision that occurred shortly after 10am.

Both Gardai and emergency services responded to reports of this incident, involving a car, on the N69 at Ballingowan, near Tralee. The driver and sole occupant of the car, a man in his 20s, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

READ MORE: MISSING: Gardai and family 'deeply concerned' for welfare of vanished 18-year-old

The local Coroner has been notified and the deceased will be taken to the mortuary at University Hospital Kerry, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted.

The scene is currently preserved for a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators. Local traffic diversions remain in place.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses to this collision. They are particularly appealing to those with camera footage, including dash-cam recordings, from the area at the time to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Tralee Garda Station at 066 7102300, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
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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.

Local woman MaryAnne Gosling, Irelands representative on the Council and founding member of the Dundalk Women's Shed, invited her fellow grandmothers to her hometown.

While the grandmothers held private meetings and visited local sites, the highlight of the visit was a two-day public gathering on Saturday and Sunday.

Our photographer Arthur Kinahan was there to capture the special event.

All Photos: Arthur Kinahan

We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether its a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots.

We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community.

To submit:

Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can.

Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond.

TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY
Louth author Clara Kumagais book, Songs for Ghosts, is featured in this years Childrens Books Ireland reading guide, titled The Best Irish Books of 2025. The guide, which launches on 15th September is the latest in a series of specially curated reading guides and shines a spotlight on the talent of Irish and Irish-based artists across fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, verse and more.

Clara Kumagai was one of the six winners at last years KPMG Children's Books Ireland Awards. Born in Canada to Irish and Japanese parents, Kumagai moved to Ireland aged five and writes fiction and non-fiction for children and adults.

Speaking on the launch of the new reading guide Elaina Ryan, Childrens Books Ireland CEO said:

"At Childrens Books Ireland our mission is to inspire a love of reading in children and young people on the island of Ireland. What better way to do that, than to bring together a collection of brilliant books that appeal to so many interests and ages?

From debuts to our Laureates na nOg, The Best Irish Books of 2025 celebrates the wealth of talent on the island of Ireland. As well as the 100 featured books, an additional 100 are also recommended to inspire further reading.

Were so proud to include a Louth artist in this reading guide. We believe its essential to champion the hard-working authors and illustrators from across the island, as well as those who have made their home here, creating art for children and young people and enriching our proud literary culture.

This reading guide is your map. We encourage everyone to journey through its pages to find their next great read, in English or as Gaeilge.

This years reading guide is a celebration of Irish authors and illustrators, published in 2025. With titles from well-known artists including, Alan Nolan, Leon Diop and Sadhbh Rosenstock. Reviews are mostly in English and some are as Gaeilge, with editors choices denoted with a star and debut authors marked with a megaphone throughout the guide. Every book included has been selected on the basis of excellence.

The reading guide features titles for young readers aged 018 years and boasts a specially commissioned cover image by illustrator Linda Fahrlin.

Read Next: Louth rivers benefit from 108,000 habitat improvement works

Fahrlin, whose recent work includes The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Irish Lighthouses which was shortlisted for the KPMG Childrens Books Ireland Awards 2025, states:

This cover is inspired by the sea. I was thinking that Childrens Books Ireland has collected a diverse treasure trove of the best titles for children and young people to enjoy, so of course, each animal or character has their own favourite book too! As a Champion of Reading I have seen the importance of presenting children with a wide range of books to choose from, as they are more motivated to read titles reflecting their own passions and interests.

The Best Irish Books of 2025 reading guide is available in participating bookshops and libraries nationwide, with digital copies available for free download from www.childrensbooksireland.ie.
Fine Gael Councillor and current Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District, Robert Nash, has welcomed confirmation that officials from Uisce Eireann (Irish Water) will meet with Dundalk MD councillors on September 29th, following ongoing concerns regarding local water and wastewater infrastructure.

The meeting, secured after a special sitting of the Dundalk MD Council in July, was called in response to growing public unease surrounding water quality at Blackrock Beach and the performance of several wastewater pumping stations across the Dundalk and Blackrock areas.

Weve seen the very real public concerns in Blackrock in recent months, said Cllr. Nash.

The Fighting Dirty campaign, led by local activist Brian Hopper, has shone a light on the failings of our current wastewater infrastructure.

READ MORE: Louth councillor refuses to zone more land until wastewater issue resolved

This has been a crucial driver in keeping the issue in the public eye and in pushing Irish Water to examine their operations more closely.

Cllr. Nash commended Mr Hopper and the campaign committee, stating their work has been instrumental in applying pressure and demanding accountability on the issue.

While welcoming recent announcements of planned upgradesmost notably, the installation of a new pipeline from the Coes Road pumping station to the Point Road treatment plant, due to begin in 2026Cllr. Nash stressed the need for immediate action in the interim.

Flooding remains a major issue in estates like Bay Estate, Cluain Enda, and others served by the Coes Road station.

Many residents in these areas have suffered repeated flood damage during periods of heavy rainfall, he said.

There needs to be a proactive and strategic approach from Irish Water to identify and address these pinch points in the system before major works begin.

Cllr. Nash also highlighted the broader need for investment in other areas, including Blackrock, Haggardstown, Dromiskin, and Knockbridge, and called on Uisce Eireann to clearly outline how they plan to tackle long-standing infrastructure deficiencies across the wider Dundalk region.

I believe these upcoming talks are critical. We need clarity, timelines, and a commitment to both long-term upgrades and short-term mitigation measures, he added.

Until the planned works are delivered, vigilance is essential.

When heavy rainfall is forecast, we should know where problems will occurand Irish Water must work with contractors to implement short-term solutions to reduce the risk of further flooding.

Cllr. Nash concluded by reaffirming his commitment to representing the concerns of affected residents and ensuring full transparency around Irish Waters future infrastructure plans.
Primary schools across Louth are being invited to claim a free tree sapling of the Scots Pine and plant it with their pupils on Glennon Brothers National Tree Day, which takes place on Thursday 2nd October 2025.

National Tree Day is an initiative of the Tree Council of Ireland designed to encourage primary schools to plant and learn about the importance of trees.

This years theme of Building a better future links classroom learning with real-world forestry and explains how trees provide us with clean air, shelter for wildlife, and the timber that is used to build homes, furniture, tools, and boats for generations.

The theme also highlights how fast-growing trees capture at least three times more carbon over 35 years than slower-growing species, and that using Irish-grown timber in homes and furniture keeps that carbon locked away.

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By getting outdoors to plant trees and explore Irelands unique biodiversity, primary school children across Louth can take a simple, hands-on action that benefits their local area.

Schools can claim one of 2,000 free Scots Pine saplings now at www.treeday.ie. The website also hosts ready-to-use classroom resources, nature activities, and facts about the Scots Pine to make lesson planning easy.

This year, National Tree Day welcomes a new partner in Glennon Brothers. Established in 1913, this third generation family business is a leading supplier of home-grown timber to the construction and home-improvement sectors in Ireland.

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."

Cormac Downey, President, Tree Council of Ireland, commented: "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."

Find out more and claim a free sapling at www.treeday.ie
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)
QUITO, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa on Saturday ordered the temporary relocation of the executive branch's headquarters to the city of Latacunga, capital of Cotopaxi province, the government said.

In a decree, Noboa said the move aims to "get closer to the people and address their needs on the ground."

Vice President Maria Jose Pinto was instructed to temporarily perform her duties from Otavalo, a city in northern Imbabura province.

The announcement came a day after the government suspended diesel subsidies, triggering opposition from transport unions, indigenous groups and labor organizations.

On Saturday, urban transport operators in Pichincha province -- home to Quito and the executive's official seat -- announced they would halt services starting on Monday.

The subsidy removal increased diesel prices from 1.80 to 2.80 U.S. dollars per gallon, effective Saturday. 
Boherbue Comprehensive School in North Cork has been chosen as the location to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Project Children, honouring Rockchapel brothers Pat and Denis Mulcahys contribution to peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

The brothers set up Project Children in 1975. It offered a once in a lifetime opportunity for children of The Troubles to spend six weeks of the summer in America. The initiative offered more than 23,000 young people the opportunity of a six-week summer reprieve from the violence.

The programme gave the children not only a break from the conflict, but also a vision of what peace could look like.

Next Mondays celebration will include a screening of How to Defuse a bomb  The Project Children Story, which is narrated by Liam Neeson.

This will be followed by an opportunity for students to meet the Nobel Peace Prize nominee Denis, a former New York Police Department (NYPD) detective, and his brother Pat, a former investigator with the NYPD organised crime control bureau.

Denis Mulcahy - One of the Founders of Project Children. Picture: Gerard O'Sullivan.

Vera Leader, principal of Boherbue Comprehensive School, said that it is a huge honour for the school to host a screening of the film, and have the Mulcahy brothers in attendance as guests.

It is an opportunity for the students to meet Denis and Pat. It is just a remarkable story of compassion and courage. It just goes to show for our students that you can make a difference. I think that is the biggest message for us.

These two men started something that became so huge, in terms of helping to bring about a peace process. It is remarkable what they did, and I think it is so inspiring. That is the huge thing, that ordinary people like us can make a difference, said Ms Leader.

It is great to be able to have the opportunity to screen the documentary and for the students to meet two men, who were born not far from the school, went to America and did great things.

Ms Leader added that the screening in Boherbue Comprehensive School will also focus on student engagement and mentorship.

There will also be a community screening in Rockchapel on Monday evening, which the brothers are also scheduled to be in attendance.
Four Cork projects have been awarded almost 185,000 in funding for the purchase of community and medical mobility vehicles.

The minister for rural and community development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, announced the funding under a 1.7m initiative to deliver 32 vehicles nationally under the 2025 CLAR programme.

The vehicles will provide much-needed support for people with reduced mobility accessing day care, medical and other services, and for people who require transport services to access cancer treatment.

Groups awarded in Cork include the Carriganima Cart Association, which was allocated 64,800 for a diesel-powered mobility transport/cancer care vehicle; the Macroom Senior Citizens Housing Development Ltd, which was allocated 31,455 for an electric powered meals on wheels vehicle; the Goleen and District Community Council, which received 39,275 for a diesel-powered meals on wheels vehicle; and the Blackwater Sub Aqua Search and Recovery Unit, which was allocated 49,400 for a diesel-powered first responder vehicle.

Fianna Fail Cork North-West TD, Aindrias Moynihan, said the funding will make a real difference to the recipients in providing access for those who rely on community and medical services

These groups play an exceptionally important role in our communities. This funding will help them continue their vital work and ensure vulnerable people have the supports they need, he said. Community vehicles are crucial for many people, providing greater mobility, independence, and access to essential services such as cancer treatment, day care and meals on wheels.

Sentiments echoed by Fine Gael Cork North-West TD, John Paul OShea, who said every support must continue to be given to our more vulnerable residents.

Fine Gael Cork South Central TD, Jerry Buttimer said that this investment will make a real difference to peoples lives.

The CLAR programme is providing funding to support vital services in some of our most rural areas, particularly for those with acute medical and accessibility challenges, said Mr Buttimer. We all know the immense value of these organisations in our communities.
Cork TDs are calling for a ban on rent increases as recent reports show the average cost of a rental across the county is up by almost 5% and the average cost of a rental in Cork city is now 1,629 per month.

Sinn Fein Cork South-Central TD, Donnchadh O Laoghaire and his party colleague, Sinn Fein Cork East TD, Pat Buckley, are urging the Government to consider implementing a ban on increasing rental prices for up to three years.

Their call comes following the publication of the latest Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) report.

Data from the report shows that the average cost of a rental in Cork city is 1,629 per month, with the average cost across the county amounting to 1,479 per month. This represents an overall increase of 4.4% on the average cost of a rental for new tenancies across Cork for Q1 of 2025, in addition to an increase of 3.1% on the average cost of a rental for existing tenancies for the same time period.

Mr O Laoghaire said that an average rent of 1,629 in Cork city is not normal.

This is an eye-watering sum and beyond the reach of so many people, said Mr O Laoghaire.

The latest RTB figures show that rents for new tenants across Cork rose by 4.4% in the last 12 months, and 3.1% for existing tenants. Tenants are paying more and more in rent, and its a rip-off.

Once again, [the Government is] making life harder for renters, who now have even higher rents and even greater insecurity.

How are regular working people expected to afford these rents, [and] how are they supposed to save for a deposit to buy a home?

We need to cut rents and ban increases for three years. We need to give young people and people across the board a chance.

Mr Buckley said that this increase is putting further strain on renters who are already struggling with the ever-rising cost of living.

People in Cork deserve stability, but instead they are being priced out of their own communities, he said.
A Cork man who had to be removed from the water at a packed beach on one of the hottest days of the year has pleaded guilty to multiple public order offences connected with the incident and two others.

Court presenter Sergeant Tom Mulcahy told Bantry District Court that Tom Walker, aged 20 of Dromleigh, Bantry, Co Cork, faced five charges arising from three separate incidents in West Cork.

The court heard that on August 8, 2024, gardai were called to assist an ambulance crew at Hospital Road, Bantry, where Walker was in a highly intoxicated state and being abusive towards the ambulance crew.

Walker also had cuts to his face and legs and was refusing to go to hospital for assistance. On that occasion, he was charged with being drunk in public and with threatening and abusive behaviour.

The court was told that on June 6, 2025, gardai were called to assist a male who was lying in the street at 12.45am at Dromleigh in Bantry. The man was identified as Walker, who was charged with being drunk in public.

The final incident occurred at 4pm at the Warren Strand, Rosscarbery on July 12, 2025. The beach was packed with up to 1,000 people, including many families and children, on one of the hottest days of the year.

The court was told that Walker, who was highly intoxicated, was requested to leave the water by lifeguards for his own safety and became abusive, threatening to slash them.

Walker was bleeding from his hand and gardai and lifeguards had to clear the water for public safety in order to remove him.

Shouting abuse at gardai

Walker was brought to the beach on a surfboard and initially seemed to be passed out. When he stood up, he became abusive and began shouting obscenities at the gardai and lifeguards. He was arrested and continued to be highly abusive to gardai as he was transported to Clonakilty Garda Station.

He told one garda: Your father should have rubbed you out on the sheets, while he told another: Your mother should have drowned you at birth.

Walker continued the abuse, calling one garda a thick fat stupid c**t before threatening to shove that baton up your arse like your mother loves it. He was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour and being drunk in public.

The court was told that Walker had 20 previous convictions, mostly for public order offences, including one for assault causing harm.

He court also heard that Walker was on a 10-month suspended sentence at the time of the incident in Rosscarbery.

Defence solicitor Flor Murphy said Walker had a tough upbringing, and was abandoned by his mother who went to England. His father, who was believed to be in Dublin, had no contact with him. He said that his client had been in hospital for psychiatric treatment for the past six to seven weeks and was effectively living rough.

Walker said of the Rosscsarbery incident: I had a bit of a fit. It shouldnt have happened and it wont happen again. I was well drunk. I was bang out of order.

Judge Joanne Carroll said: Do you know a lot of children look forward to going to the beach all winter long, and then what happens? Mr Walker comes along and ruins the day for us.

She said that Walker was previously advised to seek residential treatment for his alcohol problem but his commitment has been lacking. She said that actions speak louder than words and said she would be seeking a probation report before deciding how to proceed.

Walker was remanded in custody to appear again by video link at Clonakilty District Court on September 16.
A man who was driving from his home in Co Meath to a party in Cork was arrested twice for drug driving within the space of three hours the district court has heard.

South African Nhlanhla Ndlull, aged 33 of Steeplechase Green, Ratoath, Co Meath, who was charged with two counts of driving while intoxicated, two counts of driving without insurance, two counts of driving without a licence and one count of careless driving, did not appear at Fermoy District Court.

Garda Peter OLoughlin told the court that he was conducting a speed check on the M8 at Mitchelstown Co Cork on March 13, 2020 at 10.25pm. A Renault Clio car was observed travelling south at 145 km/h and was pulled over. The driver, Nhlanhla Ndlull, told Gda OLoughlin that he was on his way to a party in Cork and had no driving licence, seemed nervous, was slurring his words and kept repeating himself.

When questioned Ndlull admitted taking cocaine earlier in the day and was arrested and taken to Mitchelstown Garda Station. Ndlull tested positive for cocaine via an oral fluid test, which was later confirmed by a blood test, and he was released at 12.24 am.

Garda Emma Maher told the court that she was on patrol in Fermoy, Co Cork in the early hours of March 14 when she observed a vehicle driving erratically in the town centre. The car was swerving and crossing a solid white line in an area with many pedestrians.

The car was stopped on the Cork Road in Fermoy and the driver, Nhlanhla Ndlull, appeared to be behaving erratically, and repeating himself. Garda Maher formed the opinion that Ndlull was under the influence of an intoxicant and at 1.25am he was arrested and taken to Fermoy Garda Station. A blood sample was taken, which later proved to be positive for cocaine and Ndlull also failed to produce valid insurance or a driving licence.

The court heard that Ndlull had 22 previous convictions and Judge Colm Roberts issued a bench warrant for Ndlull to be produced for penalty.

This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme.
Female entrepreneurs and aspiring businesswomen from Cork are encouraged to register for this years National Womens Enterprise Day.

The event, now in its 19th year and designed and led by women to promote and encourage female entrepreneurship, will take place at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa in Little Island on October 16.

National Womens Enterprise Day shines the spotlight on businesswomen and encourages the prospect of entrepreneurship to women who may not have considered it before, highlighting the supports available.

The event also provides valuable networking opportunities to connect with industry experts while acknowledging the achievements of women in enterprise.

This years theme, Making It Happen, aims to encourage businesswomen to take that next step, whether that is to act on an idea, grow their business, or change and innovate in their business.

The event will outline the key supports that are available from financial and consultancy to training and mentoring to help women along the way from starting out to bringing a business to global markets.

SILE SEOIGE

Broadcaster and podcast host Sile Seoige will be MC on the day as well as a network facilitator and interviewer.

Participants will also hear from members of the interactive Leading Lights panel discussion, which will represent Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) in Cork and Kerry.

Panellists include Marie Toft of Emotionise AI, who is also the events regional ambassador; Norma Kelly of Praline Pastry & Chocolate Shop; Claire Keane of Second Street Bakeshop, and Yasmina Renaudin of RedaCare.

The afternoon will also feature a fireside chat with special guest Noella Gabriel, who is the global president and co-founder of luxury skincare brand Elemis.

The Mayor of the County of Cork, councillor Mary Linehan Foley, said that National Womens Enterprise Day is a significant event for women each year.

A celebration of female entrepreneurs and businesswomen, the event informs and inspires women at all stages of the business development journey, said Ms Linehan Foley.

There is a great line-up of speakers and inspirational businesswomen for next months event, which will also provide an opportunity to network and discover what supports are available for entrepreneurs in the region.

Places for the event are limited, with advance booking required via https://www.localenterprise.ie/
A family-run farm in East Cork is gearing up to host its annual series of pumpkin picking events next month.

Joes Farm in Killeagh will bring its pumpkin picking series back to Leeside for the Halloween season, accepting visitors from October 4.

The farm will be open to pumpkin pickers each weekend throughout October from 10am to 3pm.

Visitors to the farm will enjoy a walk around the premises, have the opportunity to pick vegetables, learn about farming and pick their own pumpkin to take home.

The initiative, now in its 8th year, aims to allow adults and children to actively engage in harvesting food and start conversations about eating local produce.

The farm also operates guided pumpkin picking school tours where each child gets an empty potato bag and can pick their own vegetables straight from the earth.

Along the way, children will learn about the business of crisps, from growing, to the finished product.

Joes farm is run by Joe Burns and his wife Sandra, together with their three children.

The family diversified their vegetable farm into making crisps from potatoes, carrot, parsnip and beetroot in 2014.

Ms Burns said that each year the family sees people travelling miles and miles to attend the patch.

We recently had a bride come home from America to get married and we were delighted that she chose Joes Farm to source pumpkins for her wedding for decoration, said Ms Burns.

We are thrilled to see people coming, taking photos and learning about farming and local produce, what's in season and where it comes from.

We have many autumnal photo opportunities around the farm [too] where people can take photographs.

Im always delighted to hear stories about the experience, seeing videos of children washing and preparing the vegetables at home afterwards, and most importantly, eating what they have picked.

I love hearing from parents who call or write to us afterwards to say their kids wouldnt eat vegetables until they came to Joes Farm - its rewarding to see.

For more information, or to get in touch regarding school tours, visit: www.joesfarmcrisps.ie or email Sandra at: sandra@joesfarmcrisps.ie.
Olivia Kelleher

Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan has said that he wants Micheal Martin to continue as leader of Fianna Fail into the next election as he dismissed suggestions of a lack of harmony within the party after MEP Billy Kelleher received a much stronger than expected parliamentary party vote against Jim Gavin.

The former Dublin GAA boss, who was endorsed by the Fianna Fail leader, secured the party nomination for President by 41 votes to 29 for Mr Kelleher.

Speaking at the Liam Lynch commemoration at Kilcrumper in Co Cork today, Mr OCallaghan refuted suggestions that the party vote on the presidency was a litmus test on Micheal Martins leadership.

"No, I don't believe so. The reason Billy Kelleher did well in the Fianna Fail parliamentary party is that people who voted for Billy thought he was an excellent candidate or they thought he was a deserving candidate.

"Those of us who voted for Jim Gavin did so on the basis we thought he was an excellent candidate as well and had an excellent chance of winning."

"So there was nothing in my assessment of it related to the leadership of the party.

"It was all about who the individuals in the parliamentary party thought would be best placed to win the presidential election."

Mr OCallaghan said that he would like to see the Taoiseach leading the party into the next general election.

"I would welcome that - Micheal Martin's longevity is something to be admired. People had written him off many years ago and he has come back to lead the country as Taoiseach again.

"I want to see him to stay in that position as long as possible."

When asked about former Fine Gael Taoiseach Leo Vardakars description of some Fianna Fail politicians as vampires, Mr OCallaghan said that he was trying to sell his book".

"Perhaps that is a good way of trying to up sales. I wish him well with his book, by the way. But I don't think there are too many vampires in Fianna Fail - in fact I have never encountered any vampires in Fianna Fail....yet.
(Photo: Steve Jurvetson, CC BY 2.0)Elon Musk

Pope Leo XIV has criticized pay packages that reward executives with massively higher pay than workers, and he cited Tesla's proposed compensation plan of around $1 trillion for its CEO, Elon Musk.

"We live in times when polarization seems to be one of the words of the day, but it's not helping anybody," the Pope told Crux's Elise Ann Allen on Sept. 14, his 70th birthday.

Allen is writing a biography of the Pope to be published in Spanish in Peru.

Leo was referring to the news that Musk could become the world's first trillionaire--if Tesla shareholders give the green light to a new compensation plan and he meets aggressive company goals over the next decade, Newsweek reported.

Pope Leo said: "What does that mean and what's that about?"

The pontiff's remarks, published in excerpts of his first media interview, sharpen a moral critique of widening executive-to-worker pay ratios at a time when Tesla shareholders are weighing an unprecedented pay package.

That award could make Musk the world's first trillionaire if its goals are meta development that proponents say would incentivize bold innovation while critics say it would deepen inequality.

Tesla's board on Sept. 5 proposed a pay package that could make its chief executive, Elon Musk, the world's first trillionaire as long as he meets a series of very ambitious corporate goals, The New York Times reported.

Musk, already the world's richest person, would have to increase Tesla's stock market value eightfold over the next decade to collect the full value of the package, according to a securities filing.

All the compensation would be in the form of Tesla shares.

The package, which must be approved by the company's shareholders, is expected to be put to a vote at an annual meeting on Nov. 6.

Leo was discussing the "value of human life, of the family, and the value of society."

He said there were multiple factors contributing to losing this, but said one "very significant" issue is "the continuously wider gap between the income levels of the working class and the money that the wealthiest receive."

"For example, CEOs that 60 years ago might have been making four to six times more than what the workers are receiving, the last figure I saw, it's 600 times more than what average workers are receiving," he noted.

"Yesterday, the news that Elon Musk is going to be the first trillionaire in the world. What does that mean and what's that about? If that is the only thing that has value anymore, then we're in big trouble."

Tesla's board last week said it would propose to award Musk hundreds of millions of Tesla shares if he drives the company's market value to $8.5 trillion, a figure that exceeds the current combined market caps of Meta, Microsoft, and Alphabet.

Should the compensation plan be approved and targets met, Musk would receive an additional 423.7 million Tesla shares, potentially adding $900 billion to his current net worth, according to Time.
PYONGYANG, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Senior officials of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Saturday condemned upcoming military drills by the United States, South Korea and Japan, the official Korean Central News Agency reported Sunday.

Seoul will launch two simultaneous drills on Monday, including Freedom Edge, a trilateral outdoor multi-domain exercise with the United States and Japan, and Iron Mace, a tabletop drill simulating a nuclear-attack response with the United States, South Korean media reported.

Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), said the "Guidelines for Nuclear Deterrence and Nuclear Operations on the Korean Peninsula" fabricated by the United States and South Korea are a dangerous idea.

She said the DPRK will regard it as an unfiltered demonstration of their anti-DPRK confrontational stand and "succession" of confrontational policy.

The reckless show of strength made by the three countries in real action near the DPRK will inevitably bring bad results to themselves, she added.

Pak Jong Chon, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the WPK, said Iron Mace is a "nuclear war rehearsal aimed at using nuclear weapons against the DPRK from A to Z," while the Freedom Edge is the most comprehensive and offensive war drill for aggression in its scale, content and nature.

The reckless military moves of the three countries pose a grave challenge to the security interests of our state and a major danger of undermining regional stability and escalating military tension, he said.

Pak stressed that if the hostile forces persist in their muscle-flexing, the DPRK will respond to them with "counteraction in a very clear and intensified way." 
A California bill that would require operating system and app store providers to verify users' ages before they can download apps has cleared the Assembly 58-0, and will now move on to Gov. Gavin Newsom, Politico reports. The Digital Age Assurance Act (AB 1043), introduced by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, does not require photo identification for verification, but puts the onus on the platforms to provide tools for parents to indicate the user's age during a device's setup, and use this information steer kids toward age-appropriate content and screen time.

It comes after Utah and Texas both adopted app store age verification laws earlier this year that have been criticized as posing potential privacy risks, and faced opposition from the likes of Google and Apple. The California bill has been received more positively by Big Tech, with Google, Meta and others putting out statements in support of it in the leadup to a Senate vote on Friday. Kareem Ghanem, Google's Senior Director of Government Affairs & Public Policy, called the bill "one of the most thoughtful approaches weve seen thus far to the challenges of keeping kids safe, recognizing that its a shared responsibility across the ecosystem. Gov. Newsom now has until October 13 to sign or veto the bill, according to Politico.
Even though Google's AI Overviews were introduced with a comically rocky start, it's about to face a far more serious challenge. Penske Media, the publisher for Rolling Stone, Variety, Billboard and others, filed a lawsuit against Google, claiming the tech giant illegally powers its AI Overviews feature with content from its sites. Penske claimed in the lawsuit that the AI feature is also "siphoning and discouraging user traffic to PMC's and other publishers' websites," adding that "the revenue generated by those visits will decline."

The lawsuit, filed in Washington, DC's federal district court, claims that about 20 percent of Google searches that link to one of Penske's sites now have AI Overviews. The media company argued that this percentage will continue to increase and that its affiliate revenue through 2024 dropped by more than a third from its peak. Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda said that the tech giant will "defend against these meritless claims" and that "AI Overviews send traffic to a greater diversity of sites."

Earlier this year, Google faced a similar lawsuit from Chegg, an educational tech company that's known for textbook rentals. Like Penske Media, this lawsuit alleged that Google's AI Overviews hurt website traffic and revenue for Chegg. However, the Penske lawsuit is the first time that Google has faced legal action from a major US publisher about its AI search capabilities.

Beyond Google's legal troubles, other AI companies have also been facing their own court cases. In 2023, the New York Times sued OpenAI, claiming the AI company used published news articles to train its chatbots without offering compensation. More recently, Anthropic agreed to pay a $1.5 billion settlement in a class action lawsuit targeting its Claude chatbot's use of copyrighted works.
TEHRAN, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi warned Saturday that European powers would "lose it all" if they move to reinstate international sanctions on Tehran under the "snapback" mechanism.

Araghchi issued the warning in a post on X in response to last month's decision by France, Germany and Britain to trigger the process that could restore United Nations Security Council sanctions lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal.

The "snapback" clause in the agreement, formally called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), allows parties to reimpose sanctions if Iran fails to comply with its commitments.

Iran signed the JCPOA with Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States in 2015 and agreed to curb its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Washington, however, withdrew in 2018 and reimposed sanctions, prompting Tehran to scale back some of its commitments. 
Overall, Australias home textile imports dropped *.** per cent in H* **** compared with $***.*** million in the same period last year. Imports from China, which accounts for ** per cent of the market, declined *.** per cent to $***.*** million, down from $***.*** million in H* ****, According to sourcing intelligence tool TexPro. This slight drop reflects weaker consumer demand and possibly inventory adjustments by retailers. Chinas market share also slipped slightly to **.** per cent from **.** per cent.

In contrast, Australias imports from India rose *.** per cent to $***.*** million in H* ****, compared with $***.*** million last year. This growth helped India capture **.** per cent of the market, up from **.** per cent, underlining its growing importance as a preferred sourcing destination.
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Some films manage to imprint themselves in your minds and hearts in a very beautiful way. It can be the music, the performance of the star cast, the screenplay, the dialogues and more. Barfi had them all, yet the most striking factor of the film was its evolving relationship with the cities of Darjeeling and Kolkata. There have been numerous films where an important plot point has been a place or a city. Barfi is one among them.

Set in the 1970s, the film explores the story of Barfi (Ranbir Kapoor), a deaf-mute young man based in Darjeeling, and the unfolding of his relationship with Shruti (Ileana DCruz) and Jhilmil (Priyanka Chopra). The story starts with a flashback of Darjeeling where we see the glimpse of young love. Barfi and Shruti have a romance blooming with the beautiful terrains of Darjeeling serving as the backdrop as if themselves being witnesses of the growing chemistry between the two. In an interview which dates back to 2012, the director, Anurag Basu had mentioned, Places like Darjeeling are ones which are still frozen in time. It is quite easy to show the 1970s era if we got to film it. I wrote the story sitting in Darjeeling.





Whether it is the toy trains of Darjeeling, the beautiful sights of nature and greenery, it was as if the city also watched Barfi falling in love with Shruti and eventually his heartbreak of her leaving eventually to get married to Ranjit (Jisshu Sengupta). Whether it be the wholesome visuals of Barfi and Shrutis escapades in the song, Main Kya Karoon, Barfis mischief and his shenanigans leading to Inspector Dutta (Saurabh Shukla) chasing him across the town, or the sights of Jhilmil standing at the window waiting for Barfi to come and greet her (the shoes flung in the air that went on to be symbolic in the climax). Darjeeling saw the entire mixed bag.





When it comes to Kolkata, nothing really has been left unsaid about the city when it comes to celluloid. The bustling alleys, the yellow taxis, the Durga Puja Pandals, the Puchkas, Kolkata is often described with poetic sentiment. Or in simpler words, City of Joy. The city signified Joy in the plot for Barfi and Jhilmil too, when they move to the city to live together. The song, Aashiyan showed them taking solace in each others madness. Kolkata equally gave and saw the comfort Jhilmil found in Barfi and the fun Barfi found in Jhilmil. On the other hand, the city also saw the angst and longing of Shruti, someone who found herself in an unhappy marriage and saw Barfi and Jhilmils love for each other. The song, Phir Le Aaya Dil saw the 3 of them roam around the city of Kolkata  the buses, the bustling streets, and the unmissable Puchka stalls.





Anurag Basu makes cities and places look like the witnesses of stories being unfolding in films and Barfi is just one of them in a list of many iconic films. Be it the city of Mumbai in Life In AMetro, Seoul in Gangster, Mexico in Kites, and Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai in MetroIn Dino. Barfi will be remembered for Ranbir and Priyankas iconic performance as well as the manner in which 2 beautiful cities of Kolkata and Darjeeling were beautifully woven into the plot and werent just there as a mere location.





As Barfi completes 13 years of its release today, we celebrate and laud the makers for giving us a film that we all shall cherish for a long time.and make us fall in love all over again with Darjeeling and Kolkata too.





Also Read: Barfi Actress Ileana DCruz to Make Her Acting Comeback? Details Inside
















Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday are all set to give fans a fun way to welcome the New Year with their upcoming film Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri. After an action-packed 57-day shoot, the duo wrapped up filming just last week, and the excitement is already palpable. The makers have decided to bring the release forward from Valentines Day 2026 to 31 December 2025, making it the perfect New Years Eve treat for moviegoers looking for a light-hearted, feel-good rom-com.





View this post on Instagram A post shared by KARTIK AARYAN (@kartikaaryan)

The film was shot in some stunning locations across Croatia and Rajasthan, offering a visually vibrant backdrop for the story. Veteran actors Jackie Shroff and Neena Gupta also join the cast, bringing their experience and depth to the film. With this mix of young energy and seasoned talent, the movie promises a balanced story full of humour, emotion, and charm. Fans are especially excited to see Kartik and Ananya share screen space again after their first collaboration in Pati Patni Aur Woh, which had won praise for their on-screen chemistry.





The wrap celebration last week was nothing short of a mini party. The cast and crew let loose after weeks of hard work, dancing, laughing, and cutting a grand cake to mark the end of filming. Behind-the-scenes photos and videos shared from the event captured moments of pure joy, from playful interactions between Kartik and Ananya to heartfelt hugs and goodbyes.

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Produced by Dharma Productions and Namah Pictures, with backing from Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, Shareen Mantri Kedia, Kishor Arora, and Bhumika Tewari, Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated festive releases of the year. With its mix of romance, humour, memorable performances, and scenic locations, the film promises to give audiences a joyous and heartwarming start to 2026.



Also Read: Photos: Kartik Aaryan keeps it casual as he gets clicked at the airport


David Reyes, founder of Green Ladder Roofing, is redefining sustainable roofing with eco-friendly solutions designed for long-term impact. His company's growth reflects a commitment to innovation, community, and environmental responsibility, setting the stage for continued leadership in the green construction industry.

Pasadena, California--(Newsfile Corp. - September 13, 2025) - Green Ladder Roofing, a Pasadena-based roofing contractor specializing in sustainable and solar-ready roofing solutions, announced new project milestones across schools, nonprofits, and multifamily properties in Southern California.

The company's founder, David Reyes, has set his sights on Forbes' 2026 30 Under 30 list, reflecting the firm's rising profile within the roofing and construction industry.





Green Ladder Roofing Expands Projects As Founder David Reyes Aims For 30 Under 30



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Recent Project Highlights

Green Ladder Roofing has recently completed a range of high-impact projects. These include:

An occupied-campus roof restoration at Waverly School in Pasadena with highly reflective energy efficient roof

Climate-conscious Re-roofing for McKinley Children's Center, a Southern California a multifaceted organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in our community

Premium residential new construction work in Malibu integrating GAF Timberline Solar shingles.

The company has also supported local resilience efforts by working with fire victims in Pasadena and Altadena to implement code-compliant, solar-ready roof systems.

Technology-Forward Approach

The company emphasizes its technology-forward operations, incorporating AI-driven scheduling, same-day leak reporting, and digital dashboards for property managers. Green Ladder Roofing has also introduced asset registers and long-term maintenance plans for homeowners' associations, providing transparency and cost efficiency for clients.

"As the child of immigrant parents who started with a rented pickup and a borrowed ladder, striving toward Forbes 30 Under 30 doesn't crown our story. It fuels it," said founder David Reyes.

"In our final year of eligibility, we're going all in to scale Green Ladder Roofing to a $32M Southern California leader by doubling down on GAF Timberline Solar shingles and other green technologies; an AI- and automation-powered tech stack across estimating, scheduling, and quality assurance; manufacturer-backed systems with NDL options; aligned team goals driven by performance pay; and hands-on craftsmanship that educates clients with walk-throughs and same-day photo reports. We're underdogs who turned every challenge into an edge, and we build quality that our community can stand under without worry."





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Industry Context & Future Growth

With California's Title 24 energy standards and growing demand for sustainable building practices, Green Ladder Roofing positions itself at the forefront of climate-conscious construction. Its projects span educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and multifamily developments, each designed to deliver both compliance and long-term value.

The company continues to expand services across Los Angeles County, with plans for new partnerships and additional hiring to meet demand in both residential and commercial markets.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/5TP81tEPAg9DErXTA

About Green Ladder Roofing

Based in Pasadena, CA, Green Ladder Roofing is a minority-owned and immigrant-founded roofing company delivering solar-ready and sustainable roofing solutions. The company specializes in climate-conscious re-roofing, AI-driven project management, and community-focused construction practices.

To learn more about Green Ladder Roofing's latest projects and future plans, please use the contact information below.

Video URL: https://youtu.be/lFaoU3t96KI

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264613

SOURCE: Plentisoft
The new opinionated PM tool enforces clarity with fixed roles, strict workflows, and zero setup - aiming to replace chaos with discipline.

Tolleson, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - September 14, 2025) - Mab.io, a new project management system, launched today with a simple but unconventional message: "You don't need a tool. You need a system."

The platform enters a crowded market dominated by flexible, feature-rich tools. But instead of promising infinite customization, Mab.io takes the opposite approach. It enforces discipline through strict rules, fixed roles, and a predefined workflow. The company says this design eliminates the confusion and inefficiency that plague modern teams.





Mab.io Launches Opinionated Project Management Platform to Streamline Workflows and Boost Team Efficiency



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The Mab.io Approach

Mab.io positions itself as "opinionated software." The system is not configurable. Instead, it comes preloaded with a framework the company says is proven to work.

Key principles include:

One Task, One Owner: Every task has exactly one responsible assignee. No multiple owners, no diluted accountability.

Four Fixed Roles: Based on a simplified RACI model, every participant is either an Assignee, Owner, Advisor, or Follower. Roles are locked and cannot overlap.

Ten Fixed Statuses: All work moves through a strict lifecycle - from Planning to Doing to Approval, with structured states for advice, revisions, blocking, or rejection.

Logic Enforcement: Only specific roles can move tasks between statuses, ensuring rules are followed.

Zero Setup: Teams can begin working immediately. There are no templates to design, no workflows to configure.

In other words, Mab.io doesn't ask teams how they want to work. It tells them.

Feature Highlights

The company highlights several design choices that differentiate Mab.io from existing project management software:

Locked roles prevent role confusion.

prevent role confusion. Strict statuses ensure consistency and eliminate "ghost tasks."

ensure consistency and eliminate "ghost tasks." Role-based permissions keep tasks flowing, with enforced accountability at each step.

keep tasks flowing, with enforced accountability at each step. Subtasks as tasks stop the illusion of progress created by checklists.

stop the illusion of progress created by checklists. Slack integration sends notifications only when a role-specific action is required, cutting out noise.

The product is designed to prevent common pain points: no endless setup, no multi-assignee confusion, no freeform status chaos, no fake progress, no accidental editing, and no tasks lost in indecision loops.

Comparison to Market Leaders

Mab.io positions itself in clear contrast to major players. Where competitors offer unlimited, customizable roles, Mab.io enforces a fixed four-role model. Instead of flexible, user-defined statuses, it provides ten predefined stages that every task must follow. Setup is instant with Mab.io, requiring zero configuration, while other platforms often demand hours or even days of workflow design. Accountability is strict, with every task having one owner only, unlike the multiple-assignee approach common elsewhere. Notifications are also streamlined, triggered only by role-based, action-specific events, compared to the broad feeds and digests seen in rival tools.

"Mab.io was built on a simple idea: teams don't need more flexibility, they need more clarity," said CEO of Mab.io. "Most project management tools turn into an endless setup exercise. We designed Mab.io to eliminate that waste. With fixed roles and strict workflows, teams can stop debating processes and start delivering results from day one."

Who It's For - and Who It Isn't For

The platform is aimed at organizations that value structure, predictability, and accountability. Product teams, startups, and companies that have struggled with setup fatigue or tool overload may find the system a fit.

But teams that want to build their own processes, experiment with workflows, or rely on extensive customization may find Mab.io too restrictive. "Mab.io isn't here to fit your process. It's here to replace it," the company notes.

The Company Vision

Beyond its feature set, Mab.io promotes a broader philosophy about the future of work.

Its mission is to help teams stop managing tools and start managing work. The company envisions workflows that are clear, reliable, and frictionless. In its words, "Mab.io isn't flexible. Mab.io is finished."

The system is designed not just as software but as a framework - one that replaces the debate about how to manage projects with a consistent process that works out of the box.

Launch Significance

The launch of Mab.io comes at a time when project management software is simultaneously indispensable and overwhelming. Companies have embraced digital collaboration at scale, particularly in the wake of distributed and hybrid work, but the proliferation of tools has created new challenges of its own.

Other platforms have built their reputations on flexibility. They allow managers to customize workflows, create bespoke dashboards, and configure processes to match team preferences. That flexibility, however, often becomes its own burden. Organizations spend hours debating role definitions, status labels, and workflow rules before meaningful work even begins. The result is "tool management" becoming a job of its own - sometimes even requiring full-time "workspace architects" to maintain order.

Mab.io's entry into the market signals a deliberate countertrend. Instead of flexibility, it emphasizes discipline. Instead of open-ended choice, it enforces structure. Its designers argue that this approach eliminates wasted time, reduces ambiguity, and allows teams to focus on output rather than administration.

The broader significance is twofold. First, it highlights a growing appetite for opinionated software - tools that come with strong defaults and refuse to bend to every possible use case. Second, it reflects a recognition that clarity, not freedom, is what many teams need most. In practice, Mab.io is betting that managers and employees alike will welcome having fewer decisions to make about processes, even if it means giving up the ability to customize.

If that bet pays off, Mab.io could carve out a niche among companies that are tired of reinventing workflows for every project and want a system that works consistently out of the box. More broadly, it could mark the start of a shift in how project management tools position themselves: less as blank canvases, more as finished systems.

About Mab.io:

Mab.io is a project management software company dedicated to bringing clarity and discipline to modern teams. Founded with the belief that flexibility often creates confusion, Mab.io delivers an opinionated system with fixed roles, strict workflows, and zero setup. Its mission is to help organizations eliminate tool chaos, enforce accountability, and focus on meaningful work. By replacing endless customization with a proven framework, Mab.io offers teams a faster, clearer, and more reliable way to get projects done.

MEDIA INFO

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266328

SOURCE: FG Newswire
Taipei, Taiwan--(Newsfile Corp. - September 14, 2025) - Biotegy Corporation, founded by Dr. Hsu-Wei Fang has recently been featured in a report by The Icons, highlighting a series of important milestones that strengthen Taiwan's position in the global medical technology landscape.





Dr. Hsu-Wei Fang leads his team in turning research into medical devices that directly address clinical needs. From material design to regulatory validation, Biotegy Corporation's role is to streamline processes, reduce risks and ensure that outcomes genuinely reach the clinical setting. (Photo: Biotegy Corporation)



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Biotegy first drew attention for achieving Class II certification for barbed sutures and lifting threads in just over two years, far faster than the typical approval timeline. This achievement demonstrated that locally developed innovation in Taiwan can successfully pass the world's most rigorous scrutiny and enter the market on its own merits.

The company soon advanced into higher-level categories, securing two Class III medical device certifications within three years-one for a polylactic acid (PLA) dermal filler and another for a modified-starch haemostatic agent. Both products underwent extensive clinical trials and multi-stage regulatory review. The PLA filler has since been certified internationally and introduced to overseas markets, confirming Biotegy's capability to deliver products that meet global demand.

In September 2025, Biotegy made its international debut at the Thailand International Medical Exhibition, one of Asia's leading industry platforms. The company presented its degradable polymer platform and met with distributors, investors, and potential partners from around the world. The exhibition marked a decisive step in Biotegy's global expansion and highlighted Taiwan's growing presence in advanced healthcare solutions.

The company's rapid progress is seen as a reflection of Taiwan's transition from a support role in global supply chains to becoming a source of original innovation. By earning high-level certifications, expanding distribution abroad, and gaining visibility through international exhibitions, Biotegy has shown that "Made in Taiwan" medical technology can compete directly at the highest levels of the industry.

Commenting on the company's mission, Dr. Hsu-Wei Fang stated: "From the beginning, our goal has been clear: research must not remain in the laboratory-it must reach patients. By achieving certifications and expanding into global markets, we are proving that Taiwan can stand on its own capabilities and deliver world-class medical technology."

With its expanding international footprint, Biotegy continues to strengthen Taiwan's position in global healthcare. The company's achievements provide a signal of how domestic innovation can evolve into internationally recognised solutions, contributing to both industry growth and patient outcomes worldwide.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/266155

SOURCE: Kinfoome Presswire
In an interview with Firstpost last year, the actor revealed, If you look at me, I havent worked with great or senior directors. Yes, there are some names like Shyam Benegal, Govind Nihalani, Yash Chopra.

Manoj Bajpayeejust the name brings to mind a flurry of emotions, doesnt it? From the intense glare of a man on the edge to the soft, vulnerable side of a character whos lost everything, Bajpayee is the actor who can make you feel it all. Whether hes playing a small-town rebel or a cold-blooded killer, the actors performances transcend the script, winning our hearts.

Recently, he was seen in Netflixs  Inspector Zende. And in an interaction with Humans of Cinema that also had Anurag Kashyap and Piyush Mishra in the panel, the actor was quoted saying, Acting ko leke jitni fallacy ab badhi hai na, voh irritating bhi hai, annoying bhi hai, and also, humiliating hai. It is humiliating for him who has been trained as an actor and has been acting for so many years.

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He added, It is humiliating for me, who has been giving everything to this craft, and suddenly jo hai, agle din aap padhte ho best actor. Suddenly ek #BestActor aa jaata hai, phir chaar mahine baad another #BestActor aata hai #NationalCrush. You know, the whole culture has changed.

In an interview with Firstpost last year, the actor revealed, If you look at me, I havent worked with great or senior directors. Yes, there are some names like Shyam Benegal, Govind Nihalani, Yash Chopra.

He added, When I worked with Ram Gopal Varma, he was a a young director, and then after that, I worked with mostly the young directors of their times, the people who wrote their new chapter in direction.

At the premiere of Jugnuma, Manoj Bajpayee was having a laugh but was also left quite embarrassed as filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and actors Jaideep Ahlawat and Vijay Varma were seen touching his feet. The video has now gone viral on social media.
An increasing number of people, adults and children alike, are making bots their besties: choosing AI-powered chatbots over humans. Is this a green flag or a red flag?

Bot bestie: Increasing numbers of people have admitted to chatting to ChatGPT like one of their friends online. Representational image/AI generated

Imagine if you had a friend who never disagreed with you. A friend who never told you that you are wrong. Who is available to talk to you at any given time of the day. And even lets you dominate the conversation.

While this may sound impossible, technology has allowed this to become a reality, courtesy AI-powered chatbots such as ChatGPT. In fact, many children and adults alike are dumping their human confidants only to replace them with digital BFFS  ChatGPT.

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Heres what is going on.

ChatGPT is replacing the BFF

Ever since its launch in November 2022, conversational AI-powered chatbot, ChatGPT, has been used for everything: writing emails, planning holidays, creating memes and even seeking medical advice.

However, in recent times, adults and children have resorted to using AI chatbots to act as synthetic computer friends.

Take the case of 28-year-old Charlotte from UKs Somerset. She started chatting with ChatGPT in 2023. I remember using it for work  as a search tool and grammar checker  when the tech first launched, then I started using it for personal reasons, she told The Independent.

Later, Charlotte would input experiences from her actual life into ChatGPT  like she and the people she interacted with were characters in a book  then ask the AI to give her an objective assessment of what had happened from the perspective of a psychoanalytic therapist.

Adults and children have resorted to using AI chatbots to act as synthetic computer friends. AI generated image

And Charlotte isnt alone in using ChatGPT more as a friend rather than a tool to simplify life. A UK report, Me, Myself & AI, reveals that a growing number of children are turning to AI chatbots not just to study but even for companionship.

The study showed that almost 64 per cent of children resort to AI chatbots for help with everything from homework to emotional advice and companionship. And more than a third of those users, 35 per cent, said it feels like talking to a friend. Additionally, 12 per cent said they talk to these bots because they have no one else to talk to.

But why choose AI chatbots rather than humans

There are many reasons as to why so many of us are opting for AI companionship. First, is the global pandemic of loneliness. The World Health Organisation (Who) has found that over 871,000 deaths are linked to loneliness. Thats more than 100 people every hour, a figure that rivals the global death tolls from major diseases such as heart conditions and diabetes. Amid this situation, many children are opting to divulge their secrets and talk about their lives to a chatbot.

In a survey, 12 per cent said they talk to these bots because they have no one else to talk to. Representational image/Pixabay

In fact, a study as far back as 2008 showed that people are more likely to humanise animals and gadgets when theyre lonely. People engage in a variety of behaviours to alleviate the pain of social disconnection, the authors of the study noted, including inventing human-like agents in their environments to serve as potential sources of connection.

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Social media is also to blame for this trend popularising the practice of using ChatGPT as a friend. Scroll through TikTok and Instagram and there are multiple reels in which influencers advocate for ChatGPT to be relied on instead of conversing with humans. One person claims the tech cares and gives better advice than their social circle.

Users of these chatbots also note that theres no fear of judgement. Many of the children who use AI as their friend say they arent worried about the repercussions of divulging their secrets to AI. Theres no social pressure and no risk of gossip. Also, unlike friends who have their own busy schedules, AI chatbots provide instant responses, making the individuals feel heard.

Is it safe to forego friends for chatbots?

The short answer to this is no. Numerous studies and experts state that AI is far from perfect. In fact, when used as a therapist, it can show increased stigma towards people with certain conditions, such as schizophrenia and addiction, and failed to recognise cues of suicidal intent.

AI chatbots like ChatGPT also cant replace the feeling of belonging that one gets with a friend. Professor Michael Cowling, who led a study in Australia in 2014, said that AI cant address the underlying feelings of loneliness like true human interaction. Furthermore, the advice one receives from ChatGPT isnt really advice at all, its self-validation.

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Using ChatGPT can be injurious to health. Representational image/Reuters

Theres also the worry of deskilling. Anastasiia Babash of the University of Tartu told Vox, We might prefer AI instead of human partners and neglect other humans just because AI is much more convenient. We [might] demand other people behave like AI is behaving  we might expect them to be always here or never disagree with us. [] The more we interact with AI, the more we get used to a partner who doesnt feel emotions so we can talk or do whatever we want.

Psychologists also note that AI is weakening genuine human connections. AI tools may instill a sense of calm and offer support in a moment of crisis, but genuine connection and long-term benefits are typically better achieved through person-to-person conversations.

In fact, the recent case of 16-year-old Adam Raine of California, whose parents are now suing ChatGPT, serves as a perfect reminder that AI cant replace human feelings. In their lawsuit, the parents allege that the chatbot encouraged the teen to take his own life.

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The final chat logs show that Adam wrote about his plan to end his life. ChatGPT allegedly responded: Thanks for being real about it. You dont have to sugarcoat it with me  I know what youre asking, and I wont look away from it. That same day, Adam was found dead by his mother, according to the lawsuit.

With inputs from agencies
On September 14, 1959, the Soviet Unions Luna 2 spacecraft became the first man-made object to reach the Moon. The mission, a major milestone for humanity, also was an inflection point in the space race between the US and the USSR

(Left) Luna 2 was the first spacecraft to crash into the Moon, on September 15, 1959. Image/Nasa; (right) The first spacecraft to soft-land on the Moon was Luna 9. It was launched by the Soviet Union on January 31, 1966, and returned photographs of the lunar surface for three days. Image/Novosti Press Agency

September 14 saw the Soviet Unions Luna 2 spacecraft became the first human-made object to reach the moon in 1959.

Other events include the 1901 death of United States President William McKinley after an assassination attempt, and the 1982 death of Hollywood icon Grace Kelly, who became Princess of Monaco.

We take a look at these events as part of Firstposts History Today series.

Soviet probe reaches the moon

On September 14, 1959, the Soviet Union achieved a historic milestone in human space exploration when Luna 2, an unmanned spacecraft, became the first human-made object to reach the Moon.

This accomplishment was a defining moment in the space race, a high-stakes competition between the United States and the USSR during the Cold War.

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The Luna 2 mission marked the second attempt by the Soviet Union to impact the Moon after the failure of its predecessor, Luna 1, which had missed the Moon earlier that year.

The launch of Sputnik 1 on October 4, 1957, by the USSR had stunned the world and marked the beginning of the space age.

It was the first artificial satellite to orbit Earth, demonstrating that the Soviet Union possessed advanced rocket technology capable of reaching outer space  and potentially delivering nuclear weapons across continents.

The US, caught off guard, scrambled to respond. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) was established in 1958, with the goal of closing the technological gap.

The American programme faced early setbacks, while the Soviets continued to achieve high-profile victories, each carefully publicised to boost the USSRs global standing.

In January 1959, the Soviets launched Luna 1, intended to crash-land on the Moon. Although it missed its target and sailed past the Moon, Luna 1 still became the first spacecraft to achieve escape velocity and travel into heliocentric orbit.

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This near-success fuelled Soviet determination to perfect their lunar mission and achieve an undeniable first in the history of space exploration.

Luna 2 was part of the Soviet Luna programme, a series of robotic missions aimed at exploring the Moon and testing technologies that would eventually support crewed space travel.

The Luna 2 probe weighed approximately 390 kilogrammes (860 pounds) and was spherical in shape, equipped with protruding antennas and scientific instruments.

Some of its key scientific equipment included:

Geiger counters to measure cosmic radiation.

Scintillation counters to detect high-energy particles.

Magnetometers to measure magnetic fields.

Micrometeorite detectors to study small particle impacts.

Gas-discharge counters to detect charged particles in space.

In addition to its scientific payload, Luna 2 carried pennants with the Soviet state emblem and Cyrillic inscriptions, intended to symbolically mark the Moon with a sign of Soviet achievement  a gesture loaded with Cold War symbolism.

Luna 2 was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on September 12, 1959, using a Vostok-L rocket, an adaptation of the powerful R-7 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

This launch vehicle was the backbone of the Soviet space programme and had been used for earlier space milestones, including Sputnik.

The mission followed a direct trajectory toward the Moon. Unlike modern missions that typically enter lunar orbit before attempting a landing, Luna 2 was designed for a direct impact.

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Its journey lasted just over 36 hours, with Soviet engineers closely monitoring its path using ground-based tracking stations.

During its flight, Luna 2 transmitted continuous data back to Earth, providing scientists with information on interplanetary space conditions.

The spacecrafts instruments detected solar wind, measured cosmic radiation, and confirmed that the Moon lacked a significant magnetic field and atmosphere.

These were crucial scientific discoveries at the time, fundamentally expanding humanitys understanding of the lunar environment.

At 21:02:24 Moscow Time (18:02:24 UTC), Luna 2 struck the Moons surface near the Mare Imbrium, a vast lunar plain visible from Earth with the naked eye.

The exact impact site was later determined to be between the Aristides, Archimedes, and Autolycus craters.

The collision was not observed directly by Soviet scientists, but the transmission of signals ceased abruptly at the moment of impact, confirming the missions success.

The Soviet Union immediately announced the achievement to the world, framing it as proof of the superiority of socialism and the USSRs scientific leadership.

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This success was not only a technical triumph but also a propaganda coup.

It showcased the USSRs ability to reach beyond Earth and achieve a goal that the United States had not yet accomplished, further heightening the pressure on Nasa and the American government.

Many countries applauded the Soviet achievement as a remarkable step forward for all humanity. However, in the context of the Cold War, it was also a stark reminder of the USSRs advanced missile and space technology.

In the United States, Luna 2 intensified fears of a missile gap, a perceived Soviet advantage in intercontinental ballistic missile capability. American newspapers and politicians demanded increased funding for space exploration and defence.

US President Dwight D Eisenhower, who had faced criticism after Sputnik, now faced renewed pressure to ensure the US could compete effectively in space.

Nasa accelerated its efforts in response, culminating in a series of missions aimed at reaching the Moon and eventually landing astronauts there  a goal that would be realised a decade later with Apollo 11 in July 1969.

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While Luna 2s primary goal was symbolic, the mission also provided important scientific data.

Among its contributions were:

Confirmation of no lunar magnetic field : Instruments confirmed that the Moon lacked a measurable magnetic field, which had implications for understanding its formation and geologic history.

Detection of solar wind : Luna 2 was among the first missions to detect and measure the solar wind, streams of charged particles emitted by the Sun.

Cosmic radiation measurements : The probe provided new data on radiation levels beyond Earths atmosphere, crucial for planning future human space missions.

Study of micrometeorites: Detectors recorded information about small particle impacts in space, enhancing knowledge of the interplanetary environment.

These findings laid the groundwork for future lunar exploration, both robotic and crewed.

Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev capitalised on the moment by highlighting the achievement during a state visit to the United States just days later.

He reportedly presented Eisenhower with a replica of the Soviet pennants carried aboard Luna 2, a gesture that was equal parts diplomatic overture and political challenge.

It inspired generations of Soviet citizens and served as a rallying point for the countrys ambitious space programme, which would go on to launch the first human, Yuri Gagarin, into space in April 1961.

Today, Luna 2s impact site remains a silent marker of humanitys first step beyond Earth.

Though no visible remains of the spacecraft exist, Luna 2s crash landing on the Moon was a reminder that humanitys reach was expanding beyond our planet  and that the quest to explore the universe had only just begun.

Death of US President William McKinley

US President William McKinley died on this day in 1901, eight days after being shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York.

McKinleys assassination shocked the nation and abruptly ended his presidency.

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Upon McKinleys death, US Vice President Theodore Roosevelt was sworn in as the 26th President of the United States.

Roosevelts ascension ushered in a new era of progressive policies, while McKinleys death highlighted the growing tensions between anarchist movements and government institutions at the turn of the 20th century.

Grace Kelly dies

On September 14, 1982, Grace Kelly, Hollywood actress turned Princess of Monaco, died at the age of 52 following a car accident.

Kelly had been driving along a winding road in Monaco when she suffered a stroke, causing her to lose control of the vehicle.

Her daughter, Princess Stephanie, was also in the car but survived.

Grace Kelly was one of Hollywoods most celebrated actresses in the 1950s, starring in films such as Rear Window and To Catch a Thief.

Her marriage to Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956 captivated the world, and her tragic death shocked fans and royals alike.

With inputs from agencies
ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has welcomed a recent United Nations General Assembly resolution on advancing cooperation between the UN and the AU.

The UN General Assembly, in its 79th session, adopted a resolution on UN-AU cooperation, emphasizing that strengthening the cooperation will contribute to the advancement of the principles of the UN Charter and of the Constitutive Act of the AU.

"This resolution is a strong endorsement of Africa's leadership and of the vital partnership between the UN and AU in advancing peace, security, and sustainable development," the AU Commission chief said in a statement issued Saturday.

"Together, we will translate this commitment into concrete action that delivers for Africa's people and contributes to global stability," he added.

The resolution, among other things, emphasized that the AU's 50-year continental development blueprint Agenda 2063 "reflects the commitment to the pan-African vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena."

Youssouf reaffirmed the AU's "unwavering commitment to working hand-in-hand with the UN" in achieving both Africa's Agenda 2063 and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The resolution emphasized the need to pursue ongoing measures to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of UN-AU cooperation in addressing threats to peace and security, as well as obstacles to development, and promoting human rights in Africa. 
Hero rats in Africas Tanzania are playing an unusual but crucial role as they help to detect landmines and identify tuberculosis. Using their sharp sense of smell, the rats find TB infections that were earlier labelled as negative. Since 2003, they have been used to locate landmines and, in recent years, have also been trained to search for people trapped after earthquakes

A man lies unmoving, slumped in the rubble of a simulated earthquake, as an unlikely rescuer approaches: a rat with a backpack. Whiskers waving, the rat breezes past rubbish, toppled furniture and scattered clothes to find him and pull a trigger on its pack, alerting searchers above.

Then a resounding click. A survivor has been found. The search in Morogoro in Tanzanias Uluguru Mountains is over and the rat scurries out of the abandoned building to be rewarded with a banana. A successful mission is complete for this African giant pouched rat being trained for search and rescue operations.

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Their sense of smell is incredible, said Fabrizio DellAnna, an animal behaviourist at APOPO, a Tanzania-based nongovernmental organisation that trains the rats for lifesaving applications. These rats are able to detect explosives, tuberculosis  even tiny amounts of the bacteria  and in this project, they are able to correctly identify and indicate humans.

In a field nearby, more rats walk on leashes held between handlers, pacing a grid filled with land mines as part of an initiative by APOPO, which works alongside Sokoine University of Agriculture. When they pause, it indicates that explosives are beneath. These rats are readying for their next deployment, perhaps Angola or Cambodia, where APOPO has helped clear more than 50,000 land mines since 2014.

From detecting land mines to sniffing out tuberculosis, these hero rats have become unlikely, and sometimes unrecognised, front-line responders in Tanzania and beyond.

Hero rats

For decades APOPO has trained these hero rats, which have one of the most sensitive noses in the animal kingdom. Since 2003, the rats have been finding land mines and, more recently, have been turned on to trafficked wildlife and earthquake survivors.

A landmine-detection rat scurries across a training grid at the APOPO humanitarian demining organisation facility in Morogoro, Tanzania. AP

The rats begin training shortly after birth for specific missions and, with a longer-than-average rodent life span of almost a decade, can spend years carrying out their work. The cost of training each rat runs around 6,000 euros ($6,990).

It is all done with classical conditioning and positive reinforcement, explained DellAnna, who oversees the search and rescue programme. The first cohort of this group of specialised rats are already in Turkey with a partner search and rescue organisation.

How rats sniff out positive TB cases

While the rats focused on explosives or survivors buried in rubble get all the glory, it is a group of rats inside a lab that are arguably the most impactful lifesavers. These are not typical lab rats, but rather, as their proponents would argue, one of the worlds most effective detectors of tuberculosis.

Every day as many people die from TB as from land mines in a whole year, said Christophe Cox, the CEO of APOPO. Its more spectacular to be on the minefield  but for TB  in terms of social impact, its tremendous.

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Tuberculosis is an ancient respiratory disease that continues to run rampant despite centuries of research and treatment. The World Health Organisation said last October in its most recent TB report that the disease had resurged as the top infectious disease killer, with 1.25 million deaths and a record 8.2 million infections in 2023.

In sub-Saharan Africa, only about half of TB patients receive a diagnosis, according to a study by researchers in the UK and Gambia published in the National Library of Medicine, and this leaves them liable to spread the disease. Tanzania struggles with one of the highest global TB burdens, according to the WHO.

APOPO expanded into TB detection in 2007 and its rats have been deployed in Tanzania, Ethiopia and Mozambique. The group works with 80 hospitals in Tanzania, collecting samples daily and bringing them to the lab rats.

With their sensitive noses, the rats sniff out samples of sputum from patients, looking for positive TB cases that had been marked as negative. Research suggests the rats are picking up on six unique volatile organic compounds in positive TB samples, said Cox.

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False negatives remain a persistent issue in TB detection and suppression because each infected person can spread the disease to 10 to 15 more people each year.

An African giant pouched rat being trained to detect tuberculosis licks a treat off a glass in Morogoro, Tanzania. AP

The benefits of using rats are significant, said Felista Stanesloaus, a doctor at a TB clinic in Morogoro. They help us detect cases that might otherwise be missed, which prevents people from unknowingly spreading infections.

Making TB detection accessible

TB detection has made significant advances in recent years, including using artificial intelligence tools in conjunction with lung scans. However, many areas that are burdened most by TB, such as rural villages or low-income urban communities, do not have access to these tools.

While the use of molecular detection devices, such as one called GeneXpert, have become more widespread, a clinic may only have one of these devices and it can take two hours to process a sample. Overburdened clinics turn to the centuries-old technique of microscopy, or investigation of sputum under a microscope, which is both fallible and time-consuming.

Human error may result in a person being told they are disease-free when they are not, said Stanesloaus. Using rats is a very effective initiative.

APOPOs rats can scan 100 samples in 20 minutes, and since the programmes inception, the rats have been able to identify more than 30,000 patients who had been sent home with a clean bill of health but were actually carrying TB, said Cox. The NGO is able to do with one lab what 55 hospitals do in a day, he adds.

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Yet using live animals in the place of medical devices poses challenges, especially when it comes to scale. Samples have to be brought directly to a lab with enough trained rats to conduct the detection, with some samples brought to Morogoro by motorbike each day. Operations are most effective in dense urban centres, like Dar es Salaam, Cox said.

Another challenge: Meeting WHO standards

The more existential challenge for these hero rats comes from regulators and a wider health community who doubt this unconventional method of disease detection.

APOPOs rats are not classified as primary diagnostic tools by the WHO. Instead, they are a second line of defence. Any positive samples detected by the rats must be confirmed with human microscopy in APOPOs labs before treatment can be administered.

A rat is rewarded after a successful search and rescue training mission in simulated earthquake rubble in Morogoro. AP

Its a big challenge, said Cox. Not being recognised by the WHO means that the mainstream funding for TB  never reaches us.

Cox has given up on the prospect of getting approval from the WHO, though APOPO has faced pressure from donors to go through this process, which would be extensive and rigorous with no guarantee of success.

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Regulators may also challenge APOPOs method of focusing on finding every single positive case possible at the cost of more potential false positives.

APOPO relies on the indication of just one rat to proceed with further investigation into a possible positive case, while higher specificity standards may need multiple rats to flag a sample.

Cox defends this approach.

Our choice was to go for that last patient out there  to go for the social impact, said Cox.
Days after the Gen-Z protests that burned down Nepals parliament and led to the resignation of its prime minister, the country is trying to get its act together. The losses are expected to be massive; trade and tourism are taking a hit. In our weekly wrap, we talk about the Nepal unrest, Charlie Kirks assassination and more

A member of the Nepal army removes graffiti from the main entrance of Singha Durbar office complex that houses the prime minister's office and other ministries, after the deadly anti-corruption protests triggered by a social media ban, which was later lifted, in Kathmandu, Nepal on September 12. Reuters

Its been a tumultuous week, headlined by violent protests in Nepal, an Israeli airstrike on Doha, Russias drone incursion into Poland, and the assassination of Charlie Kirk in the United States.

It all started on Monday as Gen-Z protests erupted in Nepals Kathmandu and spread to other parts of the country, triggered by a social media ban. Even after the restrictions were lifted, the Nepali youth continued to demonstrate. The protests turned violent, resulting in more than 50 deaths; the parliament was set on fire, and leaders were assaulted. The raging stir forced KP Sharma Oli to step down as prime minister.

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On Tuesday evening (September 9), the Nepal army took charge of security and restored law and order. Now the country is trying to pick up the pieces, with former Chief Justice Sushila Karki taking over as its interim PM.

In yet another shocking move, Israel launched airstrikes on Qatars capital, Doha, on Tuesday. The IDF was targeting a meeting of senior Hamas leaders. While six were killed in the attack, the top leadership survived. However, the attack has left the Jewish nation more isolated, with even Donald Trump distancing himself.

Meanwhile, the Russia-Ukraine conflict took another unexpected turn. Poland saw an unprecedented incursion into its airspace  three Russian drones were shot down on early Wednesday, leading to Nato strengthening its defences to secure its eastern flank.

And in a ghastly case of political violence in the US, Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist, was shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. The manhunt for the shooter continued for nearly two days, leading to the arrest of Tyler Robinson, a 22-year-old student.

We talk about all this and more in our weekly roundup for world news.

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1. When the Nepal government banned social media, little did it expect that the decision would upturn its fortunes. On Monday (September 8), Gen-Z protesters went on a rampage in the country. However, they were not angry about the ban alone. They were seething about nepotism, corruption, and lack of jobs. Even after the social media restrictions were lifted, the protests continued  in fact, they took a rather ugly turn  the parliament, government buildings and residences of politicians were set on fire; leaders were assaulted. Finally, it ended with KP Sharma Oli resigning as prime minister. Heres how it all went down.

Former Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Olis picture lies on the floor in the Singha Durbar office complex that houses the prime ministers office and other ministries, following the deadly anti-corruption protests in Kathmandu. Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has taken over as interim prime minister. Reuters

2. The protests, which hoped to usher in a change, spiralled. At least 50 people have died, including an Indian woman. With several buildings burnt to the ground and public property vandalised, the losses are expected to be insurmountable. Trade and tourism have also been hit. An interim government has been formed after much debate, but it will be a task to steer the country out of political instability. Heres how the unrest has brought the nation to its knees.

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A torched vehicle stands at Patan Durbar Square following Mondays deadly anti-corruption protests triggered by a social media ban, which was later lifted, in Lalitpur, Nepal. The country is slowly opening up. Reuters

3. Israel once again finds itself under fire from neighbours and allies alike. On Tuesday, it launched an airstrike once again, this time on Doha. It hit a meeting of senior Hamas leaders, who reportedly survived. However, six others were killed. This is the first time Israel has attacked Qatar, which has played a key role in negotiating with Hamas since the October 7, 2023 masscare. While the Jewish nation has justified the strikes, the West, including the US, and the Gulf Arab nations, have condemned it. What could be the fallout of Israels decision on the Gaza war? We analyse.

People attend a funeral held for those killed by an Israeli attack in Doha, including a member of the Internal Security Force, at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque in Doha, Qatar, on September 11 in this screengrab obtained from a video feed. Qatar TV/Reuters

4. From one conflict, we move on to another. On Wednesday (September 10), Poland became the first Nato country to engage in a skirmish since the Ukraine war began in February 2022. It had no choice but to shoot down Russian drones that entered its airspace. Even as Warsaw called an emergency session of the UNSC on Friday (September 12), Trump said that the incursion could have been a mistake. But was it?

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5. The biggest story from the US this week was the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The rightwing conservative, who was shot dead during an event at Utah Valley University, was only 31. He was reportedly talking about guns when a single bullet fired from a nearby roof hit him in the neck. He started bleeding profusely. Heres how the outrageous killing unfolded.

6. Kirk was an ally of President Trump. He was known for his divisive views  he criticised Indian immigrants in the US, dubbed Covid as a China virus, and said gun deaths were worth it. A look at his most controversial takes.

People attend a vigil at Orem City Center Park, after US right-wing activist and commentator, Charlie Kirk, was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University, in Orem, Utah. Reuters

7. America, in many ways, seems to be shutting its doors to the world. After cracking down on immigrants, its leaders are now targeting outsourcing jobs. A new bill was introduced in the Senate that targets how global companies run their operations. It is called the Halting International Relocation of Employment (HIRE) Act, and it could hurt the India IT sector.

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The bill is a reason for concern for Indian tech giants like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro, which depend heavily on American clients for revenue. Reuters

8. Amid the doom and the gloom, our last story is about hope. Russia has recently claimed that its cancer vaccine is ready for use. Enteromix has reportedly achieved 100 per cent efficacy in clinical trials. How does it work?

Thats all from us this week. Hope you enjoy our recommendations, and you can find more such explainers here.
While inaugurating several developmental projects in Assam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Indias Operation Sindoor against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a function organised to commemorate his 100th Birth Anniversary, in Guwahati on Saturday. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and others also present. ANI

While inaugurating several developmental projects in Assam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Indias Operation Sindoor against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir was successful with the blessings of Maa Kamakhya.

In his address to the people on Sunday, the prime minister mentioned that this was his first visit to the state after the India-Pakistan conflict, which broke out following the devastating Pahalgam terror attack. Yesterday was my first visit to Assam after Operation Sindoor. Operation Sindoor was a huge success with the blessings of Maa Kamakhya, the prime minister said in the Sunday event.

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#WATCH | Darrang, Assam: Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Yesterday was my first visit to Assam after Operation Sindoor. Operation Sindoor was a huge success with the blessings of Maa Kamakhya. Today, I am having a different holy experience by coming to this land of Maa pic.twitter.com/dwyWVKo7W7  ANI (@ANI) September 14, 2025

Today, I am having a different holy experience by coming to this land of Maa Kamakhya, and it is also an icing on the cake that Janmashtami is being celebrated in this region today. From the Red Fort, I had said, I remembered Chakradhari Mohan. I remembered Shri Krishna, and I have put forth the idea of a Sudarshan Chakra in the future security policy before the people, he added.

PM Modi inaugurates key projects in Assam

Assam was the third stop in his five-state visit. On the first day, PM Modi launched developmental projects in Mizoram and Manipur. After arriving in Assam on Saturday, the prime minister held a roadshow in Guwahati, where thousands lined the streets to greet him.

On Sunday, PM Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for several infrastructure and industrial projects worth over Rs18,530 crore in Assam. From Assam, the prime minister will then travel to Bihar and West Bengal.

Throughout the whole trip, PM Modi is inaugurating and laying foundation stones for projects worth over 71,000 crore. These projects are aimed at bolstering the infrastructure in Indias eastern and northeastern regions.

When it comes to Assam, the prime minister laid the foundation stone of the Darrang Medical College & Hospital, a GNM School, and a B.Sc Nursing College, along with the Guwahati Ring Road Project and the KuruwaNarengi Bridge over the Brahmaputra.

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From there, PM Modi will travel to Golaghat, where he will inaugurate the Assam Bioethanol Plant at Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), a 5,000-crore bamboo-based ethanol project designed to promote clean energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

He will also lay the foundation stone of a Polypropylene Plant at NRL, which is expected to strengthen Assams petrochemical sector and create jobs.

With inputs from agencies.
When selection for the interim prime minister was going on in the Shital Niwas, the Presidents office and residence, five-time Nepali Congress PM Sher Bahadur Deuba, recovering from the thrashing by Gen Z in the army hospital, is reported to have said, I was to be the next PM. This was part of the power-sharing agreement between the coalition government formed by two mainstream parties, the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) (UML), led by KP Oli, and the National Congress (NC). Its collapse became instant history and marked the end of the political careers of PM Oli and, next in line, PM Deuba next year.

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In Gen Z protests, amid accusations of being hijacked by the royalists and criminal groups, NC and UML offices across the country were attacked, conspicuously sparing CPN Maoists and Rashtriya Swatantra Party offices even as they gutted the homes of Maoist leader Prachanda and his daughter Ganga, his successor, and Renu, Mayor of Chitwan.

After hectic parleys between President Ramchandra Paudel, Army Chief Gen Ashok Sigdel and Gen Z leaders, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in on Friday night as the 42nd Prime Minister of Nepal in Shital Niwas, where only one (among five surviving) former Prime Minister, Baburam Bhattrai, was present. The expected swearing-in of former chairman of the Nepal Electricity Board, Kulman Ghisingh, and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah (he was present) did not take place. But this was the quickest selection and appointment of a prime minister in Nepal.

It was not difficult to agree on Karki, as she was the favourite of Gen Z, though there are disparate groups and voices in Gen Z. But disagreement was about the sequencing of the constitutional process: whether Parliament should be dissolved before or after the appointment of the caretaker prime minister. While Paudel had argued that once a caretaker prime minister, a new council of ministers and elections were announced, Parliament would automatically dissolve. Karki and Gen Z insisted on the dissolution of Parliament first.

For Paudel, an NC stalwart, this was not an easy decision, as the previous night he met leaders of political parties, including Prachanda, who was instrumental in his appointment as president. In fact, he switched coalition partners from UML to NC to ensure Paudel becomes president and his own retention as prime minister. Paudel is hoping to induct younger generation political leaders with a clean image into the interim government. The door is open.

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Leading constitutional expert Bhim Arjun Acharya, in a TV interview, said: the constitution must be saved; the president is the ultimate custodian of the constitution; the parliament has to be dissolved, and the army must return to full civilian control. Both the parliament and constitution cant be dissolved, he added.

Further, he advocated investigation and action against former ministers charged with alleged corruption cases, police for indiscriminate firing, and Gen Z for destroying government property. He noted that the army, instead of securing national assets  buildings housing the judiciary, executive and legislature  was busy protecting ministers and politicians.

While the Gen Z movement might have paved the way to cleansing the governance system and arresting corruption, its cost has been mind-boggling: destruction of billions of dollars of national assets, escape of 20 to 30,000 prisoners from jail, including the coercive release of RSP leader Rabi Lamichchane, who faces multiple charges of fraud and loan default, looting of weapons from police and armouries, looting from banks and loss of confidence among foreign investors.

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A caretaker prime minister and shortly a government have apparently prevented any declaration of emergency by the army, which had also reportedly put the president on notice, and restored political control. Sigdel had taken the front seat in the negotiation process, for which the army was just not equipped.

Further, in his address to the nation, Sigdel signalled, by prominently displaying a portrait of the founder of modern Nepal, King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the armys residual allegiance to the monarchy and the palace. It is worth recalling that the principal agenda of the Maoist civil war was for King Gyanendra to submit the army to genuine political control. One of the first meetings Sigdel organised was between Gen Z leaders and Durga Prasain, former UML leader turned royalist and agent provocateur of the March Restoration of Monarchy movement in Kathmandu, which led to three deaths. He was arrested and released on bail. Gen Z walked out of the meeting.

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The Nepal Army is a professional force with a reputation for its fighting elan in combatting Maoists and prowess in UN peacekeeping missions. It had an unsavoury taste of power when King Gyanendra carried out the palace coup on February 1, 2005, and India instantly prohibited the transfer of weapons and equipment. This also led to a temporary breach in army-to-army links and bilateral relations.

In the pictures released of her swearing in, Karki is flanked by two prominent faces: Gen Z leader Sudan Gurung and Ram Subedi, her husband and NC activist involved in the hijacking of an RNA aircraft in 1973. Others involved in the hijacking included NCs Chakra Bastola, who became ambassador to India. One other prominent face in the picture is that of Sumana Shrestha of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).

At 72, Karki becomes Nepals first Madam Prime Minister, who was also the first female chief justice in 2016. She studied at Banaras Hindu University, high learnings umbilical cord with Nepals students. Her rulings in cases involving ministers and one anti-graft body chief are legendary.

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In April 2017, then-PM Prachanda submitted an impeachment motion against her, overruling his decision to appoint a police chief, breaching the seniority system. Karki is reported to have a soft corner for India and strong links with NC. After her appointment, the Presidents Office announced the dissolution of the House of Representatives on the recommendations of the prime minister.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sushila Karki on assuming office as prime minister of the interim government of Nepal, adding India remains firmly committed to peace, progress and prosperity for the people of Nepal. This is not the first time Nepal has chosen a former Chief Justice as PM of an interim government. In 2006, Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi held the appointment while the interim constitution was drafted and elections were held in 2008 that were swept by the Maoists.

The road ahead, like most roads in Nepal, will be bumpy and potholed because there are far too many stakeholders wishing to piggyback Gen Z, which itself works on an app called Discord. Elections have been slated for March 5, 2026. For a truly transformative governance system, amendments to the 2015 constitution are essential. For ensuring political stability, any one political party should be able to win a majority. Nepals existing electoral system disables it and will need to be amended, deleting the proportional representation system (PR) from the existing mix of the first past the post (FPTP) and PR for the House of Representatives.

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Although many stories about the CIA and the late Barbara Adams Foundation are doing the rounds, they seem like usual exaggerations. Maoists gave Adams Nepali citizenship after 50 years of service to Nepal. Not for no reason is Kathmandu called the rumour capital of the world. India has so far been spared from being linked to the external hand, though anti-India sentiment has not significantly diminished. Some Indian tourists were attacked, but it was more angst and despair than anti-Indianism.

Until Saturday afternoon a minister had not been appointed to assist Karki. The death toll has risen to 51, including 3 policemen; 30 from bullets and 21 from wounds and burns. Gen Z has begun clearing the rubble and cleaning the streets in Kathmandu. From my village in Lame Ahal near Pokhara, and probably everywhere else in Nepal, youth between 13 and 30 who make up Gen Z are happy and sad. John Drydens Beware the fury of a patient man echoes amid the smoke and fire of Nepals fifth revolution.

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The author is former GOC IPKF South Sri Lanka and founder member Defence Planning Staff, now Integrated Defence Staff, Ministry of Defence. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Five US F-35 fighter jets arrived in Puerto Rico on Saturday as part of President Donald Trumps military buildup in the Caribbean, a move officially linked to counter-narcotics operations but seen as adding to tensions with Venezuela.

An F-35C, assigned to the Rough Raiders of Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-125, lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt on May 5, 2023. US Navy

Five US F-35 fighter jets landed at the former Roosevelt Roads military base in Ceiba, Puerto Rico, on Saturday, Reuters reported. In recent days, helicopters, Osprey aircraft, transport planes and US personnel have also been spotted at the site.

The move comes after President Donald Trump ordered ten F-35s to the Caribbean as part of a wider military buildup against drug cartels. Earlier this week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and a top general visited Puerto Rico to review operations.

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Asked about the jets, a Pentagon duty press officer told Reuters: We have no force posture changes to announce currently. Reuters earlier reported the aircraft were assigned to counter-narcotics missions. Trump also clarified the deployment was not aimed at regime change in Venezuela.

Last week, the US military launched its first strike since the buildup, killing 11 people aboard a Venezuelan vessel it accused of smuggling narcotics. Venezuela rejected the claim, saying none of the dead were drug traffickers.

On Saturday, Caracas accused a US destroyer of intercepting a tuna fishing boat with nine crew members in its Special Economic Zone. Venezuela called the act illegal and hostile, while Al Jazeera reported the vessel was stopped by the USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109). Washington has yet to respond.

The arrival of the stealth fighters adds to growing US military activity in the region. Relations remain tense, with Trump having already ordered warships to the Caribbean in August under the banner of fighting drug cartels.
After Poland, a Russian drone breached the Romanian airspace, raising worries among Nato over a war spilling over. The incident prompted Romania to scramble F-16 fighter jets to track the unmanned aircraft for nearly an hour.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) ramped up its security after a Russian drone violated Romanian airspace on Saturday. The incident prompted Romania to scramble F-16 fighter jets to track the unmanned aircraft for nearly an hour.

The latest incursion occurred while Russia was launching a renewed barrage of attacks on Ukrainian ports. It also came days after 19 Russian drones infiltrated the Polish airspace, prompting the government to enforce Article 4 of Nato. The latest Russian incursions in Eastern European nations have led to a rise in concern over a war spillover in Eastern Europe.

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Meanwhile, Romanian Defence 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 and headed toward Ukraine. Romania, a member of both the European Union and NATO, shares a 650 km border with Ukraine. The country has been dealing with Russian drone fragments falling onto its territory repeatedly since Russia began waging war on Ukraine.

Romania reacts

While giving updates on the matter, Romanias Ministry of National Defence reassured the public that the drone did not fly over populated areas and did not pose an imminent threat." However, they maintained that teams are preparing to search for possible debris.

Romanians have been bracing for such incursions for a while. In a forward-looking move, the countrys parliament adopted a law in February making it possible for its military to shoot down drones breaching its airspace.

Romania condemns Russias reckless behaviour, which threatens regional stability, wrote the Romanian defence minister on social media. Together with our NATO Allies, we remain vigilant and ready to defend every inch of Allied airspace, he added.

Zelenskyy slams Russia

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered the most direct and forceful condemnation of the latest infiltration by Russia into the Romanian airspace. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Zelenskyy maintained that the drone penetrated about 10 kilometres into Romanian territory and operated in Nato airspace for around 50 minutes.

According to Zelensky, the drones route was always calculated and was not a coincidence, a mistake, or the initiative of some lower-level commanders. He went on to call it an obvious expansion of the war by Russia and urged allies to take preventive action.

Today, Romania scrambled combat aircraft because of a Russian drone in its airspace. According to current data, the drone penetrated about 10 kilometers into Romanian territory and operated in NATO airspace for around 50 minutes. Also today, Poland responded militarily to the  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) September 13, 2025

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The view was also echoed by the Ukrainian foreign ministry, which emphasised that the Russian military knows exactly where their drones are headed and demanded a strong and decisive response  tougher sanctions, tariffs against Russian trade, and a reliable defence system.

With inputs from Reuters.
The assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on a Utah college campus has sent fresh tremors through an America already unsettled by a relentless surge in political violence. Read here

The fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah college event has ignited alarm across America, seen by many as another ominous sign in a surge of political violence increasingly normalised in public life.

While the shooters specific motives are still under investigation, the killing of such a high-profile ally of President Donald Trump has poured fuel on the embers of partisan rage, threatening to ignite a more destructive and unpredictable chapter of civil unrest.

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Swelling waves of political violence

Kirks death is not an isolated incident but the latest and most prominent flashpoint in a clear and disturbing trend. According to data from the University of Marylands Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START), the first six months of 2025 saw over 520 acts of terrorism and targeted violence, a nearly 40% increase from the same period in 2024, resulting in 96 deaths.

More alarmingly, mass casualty attacks, those with four or more victimshave surged by a staggering 187.5%. Charlie Kirks killing joins a grim roster of recent attacks: the arson of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiros home, the ambush and killing of a Minnesota legislator and her spouse by a gunman posing as law enforcement, and attempts on President Donald Trumps life.

These incidents illustrate that political violence is no longer isolated or extreme, it is now woven into Americas political fabric. As Michael Jensen, a research director at START, said, the warning signs of growing civil unrest in the US are evident in the data.

WATCH: Trump Ally Charlie Kirk Assassinated: What Does it Mean for US?

Rhetoric turns dangerous

Reactions to Kirks death have revealed and intensified deep fractures in public discourse. Political leaders and media figures from the right have accused the radical left of cultivating incendiary rhetoric, while voices across the spectrum express concern that inflammatory language, coupled with weapon access and social media echo chambers, is accelerating the risk of violence.

President Trump, in particular, described radicals on the left as vicious and horrible and politically savvy, distinguishing them sharply from those on the right, whom he said were radical mostly because of concerns over crime. Such statements, critics argue, blur lines between critique and incitement.

This rhetoric of war and retribution from the highest levels of power has experts deeply concerned. Political analysts warn that such language can easily be interpreted as a call to arms by individuals already primed for violence. All it takes is somebody with a grievance and a gun or a grievance and access to some sort of weapon, and you have a recipe for more violence, said one expert. It doesnt take an army to inflict violence on people.

While leaders from both parties, including former President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris, issued swift condemnations of the attack and all political violence, their calls for unity were nearly drowned out by the drums of war. In the wake of the shooting, prominent politicians cancelled public events citing safety concerns and historically Black colleges went on lockdown after receiving threats, illustrating a nation on high alert.

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Defining the challenge ahead

While the motives behind Kirks killing are still under investigation, including the significance of strange inscriptions on the guns casings, many experts warn this incident could mark a turning point. Its one that might enlarge a cycle of grievance, retaliation, and political violence.

Researchers tracking political violence (such as those from the University of Marylands START database) observe that the nation is nearing a crossroads: whether political violence remains episodic and condemned, or becomes a recurring and destabilizing norm.

Some analysts draw historical parallels to the 1960s but caution the current moment may be more dangerous due to rapid radicalization via social media, widespread access to firearms, and rising levels of distrust in institutions.

What comes next

Preventing this from becoming a darker chapter in US history will demand more than rhetoric. Experts recommend stronger protection for public figures, stricter event security protocols, better regulation of firearm access, and crucially, de-escalatory leadership that resists inflammatory speech. Broadly supported interventions, community violence prevention, education programs, and robust counter-extremism efforts are also seen as essential.
China slammed US President Donald Trump after he pressed Nato nations to impose as high as 100 per cent tariffs on countries that purchase oil from Russia.

China slammed US President Donald Trump after he pressed Nato nations to impose as high as 100 per cent tariffs on countries that purchase oil from Russia. Trumps remarks on the matter came after Russian drones infiltrated the Polish airspace, triggering Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

Responding to Trumps calls, China said on Saturday that it neither plots nor participates in wars, in a stern and clear message to Washington. During his state visit to Slovenia, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi insisted that war cannot solve problems and sanctions only complicate the matter, Reuters reported.

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Wang Yis remarks on the matter came just hours after US President Donald Trump urged Nato members to halt purchases of Russian oil and actively impose sanctions on those who do so. He also threatened to impose up to 100 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods, since Moscow is the biggest buyer of Russian oil.

It is pertinent to note that the Trump administration has already imposed nearly 50 per cent of tariffs on Indian goods, complaining about New Delhis purchase of Russian oil.

Trumps letter to Nato

In a so-called letter to Nato and 'the world', Trump exclaimed that its time to take stringent actions against Russia. I am 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. 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! It greatly weakens your negotiating position and bargaining power over Russia," the American leader said in a long post on his social media platform TruthSocial.

The Potus went on to urge the Western alliance to act collectively and insisted that he is prepared to go once Nato members align with the sanctions. Anyway, I am ready to go when you are. Just say when? he said.

Apart from this, the US have been urging G7 nations to also step up pressure on Russia by imposing tariffs on India and China. 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, US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent told the G7 Finance Ministers, according to the joint statement.

Interestingly, the Trump administrations stance on the matter came a week after Wang Yi spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stressing the need for both economic giants to move forward together without deviating from their courses or losing speed, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk called for a dissolution of the UK parliament as he delivered a provocative virtual address at a far-right rally led by Tommy Robinson in London

While virtually addressing a far-right rally in London, Tesla CEO Elon Musk called for a dissolution of parliament and a change of government in the United Kingdom. The rally was organised by far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, which also witnessed violent clashes with the police.

Musk addressed the protesters via video link and railed against the woke mind virus and told the crowd that violence is coming and that you either fight back or you die. 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," he said.

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Somethings got to be done. Theres got to be a dissolution of parliament and a new vote held. It is pertinent to note that this is not the first time the billionaire has been involved in British politics. Earlier this year, he started a war of words with the British government over grooming gangs and also criticised the 2023 Online Safety Act, calling the legislation a threat to free speech.

Musk is known to have a strong relationship with far-right British leader Nigel Farage. There have also been reports that the billionaire could channel a donation to Farages party, Reform UK. However, things changed when the Tesla CEO called for the Reform UK leader to be replaced during a dispute over his support for Robinson.

What Musk said at the event

In the Saturday rally, Musk requested the countrys reasonable centre to fight back. 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," Musk said in his virtual address.

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.

The SpaceX CEO went on to tell the crowd, the left are the party of murder, referring to the death of American rightwing activist Charlie Kirk. 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 said.

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The billionaire went on to slam what he called the woke mind virus and insisted that decisions for advancement should be on merit rather than discrimination based on sex, or religion or any race or anything else.

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," he said.

Over 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. According to The Guardian, the marches also faced about 5,000 anti-racist counter-protesters. Apart from Musk, Katie Hopkins and French far-right politician Eric Zemmour were also invited to address the protesters.
Tens of thousands of people protested in the capital Ankara on Sunday against a court case that could oust the head of the main opposition on Monday after a yearlong legal crackdown on hundreds of its members.

A supporter of Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party or (CHP) kisses a image of former Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu during a party rally, in Istanbul, Turkey, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. (AP Photo)

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Ankara on Sunday to protest a court case that could remove the head of Turkeys main opposition party, the Republican Peoples Party (CHP), in a ruling expected on Monday.

Live footage showed demonstrators waving Turkish flags and party banners while chanting for President Tayyip Erdogans resignation.

The case centres on allegations of procedural irregularities in the CHPs 2023 congress. A decision to invalidate the congress could unseat party leader Ozgur Ozel, potentially reshaping the opposition, unsettling financial markets and affecting the political timeline ahead of the next general election scheduled for 2028. The court also has the option to postpone its ruling.

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Addressing the rally, Ozel accused the government of eroding democratic norms and suppressing dissent in an effort to cling to power, particularly after the oppositions successes in recent local elections. He also called for an early general election.

This case is political. The accusations are slander. Our comrades are innocent. Whats being done is a coup  a coup against the future president, against the future government. We will resist, we will resist, we will resist, Ozel said in his address to the crowd.

The government says the judiciary is independent and denies any political motives.

Turkey has detained more than 500 people, including 17 mayors over the last year in Istanbul and other CHP-run municipalities around the country as part of corruption investigations, according to a Reuters review.

Hundreds of members of the CHP have been jailed pending trial in a sprawling probe into alleged corruption and terrorism links, among them President Tayyip Erdogans main political rival  Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu.

The arrest of Imamoglu in March sparked the countrys largest protests in a decade where hundreds of thousands took to the streets, prompting a brief but sharp selloff in the lira and other Turkish assets.

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In a letter sent from prison and read aloud at the rally in Ankara, Imamoglu wrote that the government is attempting to pre-determine the outcome of the next election by sidelining legitimate rivals. He also accused the government of undermining democracy through politically motivated judicial actions and other efforts to suppress dissent.

The era of I in this country will end, and the era of we will begin. One person will lose, and everyone else will win, Imamoglu wrote.

The crowd applauded and chanted President Imamoglu after the letter read aloud.

With inputs from agencies
COLOMBO, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Maldives' Ministry of Higher Education, Labor and Skills Development has disbursed more than 69 million U.S. dollars in loans and scholarships to students pursuing higher education since 2024.

In a post on social media on Sunday, the ministry said from 2024 to Sept. 11, 2025, the ministry extended over 69 million dollars in loans to 1,226 students.

The ministry added that in the same period, 4,469 students have enrolled in undergraduate programs, with women making up a majority (2,806 compared to 1,663 men). During the same period, 5,579 students graduated, including 2,237 this year.

At present, 8,330 students were pursuing their first degree, the ministry said. (1 U.S. dollar equals 15.31 MVR) 
A congressional staffer from Mexicos ruling party had to resign after being called out online over his remarks on the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.

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

A congressional staffer from Mexicos ruling party had to resign after being called out online over his remarks on the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. While speaking on a major Mexican television network, Milenio, Salvador Ramirez, a social communications coordinator for the ruling Morena party, mocked Kirks death, saying the Turning Point USAs executive director received a spoonful of his own chocolate.

The Mexican news network later released a public apology after the United States deputy secretary of state, a former ambassador to Mexico, Christopher Landau, threatened to have US President Donald Trump revoke US visas on which it may count. Ramirezs resignation came amid a trend of people losing their jobs over their remarks on Kirks death after Conservatives called them offensive.

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Kirk, who was a close ally of Trump, was shot dead on Wednesday while he was speaking at a rally at a university in Utah. Following his death, conservative commentators, activists and public officials in the US have engaged in social media campaigns against people accused of disrespecting Kirks memory. According to Reuters, at least 15 people had been fired or suspended over their remarks.

How the Ramirez situation played out

On Thursday, Christopher Landau, the deputy secretary of state and the USs former Mexican ambassador, warned on X that foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country. Please feel free to bring such comments by foreigners to my attention so that the state department can protect the American people, said Landau, who was appointed US ambassador to Mexico and served from 2019 to 2021 during Trumps first presidency.

While all this was happening, the clip of Ramirezs remarks started circulating online. I think if Charlie Kirk lived, he may like what I am about to say, because what I am about to say is very anti-woke, Ramirez facetiously said. He was given a spoonful of his own chocolate. They gave a spoonful to someone who promoted the use of weapons. They gave a spoonful to someone who was financed by the National Rifle Association  a political association that is of the extreme right, pro-Trump, of the most radical wing of the Republicans.

The Mexican lawmaker added that Turning Point USA was an anti-rights, anti-LGBT  practically anti-women  movement. Landau eventually responded to the video with an image reading El Quitavisas, roughly meaning the visa remover. Minutes later, Landau went after Milenio itself, which is one of the most-watched and read news outlets in Mexico.

Really, Milenio? This is the level of discourse that you promote on your channel? I am embarrassed for having interacted with you during my tenure as United States ambassador to Mexico, Landau wrote in a separate post. The Mexican television network eventually released a public statement on Friday, apologising for Ramirezs comments, saying the outlet does not promote nor accept expressions of hate, violence or disqualification towards any person or group.

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We regret that the remarks made during one of our programs may have upset or offended a part of the audience, and we offer a sincere apology to those who felt offended, the statement read. The Mexican lawmaker released a separate video on Friday afternoon apologising for his very unfortunate comments, saying they were his own thoughts and not representative of the Morena party nor of Milenio. Later that evening, Ramirez officially announced his resignation from the parliamentary group for the Morena party within the Mexican House of Representatives.
More than 3,700 inmates, who had escaped from different jails during the violent anti-government protests in Nepal last week, have been arrested again, police said on Sunday.

Nepal Police said on Sunday that more than 3,700 inmates who broke out of jails during last weeks violent anti-government protests have been taken back into custody, while over 10,000 remain unaccounted for.

According to Deputy Inspector General Binod Ghimire, spokesperson for Nepal Police, a total of 3,723 prisoners had been returned to various jails by Sunday afternoon. He urged citizens to remain vigilant, noting that 10,320 inmates were still on the run.

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Ghimire said some of the escapees surrendered voluntarily, while Indian police assisted in apprehending those who attempted to cross the border.

A campaign by the Nepali Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force to arrest the escaped prisoners is underway, DIG Ghimire said.

The prisoners had escaped on September 9 due to the vandalism, arson and demonstration following the Gen-Z protests against corruption and a ban on various social media sites that forced Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli to resign.

The massive demonstrations  called the protest of Gen Z  began on Sept. 8 over a short-lived social media ban. Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets, particularly young people, angry about widespread corruption and poverty, while the children of political leaders, known as nepo kids, seemed to enjoy luxurious lifestyles.

The protests soon turned violent, with protesters attacking the parliament building and police opening fire, and led to the resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, who fled his official residence.

The actual headquarters of the prime minister, an old white-colored palace converted to an office in the capital, Kathmandu, was set on fire along with the offices of the president, the supreme court, key government ministries and several police stations on Sept. 9, a day after police shot at protesters. The businesses and houses of key families were also attacked, including several stores of a popular supermarket chain in Nepal.

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Calm was restored after the army took control of the streets that night, and negotiations between protesters, the army and the president began over an interim government.

Sushila Karki, 73, was named the new prime minister on Sept. 12. She was a popular figure while serving as the courts only female chief justice in 2016 and 2017, and was known for her stance against corruption in the government.

Fresh parliamentary elections have been set for March 5.

With inputs from agencies
Nepals Prime Minister Sushila Karki said on Sunday that the arson and vandalism that occurred during the Gen Z protest last week were criminal acts against the country and announced that those killed during the uprising will be officially honoured as martyrs.

Nepals Prime Minister Sushila Karki said on Sunday that the arson and vandalism that occurred during the Gen Z protest last week were criminal acts against the country and announced that those killed during the uprising will be officially honoured as martyrs.

Karki made the proclamation in her first address to the nation after assuming the prime ministerial post. In her address, Karki made it clear that her interim government would support the victims families and recognise the sacrifice of young protesters who lost their lives.

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I am deeply pained by the loss suffered by families, especially those who lost school- and college-going children. Those killed in the crackdown on the Gen Z Revolution will be declared martyrs. Their families will receive financial aid of Rs 10 lakh, and assistance will also be extended to the injured," she said as she officially took over her prime ministerial duties, Kathmandu Post reported.

She made it clear that her government will be an interim one

The 73-year-old former Chief Justice of Nepal was appointed to the role following a two-day protest across the Himalayan nation, which was mostly led by the countrys Gen Z. The demonstration against rampant corruption in the country eventually toppled the government of Nepals former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

In her address to the nation, Karki stressed that her administration was not formed to hold on to power but to ensure stability in the nation, which is currently under a transitional phase. At least 51 people were killed and thousands were injured in the protests that started in Kathmandu and spread across the country.

My team and I are not here to taste power. We will not stay beyond six months. We will hand over responsibility to the new parliament. We wont succeed without your support," Karki told the nation, urging unity to address Nepals political and economic crises.

Concluding her address, Karki stressed the need for collective commitment to steer the country in the right direction. I have never seen such a transformation in just about 27 hours of protests. To meet this groups demands, we must all work with determination. I did not come here out of desire; I took on this responsibility after you all urged me to step in, she said.

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Sushila Karki, a former chief justice, has taken charge as Nepals interim prime minister after weeks of Gen Zled protests toppled KP Sharma Oli. Sworn in as the countrys first woman prime minister, she has vowed to tackle corruption, compensate victims of the unrest, and step down within six months.

Nepals interim prime minister Sushila Karki took charge on Saturday after weeks of Gen Zled protests against corruption, unemployment, and a social media ban forced KP Sharma Oli to step down.

According to PTI, a cabinet expansion is expected later in the day.

Karki, 73, a former chief justice, was sworn in on Friday night as Nepals first woman prime minister, ending days of political turmoil following Olis resignation. The protests, which erupted on September 8, left more than 70 people dead after demonstrators stormed government offices and clashed with security forces.

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After assuming office, Karki announced that those killed in the movement would be declared martyrs, with their families receiving Rs 10 lakh in compensation. She pledged to address corruption, one of the main causes of the unrest.

We have to work according to the thinking of the Gen Z generation. What this group is demanding is an end to corruption, good governance and economic equality, Karki said in her first public comments since taking office. She also stressed her government would not remain in power beyond six months.

We wont stay for more than six months. We will hand over the responsibility to the new parliament. We wont succeed without your support, she added. Karki also promised an investigation into acts of vandalism during the protests, saying, My team and I are not here to taste power.

On Sunday, Karki held a minutes silence for those killed in the unrest before beginning meetings at Singha Durbar, the government complex where several buildings were torched during mass protests.

At least 72 people were killed and 191 injured in two days of violence, according to Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal, raising the earlier toll of 51. Officials described the unrest as the worst since the end of the civil war and the abolition of the monarchy in 2008.

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Karki described the 27-hour protest as the first of its kind in Nepal, calling the demands for equality and accountability legitimate. She noted that her name was pushed forward by youth activists themselves: The situation that I have come in, I have not wished to come here. My name was brought from the streets.

Her appointment followed tough negotiations led by army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel and President Ram Chandra Paudel, who also engaged with representatives of the Gen Z protest movement. Many young activists, coordinating via the Discord app, had named Karki as their preferred leader.

Parliament was dissolved shortly after Karki took oath, with elections now scheduled for March 5, 2026.

We will not stay here more than six months in any situation, we will complete our responsibilities and pledge to hand over to the next parliament and ministers, she reiterated in a national address.

Ordinary Nepalis expressed cautious hope. This governments list of responsibilities and issues to address isnt easy, said Satya Narayan, a 69-year-old shopkeeper from Pharping, near Kathmandu. It also needs to ensure unity and harmony in the country by taking all sections along.

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President Paudel, who administered Karkis oath at Sheetal Niwas, called her appointment a peaceful solution found through a difficult process. Soldiers began withdrawing from the streets over the weekend, but authorities face a major security challenge with more than 12,500 prisoners still at large after escaping during the chaos.

Regional leaders welcomed Karkis rise. Indian prime minister Narendra Modi said New Delhi supported peace, progress and prosperity in Nepal, while Chinas foreign ministry vowed to push China-Nepal relations steadily forward.

The Dalai Lama also sent his wishes, expressing hope that Karki would fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the people of Nepal in these challenging times.
US President Donald Trumps top diplomat, Marco Rubio headed to Israel on Saturday, amid tensions with fellow Us allies in the Middle East over Israels strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar and expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to members of the media, before departing for Israel at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, U.S., September 13, 2025. ReutersUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to members of the media, before departing for Israel at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, U.S., September 13, 2025. Reuters

US President Donald Trumps top diplomat, Marco Rubio headed to Israel on Saturday, amid tensions with fellow Us allies in the Middle East over Israels strike on Hamas leaders in Qatar and expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Speaking to reporters before departure, Rubio reiterated that the U.S. and President Donald Trump were not happy about the strikes.

Rubio said the U.S. relationship with Israel would not be affected, but that he would discuss with the Israelis how the strike would affect Trumps desire to secure the return of all the hostages held by Hamas, get rid of the militants and end the Gaza war.

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Whats happened, has happened, he said. Were gonna meet with them. Were gonna talk about what the future holds, he said.

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.

After Israel, Rubio is due to join Trumps 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 worlds biggest group of genocide scholars.

Israel launched its campaign after Hamass 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.

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.

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On Friday, Rubio met with Qatars 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.

Rubios trip 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.

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.

On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed, opens new tab an agreement to push ahead with a settlement expansion plan that would cut across West Bank land that the Palestinians seek for a state. Last week, the United Arab Emirates warned that this would cross a red line and undermine the U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords that normalized UAE-Israel relations in 2020.

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Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Sunday to hold talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as tensions rise over Israels strike in Qatar and its expanding settlements in the West Bank.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Israel on Sunday to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid tensions over Israels strike in Qatar and its growing settlement expansion in the West Bank.

The visit comes after Israel launched an airstrike on a building in Doha last week, killing aides to a Hamas leader and a Qatari officer. The attack, the first on US ally Qatar, drew sharp criticism and complicated efforts to secure a truce in Gaza. Several Western allies, including the UK, France, Canada, Australia and Belgium, are also expected to formally recognise Palestine soon.

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Before leaving Washington, Rubio admitted the US was displeased. Obviously, were not happy about it. The president was not happy about it. Now we need to move forward and figure out what comes next, he told reporters. But he stressed the incident was not going to change the nature of our relationship with the Israelis.

Israel has sought to downplay differences with Washington. We have a very close dialogue with the administration. Were coordinated with them and, relatively speaking, the American reaction was reasonable, Israeli ambassador to the UN Danny Danon told army radio. He added that while the UN expressed minor reservations, Israel had accepted that this would have a price.

Danon also accused Qatar of exploiting the incident. From their perspective, they are leveraging this incident. From our perspective, we delivered the clear message that we will pursue the terrorists everywhere.

When asked about threats of further strikes in Qatar, Rubio said, Were going to meet with them. Were going to talk about what the future holds. Im going to get a much better understanding of what their plans are moving forward.

In Jerusalem, Rubio visited the Western Wall with Netanyahu before continuing his talks. He said his focus was on securing the return of hostages, finding ways to make sure humanitarian aid reaches civilians, and addressing the threat posed by Hamas.

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Trump has openly criticised Netanyahu for the Qatar strike, which targeted Hamas leaders discussing a ceasefire proposal. Netanyahu defended the move, saying killing Hamas commanders would remove the main obstacle to peace.

The attack has heightened diplomatic strain as Israel intensifies its Gaza campaign, urging evacuations and demolishing high-rise buildings it says were used by Hamas.

Rubio, after Israel, is set to join Trump during his visit to the UK this week, where Britain will reportedly admit its first group of children from Gaza for treatment.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has praised India for continuing its cooperation with Moscow despite pressure from US President Donald Trump, saying any attempt to damage ties with New Delhi is bound to fail.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands during a meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China. Reuters

The Russian Foreign Ministry praised India for maintaining cooperation with Moscow despite pressure from US President Donald Trump to cut ties through tariffs on Indian imports. The ministry said any attempt to harm ties with New Delhi would fail.

Speaking to RT, Russian officials welcomed Indias commitment to continue and expand its multi-faceted cooperation with Russia despite external pressure, noting that frankly, anything else would be hard to imagine."

The ministry added that relations between India and Russia are steadily and confidently advancing" and any attempt to obstruct this process is destined to fail."

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The remarks came after India-US relations became tense following Trumps imposition of 25 per cent duties on Indian goods, along with an additional 25 per cent levy on Indias discounted Russian crude imports  raising the total tariff to 50 per cent, among the highest globally.

Trump has repeatedly accused India of fueling Russias deadly attacks on Ukraine" by buying Russian oil, even though his administration has avoided tougher direct sanctions on Moscow. India condemned the tariffs as unfair and unreasonable, highlighting that the US and Europe continue to purchase Russian oil.

Despite Trumps pressure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strengthened ties with China and Russia at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, holding talks with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. The Russian ministry said Indias approach reflects the spirit and traditions of long-standing friendship" and New Delhis strategic autonomy in international affairs."

The ministry added that the India-Russia partnership values the highest value of sovereignty and the primacy of national interests," describing the relationship as reliable, predictable and truly strategic in nature."
Three decades after the Soviet Union collapse, Russia is witnessing a growing interest in students wanting to learn Hindi and the government is increasing the number of institutions teaching the language.

Three decades after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia is witnessing a rising interest among students in learning Hindi, prompting the government to expand the number of institutions offering the language.

Konstantin Mogilevsky, Russias Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education, said, We want more of our students to learn Hindi. India is the worlds most populous country today, and more and more Indians are starting to use Hindi in their daily lives instead of English. We need to learn Hindi and other Eastern languages.

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The Ministry of Education and Science has noted the surge in interest and is taking steps to increase the availability of educational programmes teaching Hindi.

Indira Gaziyeva of the Russian State University of Humanities (RSUH) added that Russian print and electronic media mostly reflects Indian realities through the Western narrative, while a younger generation of Russians is seeking a deeper understanding of modern India and its ancient civilisational heritage.

The government plans to create more opportunities for students to study Oriental languages, with Hindi in particular seeing a notable rise in demand.

Young people who want to study Hindi today have more opportunities than before. In Moscow alone, there is MGIMO School of International Relations, RSUH, the Institute of Asian and African Studies of Moscow State University and the Moscow State Linguistic University, Mogilevsky was quoted as saying by TASS.

Hindi is also taught at St. Petersburg State University, Kazan Federal University and other universities.The number of students enrolled in Hindi courses is increasing, and the number of groups is two to three times larger, he added.

After the Soviet collapse, the oldest boarding school teaching Hindi in Moscow was shut down by the city government, because it found teaching Hindi redundant at a time when Radio Moscow had shut its Hindi broadcasts and Progress and Raduga publishing houses had ceased to publish translations of Russian authors.

The Moscow International Book Fair held earlier this month had invited India as the  Guest of Honour Country. Local scholars of India had warmly welcomed the release of the unique Hindi-Russian Idioms Dictionary, a collective project of several Indian scholars and translators containing around 2000 Hindi idioms.

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Throughout our work we kept in mind that the dictionary is bilingual and is being made for those learners of Hindi whose language, traditions, geographical topology etc. are quite different from ours, and the meanings given in the dictionary should very clearly explain when and how each idiom can be used, one of the lead compilers of the dictionary Pragati Tipnese told PTI.

She told about the immense interest in the Hindi-Russian Idioms dictionary from Russian institutions that teach Hindi and said the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) is considering to help them to procure this dictionary.

With inputs from agencies
Russias defence ministry said at least 361 drones had been shot down by Russian air defence systems, including four guided aerial bombs and a US-made HIMARS missile.

Russia said on Sunday its air defences had intercepted 361 Ukrainian drones overnight in one of the largest aerial assaults since the start of the war, alongside the downing of several guided bombs and a US-made HIMARS missile.

The barrage targeted multiple regions, including a strike on the vast Kirishi oil refinery in northwest Russia, one of the countrys biggest processing facilities. Officials said a fire broke out at the site but was swiftly contained, with no casualties reported.

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The refinery attack marks the latest escalation in Ukraines campaign against Russias energy infrastructure, a strategy aimed at weakening Moscows war economy. Kyiv has repeatedly struck refineries, pipelines, and storage depots in recent months, forcing Russia to bolster air defence coverage deep inside its territory.

The assault comes as global powers debate pathways to end Europes deadliest conflict since World War Two, even as drone warfare intensifies. In recent days, Russia has accused Ukraine of extending its drone operations near the Baltic Sea, while Kyiv insists its strikes are necessary to disrupt Moscows military logistics.

Romania, Poland, scramble aircraft

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.

Romanias defence ministry said Saturday that the countrys 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.

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Zelenskyys warning

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 Zelenskyy.

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 Zelenskyy.

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.

STOP BUYING RUSSIAN OIL

In recent weeks, the United States has stepped up pressure on NATO countries to tighten energy sanctions on Russia in a bid to curtail its revenues and help end the war with Ukraine - a conflict U.S. President Donald Trump has struggled to bring to a close.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday expressed concern at the Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace earlier in the week.

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If it turned out to have been deliberate, then obviously it will be highly escalatory, he told reporters in Washington.

Trumps 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.

With inputs from agencies
Senior advocate Sabita Bhandari was on Sunday appointed as the attorney general of the Nepal government, becoming the first woman to hold the position.

Senior advocate Sabita Bhandari was on Sunday appointed as the attorney general of Nepal, becoming the first woman to hold the position.

President Ramchandra Paudel made the appointment on the recommendation of interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, according to a notice issued by the Presidents Office.

Bhandari, a former information commissioner at the National Information Commission, replaces Ramesh Badal, who resigned from the post following the change of government  a customary practice in Nepal.

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Her appointment comes amid nationwide unrest led largely by young people, dubbed the protest of Gen Z. The demonstrations, which began on September 8 after a short-lived social media ban, have drawn tens of thousands to the streets.

Protesters have voiced anger over corruption and poverty, while criticising the privileged lifestyles of the political elites children, referred to as nepo kids.

The protests soon turned violent, with protesters attacking the parliament building and police opening fire, and led to the resignation of Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, who fled his official residence.

Sushila Karki, 73, was named the new prime minister on Sept. 12. She was a popular figure while serving as the courts only female chief justice in 2016 and 2017, and was known for her stance against corruption in the government.

Fresh parliamentary elections have been set for March 5.

With inputs from agencies
HONG KONG, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- As the sun sets over Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong's iconic skyline comes alive with a golden glow. Skyscrapers twinkle along the shore, and a vibrant red Chinese wooden junk glides gracefully across the water, etching its image into the city's memory for countless visitors.

"Stepping onto this slow-moving junk amidst Hong Kong's high-rises is like experiencing a harmonious blend of modern allure and traditional charm," said Gu Jianing, a tourist from Shanghai, watching as the Cheung Po Tsai, or the Aqua Luna I, cut through the waves.

The junk, an iconic sight in Hong Kong, with its towering wooden framework and three vivid red sails that gleam under the sunlight of Victoria Harbour, has become one of the city's most recognizable symbols.

Featured prominently on postcards, vintage travel posters, T-shirts, and ceramics, and even serving as the logo of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, it encapsulates the unique character of the city.

Every day, it ferries visitors across the harbor multiple times, offering a tangible connection to Hong Kong's distinct charm and maritime heritage.

The Aqua Luna junk is a painstakingly hand-crafted creation by Au Sai-kit, the third-generation owner of Hong Kong's Kwong Ming Shipyard, and his father. Tucked away in A Kung Ngam, Shau Kei Wan in the Eastern District of Hong Kong Island, the shipyard is a two-story tin-roofed building with a green sign reading "Kwong Ming Shipyard." Its dimly lit first floor, filled with wood and tools, leads to a small outdoor pier where the Aqua Luna, usually plying the waters of Victoria Harbour, was moored for routine maintenance on the day of the interview.

Au opened a delicate wooden box for reporters and carefully unfurled a roll of parchment paper: the original blueprint for the Aqua Luna, marked with precise numbers and diagrams.

The Aqua Luna was born in 2006, at a crucial juncture for the shipyard, which was then grappling with a decline in orders. "A client approached us through a contact, wanting a commercial junk -- one so complex that few in the industry dared to take on the project," Au recalled. Even he and his father, both seasoned craftsmen, hesitated upon seeing the design.

With three tall masts and billowing sails, the Aqua Luna was unlike any commercial vessel they had ever built. Au explained that wooden junks are more stable in rough seas and stay cooler in summer compared to steel or fiberglass ships. However, crafting them requires extreme precision. "A 0.5-centimeter error could cause planks to misfit or, worse, lead to leaks," he said.

"It was the largest commercial junk I'd ever built," Au noted. Motivated by the thought "better to try than close down," they spent nine months constructing it. What began as a last-ditch effort to save the shipyard has now become Au's source of pride. "Watching this iconic Chinese junk carry tourists from around the world to explore Hong Kong fills me with a deep sense of pride," he said.

Hong Kong, surrounded by the sea, has emerged as a major Asian trading hub, and the bustling waters of Victoria Harbour once sustained a thriving shipbuilding industry.

Kwong Ming Shipyard was established in the 1950s by Au's maternal grandfather and later taken over by his father, Au Wai. Au Sai-kit started learning the trade at the age of 13, gaining experience through various tasks and apprenticeship rather than formal "hands-on" lessons.

"I once tried to cut corners on a complex step, only to have to start all over again," Au said. "Building ships is like life: you have to proceed step by step."

The 1980s were the shipyard's heyday. "We had six to seven in-house staff and 30 to 40 hired workers to handle orders," he remembered. The shipyard built 50-60 percent of Hong Kong's commercial vessels, transporting tourists, residents, and workers, including the shuttle boats for the renowned Jumbo Kingdom, one of the world's largest floating restaurants.

But fortunes shifted. As lighter ships gained popularity, traditional hand-crafted wooden junks, burdened by high material costs, gradually faded from the scene. The three-generation-old shipyard shifted its focus from building ships to repairing them and cleaning hulls.

Now in his 60s, Au is among Hong Kong's younger master shipbuilders. Crafting a luxury junk, he said, is a labor of love, but "I'll keep going for as long as I can." In recent years, groups have visited the yard, and Au has shared stories of Chinese junk-making, hoping to kindle young people's interest in this traditional craft.

He led reporters to the shipyard's second floor, which has been his home for 35 years. The space also serves as his "private museum," filled with junk models, including a replica of the Aqua Luna I.

"Chinese junks are the most beautiful," Au said, his face beaming with hope as he eagerly anticipated a chance to showcase Hong Kong's craftsmanship, and to see more Chinese junks sail Victoria Harbour's waters. 
Britain will never surrender to far-right protesters who misuse the English flag to spread fear and violence, PM Starmer has said. He condemned attacks on police and the racist intimidation of minorities.

Britain will never surrender to far-right protesters who misuse the English flag to incite violence and spread fear, Keir Starmer has said, as he condemned attacks on police and the racist intimidation of minorities.

The prime minister stressed that the St Georges flag represents our diverse country and warned he would not tolerate people being intimidated on our streets because of their background or the colour of their skin.

People have a right to peaceful protest. It is core to our countrys values.



But we will not stand for assaults on police officers doing their job or for people feeling intimidated on our streets because of their background or the colour of their skin.



Britain is a nation  Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 14, 2025

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His comments came after MPs and anti-fascist groups urged him to speak out against the rhetoric seen at Saturdays nationalist march, described as the largest in decades. The protest was organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.

In his first response to the rally, Starmer said while the right to peaceful protest was a core British value, violence and intimidation were unacceptable. He condemned the far rights attempt to hijack the national flag for violence, fear and division.

People have a right to peaceful protest. It is core to our countrys values, he told the Guardian. But we will not stand for assaults on police officers doing their job or for people feeling intimidated on our streets because of their background or the colour of their skin. Britain is a nation proudly built on tolerance, diversity and respect.

Police said between 110,000 and 150,000 people attended the march, where clashes broke out between demonstrators and officers. The Metropolitan Police reported that many officers were punched, kicked and struck by bottles. Nine people were arrested, with further arrests expected. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said while some had come to protest peacefully, many came intent on violence.

The rally was addressed by billionaire X owner Elon Musk, a former confidant of Donald Trump, who warned that violence is coming and called for the dissolution of parliament and a fresh election.

Starmers strong stance may calm concerns within Labour ranks that he had not done enough to challenge the rise of right-wing extremism. The group Hope Not Hate had earlier written to him, urging a clear condemnation of escalating racist rhetoric.

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Robinson, founder of the English Defence League, remains one of the UKs most influential far-right figures. His march drew inspiration from European nationalist leaders such as French politician Eric Zemmour, who claimed: 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 colonised by our former colonies.
In its latest drone attack, Ukraine struck one of Russias largest oil-refining complexes, sparking a fire and causing minor damage. Watch

As the Russia-Ukraine war continues to escalate, reports are emerging that a Ukrainian drone has crashed into one of Russias largest oil-refining complexes. The strike sparked a massive fire but caused minor damage in the Russian facilities.

According to AFP, the complex belongs to the Russian oil company Bashneft and lies on the outskirts of the central Russian city of Ufa, about 870 miles (1,400km) from the frontline in Ukraine. Videos of the incident that are circulating online show a drone drifting towards the facility on Saturday before exploding in a ball of flames. The strike immediately sent a cloud of smoke into the sky.

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Ukrainian drones earlier today attacked the Russian Novo-Ufa, Bashneft oil refinery in Ufa, Republic of Bashkortostan. This is app 1600km from Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/PF8RKIOath  raging545 (@raging545) September 13, 2025

Today, Bashnefts facility was subjected to a terrorist attack by aircraft-type drones, the head of Russias Bashkortostan region, Radiy Khabirov, said on Telegram. He mentioned that one of the drones crashed into the plant, while another was shot down.

There were no casualties or injuries. The production site sustained minor damage, and a fire broke out, which is currently being extinguished, he added.

Ukraine ramps up its defence

According to AFP, a source in Ukraines GUR military intelligence agency claimed responsibility for the attack. Since the launch of Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukraine has responded with attacks on Russian refineries in an attempt to curb the Kremlins ability to fund the conflict.

Over the summer, a wave of Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries affected the processing capacity at several key sites and pushed up prices at the fuel pump.

The Kremlin described Bashnefts Ufa refining complex in 2016 as one of the largest in the country, saying it produced more than 150 types of oil products.

The Ukrainian attack came on the same day the country said it needed at least $120 billion next year to fight Russias invasion, and would need a similar amount to maintain its military, even if the war ended. It is pertinent to note that the war-torn country already 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.

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With inputs from AFP.
A London rally led by far-right activist Tommy Robinson drew more than 110,000 people on Saturday, erupting into violence as some supporters clashed with police, leaving 26 officers injured and leading to 25 arrests.

A rally in London organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson drew more than 110,000 people on Saturday, turning violent when some of his supporters clashed with police trying to keep them apart from counter-protesters.

Fringe demonstrators punched, kicked, and threw bottles at officers, prompting the Metropolitan Police to send reinforcements in helmets and riot gear to support the 1,000 officers already deployed.

According to police, the Unite the Kingdom march  led by Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon  drew between 110,000 and 150,000 people, far more than expected. Protesters waved England and UK flags as they marched through central London toward Whitehall, the district housing the prime ministers office and government departments.

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Violence left 26 officers injured, four seriously, with injuries including broken teeth, a concussion, a suspected broken nose, and a spinal injury. At least 25 arrests were made for violent disorder, assault, and criminal damage, with police warning more would follow.

There is no doubt that many came to exercise their lawful right to protest, but there were many who came intent on violence, said Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist. They confronted officers, engaging in physical and verbal abuse and making a determined effort to breach cordons in place to keep everyone safe.

A smaller counter-protest by the group Stand Up To Racism drew about 5,000 people at the opposite end of Whitehall.

Police later admitted they were caught off guard by the turnout, saying the rally was too big to fit into Whitehall. They condemned the unacceptable violence against officers, noting projectiles including bottles, flares, and other objects were thrown.

Robinson, who has multiple criminal convictions, claims to be a journalist exposing state wrongdoing. Reform UK, Britains leading anti-immigrant party in recent polls, distanced itself from him despite the rallys scale.

Police said the investigation is ongoing. 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, Assistant Commissioner Twist added.

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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.

Venezuela's Foreign Minister Yvan Gil shows a picture of a boat bearing a US flag during a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Caracas on September 13, 2025. AP

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 tuna fishermen was illegally and hostilely detained on Friday by the USS Jason Dunham destroyer, Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said.

The warship deployed 18 armed agents who boarded and occupied the small, harmless boat for eight hours, he said, calling the incident a direct provocation through the illegal use of excessive military means.

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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, he charged.

Gil demanded the United States immediately cease these actions that endanger security and peace in the Caribbean.

The US militarys southern command, which oversees the region, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AFP.

Militia training

Tensions between the two countries have soared in recent weeks after Washington ordered the biggest naval buildup in the Caribbean in years.

US President Donald Trump has called for targeting Venezuelan drug traffickers in the operation, stepping up pressure on President Nicolas 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 the vessel belonged to the Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal organization he tied to Maduro.

It was an unusual use of the US military for what has historically been a law enforcement issue.

Maduro, a leftist firebrand whose last election in 2024 was seen by Washington as illegitimate, has denied links to drug trafficking.

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He denounced the US military buildup as the greatest threat our continent has seen in the last 100 years and has massed troops along the Caribbean coast and the border with Colombia.

He has also urged Venezuelans to join the countrys civilian militia, which is linked to the armed forces.

On Saturday, volunteers came by bus and car to the huge Fuerte Tiuna military installation in Caracas for weapons training.

Some wore T-shirts identifying their affiliations, like the electric company, public television or Socialist bikers. Others came in sportswear.

An elderly man was dressed in camouflage, heading inside with the aid of a walker.

At the 4F fort overlooking Caracas, which is also home to the mausoleum of late president Hugo Chavez, about 200 volunteers learned how to handle Kalashnikov rifles and handguns.

It is deplorable that the (United States) intends to invade our nation, said 54-year-old lawyer Jenny Rojas.

If they try to attack the homeland, the entire population will defend it, she told AFP.

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Having (the Kalashnikov) in your hands gives you that pride When the time comes to take up arms, you will have to do it.
New York City mayor hopeful Zohran Mamdani said if he wins his election this fall, he would order New Yorks police department to arrest Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he comes to the city.

New York City mayor hopeful Zohran Mamdani said if he wins his election this fall, he would order New Yorks police department to arrest Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he comes to the city. The democratic nominee for the November 4 NYC Mayoral election told The New York Times that Netanyahu was a war criminal who was committing genocide in Gaza.

He maintained that if he became the mayor of the city, he would honour the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant issued in November 2024 for Netanyahus arrest over alleged Gaza war crimes by having the Israeli premier taken into custody. This is something that I intend to fulfil, Mamdani remarked, reiterating a pledge he had made earlier in the mayoral race.

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It is my desire to ensure that this be a city that stands up for international law," he added. It is pertinent to note that in New York, the citys police commissioner reports to the mayor. However, the NYT cited multiple legal experts who judged that having Netanyahu arrested would be a practical impossibility for Mamdani.

Can he do it?

The US does not recognise ICCs authority and is not a party to the body. Hence, it is not obligated to abide by its ruling. In February this year, US President Donald Trump even went ahead to order sanctions against the ICC, with the president maintaining that the court lacked jurisdiction over the US or Israel.

Meanwhile, at a meeting in July with Trump, Netanyahu said that he was not concerned about Mamdanis wishes to have him arrested. He suggested he would travel with Trump and then well see if he was arrested. Trump at that time maintained that Mamdani better behave  otherwise, hes going to have big problems.

While polls suggest that the majority of New Yorkers support the Palestinian cause, Mamdanis remarks still might provoke strong reactions in the city, which is the worlds second-largest home to Jews behind only the Israeli capital, Tel Aviv.

Meanwhile, Mamdanis erstwhile Democratic rival, Andrew Cuomo, is now running as an independent after losing Junes Democratic primary to the son of Indian filmmaker Meera Nair. Behind the two candidates, Emerson College Polling, PIX11 and The Hill put Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa and incumbent mayor Eric Adams, who is also running as an independent.

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"Wan Wan," a stranded dolphin rescued this June in Wanning, south China, was released back into the sea on Sunday after about three months of treatment and rehabilitative care by a local team of experts. #dolphin #rescue #wildlife #China
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.
NEW DELHI, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- At least seven people belonging to the same family died in India's western state of Rajasthan when their car fell into a deep drain, confirmed a local cop over phone on Sunday.

The accident occurred late on Saturday night in the state's capital city of Jaipur. The dead included two children and two women. The deceased were returning from a religious trip to the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

Deputy Commissioner of Police of Jaipur South Rajarshi Raj Verma told media that the car was over-speeding at the time of mishap. 
Russo-Ukraine War - 13 September 2025 - Day 1298

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that Russian Ground Forces (RGF) likely seized between 450 and 500 sq km of Ukrainian territory in August 2025, a moderate decrease from the approximately 500-550 sq km taken in July 2025, and the approximately 550-600 sq km taken in June 2025. This follows month on month increases from March 2025 to June 2025.

It is likely that counter attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the vicinity of Pokrovsk, Kupiansk and Sumy contributed to the moderate reduction in the rate of Russian territorial gains in August 2025.

RGF continue to use modified tactics, having moved from utilising mass to achieve territorial gain, to attacking with small infantry assault groups supported by artillery, glide bombs, and uncrewed aerial systems. This has likely contributed to the reported reduction in Russian monthly casualty (killed and wounded) rates, whilst high operational tempo is maintained across the frontline, and steady territorial gains continue to be made.

Despite month on month decreases in Russia's recorded casualty rates since March 2025, Russia's significant losses continue. Russia has likely sustained approximately 300,000 casualties in the conflict so far in 2025, and approximately 1,080,000 casualties since launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

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 158 clashes. The Russian enemy launched 63 air strikes, dropped 106 KABs, deployed 1950 kamikaze drones to impress, and carried out 3,570 shells of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

Three attacks of Russian attackers took place in the North Slobozhansky and Kursky directions. Today, the Russian enemy launched eight aviation strikes, dropped 20 controlled aviation bombs, carried out 167 shells, including two from the jet systems of salpovogo fire.

In the South-Slobozhans .komu direction, there were 11 fighting in the areas of Vovchansk, Barnoy, Figolivka and in the direction of Home, Odradnoy. There's still one battle going on.

In the Kupans komu direction, Russian forces made eight attacks on the position of Ukrainian troops. The fights were drowned in the area of Mirnogo and in the direction of Kupianska and Petropavlivki. The four clashes are still ongoing.

In the Lyman direction, Russian troops 13 times stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the area of settlements of Shandrigolove, Kolodyazi, Grekivka, Zarichne and towards Stavkiv. One battle is still going on.

In the Siver komu direction Ukrainian warriors today have already fought 14 of 17 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.

In the Kramators komu direction of the Defense Forces stopped two Russian attacks in the area of the White Mountain and towards Stupochok.

In the Toretsky direction, the Russian occupiers today stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders 10 times in the areas of the settlements of Kleban-Bik, Katerynivka, Poltavka, Rusin Yar and towards Pleschievka and Sofiyivka.

In the pokrovsky direction, Russian forces made 39 attempts to potisnisniti Ukrainian units. Activity - in the areas of settlements Volodymyrivka, Rodinske, Mykolaivka, Mirolyubivka, Novoekonomicne, Lisivka, Pokrovsk, Zvirove, Kotline, Udaachne, Dachne, Novomikolaivka, Novopidgorodn e, Molodetske and towards Novopavlivka and Philia. Four clashes are still ongoing.

According to preliminary calculations, in this direction Ukrainian warriors eliminated 86 and wounded 55 Russian invaders, destroyed 19 BPLAs and damaged a vehicle and nine enemy personnel shelters.

In the Novopavlovsk direction, the Russian enemy tried to break through 30 times near the settlements of Oleksandrograd, Ternovo, Voskresenko, Maliivka, Olgivskke and in the direction of Ivanivka, Novoivanivka and Poltavka. The fights continue in three locations.

In Gulyaipilsky and Orihivskkomu directions, Russian forces did not carry out offensive actions, but caused an aviation strike to the Railway.

In the Pridniprovsky direction, Russian forces carried out three useless attacks on the position of Ukrainian defenders, at the same time, launched air strikes in the areas of the settlements of Kozatske and Ingulets.

In other directions, significant changes in the environment have not been recorded.

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ASUNCION, Paraguay, Sept. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ueno Bank, Paraguays largest bank with over 2.2 million customers, announced its transition to quantum-resistant cybersecurity to safeguard digital operations and digitally signed documents. Utilizing quantum-resistant digital signatures and quantum-resistant blockchain technology from SignQuantum and QANplatform, the implementation is being supported by ITTI, Paraguays leading technology company.

As quantum computing advances threaten traditional cryptographic systems, Ueno Bank is taking proactive measures to future-proof its operations. Ueno Bank has implemented its first quantum-resistant solution, SignQuantum, a quantum-resistant software add-on for digitally signed documents. It ensures the integrity and authenticity of e-signed documents of the company and their 2.2 million users. Using QANplatforms quantum-resistant blockchain, document hashes will be securely uploaded with post-quantum signatures, protecting sensitive data from potential falsification.

Ueno Bank is a technology-driven financial innovator, committed to leading the way in innovation and security, said Juan Manuel Gustale, President at Ueno Bank. Adopting SignQuantum and QANplatforms technology both mitigates future risks and builds confidence with our customers and partners to bring a new standard of cybersecurity in the financial sector.

Cybersecurity risks posed by quantum computers exist regardless of the adoption or performance levels of quantum computing. Malicious actors will be able to backdate and modify the content and signature of digitally signed documents using quantum computers, enabling a time travel attack. The current initiative by Ueno Bank pioneers the finance sectors adoption of quantum-resistant technologies to protect internal operations and customer data against emerging cybersecurity threats.

We are bringing together numerous stakeholders, ITTI, QANplatform, and Ueno Bank, to pioneer quantum-resistant cybersecurity in the financial sector, stated Nazmath Nazeer, CEO of SignQuantum. As the first bank worldwide to implement this technology, Ueno Bank is demonstrating exceptional foresight and leadership to better protect its operation and serve its customers.

Ueno Banks move towards quantum-resistant security sends a strong signal to the financial and technology sectors in Latin America, said Luis Angulo, Vice President of ITTI. As the exclusive distributor of SignQuantum in the region, we are expanding access to this critical technology, starting with our successful implementation with Ueno Bank.

Were thrilled to see QANplatforms quantum-resistant blockchain deployed in robust, real-life environments like Ueno Bank, Paraguays largest bank by customer base. This is an outstanding opportunity to prove that QANplatform is capable of not only safeguarding, but also handling large volumes of digital transactions.  commented Johann Polecsak, Co-Founder and CTO of QANplatform.

About Ueno Bank

Ueno Bank is Paraguays largest and fastest-growing financial institution, serving over 2.2 million users through a network of 70 branches and 1,100 ATMsthe most extensive in the country. Established in 2021, Ueno Bank has revolutionized banking in Paraguay by introducing innovative digital services such as fully digital onboarding, dual card vending machines, and a cashless payments network (Wepa). Committed to financial inclusion and innovation, Ueno Bank has positioned itself as a leader in the region. Visit https://www.ueno.com.py/en for more information.

About ITTI

ITTI, Paraguays leading technology company, has well-established hubs in Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia, and plans to open offices in three more countries by the end of 2025. ITTI is specializing in innovative IT solutions across multiple sectors including finance, retail, energy, telecommunications, and the public sector. Employing a diverse team of 1,200 professionals. ITTI received the gold award for Digital Banking for Financial Innovators for its ITTI Secure tool  a solution streamlining customer document management with qualified digital signatures  at Fintech Americas 2025 in Miami. In August 2025, ITTI became the exclusive distributor of SignQuantum in Latin America. Visit https://www.itti.digital for more information.

About SignQuantum

SignQuantum is a product of Quantum Software Solutions  a Qatari technology innovation and research lab  member of MBK Holding. SignQuantum prevents quantum computers from modifying digitally signed documents with its post-quantum security add-on. SignQuantum provides cutting-edge, fast-lane solution to kickstart your organizations quantum-safe transition by integrating with existing e-signature software without requiring modifications to current processes or workflows. SignQuantum leverages QANplatform, the quantum-resistant blockchain for immutable time-stamping. Visit https://www.signquantum.com for more information.

About QANplatform

QANplatform is a blockchain platform that provides unparalleled time to market for Web3 development. It serves startups, SMEs, enterprises, and large government infrastructure projects with quantum-resistant security. QANs flagship product is a revolutionary quantum-resistant hybrid blockchain platform with smart contract functionality. It is the first to introduce technology that allows developers to build use cases in any programming language on the blockchain. QANplatform is a member of the Linux Foundation and one of the first 20 members of the Linux Foundations Post-Quantum Cryptography Alliance (PQCA). The first EU country implemented QANs quantum-resistant technology in 2024. Visit https://www.qanplatform.com for more information.

Contact

CEO

Nazmath Nazeer

press@signquantum.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/904d2d06-a90c-4fac-a520-c2a4ffc91599
LUSAKA, Zambia, Sept. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Terra Metals Inc. is proud to announce a landmark strategic equity investment partnership between the Investment Bank of Africa (IBA) and the Nalolo Solar Power Energy Company (NASPEC). This collaboration represents a pivotal step in advancing the Nalolo Solar Project, a major initiative driving Zambias renewable energy transition.

Terra Metals Inc. holds vested interests in the Nalolo Solar Project through its principal shareholders, who are also shareholders in NASPEC, underscoring the companys long-term commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth and supporting Zambias clean energy agenda.

We are thrilled to announce this strategic partnership, which represents a major step forward for the Nalolo and Lukulu Solar Projects, said Brian Chisala, Executive Director of Terra Metals Inc.

This collaboration highlights our commitment to delivering clean energy solutions while advancing Zambias sustainable development goals, added Mushinge Mumena, Chairman of Terra Metals Inc.

Robert Solomon, Chief Financial Officer of the Investment Bank of Africa (IBA), stated: This investment reflects IBAs strategy of channeling capital into high-value, sustainable infrastructure projects that generate strong financial returns while mitigating long-term risks. The Nalolo Solar Project is underpinned by solid fundamentals, rising energy demand, and government support, ensuring both profitability for stakeholders and measurable socio-economic impact for Zambia.

This partnership is a defining moment for NASPEC and Zambias renewable energy journey. With IBAs strategic investment and Terra Metals vested interests, the Nalolo Solar Project is positioned to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable power while creating employment, driving industrial growth, and enhancing climate resilience, said Dr. Victor Ryan, Chairman of NASPEC.

The Nalolo Solar Project is expected to play a transformative role in Zambias energy transition, driving economic growth, expanding employment opportunities, strengthening energy security, and supporting the countrys climate and sustainability commitments.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Terra Metals Inc.

Email: IR@terrametalsinc.com

Phone: +1 (980) 349-3883

Website: www.terrametalsinc.com
NEW YORK, Sept. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces an investigation of potential securities claims on behalf of investors in Unicoin Rights Certificates issued by Unicoin, Inc. f/k/a TransparentBusiness, Inc. resulting from allegations that Unicoin may have issued materially misleading business information to the investing public.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Unicoin Rights Certificates 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=44368 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 May 27, 2025, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) published a litigation release on the SECs website under the title Unicoin, Top Executives Charged in Offering Fraud That Raised More than $100 Million from Thousands of Investors. The announcement stated that on May 20, 2025, the SEC had charged Unicoin, Inc. and four of its top executives [. . .] for false and misleading statements in an offering of certificates that purportedly conveyed rights to receive crypto assets called Unicoin tokens and an offering of Unicoin, Inc.s common stock.

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
NEW YORK, Sept. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE: NVO) between May 7, 2025 and July 28, 2025, both dates inclusive (the Class Period), of the important September 30, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Novo Nordisk securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Novo Nordisk class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=34168 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 30, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants provided overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of Novo Nordisks growth potential. Notably, Novo Nordisks asserted potential to capitalize on the compounded market greatly understated the potential impact of the personalization exception to the compounded GLP-1 exclusion and overstated the likelihood that such patients would switch to Novo Nordisks branded alternatives. Further, defendants greatly overstated the potential GLP-1 market or otherwise, Novos capability to penetrate said markets to achieve continued growth. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Novo Nordisk class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=34168 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for more information.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

case@rosenlegal.com

www.rosenlegal.com
GAZIANTEP, Turkiye, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- The seventh edition of the international gastronomy festival GastroAntep kicked off on Saturday in Gaziantep of southeastern Turkiye, a city renowned for its rich culinary heritage.

Co-organized by the Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality and Turkiye's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the nine-day festival, running from Sept. 13 to 21, features hundreds of events, including concerts, theater performances, talks, and gastronomic presentations, Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Nadir Alpaslan said at the opening ceremony.

On Saturday, the festival kicked off with a lively procession winding through the heart of Gaziantep. Beginning at Gaziantep Castle, it passed the bustling, historic Coppersmiths' Bazaar before concluding at Balikli Park, one of the city's oldest parks.

Describing Gaziantep as "a mosaic of civilizations," Mayor Fatma Sahin highlighted that the city's cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition and ritual.

GastroAntep was launched in 2018, and this year's edition forms part of the nationwide Culture Road Festival.

Gaziantep was added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's list of Creative Cities Network for Gastronomy in 2015. Established in 2004, the network recognized gastronomy as one of its seven creative fields. 
Baltimore, MD, Sept. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a newly released interview, former CIA officer Buck Sexton has unveiled details of President Trumps ambitious Artificial Superintelligence plan, what he calls Manhattan 2.

Sexton says the centerpiece is a defense system on a scale never attempted before. One of the boldest pieces of that plan is what Trump insiders are calling The Golden Dome. Its a first of its kind missile defense shield  thatll be built 300 miles into the sky over the U.S.  using Artificial Superintelligence.

According to Sexton, the project will cover and protect every single inch of [the country] from New York to Dallas to San Diego capable of stopping and instantly vaporizing hypersonic missiles, nuclear payloads, and drone swarms.

The Rise of Autonomous Weapons

The plan also includes rapid development of AI-driven defense platforms. Sexton explained that Artificial Superintelligence could be the key to America building the first fully autonomous AI powered military.

He pointed to recent breakthroughs: This is the worlds first fully autonomous AI fighter pilot. It can think 100X faster than any human and in a recent top-secret test over California, it dominated a real Air Force Top Gun.

From fighter jets to drones, Sexton says the technology is advancing faster than most Americans realize.

Chinas Growing Threat

Sexton stressed that the U.S. cannot afford to fall behind. 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.

The consequences of losing the race are dire: If China gets it first  they stay first forever. No one else will ever catch up.

Echoes of Americas Greatest Achievements

For Sexton, the initiative represents a moment on par with the original Manhattan Project and the Space Race. The first Manhattan project was transformational for America. It was also a generational opportunity The same force that led to prosperity in America for nearly a century is about to happen again with what Im calling: Manhattan 2

He emphasized that Trumps boldness echoes past leaders who pushed America into technological leadership.

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 top advisors, Sexton now provides Americans with exclusive presentations detailing the high-stakes challenges that will shape the nations security and global leadership.
Collaboration, governing-by-network, public-private partnerships, shared authority--whatever you call it, it's a hot topic in government circles.Renowned public administration expert Donald Kettl in his book "The Next Government of the United States" compellingly describes how the government we have is not up to the challenges it faces, from Katrina to healthcare to climate change. One solution, he says, is to move to a greater use of collaboration across sectors and across agencies and programs.But is collaboration the right solution in every case? Is it readily achievable? Not necessarily, says a team of researchers from the University of Minnesota led by Professor John Bryson.In a case study of how the Twin Cities metro area successfully developed a public-private sector partnership to reduce traffic congestion in the Twin Cities metro area, the team found several preconditions may have been critical to that success.The authors say that two views predominate around the use of collaboration. One assumes "that collaboration is typically always best and one should start by search for collaboration partners." The other assumes ". . . organizations will only collaborate when they cannot get what they want without collaborating," The authors concluded that "Collaboration - especially cross-sector collaboration - is no panacea."The case study examines how the Twin Cities metro area, after decades of effort, made a major breakthrough in addressing traffic congestion. It required various federal, state, local and regional authorities to combine a variety of techniques, including congestion charging and electronic tolling, among various travel options, including highways and mass transit. While cross-sector collaboration was key to that success, it had been tried before and it hadn't taken hold. Why was this time different?Bryson and his team found there were a number of factors that were critical to success in this collaboration. Some were unique to this instance, and others may be applicable more broadly. Several factors converged, almost serendipitously, to make the collaboration work.First, the key stakeholders shifted their approach from thinking of traffic congestion as an engineering problem to thinking about it as an economic problem. This led to four new strategies: congestion pricing, expanding mass transit, increasing the use of technology, and encouraging telecommuting.Second, the federal government offered over $1 billion to pilot traffic congestion projects that would use these kinds of strategies. As Bryson and team observed: "Top-down mandates and bottom-up willingness to collaborate complemented and reinforced one another."Third, the highly publicized collapse of the I-35 bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis in 2007 was a catalyst for action.And finally, the champions behind the collaborative approach addressed five questions that the authors felt are almost prerequisites to any successful collaboration:? "Organizations and groups seem more likely to engage in cross-sector collaboration when single-sector efforts to solve a public problem have failed," noted the authors. Also, they found that pre-existing and positive working relationships were an essential foundational element. In the case of the Twin Cities partnership, ". . . a broad array of constituencies had become alarmed by this public problem, developed a shared sense of urgency . . . " They realized that historical attempts to solve it had failed and were finally willing to try a market-based tool - congestion pricing -- rather than more traditional methods, such as construction or regulation. In this case, they banded together as a last resort because all other approaches had failed.? Organizing to get things done in a collaborative manner is not easy, largely because it is time-consuming and it constantly evolves. Players and roles change over time. Typically, a respected and neutral organization and specific individuals should help design and manage the inclusive process. Regular meetings among stakeholders, preferably using existing forums, are key elements. In the case of the Twin Cities, they created an Urban Partnership Agreement Steering Committee. Before receiving the federal grant, the committee chose to maintain loose, not tight, membership boundaries and was very inclusive. It was characterized by fluid and participatory decision-making process within an evolving governance structure. Flatter, more inclusive processes and structures provided useful mechanisms for expressing, hearing, and accommodating interests and building a broad coalition of support. In addition, tight timelines helped foster innovation by forcing going around or bending existing rules and normal procedures.The main locus of power will likely shift over the course of a collaboration process. Understanding how power is allocated, at different points in the collaboration process, is important to managing both process and expectations. One crucial political task is framing is framing issues. As Bryson and team note: "The way issues are framed will determine much of the politics that ensue, as well as the way actors assess costs and benefits of proposals, and construct winning arguments." In the Twin Cities example, politics was the opening of the window of opportunity. Of course, monetary incentives - in the form of a federal grant -- helped!? Any collaborative effort will be comprised of a mix of political, facilitative, and technical skills. The mix among them will change over time.Typically, political sponsors have the formal authority to bring to bear in securing political support and resources. The champions often lack formal authority, but they supply ideas, energy, and determination to move forward. Effective champions can both facilitate and frame policy ideas in comprehensible ways to multiple constituencies. They also need to have a high tolerance for risk and situational ambiguity.? Accountability arrangements, notes Bryson, "can be particularly tricky in collaborations, as the multiplicity of actors and agencies involved often causes ambiguity around the question of 'who is responsible for what?'" However, creating a system that tracks inputs, processes, and outcomes is important. When these are made transparent, then the various stakeholders can use this system to hold each other mutually accountable. In the Twin Cities effort, though, participants were nearly unanimous in identifying the Minnesota state department of transportation as the agency ultimately responsible for success of the traffic congestion project. While the department created a tracking system, accountability goes beyond the metrics. People are likely to have different views as to what constitutes success, notes Bryson, so it is important to pay attention to the role of the media "in terms of building support, providing useful criticism, and helping assure accountability."Bryson and his team conclude: "collaboration is not an easy answer to hard problems, but a hard answer to hard problems." So if you are facing an opportunity to collaborate across sectors, start by asking yourself these kinds of questions first. They may help you decide if collaboration should be your first step . . . or your last resort.----------------
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Marko Lotric, president of the National Council of Slovenia, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Sept. 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing)

LJUBLJANA, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- China's continuous development will offer opportunities to countries around the world, including Slovenia, visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Sunday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Marko Lotric, president of the National Council of Slovenia.

Wang briefed Lotric on China's development path and philosophy, stressing that history has shown that the most important thing for a country's development is to find a path that suits its own national conditions.

China has found a path of socialism with Chinese characteristics that combines the fundamental principles of Marxism with China's specific realities and the fine traditional Chinese culture. The path is deeply rooted in the people while keeping pace with the trends of the times, receiving firm support and endorsement from the Chinese people, Wang noted, adding that this is a path of peace, development, openness, and win-win cooperation and China will continue to unswervingly move forward along this path.

Wang also underscored that China is committed to expanding high-level opening-up, promoting green, low-carbon and sustainable development and realizing modernization with Chinese characteristics, while in international relations, China advocates mutual respect, mutual tolerance, and win-win cooperation, aiming to build a community with a shared future for humanity. China's continuous development will offer opportunities to countries around the world, including Slovenia, he added.

Meanwhile, he highlighted the importance of exchanges, friendship, and trust between their peoples in fostering country-to-country relations, adding that the National Council of Slovenia has played a significant role in promoting friendly exchanges and enhancing mutual understanding between the Chinese and Slovenian peoples, and China appreciates these efforts.

China regards Slovenia as a partner and friend, and is willing to continuously expand their practical cooperation, strengthen multilateral collaboration, safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core, and play a constructive role in the political settlement of international disputes, Wand said.

On China-Europe ties, Wang emphasized that none of the problems currently faced by Europe is caused by China. China and Europe should see each other as partners rather than rivals, and their relationship should move forward, not backward.

China hopes that Slovenia will firmly stick to the one-China principle and play an active role in promoting the healthy and stable development of China-Europe relations, he added.

Speaking highly of China's achievements in modernization, Lotric said that the Slovenia-China friendly ties are built on mutual benefit and win-win results. The bilateral relations, particularly economic and trade cooperation, have developed rapidly, and exchanges in various fields, including legislative bodies, have been fruitful, making contributions to their respective development and to enhancing friendship of their peoples.

The National Council of Slovenia is willing to enhance exchanges and mutual learning with Chinese legislative bodies and play a greater role in promoting bilateral cooperation in such areas as trade, investment, culture, science and technology, education and sports, Lotric stressed.

He also said that he is looking forward to leading a delegation to attend the upcoming China International Import Expo. Slovenia welcomes and supports the Global Governance Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and stands ready to join hands with China to promote world peace and development, Lotric added. 
Several local agencies and organizations now have federally certified remote pilots in their ranks, with the support of the latest University of Guam Drone Corps program cohort.

All 13 participants successfully earned their certificates this summer, the UOG Drone Corps said in a release.

The UOG Drone Corps, along with partner 2cofly, said it celebrated its fifth cohort to complete the Knowledge Course portion of the program and attain a 100% passing rate on the Federal Aviation Administrations Part 107b exam.

Passing this exam gives participants a remote pilot certificate, which allows them to fly drones both recreationally and commercially, the corps said.

As a program of the UOG Land Grant system, the UOG Drone Corps this year opened its training program beyond students for the first time.

Participants included natural resource managers and UOG faculty and staff, in addition to students from the university and Guam Community College.

The new pool of participants was the result of local agencies and organizations expressing a need for drone technologies in their line of work.

Obtaining my FAA Part 107 certification and learning how to operate drones has increased my teams capacity to perform large-scale, high-quality surveys of Guams shallow reef flat environments, watersheds, and coastal habitats, said Natalie Scott, a reef restoration biologist with the Guam Coral Reef Initiative. Aerial drone imagery will be used to inform our management and restoration strategies while also serving as a powerful science communication tool when sharing our work.

The Guam Coral Reef Initiative, under the Guam Department of Agriculture, and the Northern Guam Soil and Water Conservation District, nonprofit Tano, Tasi, yan Todu, and Guam Environmental Protection Agency were represented among natural resource management participation.

Other participants were selected within the UOG community, including UOG Sea Grant, the UOG Marine Laboratory, and the Horticulture Laboratory under the UOG Land Grant agInnovation Research Center, the Guam Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service, or CEDDERS, and the NASA Guam Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, EPSCoR.

Drone services company 2cofly provided instructional time to prepare the participants for the certification exam.

Javier Garrido, 2cofly project manager and a previous UOG Drone Corps member, served as a co-instructor for the course.

2cofly has proudly instructed multiple Drone Corps cohorts. Each brought new challenges, but our instructors always prioritized students success. Im honored to have led the first cohort to a 100% Part 107 passing rate and look forward to future cohorts meeting this standard. I would also like to thank my co-instructor, Deyan Lee, for his expertise and support, Garrido said.

For students like Katherine Perez, the program has encouraged innovative methods and solutions to address local environmental challenges.

Perez is working toward earning her masters degree in the Sustainable Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Program at UOG and is interested in using her newly obtained drone certificate to support local farmers.

Drone technology can improve efficiency of capturing the details of the field, such as terrain mapping and measurements like length of row and the number of plants. Ultimately, the goal is to provide current or future farmers and natural resource managers with real-time data to make more informed decisions of their practices for the preservation of the natural resources we all rely on and for the economic sustainability of the farm, Perez said.

The UOG Drone Corps program is co-administered by the NASA Guam Space Grant and the NASA Guam EPSCoR under the UOG Land Grant agInnovation Research Center.

The program has produced 55 federally certified remote pilots since its establishment in 2021, with the overall objective of training safe and responsible drone flyers in Guams airspace.
Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio attended the Pacific Islands Forum this week with a better seat at the table now that Guam is an associate member, Adelup said in a release.

This week marks the first time Guam has been placed among other Pacific leaders as an associate member of the 54th annual Pacific Islands Forum, which is the region's premier political organization, Adelup said.

Guam was granted observer status in the forum in 2011 and has since ascended to associate member following a thorough application and evaluation process.

Earlier this week, Hawaii Congressman Ed Case introduced H.R. 4490, which would include the PIF in the Pacific Partnership Act, signifying the growing importance of the organization to the United States.

Tenorio represented Guam and highlighted the islands progress toward implementing PIF objectives in pursuit of a sustainable, prosperous, and healthy Pacific, as well as its commitment to advancing its 2050 Blue Pacific Continent strategy as part of the global movement to pursue the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Our engagement in the PIF allows us to take our place as a regional leader and work more collaboratively with our neighbors to address common concerns. It raises the profile of our island and paves the way for more economic opportunities," he said in a statement.

Tenorio highlighted ongoing initiatives, including Guam Green Growth and the Micronesia Challenge, which promotes environmental stewardship, climate resilience, sustainable development, food security, and the reduction of poverty. He also discussed the need for economic diversification, workforce development, and biosecurity.

Guam is upholding the commitments we made in the Micronesia Challenge 2030  protecting and effectively managing our fisheries, building up watershed restoration and forest conservation, and fostering climate-aware and resilient communities. Our islands approach to pursuing the Sustainable Development Goals is through our Guam Green Growth Action Framework. This model has also been adopted by our neighbors in the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, and the Marshall Islands, he said.

Promoting Guam as a regional hub for expanded passenger air service, commercial transportation, telecommunications, and financial services was a major focus of Tenorios engagements.

There is significant frustration throughout the region about the lack of passenger air service connecting the north and south Pacific, in addition to the need for reliable communications infrastructure. Guams expanding transportation and communications infrastructure supports a case for our island to serve as the premier hub for commercial enterprise for the greater Pacific. These are areas of opportunity for our island that can be pursued," he said.
The crisis facing Guam Memorial Hospital has been debated in hearings, dissected in reports, and litigated in the courts.

But no matter how many arguments are made, no matter how many documents are filed, the truth remains the same: GMH is in dire need, and the people of Guam cannot afford delay.

Last week, during a public hearing on legislation sent by the administration to expand emergency health powers, Attorney General Douglas Moylan offered what I believe is the most constructive proposal we have heard to date.

Despite his deep concerns with the administrations approach to the GMH crisis, the attorney general extended a hand of compromise.

He said plainly that the solution he sees is for the governor, the Legislature, and the attorney general to sit down together in a roundtable meeting, without cameras, without political theater, to get to the heart of how we arrived here and, more importantly, how we move forward.

In his own words: The insanity of what were seeing right now really requires everybody to get off their high horses, (and) to sit in a room and try to figure out our priorities.

That is the kind of candor our island needs at this moment. For my part, I take the attorney generals call to heart. On the record, I asked him directly whether he would participate if I convened such a meeting. He said yes.

And so, I am now calling for this meeting to take place on Tuesday, September 16th.

The invitation is extended to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the attorney general, and all members of I Liheslaturan Guahan.

The stakes could not be higher. Over $100 million in federal resources hang in the balance, not to mention the health and lives of every man, woman, and child on Guam who relies on hospital care in moments of greatest vulnerability.

This is no time for politics. It is not a time for finger-pointing or defending past decisions. It is time to lead. The people expect us to rise above our differences and to place their welfare above all else.

My call is simple: let us sit down, face one another, and do the work our people expect of us. We may not agree on every solution, but we cannot afford inaction. The stakes are too high, and the lives of our people are too important.

On Tuesday, I hope every leader answers this call, not for me, not for the attorney general, not for the governor, but for our people of Guam.
A health worker administers an Ebola vaccine shot in the Bulape health zone in the central Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Sept. 13, 2025. Vaccination against the Ebola virus has begun in the Bulape health zone, where an outbreak was declared earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Sunday. (Joel Lumbala/WHO/Handout via Xinhua)

KINSHASA, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Vaccination against the Ebola virus has begun in the Bulape health zone in the central Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where an outbreak was declared earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Sunday.

The ongoing phase of vaccination targets frontline health workers and contacts of confirmed cases, the WHO said in a statement.

An initial batch of 400 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, which protects against the Zaire ebolavirus species behind the current outbreak, has arrived in Bulape, one of the epicenters of the epidemic in Kasai Province. About 45,000 additional doses are expected to be shipped in the coming days, according to the WHO.

Containing the outbreak is possible if appropriate measures are taken within the next two weeks, WHO Program Area Manager Patrick Otim told a press briefing in Geneva on Friday. He said another 1,500 doses were available in Kinshasa, the country's capital, and would be deployed once ultra-cold chain storage is operational.

At least 68 suspected cases have been reported, including 16 deaths, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Thursday at an online briefing. The WHO said on Friday that 25 cases have been confirmed.

The epicenter of the outbreak is located near Tshikapa, the capital of Kasai Province, about 100 to 200 km from the Angolan border. The outbreak is currently affecting a remote rural district, though frequent population movements between Bulape and Tshikapa increase the risk of wider spread.

It is the 16th Ebola outbreak recorded in the DRC since 1976. Kasai Province previously reported Ebola outbreaks in 2007 and 2008, according to the WHO.

Epidemiological investigations are ongoing, with transmission chains and the source of infection yet to be identified. The WHO currently assesses the public health risk as high at the national level, moderate at the regional level, and low at the global level.

The DRC last declared the end of an Ebola outbreak in September 2022, after one case was confirmed in the eastern province of North Kivu. Testing showed that the case was genetically linked to the 2018-2020 outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, which killed nearly 2,300 people.

Ebola first occurred in 1976 in two simultaneous outbreaks: one was of Sudan virus disease in Nzara in what is now South Sudan, and the other was of Ebola virus disease in Yambuku, in what is now the DRC, then known as Zaire. The latter occurred in a village near the Ebola River, from which the disease takes its name, according to the WHO.

Ebola is a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever that causes a range of symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, generalized pain, or malaise, and in many cases, internal and external bleeding. 

People register to receive the Ebola vaccine in the Bulape health zone in the central Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Sept. 13, 2025.

Vaccination against the Ebola virus has begun in the Bulape health zone, where an outbreak was declared earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Sunday. (Joel Lumbala/WHO/Handout via Xinhua)

A health worker administers an Ebola vaccine shot in the Bulape health zone in the central Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Sept. 13, 2025.

Vaccination against the Ebola virus has begun in the Bulape health zone, where an outbreak was declared earlier this month, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Sunday. (Joel Lumbala/WHO/Handout via Xinhua)




Haiti - FLASH : UN condemns massacre in Cabaret commune





United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemns the killings of at least 40 people, including women, children, and the elderly, in an attack by armed gangs in the commune of Cabaret, in Haiti's Ouest department, on the night of September 11. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45763-haiti-flash-massacre-in-labodrie-more-than-40-killed-and-many-injured.html . The Secretary-General offers his sincere condolences to the families of the victims, the people, and the Government of Haiti, and expresses his deep concern at the escalating violence in the country.



The Secretary-General is alarmed by the level of violence in Haiti and urges the Haitian authorities to ensure that the perpetrators of these human rights violations and abuses are brought to justice.



Antonio Guterres calls on Member States to accelerate efforts to strengthen the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS) by providing it with the necessary logistics, personnel, and funding to effectively support the Haitian National Police in combating gang violence in Haiti, in full compliance with international human rights law.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45763-haiti-flash-massacre-in-labodrie-more-than-40-killed-and-many-injured.html



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Ethiopia : Haiti's intervention on the restitution of independence debt





Edgard Leblanc Jr., Presidential Transition Advisor, representing Haiti, actively participated in the 2nd Africa-CARICOM Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, whose central theme was "justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations."



Excerpts from Advisor Leblanc Jr.'s speech :



"[...] Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen,



We are gathered today to discuss a topic of critical importance to African peoples and those of African descent : restorative justice. It evokes a dark chapter in human history: that of slavery. Torn from their families and sold like cattle, our ancestors suffered the worst horrors of the system of oppression, dehumanization, and extraordinary violence established by the colonial powers of the time.



For too long, we have sought to relegate this history to the dustbin of the past and erase its harmful consequences from memory. Today, we, the peoples of Africa and those of the 6th region of the African Union [the African diaspora], stand united to demand justice and reparations [...]



Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen,



The history of Africa is not that of an isolated continent. It is shared by all those who, in one way or another, are connected to this past of suffering, struggle, and resistance. Haiti, a symbol of this tenacious, unwavering resistance, bears a double scar : that inherited from slavery and that of the ransom paid for its freedom [...]



The demand for justice through the repayment of this debt goes beyond a simple duty of remembrance. It is an obligation to our ancestors, to the Haitian people. Reparation is not only compensation; it is first and foremost recognition. Recognizing that this past has left deep and complex scars, the effects of which continue to contribute to widening the inequality gap today [...]



Mr. President,



Allow me to take this opportunity to welcome the French National Assembly's decision to adopt Resolution 1267, which seeks recognition, repayment, and reparation by France of the double debt of independence [...] However, this approach must lead to tangible measures, geared toward reparation projects on the financial, cognitive, and memorial levels. [HL : President Macron acknowledged a moral debt https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-44717-haiti-price-of-independence-macron-takes-a-small-step-toward-recognizing-a-moral-debt-statement.html ]



To strengthen the international efforts initiated by the CARICOM Reparations Commission, the Haitian Government has created a Haitian National Committee for Reparation and Restitution (CNHRR) [..] whose main objective is to raise awareness worldwide about the need to act so that this restorative justice can become a reality [...] https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-45737-haiti-politic-official-inauguration-of-the-haitian-national-committee-for-restitution-and-reparation.html



[...] Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to draw your attention to the following: Attention to the term Restitution [...] Haiti, after successfully leading the first and only victorious slave revolution and winning freedom and independence on the battlefield, was forced, under threat, to pay an exorbitant sum commonly referred to as 'The Debt of Independence'. This debt, more precisely this ransom, whose immoral, illegal, unjust, and illegitimate nature has been widely recognized, has proven to be a heavy burden on our countrys finances and economy for more than a century and a half. Today, we demand its repayment at its present value, and we call upon the solidarity of our African and Caribbean brothers and sisters, and of all people of African descent in general, to support us in this process of restitution [...]"



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Nippes/Southeast : The Ministry intensifies training on the Single Book and Teach Primary





As part of the activities included in the planning for the 2025 school year, the Ministry of National Education is increasing the number of training sessions for public school principals nationwide, members of the Basic Schools of Practice/Pedagogical Support Center (EFACAP) networks, and beneficiaries of the Promoting a More Equitable, Sustainable, and Safer Education (PROMESSE) project, funded by the World Bank and the Global Partnership for Education.



Since September 8, the Ministry's Training and Development Directorate has brought together 165 public school principals at two locations in Miragoane (Nippes) and Jacmel (Southeast) for a seminar on the use of the "Single Book" (Livre unique) and the "Teach Primary" tool. These training sessions are led by Pedagogical Advisors and staff from the Pedagogical Support Services (SAP).



At the launch of this activity, Yves Roblin, Director General of the Ministry, emphasized the importance for school principals to thoroughly master the content of this textbook, which they will be required to use every day in class.



Roblin highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to provide every student in grades 1 to 2 of primary school with a copy of this textbook, which covers five disciplines: Creole, Mathematics, Social Sciences, Experimental Sciences, and Oral Communication. With the exception of this last subject, the others are written in Creole to facilitate children's introduction to school in their mother tongue.



Claudin St-Jour, Head of the Curriculum Department within the Fundamental Education Directorate of the Ministry of National Education, discussed "Teach Primary" a structured observation protocol developed by the World Bank to evaluate and improve teaching practices. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41758-haiti-teach-primary-a-new-tool-for-observing-the-work-of-teachers-in-classrooms.html It is a digital tool that can facilitate the objective observation of what is actually happening in classrooms with regard to teaching and learning. It is already being tested in more than forty countries.



According to the World Bank, "Teach Primary holistically measures what happens in a classroom. The tool achieves this by taking into account not only the time spent on learning, but also the quality of teaching practices." In addition, the tool takes into account teaching practices that contribute to students' cognitive and socio-emotional skills.



To learn more about Teach Primary, visit : https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/education/brief/teach-helping-countries-track-and-improve-teaching-quality



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-41758-haiti-teach-primary-a-new-tool-for-observing-the-work-of-teachers-in-classrooms.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-40209-icihaiti-education-distribution-of-thousands-of-unique-books.html



HL/ S/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Construction of a heliport at Guy Malary Terminal

As part of a plan to strengthen transportation infrastructure in the country, the West Departmental Directorate of Public Works is involved in the construction of a helicopter landing strip at Guy Malary Terminal in Port-au-Prince. This helipad, designed to meet the required standards, aims to modernize this air transportation sector, which is experiencing considerable growth in the country. Technicians are currently carrying out the basic work.



Hinche : IOM alongside Civil Protection

Civil Protection, with the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), distributed cleaning and maintenance supplies to the committee of displaced persons housed at the Hinche Basic School and Educational Support Center (EFACAP).



President Ruto met with Councillor Leblanc

On Sunday, September 7, 2025, on the sidelines of the 2nd Africa-CARICOM Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Kenyan President William Ruto met with Advisor Edgar Leblanc. The two men emphasized the need for a new UN Security Council resolution to ensure sustained international support for Haiti. "Leblanc expressed Haiti's gratitude for the professionalism and dedication demonstrated by Kenyan troops. Taking note of the ongoing discussions in the region and at the UN Security Council, we called for a UN Security Council resolution that guarantees sustained support for Haiti's security efforts," Ruto said.



PAP : Criminal Assizes without Jury Assistance

CSPJ President Jean Joseph Lebrun visited the Port-au-Prince Court of First Instance. The unassisted criminal trial will begin on Monday, September 15, in the Port-au-Prince jurisdiction.



Border: Combating Human Trafficking

Many women and children are exposed to the risk of exploitation and abuse at Haiti's borders. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) supports the Haitian Border Police (PoliFRONT) in detecting and referring victims while strengthening efforts to combat human trafficking, thanks to support from Global Affairs Canada.



World First Aid Day

On September 13, 2025, at the El Rancho Hotel in Petion-ville, Haiti, World First Aid Day was celebrated under the leadership of the Central Directorate of the National Ambulance Center (CAN). The celebration was attended by numerous dignitaries, several institutional partners, diplomatic representatives, including the Taiwanese Ambassador to Haiti, Cheng Hao Hu, and employees of the National Ambulance Center from the country's ten departments. During this celebration, the Director General of the CAN presented several plaques of honor and merit to employees considered true warriors, committed since the institution's creation to enable it to achieve this level of excellence in the healthcare field.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















The suspicion has been confirmed: The new live translation for the AirPods Pro is not coming to the EU and Germany for the time being due to the interoperability requirements of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Heise online has learned this from informed sources. However, the good news is that Apple is apparently doing everything it can to change this soon. This gives us at least some hope that  as was previously the case with Apple Intelligence in general, for example  the green light will still be given.

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Apple itself is not officially commenting on the reasons and the next steps. When asked, a spokesperson referred to a support document stating that the function is not available if the user is located in the EU and the country or region of their Apple account is also in the EU. The discovery of the passage caused disillusionment among EU users after the presentation of the feature, which took place during the Apple event on Tuesday. The announced support for the German language led many to hope that the function would also be available immediately in the EU.

How the EU situation is affecting us

In concrete terms, the current regulation means that, for example, an American with an Apple account in their home country could also use the function in the EU while on holiday in Europe. This should also apply to a German who is in the USA  despite having a German account. However, Germans who want to use the live translation function in the EU will not be able to do so. This would be similar to the regulation that already exists for iPhone mirroring. During a stay in the USA, we were able to use remote control of the iPhone via the Mac, despite having a German Apple ID. As soon as we returned to mainland Europe, the function was blocked again.

Interoperability is a hot potato between Apple and the EU. At the beginning of the year, the EU Commission issued the iPhone manufacturer with comprehensive guidelines on how it must open up to smartwatches, GPS watches, headphones and mixed reality headsets from other manufacturers. In the event of a breach, the Californians face severe penalties. Apple warns against forced opening. In addition to negative effects on the security of the devices, the bureaucracy is slowing down the company's innovative strength.

(mki)

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.
Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong meets with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security Vilay Lakhamfong, who is in China to attend the Lancang-Mekong ministerial meeting on law enforcement and security cooperation, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

BEIJING, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong met with guests from Laos, Nicaragua, Ethiopia and Armenia in Beijing on Sunday.

When meeting with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security Vilay Lakhamfong, Wang said that China is willing to work with Laos to implement the important consensus reached by the top leaders of the two parties and two countries, and act on the Global Security Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative. Wang added that the Chinese side stands ready to deepen law enforcement and security cooperation with Laos to continue to crack down on transnational crimes such as online gambling and telecom fraud.

Vilay Lakhamfong, who is in China to attend the Lancang-Mekong ministerial meeting on law enforcement and security cooperation, said that the Lao side is ready to advance law enforcement and security cooperation with China, and promote the in-depth and solid development of a community with a shared future between Laos and China.

When meeting with Francisco Diaz Madriz, chief of the Nicaraguan Police Force, Wang stated that China stands ready to work with Nicaragua, guided by the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, to strengthen multilateral communication and coordination, and jointly enhance law enforcement capacity-building.

Francisco Diaz Madriz, who is in China to attend the 2025 Conference of the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum in Lianyungang, stated that the Nicaraguan side firmly adheres to the one-China principle and is willing to elevate the friendly bilateral relations to a higher level.

When meeting with Demelash Gebremichael, commissioner general of the Ethiopian Federal Police Commission, Wang called on both sides, under the guidance of the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, to strengthen coordination in multilateral occasions, boost security cooperation for Belt and Road cooperation, and enhance their capabilities to combat crimes.

Demelash Gebremichael, who is also in China to attend the Forum in Lianyungang, expressed his gratitude for the long-term assistance and support from the Chinese side and pledged to take measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects in Ethiopia.

When meeting with Artur Poghosyan, chairman of the Investigative Committee of Armenia, Wang said that China is willing to work with Armenia to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, jointly combat transnational organized crimes, make concerted efforts to ensure the safe and smooth progress of projects under the Belt and Road Initiative, and deeply engage in cooperation on police training.

Poghosyan expressed the Armenian side's willingness to deepen cooperation in the fields of law enforcement and security. 

Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong meets with Francisco Diaz Madriz, chief of the Nicaraguan Police Force, who is in China to attend the 2025 Conference of the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum in Lianyungang, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong meets with Demelash Gebremichael, commissioner general of the Ethiopian Federal Police Commission, who is in China to attend the 2025 Conference of the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum in Lianyungang, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

Chinese State Councilor and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong meets with Artur Poghosyan, chairman of the Investigative Committee of Armenia, who is in China to attend the 2025 Conference of the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum in Lianyungang, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)
The confrontation took place in the stairwell of an apartment building on Ralssitilankuja. According to the police, the man behaved in a threatening manner and refused to obey commands.

The Western Uusimaa Police Department said the incident began at 2.49am when officers were dispatched to a residential address following a report of a suicidal person.

A police patrol fatally shot a man in Espoos Niittykumpu district early Saturday after he advanced toward officers with a knife.

He then approached one of the officers while armed with a blade.

An officer fired their service weapon to stop the man. Police administered first aid and attempted resuscitation, but the man died at the scene.

The subject came towards another officer with a bladed weapon, the police said in a written statement on Saturday.

Police remained at the location for several hours after the shooting. Local residents reported hearing gunshots after 3am, with emergency vehicles seen in the area until about 5am.

This marks the second fatal police shooting in the Helsinki capital region in two months. In July, officers in Helsinkis Alppiharju district shot a man carrying a knife on the roof of a building.

According to police data, 14 people have died in Finland due to police use of force since 2000.

The Office of the Prosecutor General has launched a criminal investigation into the officers use of firearms. The case will be handled by its Police Crimes Unit, which takes charge in all incidents involving police use of lethal force.

A follow-up statement was issued later in the day by the Western Uusimaa Police Department. No details about the identity of the deceased have been made public.

Under Finnish law, every use of a firearm by police on duty triggers an automatic investigation to assess the lawfulness of the action.

The Niittykumpu neighbourhood, part of the Greater Tapiola area in southeast Espoo, is largely residential and connected by metro to central Helsinki.

There is no indication that any other individuals were injured in the incident. Police have not disclosed whether the man was known to authorities prior to the event.

HT
The emergency summit, called in response to Israels targeting of Hamas leaders in Qatar last week, has brought together representatives from the 22-member Arab League and the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Leaders from across the Arab and Islamic world met in Doha on Sunday as Israel continued to bombard Gaza City and justified a recent air strike on Qatari soil .

Qatar condemned the Israeli action as a cowardly breach of international law and a direct attack on its sovereignty. Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said the strike violated the UN Charter and demanded accountability.

We call on the international community to abandon double standards and hold Israel accountable for its crimes, he said during the opening of a preparatory meeting.

The summit was convened after Israel claimed responsibility for the targeted killing of Hamas figures in Doha. The move, which Israel said was necessary to eliminate threats, has been widely criticised.

According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the operation was fully justified. He said the individuals targeted had played key roles in planning the 7 October 2023 attacks on Israel.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who met Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Sunday, said Washington was not pleased with the strike on Doha. But he added that it would not alter the US-Israeli relationship, which he called very strong.

Rubio's visit comes amid concerns in the region over the reliability of the US as a security partner. Qatar hosts Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military installation in the Middle East, and is a designated major non-NATO ally.

Despite the strike, Doha says it will continue its role as a mediator in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas. Qatar has previously played a key part in hostage negotiations and peace efforts, often in coordination with the US and Egypt.

The summit in Doha follows a week of heavy Israeli air strikes on Gaza City. Israeli forces say they have hit more than 500 targets in the past seven days, including alleged Hamas infrastructure such as tunnel entrances, sniper positions, and weapons depots.

Footage verified on Sunday showed the destruction of the al-Kawthar tower. Palestinian officials say more than 30 residential buildings were destroyed in Gaza City in the last 24 hours.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued new evacuation orders for parts of Gaza City, repeating warnings for civilians to move south. The UN has warned that a ground offensive in the city, where famine has already been declared, could deepen the humanitarian crisis.

Over 250,000 residents have fled Gaza City, according to IDF estimates. But hundreds of thousands remain, many citing a lack of safe alternatives. Southern Gaza has also faced repeated air strikes.

Nowhere is safe, UNICEF spokesperson Tess Ingram told Al Jazeera from al-Mawasi, a designated humanitarian zone. She said the area was severely overcrowded and lacked basic supplies.

Displaced residents reported acute shortages of food, water, and shelter. Aid organisations say that more than 2,400 people have been killed near aid distribution sites since May.

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry said 68 bodies were brought to hospitals on Saturday alone. Since the war began in October 2023, 64,871 Palestinians have died, according to ministry figures.

A member of Hamass political bureau, Basem Naim, said that Israels attack on Qatar showed the treacherous nature of the Zionist enemy and called for a decisive Arab-Islamic position to stop the war and end the blockade of Gaza.

Iran, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Turkey are among the countries represented at the summit. The Palestinian Authority has also sent a delegation, led by President Mahmoud Abbas.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation's Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha called for a draft UN General Assembly resolution to end the conflict and promote Palestinian statehood.

Meanwhile, Israels cabinet members reiterated that Hamas leaders remain targets anywhere in the world. Energy Minister Eli Cohen said: Hamas cannot sleep peacefully anywhere.

The summit is expected to present a draft resolution on Monday. Diplomats have said the statement could include a call to sever ties with Israel or take other regional measures, though no consensus has been confirmed.

Qatars role as a diplomatic hub has drawn international media attention. Journalists from across the region and global outlets have gathered in Doha to report on the outcome of the summit.

HT
SANAA, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group said on Sunday that 26 staff members of local media outlets were among 46 people killed in Israeli airstrikes on the capital, Sanaa, on Wednesday.

In a statement, the group said the strikes destroyed the offices of two newspapers -- 26th September and Al-Yemen -- in Tahrir Square in central Sanaa. It added that the attack would not "weaken its media operations."

Houthi-controlled health authorities said 165 people, including women and children, were also injured. Houthi-run al-Masirah TV broadcast footage of damaged residential buildings and rescue workers searching through rubble.

The Israeli military said it struck military camps, the Houthis' public relations headquarters, and a fuel storage site, describing the action as "a response" to drone and missile attacks launched by the group.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea, whose office was also hit during last week's airstrikes, vowed retaliation, saying the strikes would not go unanswered.

The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have pledged to continue attacks on Israel in response and to press for an end to the war and blockade in Gaza. 
JAKARTA, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Eight people were killed and several others injured when a tour bus crashed into road dividers and a fence in Indonesia's East Java province on Sunday.

The bus, carrying about 50 passengers and returning from Mount Bromo, suffered a brake failure while descending a road in Boto village, Probolinggo regency, said Slamet A., a member of the regency's disaster agency.

"Seven people died at the scene, and one at a hospital. Several others were wounded. The bus was badly damaged," he told Xinhua.

The injured were taken to nearby hospitals and clinics. Police have launched an investigation into the accident. 
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, holds talks with Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Sept. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing)

LJUBLJANA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Top Chinese and Slovenian diplomats have pledged to strengthen political ties and enhance economic cooperation during their talks here on Saturday.

During the talks with his Slovenian counterpart Tanja Fajon, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hailed the traditional friendship between the two countries, as China was one of the first countries to recognize Slovenia's independence more than 30 years ago.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that the bilateral relationship, featuring equality, sincerity, trust and win-win despite their social and institutional differences, is particularly valuable amid the current complex and turbulent international landscape.

He called on the two countries to uphold the original aspiration, enhance communication, deepen mutual trust, bolster cooperation and continuously enrich the strategic connotation of the China-Slovenia partnership.

The "Taiwan independence" separatist forces are seeking to promote separatist activities, which is a challenge to the victory of World War II (WWII) and a disruption to the post-WWII international order, Wang said, voicing his trust that the Slovenian side will continue to abide by the one-China principle, support the Chinese people in opposing the "Taiwan independence" activities and consolidate the political foundation of bilateral relations.

China is willing to enhance exchanges at all levels with Slovenia, expand cooperation in new fields such as high-end manufacturing, scientific and technological innovation, health and medicine, green energy and artificial intelligence, and provide a fair, open, and non-discriminatory business environment for enterprises of the two countries, Wang said.

Both sides should leverage their respective strengths, promote trade balance in an open spirit, and jointly support economic globalization, he noted. Wang called on Slovenia to play an active role in promoting the healthy and stable development of relations between China and the European Union (EU).

Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed the Global Governance Initiative, which upholds five key principles that align with the shared aspiration of the international community, Wang said. The initiative aims to reform and improve global governance, consolidate the authority and core position of the United Nations (UN), and has been widely welcomed and supported by the international community, he noted.

China is willing to enhance collaboration with Slovenia and other countries, uphold multilateralism, join hands to build a more just and equitable global governance system and jointly safeguard world peace and development, he added.

Fajon, also the deputy prime minister of Slovenia, said China is an important partner of Slovenia and the EU. She hailed the friendship, mutual trust, and growing bilateral trade and investment between the two countries.

Slovenia values its friendship with China and firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and looks forward to becoming a gateway for Chinese enterprises to enter Europe, Fajon said, expecting the two sides to expand two-way investment and broaden cooperation in new energy and other fields.

It is of vital importance for the EU and China to maintain positive and constructive dialogue and cooperation, she said, adding that Slovenia supports the stable development of EU-China relations.

Fajon said it is extremely necessary to reform and improve global governance, and Slovenia is willing to enhance solidarity and cooperation with China to jointly uphold multilateralism and the purposes of the UN Charter.

The two sides also exchanged views on global and regional issues such as the Ukraine crisis and the situation in the Middle East. 
Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Sept. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing)

LJUBLJANA, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Slovenia highly commends China, as a responsible major country, for adhering to multilateralism and setting an example for the international community, Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar said Saturday.

She made the remarks in the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana when meeting with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Musar asked Wang to convey her greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping and highly appreciated China's achievements, especially in its green transformation.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Slovenia and China over 30 years ago, the partnership between the two countries has achieved important results, she said.

Musar noted that Slovenia's diplomacy is committed to seeking partners rather than creating confrontation. The country is willing to closely cooperate with China, firmly safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core, firmly uphold openness, cooperation and free trade, and jointly address global challenges such as climate change.

Wang conveyed Xi's greetings. He said that Slovenia practices "small country, big diplomacy" with a global vision, and regards China as a partner rather than a rival, which serves the interests of all parties, including Slovenia itself.

China-Slovenia relations transcend differences in social systems and serve as a model of mutual respect and win-win cooperation among countries of different national conditions and sizes, Wang said, adding that a monument set up in Ljubljana last year has become the latest symbol of friendship between the two countries.

He said that in the face of a world full of intertwined changes, Xi has proposed the Global Governance Initiative, which aims to reform and improve the global governance system. The five key principles contained in the initiative are in line with the purposes of the Charter of the United Nations (UN) and meet the common expectations of the international community.

China will continue to stand by the majority of countries, oppose the world's return to "law of the jungle" and take actions to defend international fairness and justice, Wang said, adding that China is willing to enhance multilateral collaboration with Slovenia, uphold the basic norms governing international relations, promote the political settlement of hotspot issues and build a more just and equitable global governance system.

He called on Slovenia to continue its efforts in promoting China-Europe relations and cooperation between China and Central and Eastern European countries. 

Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Sept. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing)
People line up to enter a POP MART store in Milan, Italy, Aug. 9, 2025. (Photo by Michele Novaga/Xinhua)

MILAN, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Alice had driven more than an hour from Alessandria to Milan, hoping to try her luck. For her, Labubu wasn't just another toy, it was the latest trend everyone seemed to be chasing, a playful accessory that carried a surprising touch of fashion.

Marta, a Milan local, was luckier. After winning a purchase slot through an online lottery, she rushed to the store on Corso Buenos Aires, Milan's busiest shopping street, the next day. Cradling her Blind Box, she resisted the urge to open it on the spot. "You see Labubu everywhere on the street now," she said. "It's a trend, an accessory, and a toy at the same time."

They were just two among the many shoppers standing in lines that often stretched for dozens of meters outside POP MART's glass-fronted shop on Corso Buenos Aires. Behind the window, the wide-eyed, "ugly-cute" character Labubu stared back, while inside, the scene bustled like a metro station at rush hour.

The Beijing-based designer toy company opened its first Italian flagship in July 2024. Less than a year later, in June 2025, it expanded with a pop-up at Rinascente department store. A second permanent store is already in the works.

"The atmosphere has been fantastic-vibrant and full of energy," said Marco Ardizzone, POP MART's sales director for Southern Europe. "Most customers come from Milan, but we also see people from Bergamo, Venice, Turin, even Rome and Naples. We have queues outside every day, and this trend isn't stopping anytime soon."

Leading the craze is Labubu, a "ugly-cute" figure from POP MART's "Monsters" collection. Created by Hong Kong-born, Netherlands-raised designer Kasing Lung, the character's whimsical narrative universe has resonated strongly with young Italians.

"It blends really well with our local clients. They love the storytelling," Ardizzone noted. For many fans, Labubu offers both self-expression and emotional companionship.

Industry observers see POP MART's rise in Italy as part of the broader "Guochao" (China-chic) movement, which merges traditional Chinese motifs with contemporary design. Italian media have remarked that POP MART's visual language "shares the same frequency" as Milan's fashion culture, allowing a once-niche toy to leap into the mainstream.

From crowd-control queues to online "winning" pages for purchase slots, Labubu has become part of Milan's daily life. The craze highlights three intersecting forces in the city: a growing appetite for "ugly-cute" aesthetics, a hunger for open-ended storytelling, and a desire for social participation through collecting and sharing.

While Labubu leads the charge, POP MART is betting on a broader mix of characters and collaborations to keep Italian fans engaged. For the brand, Milan is both a market and a message: proof that Chinese pop culture can thrive in dialogue with Italy's fashion-driven identity.

Back on Corso Buenos Aires, the shop sees fresh lines forming day after day -- families with children, students in streetwear and office workers on lunch breaks. Small figures move from box to hand to social feed, weaving a Chinese-created icon into Milan's cultural fabric. 

People stand in line in front of a POP MART store in Milan, Italy, Aug. 9, 2025. (Photo by Michele Novaga/Xinhua)